38th Annual Vettes on the Rockies – August 4-7, Breckenridege. Corvette lovers gather for four days of events including autocross, self-guided mountain tours, and pit crew challenge ending with a Sunday Show-N-Shine of 350 Corvettes on Frisco’s Main Street.

Douglas County Fair & Rodeo – August 4-7, Castle Rock. All one expects from a county fair with 4H, FFA and culinary competitions, carnival, live bands, livestock sale plus PRCA rodeos and bull riding.

Teller County Fair – August 3-7. Cripple Creek. Livestock and 4-H judging, rough stock rodeo, equipment rodeo, ATV barrel racing, demolition derby and Sunday cowboy church.

39th Annual Crested Butte Art Festival – August 6&7, Crested Butte. Elk avenue turns into an art gallery with 175 visual artists’ booths. Artist and chef demonstrations, live entertainment, children’s activities and and an art auction fill the weekend.

Covered Wagon Days – August 4-7, Del Norte. Talent show, pancake breakfast, parade, kids games, live music, beer garden, mud volley ball, horseshoe tournament, airport fly-in and mud runs.

5th Annual Colorado Rocky Mountain Bicycle Tour – August 7-13, Grand Junction. Cyclers set off Sunday morning for a weeklong, 493 mile ride through the Colorado Rockies. Event ends August 13th back in Grand Junction.

High Plains Chautauqua – August 2-6, Greeley. An unique blend of theatre, history and humanities at a living history festival under a big tent in the tradition of early 20th-century Chautauquas. FREE.

Adams County Fair – August 3-7, Henderson. In addition to the typical county fair activities there’s a BMX stunt team, demo derby, fireworks, petting zoo and appearances by the Weinermobile and the Denver Bronco cheerleaders celebrating 107 years of Adams County.

15th Annual Bluegrass & Beer Festival – August 6&7, Keystone. Three stages of mountain bluegrass accompanied by over 40 frothy brews and down-home cooking.

Leadville Boom Days & International Pack Burro Race – August 5-7, Leadville. Celebrate Leadville’s heritage with mining competitions, craft fair, live entertainment and a 21-mile pack burro race.

Olathe Sweet Corn Festival – August 5&6, Olathe. Thousands celebrate the hometown crop of sweet corn at the popular family festival.

3rd Annual West Elk Wine Trail – August 5-7, Paonia. Nine wineries in the West Elk Viticultural Area open their doors for wine tasting and food parings feature ingredients grown in Western Colorado. Tour vineyards, wineries, orchards and gardens located along the North Fork of the Gunnison River near Paonia and Hotchkiss.

Steamboat Wine Festival – August 5-7, Steamboat Springs.Wine takes the spotlight in classrooms and restaurants, on the mountain and around town with a multitude of ticketed events.

35th Annual Telluride Jazz Weekend – August 5-7, Telluride. World class jazz comes to Telluride featuring classic, mainstream, blues, Brazilian, African and Latin genres. Daytime session on outdoor stages with night time performances in historic concert halls and intimate clubs.

26 Annual Mountain Arts Festival – August 6&7, Woodland Park. More than 75 vendors stage an outdoor fine art fail at the Ute Pass Cultural Center.

Breckenridge Main Street Art Festival – July 29 – 31, Breckenridge.

Collegiate Peaks Music Festival – July 28 – 30, Buena Vista.

40th Annual Carbondale Mountain Fair – July 29 –31, Carbondale.

Rocky Mountain State Games – July 29 – 31, Colorado Springs. More than 10,000 athletes compete in over 34 sports.

Crowley County Days – July 30 & 31, Ordway.

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival – July 30 & 31, Denver.

Denver County Fair – July 28 – 31, Denver. First ever, held at National Western Complex.

76th Annual Durango Fiesta Days –July 27 – 31, Durango.

Evergreen Jazz Festival – July 29 – 31, Evergreen..

Dinosaur Days – July 29 & 30, Fruita.

