Summer Festivals in Colorado

You might expect some Colorado cities to hold festivals that celebrate the old times and local heritage of Colorado, and they do have some of those, but Colorado also offers a few events over the summer festival season that just might take you by surprise.

The Old South Gaylord Memorial Day Weekend Festival takes place during May 26 - 28, 2007 on Old South Gaylord Street in Denver. The Center Stage offers non-stop music, with everything from the Blues to A Cappella to Zydeco, and also offers a morning magic show each day of the festival just for the kids. The festival is chock full of fun activities with rides, a bungee trampoline, and a super slide round out this family-friendly event. Get all of the information you need at http://www.southgaylordstreet.com/

The Territory Days in the Old Colorado City area of Colorado Springs is a tribute to the days when Old Colorado City served at the capital of the Colorado/Kansas Territory. The festival takes place from May 26 - 28, 2007, with features such as Indian dancing, a gun fight, gold panning, and the chance to ride a mechanical bull. There are also master craftsmen and women, and plenty of delicious carnival-type food. Find more information at www.jerrysings.com/territory/#start

Athletes from all over the country come together in Vail, CO, May 30^th - June 3^rd to compete in the Teva Mountain Games. Six different sporting events, including climbing and kayaking, plus a slew of additional festivities, such as a film festival taking place at the same time, draws even those who are not into sporting to the region. Find out more at http://www.tevamountaingames.com/

Possibly one of the most unexpected events in Colorado is there all summer long. Venice on the Creek runs from June 1^st through August 31^st along Cherry Creek in Denver. Where, besides Italy, might you be able to take a gondola ride down a candle lit path? You can catch one this summer between Larimer Square and Confluence Park. Get your boarding pass at http://www.veniceonthecreek.com/

If you find no band of interest on the slate of performers scheduled to appear at High Mountain Hay Fever, just come for the view. Held on the bluff at the end of Main Street in Westcliffe, CO, from July 12 - 15^th, High Mountain Hay Fever offers great bluegrass, a workshop and more, but with a stunning view of the valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, they barely even need them. Find out more about this festival at http://highmountainhayfever.org/home.asp

With such a variety of festivals, from a taste of Italy to a smattering of music covering all genres imaginable, there should be something for everyone's tastes at the festivals of Colorado this summer.