Buffalo Bill Days – July 28 – 31, Golden.

Arts Picnic – July 30 & 31, Greeley.

Weld County Fair – July 27 – August 1, Greeley.

San Ignacio Fiesta – July 30 & 31, Ignacio.

Colorado Renaissance Festival – July 30 & 31, Larkspur. Last weekend for the 2011 festival.

National Little Britches Final Rodeo – July 25 –30, Pueblo.

Vail International Dance Festival – July 31 – August 13, Vail.

Crankwork Colorado – July 28 – 31, Winter Park.

Wray Daze – July 28 – 31, Wray.

This summer Colorado weekend brings county fairs, wine, tea, cherry pies and music –Americana, Celtic, jazz. Wherever in the state you are join the fun.

**Aspen Arts Festival – July 23&24, Aspen

**Arapahoe County Fair – July 20-24, Aurora.

**Rocky Mountain Tea Festival – July 23&24, Boulder.

**El Paso County Fair – July 23-30, Calhan

**Celtic Weekend – July 23&24, Canon City.

**Castle Rock Wine Fest – July 23, Castle Rock

**Wine and Food Festival – July 21-24, Crested Butte.

**Fiesta Days – July 23-31, Durango.

**Eagle County Fair & Rodeo – July 23-30, Eagle.

**Mesa County Fair – July 19-23, Grand Junction.

**Cherry Pie Festival – July 23, Loveland.

**Americana Music Weekend – July 20-23, Telluride.

**Alpine Artaffair – July 23&24, Winter Park.

**Winter Park Jazz  – July 23&24, Winter Park.

Photos courtesy of Eric Yackel.

Colorado Weekend – Twenty To Do

July 15 17, 2011

***Kidspree – July 16 & 17, Aurora. Colorado’s largest outdoor festival just for kids. Entertainers plus more than 50 hands-on activities at the 16th annual Kidspree held at Bicentennial Park. Admission and activities are FREE.

***Open Arts Fest – July 16 & 17, Boulder. Visual art showcase for local artists and those from around the country, and demonstrations. Held on the Pearl Street Mall.

***Breckenridge Beer Festival – July 16, Breckenridge. Rain or shine celebrate brews and views  accompanied by live music.

***Cheyenne Wells Tumbleweed Festival – July 16 & 17, Cheyenne Wells. Softball, horseshoe and golf tournaments, games, car show, and rocky mountain oyster fry.

***Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Days – July 12 – 16, Colorado Springs. The 71st annual PPoBR kicks off with a parade through downtown on Tuesday. Rodeos begin on Wednesday evening. Family-friendly pre-rodeo events – gold panning trick roper demos, pony rides and mechanical bull rides. Nightly live music at the Coors Roadhouse Saloon after the rodeo.

***Crested Butte Wild Flower Festival - July 11 – 17, Crested Butte. Enjoy a rich variety of wildflowers and butterflies while hiking, birding, biking or 4×4 touring. Classes include art, gardening all levels of photograph, medicinal with botanical ingredients, cooking with wild flowers and yoga.

***Colorado Black Arts Festival – July 15 – 17, Denver. The 25th annual celebration of visual, literary and performing black arts and culture. All events are free and open to the public – film, drum and drill team exhibitions, Boogaloo parade, marketplace, entertainment – at Denver City Park West.

***Molly’s Birthday Jubilee – July 17, Denver. Celebrate the 144th birthday of the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” at the Molly Brown House Museum. Enjoy a Victorian afternoon with lawn games, kids’ activities, birthday cake and free Blue Bell ice cream.

***Orthodox Food Festival and Old Globeville Days – July 16 & 17, Denver. Sample foods from Russia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Eritrea, Greece and Mexico at the 8th annual festival in Argo Park. Includes music, dance, arts, tours of historical landmark Orthodox church.

***Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo – July 12 – 17, Estes Park. 85th annual PRCA rodeo includes saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bare-back and bull riding and barrel racing. Western parade, Behind the Chutes Tours, kids complete in mutton bustin’ and calf catch.

***Fort Collins Jazz Experience – Fort Collins, July 12 – 16. Downtown Sessions Free Festival Day – July 16th with 13 live jazz groups on two stages. Jam sessions, numerous venues, crawfish boil – and more.

***Buffalo BBQ Weekend – July 16 & 17, Grand Lake. Celebrate Grand Lake’s cowboy and pioneering heritage with pancake breakfast, 5k fun run, parade, barn dance and, of course, farm raised buffalo BBQ.

***Cattlemen Days – Through July 17, Gunnison. Ten days of events wrap-up with a parade, rodeo, cowboy church and Family Night Rodeo.

***Longmont Jazz Festival – July 16 & 17, Longmont. The best jazz bands of Northern Colorado, including the Queen City Jazz Band, entertain for a free weekend of music at Roosevelt Park. Refreshment by Smoke Shack BBQ.

***Pagosa Springs Renaissance and Pirate Festival – July 15 – 17, Pagosa Springs. Events include archery, belly dancing, sword making, mysticism and activities for the wee ones. Feast on turkey legs and ale.

***Colorado Lavender Festival – July 15 – 17, Palisade. Lavender gardens, farm tours, wine reception, lavender lunch, seminars, aromatherapy, lavender wands and wreaths craft projects, kid activities, music.

***Logger Days Festival – July 16 & 17, South Fork. Men and women competitions in logging skills – axe throw, wood chop, choker race, cross cut, accuracy fall for example. Also music, wood carving, children’s games, arts & crafts and food at this family friendly weekend.

***High Country Kitchen and Garden Tour – July 16, Steamboat Springs. Event benefits the Strings Music Festival, tour 5 kitchens and 6 high altitude gardens, 9:30am-3:30pm.

***Telluride Yoga Festival – July 14 – 17 Telluride. For all levels – yoga from beginners to advanced students, workshops, meditations and yoga dance presentation.

***Sol Shine Music Festival – July 16 & 17, Winter Park. Free festival presenting national, regional and local musicians, food & beer garden. Events in Hideaway Park on Saturday and Cooper Creek Square on Sunday.

I really, really wanted to like the Black Forest Restaurant in Nederland. Sadly, reality during a recent visit makes me admit that the food was a huge disappointment and both the service and ambience could use some spiffing up.

The Black Forest opened in the quiet mining town of Black Hawk in 1959 and successfully continued in that location for 42 years. When gambling arrived in Black Hawk the property gave way to a casino. Wilhelm Lorenz built a new restaurant 11 miles north in Nederland, the Black Forest home since 2000.

I think the large building has an Old World feel, as if picked up somewhere in the Alps and re-deposited in the Colorado Rockies. The Garden Room with an indoor waterfall and greenery looks toward the Continental Divide. With aspen trees immediately outside the windows the booths around the edge of the room almost feel like sitting in a tree house. The Hunting Room offers a more formal location for evening dining. The large Lounge must be a busy location after the nearby ski lifts close during the season.

We stopped for an early lunch the day after a busy holiday weekend; therefore, I will cut them a little slack. Some of my disappointment could be caused by shortages. Our waitress apologized for disappearing midway through our lunch saying, “They sent me to the store.” A waiter did pick up her duties while she was gone.

I ordered wiener schnitzel which the menu clearly states is a veal cutlet. I’m not an authority but would swear my blackened (not blackened in the Cajun sense but in the too long on the grill sense) meat was pork. I’ve never seen veal of that texture. The red cabbage could well have been out of a jar, nothing special or homemade in the taste. Ditto with the German potato salad, which was served cold. The bread was definitely a store bought multi-grain just like the loaf on our kitchen counter at home. Something’s wrong when the best dish of the meal is an iceberg lettuce salad with one cucumber slice and two grape tomatoes. The red onion vinaigrette dressing was nicely balanced.

Bob found his sauerbraten acceptable. But, he’s pretty easily pleased. His potato pancake had been on the grill with my meat – too long. We had no complaints with the accompanying chunky applesauce. Bob ordered two servings of the “Homemade Ice Cream”. The molded dessert was so cold it was impossible to get more than a mere shaving at one time. While the chocolate bits added flavor there was no hint of creaminess. Our tab came to $40 + tip, too much for the quality and quantity.

Service was quirky. When we were seated the tables were set with silver pitchers of ice water. Halfway through the meal a waiter came by and picked up the pitcher – without a word, never to return. Why? This was not the case at any other table.

Much of the décor feels dated and well used. Near the door I couldn’t ignore the old movie screen and other items stowed behind a plant looking more discarded than stored. The open newspaper and glass of water on a bar table made me think the cook had probably been there only moments before. First impressions do make a difference.

When I Google “Black Forest Restaurant Nederland” I find their domain has expired. This seems indicative of the overall operation.

I do wish this Colorado tradition could live up to its potential. Soon!

Colorado Weekend Twenty To Do

July 8 – 10, 2011

*Aspen Antiuqes & Fine Arts Fair – Aspen, July 1 – 10. International and national exhibitors  showcase fine antiques, paintings, jewelry and objets d’art at Aspen Ice Garden.

*Breck Bike Week – Breckenridge, July 6-10. All Breck Bike Week events are free. Join a wildflower ride, women’s skills clinic, yoga for bikers session,prime and paint your helmet. Numerous kids activities.

*Little Britches Rodeo & Parade – Cedaredge, July 8-10. Rodeo contestants range in age from 8-18, with mutton ‘bustin for ages 4-8. Saturday morning parade and evening street dance.

*Central City Opera – Central City, July 9 – August 6. Three more operas added to the season’s scheduled. Many special events including family-friendly focus.

*Teddy Bear Days – Colorado Springs, July 9-10. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo highlights grizzly and teddy bears. Discount rates for kids 12 and under accompanied by a teddy bear. Bear grotto and grizzly bear demonstrations and a teddy bear clinic for those need a bit of repair plus lots of TLC.

*Greenhorn Valley Arts & Music Festival – Colorado City, July 9-10. Dozens of groups play Root Music – Celtic harp to Western folk. Three dozen specialty artists – cut paper art to woodturning. Parents, check out “Circus in 60 Minutes” by The Salida Circus.

*Woodcarvers Rendezvous – Creede, July 9-15. 20th Annual gathering or carvers presents a multitude of classes for ability levels from beginners to advanced. A dozen non-carver glasses – pine needle baskets to art glass.

*Four Corners Gem & Mineral Show – Durango, July 8-10. Three days of lapidary demonstrations, jewelry, jewelry making equipment, gold panning, gems, minerals, fossils and beads.

*Music in the Mountains – Durango, July 9-31. The 25th Anniversary Celebration kicks off this weekend. More than 30 classic and world music concerts in the majestic San Juan Mountains.

*Grand Lake Antique Boat Show – Grand Lake, July 9. Enjoy the craftsmanship of historical boat building and see the classics.

*Cattlemen’s Days – Gunnison, June 8-17. Colorado’s oldest and longest running rodeo and horseshows. More than a week of dances, horse racing, parade, concert, carnival and BBQ in addition to rodeos and livestock shows.

*2011 Wine & Jazz Festival – Keystone, July 9-10. Wine tastings, seminars including Up and Coming Varietals and Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles From Around the World, and lots of jazz – soulful bebop to smooth jazz by Dotsero.

*Colorado Irish Festival – Littleton, July 8-10. All things Irish at Clement Park – food, music, merchandise, dance, culture village and Gaelic sports.

*Summer Fest in the Rockies – Loveland, July 8-10. Loveland celebrates summer with events, events, events – Spirits at Sunset, class car show, fly fishing demos, kids sidewalk chalk contest, Loveland Loves Barbecue, Master’s of Magic, Saturday night fireworks, Sunday morning Songs of Joy.

*San Luis Valley Folk Arts and Fiber Festival – Monte Vista, July 8-10. Demonstrations, vendors, workshops and contest in celebration of handmade and traditional arts.

*Bluegrass in Paradise – Mt. Crested Butte, July 9-10. The base area at Mt Crested Butte rings with hours of bluegrass music. Headliners include Gypsy Social Club, Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys and the Nashville Bluegrass Band.

*Colorado Brewer’s Rendezvous – Salida, July 9. Specialty Colorado craft brewers at the 15th annual event in downtown Salida’s Riverside Park. Over 50 Colorado brews plus music and vendors, root beer for the kids and designated drivers.

*Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park – Steamboat Springs, July 9-10. Over 40 balloons launch each morning during the 31th annual balloon rodeo at Bald Eagle Lake. The 37th Art in the Park fills Lincoln Park, Steamboats largest art and craft festival.

*High Mountain Hay Fever Festival – Westcliffe, July 7-10. Festival hosts Sons and Brothers welcome more than a dozen bluegrass groups. Two full days of workshops including High Mountain Hay Seeds just for kids 12 and under.

*Insectival! – Westminister, July 9. The Butterfly Pavillion explores wonders and mysteries of the insect world. Bug hunt, magic shows, carnival games, bubble machine and butterfly encounter.

On Going Colorado Summer Events

*Aspen Music Festival – Aspen

*Theatre Aspen – Aspen

*Colorado Music Festival – Boulder

*Crested Butte Music Festival – Crested Butte

*Colorado Renaissance Festival – Larkspur

*Strings Music Festival – Steamboat Springs

*Bravo! – Vail

Top photo courtesy of Eric Yackel.

2011

Wherever one finds themselves in Colorado on the 4th of July there’s a nearby celebration eager to welcome residents and travelers. Below is a list of 35 communities with planned events, by no means is this a complete list, there are many more. Be aware that  fireworks may be cancelled in areas where the fire danger is extreme.

Aspen – Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration.

Boulder – Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast – Community performances, sing-a-long, Ralphie (CU bison mascot) Run, color guard, fireworks at CU’s Folsom Stadium

Breckenridge – 4th of July Celebration, 10k trail run, hometown parade on Main Street, concerts at Riverwalk Center.

Colorado Springs – Flyovers, games, food, music by the Air Force Academy Band and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, fireworks at the Air Force Academy football stadium.

Crested Butte – Pancake breakfast, fun and funky parade followed by a big water fight complete with fire truck, old-fashioned games, free patriotic concert, evening concert before the fireworks at the Crested Butte Mountain base area.

Cripple Creek – Live entertainment, beer garden and fireworks.

Dillon – 4th of July celebration at Town Park.

Durango – Breakfast and 5k at Rotary Park, 6pm parade, street dance on Main Avenue and fireworks.

Estes Park – Car show, cowboy sing-along, pancake breakfast, band concert and fireworks over Lake Estes.

Fort Collins – Daytime downtown live music, beer garden, pie eating contest, fireworks in City Park.

Georgetown – Parade, 5k race, BBQ, bucket brigade race. Watch the fireworks from the Fireworks Train high up on the Devil’s Gate bridge.

Glenwood Springs – 4th of July Fanfare.

Grand Junction – Parade, 4th of July on the Monument (Colorado National Monument), fireworks.

Grand Lake – Lakefront fireworks at dusk.

Highlands Ranch – Parade, run and celebration at Town Center, hot dog eating contest, fireman challenge, pet adoption fair, evening concert, fireworks.

Idaho Springs – Fireworks display over Bridal Veil Falls and Tayler Water Wheel.

Julesburg – Volunteer Fire Department fireworks display.

Keystone – Fishing derby, BBQ, live music, bike parade through the village, Kidtopia KidsFest, fireworks.

Lafayette – Late afternoon and evening events a Wanaka Lake Park, food concessions, beer garden, kids’ activities, concert, pie-eating contest, fireworks.

Lake City – Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, family entertainment, parade, Air Force fly over, races in the town park, street dance music, fireworks.

La Junta – Old Time Fourth of July Celebration at Bent’s Fort, fireworks at La Junta Rodeo Grounds.

Louisville – Fireworks at the Coal Creek Golf Course, early evening kid activities, music by the Boulder Concert Band.

Loveland – Day long in North Lake Park, food, games, music, flag raising, fife & drum corps, largest fireworks in Northern Colorado.

Mancos – Potluck BBQ at the Bauer House, Fireworks at Boyle Park.

Montrose – All day event Cerise Park, fireworks.

Northglenn – Food booths, concert and fireworks at E.B. Rains, Jr. Memorial Park.

Ouray – Morning to night events starting with pancake breakfast, 10k run, parade, BBQ, water fight, kids games, music, fireworks.

Pagosa Springs – Carnival, arts & crafts festival, parade, community picnic, live music, Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo and fireworks.

Pueblo – Rollin’ on the Riverfront July 4 with the Pueblo Symphony.

Redstone – Bike decorating party, pie sale, food concessions, Air National Guard fly over salute, parade, water games.

Silver Plume – Ice cream social and baked goods in Dinger Park after the Georgetown BBQ.

Steamboat Springs – Pancake breakfast, parade, Art on the Mountain, block party with hot dogs and Routt (Routt County) beer floats, pro rodeo, fireworks over Howelsen Hill – also, cross country/Nordic combined roller ski race and Independence Day ski jumping extravaganza.

Telluride – Firemen’s Fourth of July Parade, community picnic, games, fireworks.

Vail – America Days Parade, picnic, patriotic concert, fireworks

Westcliffe – Parade, flea market, car and motorcycle show – fireworks have been canceled due to fire danger.

Happy and Safe July 4th to all.

July 1 – 4, 2011

From the Denver Metro area to small rural communities the holiday weekend will be celebrated with a multitude of events, picnics, concerts and, of course, fireworks. Listed below are a few of the communities with multiple-day events this weekend.

Castle Rock – Rocky Mountain Freedom Festival

July 1 – 3 – Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center

Three days of BBQ Challenge – a Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned state championship event, two stages of entertainment, and carnival. The Freedom Festival concludes with Sunday night Fireworks. FREE admission for children under 5, seniors 60+ and valid military ID. FREE parking.

Copper Mountain – The 3 Ring Weekend

July 1 – 3 – Copper Mountain Resort

Three days of FREE family events including a kid-powered parade, interactive activities, live music, conscious carnival, half marathon, 10k, kids race and the highlighted Big Wheel Rally! – both kids racing and adult relay.

Crested Butte – Crested Butte Music Festival

July 3 – August 14 – Numerous locations in and around “The Butte”

The kickoff for six weeks of music in a large variety of genres – bluegrass, opera, classical, gypsy jazz, folk, chamber. A yearly tradition brings an unique instrument to the CBMF. Pass years have included the alp horn and glass armonica, the 2011 spotlight is on the theremin – check the web site to learn more. Locations range from Beer, Brats and Beethoven in the Lacy’s barn to Town Center Mt. Crested Butte. A FREE 4th of July Patriotic Performance with the Boston Brass at the Center for the Arts outdoor stage is scheduled for 4pm.

Denver – Cherry Creek Arts Festival

July 2 – 4 – Cherry Creek North Shopping District

The hugely popular art festival fills the streets of Cherry Creek North with visual, culinary and performing arts. FREE Interactive ARTivities, musical performances, demonstrations; plus the Art of Fitness. The highly competitive juror show features 230 International visual artists.

Frisco – 3rd Annual Green Art Festival

July 2 –3 – Main Street

Juried artists bring original paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, collage, ceramics, glass and wood art transforming Main Street into an outdoor gallery. The “Green” part of the festival allows each artist to showcase one piece of art created in an environmentally sound process – incorporating either recycle or repurposed objects into the work. FREE.

Steamboat Springs – 108th Annual Cowboys’ Roundup Days

June 30 – July 4 – All around town and Gondola Square

The century long Colorado tradition puts a Western spin on the July 4th weekend with fun for the whole family. Pro rodeos, Art on the Mountains, concerts, ski jumping extravaganza, block party, parade and fireworks over Howelsen HIll are among the scheduled events. July 4th old-fashioned Pioneer Block Party with FREE concert and hot dogs.

Steamboat Springs – String Music Festival

July 1 – August 27 – Varied venues around the community

The nationally acclaimed festival opens with the Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis. During July and August 85 events from classical to a variety of Different Tempo programs. Enjoy FREE Music on the Green at the Yampa River Botanic Park, Thursdays 12:15 – 1pm.

Click on each event name to open website.

Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.

June 24-26, 2011

The first weekend of summer promises something for all tastes and interests. Join the festivities with everything from bikes to boats, beer to wine, art to zydeco.

• Canon City – Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival

     June 24 & 25 – Whitewater Kayak Recreation Park, Centennial Park

Down River Kayak and Raft Races run through the Royal Gorge.  Kayak Throwdown and Raft Rodeo held at the Royal Gorge Whitewater Park in Canon City. ByOB – Build Your Own Boat Race, Duckie Dash, Raft King of the Wave and Pedal-Paddle-Battle. Live music in Centennial park Park, food and drink vendors.

• Crested Butte – Crested Butte Bike Week

     June 23 & 26 – Crested Butte and Region

This June biking festival has a new name but continues the tradition of challenge and celebration in the epicenter of Colorado mountain biking. Events include Chainless Race down Kebler Pass, Rippin’ Chix Clinics with Alison Gannett, Tech Expo, Bridges of the Butte, Clif Bar Fat Tire 40, and Mountain States Cub Wildflower Rush. Saturday evening music by reggae legion Toot and Maytals on the Red Lady Stage at Mt. Crested Butte.

• Cripple Creek – Donkey Derby Days

     June 24 – 26 – Downtown

The biggest, most popular Cripple Creek annual event celebrates its 80th year honoring the town’s resident donkey herd – FREE. Pancake breakfast, Saturday noon parade, entertainment, contests including best beard,tobacco spitting and hairy leg. Children activities, donkey rides; and, yes donkey derby races.

• Denver – Cherry Blossom Festival

     June 25 & 26 – Between 19th & 20th, Lawrence & Larimer

Japanese-American culture highlighted with music, dance, art, drumming, martial arts, Japanese beer garden; and, of course food. Tour the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple and attend Ikebana demonstrations. FREE admission.

• Estes Park – Solstice Celebration

     June 25 & 26 – Bond Park

Scandinavian traditions honor the summer solstice with raising the Maypole, folk dancing, musical performances, crafts, food and a Viking encampment. Raffle to win two round-trip tickets to Scandinavia, donated by Icelandair. Free admission.

• Fort Collins – 22nd Colorado Brewers’ Festival

     June 25 & 26 – Historic Downtown

Festival highlights 32 Colorado Breweries and 58 Colorado beers. Food, fun and three stages featurinf 20 Colorado bands. New format this year – advance tickets $10, $15 at the gate plus $1/each for beer sample tokens (4 oz. samples), commemorative festival mug.

• Fort Morgan – Glenn Miller Swing Fest

     June 23 – 26 – City Park, Fort Morgan Airport, Country Steak Out

Fort Morgan celebrates one of its favorite sons Glenn Miller and the Big Band Era during a weekend of concerts in the park, history tours, WWII military re-enactors, champagne brunch, dances and music, music, music. Saturday night dance to the the music of the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and the Pied Pipers.

• Golden – German Heritage Festival

     June 25 & 26 – Colorado Railroad Museum

The weekend combines the best of two worlds – German heritage and historic railroading. While passengers experience a ride on a narrow gauge train pulled by an 1880s steam locomotive the German village entices with traditional food, music, and dance.

• Grand Junction – Country Jam USA

     June 23-26 – I-70, Exit 11, 22 miles west of GJ

Music, music, music – Country Jam comes to the Western Slope for an incredible weekend of country music, camping, food and adult beverages under bright Colorado skies. This year’s lineup includes Alan Jackson, Little Big Town, Western Underground, Clint Black and Lady Antebellum plus more than a dozen others.

• Greeley – Greeley Stampede

     June 24 – July 4

With roots dating back to the late 1800s Greeley winds up for 11 days of rodeos, concerts, carnivals, mutton bustin’ in the park, Western art, monster trucks, demolition and roller derbies, parades, royalty, fireworks and so much more it’s impossible to do it all. But its easy to enjoy events of your choosing.

• Gunnison – Gunnison River Festival

     June 24 – 26 – Whitewater Park – Fri. & Sat.,

                          Taylor Canyon & Almont – Sun.

Water, water everywhere for the 9th annual family-friendly River Festival. Saturday starts with the River Parade followed by raft rodeo, freestyle kayaking and big tricks. New this year is a surf wave. The 2011 Hooligan event is canceled due to high water. Action moves to Almont on Sunday with races on the Taylor River. In addition to water events there’s plenty of food, beverages, music, art and “Fun Zone” for kids.

• Hugo – Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo

     June 24 & 25 – Lincoln County Fairgrounds

Competitors are teams of working cowboys, ranch owners and ranch hands. Events center on skills traditionally required for Western ranching – bronc riding, team branding, team sorting, trailer loading, wild cow milking, and team doctoring. Plus an open horse show, Western trade show and outdoor dance.

• Vail – Bravo! – Vail Valley Music Festival

     June 26 – August 3 – Venues throughout the Vail Valley

The 24th season kicks off with a FREE concert by Bravo’s new Artistic Director, world renowned pianist Anne-Marie McDermott on Sunday evening at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. See the Dallas Symphony , Philadelphia Orchestra, New York philharmonic plus world-class soloists and groups.

More Festivities

• Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival – June 24 – July 2
• Boulder Festival of the Art on 29th Street – June 25 – 26
• Estes Park Christian Music Festival – June 24 – 26
• Grand Lake Chili Cook-Off State Championship – June 25
• Lyons Good Ole Days Celebration – June 25 – 26
• Telluride Musicfest – June 22 – July 3
• Telluride Wine Festival – June 22 – 26
• Vail Arts Festival – June 24 – 26
• Westminster Arts Festival – June 25

Click on each event name to open website.

Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.

June 17 – 19,  2011

Focus on Dads this weekend with stereotypical manly interests – car shows, barbeque or the buzz of a chain saw. Add plenty of food, wine and music for a successful event.

Aspen – Food & Wine Classic

June 17 – 19 – Around Town

Indulge at the yearly premier Food and Wine Classic. Over 80 seminars, tastings, demonstration, panel discussions led by top chefs – Jose Andres, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Jacques and Claudine Pepin; and, wine experts including Thomas Keller and David Lynch plus many more.

Breckenridge – Kingdom Days

June 18 & 19 – Breckenridge and Area

The Kingdom of Breckenridge celebrates its 152-year heritage with Wild West gun fights on Main Street, gold panning, historic hikes and walking tours, storytelling and mine tours. Gather a team, build an outhouse, then push or pull it to the finish in the 5th annual outhouse races. Dozens of FREE events, activities for all ages.

Craig – Whittle the Wood Rendezvous

June 15 – 18 – City Park

A dozen carvers from around the country compete for cash prizes while turning tree stumps into 3-dimensional works of art. The craftsmen rev up their engines starting Wednesday; work continues until Saturday afternoon judging. Saturday brings arts, crafts, food vendors, car and motorcycle show, and live music, ending with awards and a FREE public concert by the Outlaws.

Denver – Greek Festival

June 17 – 19 – Alameda Ave. & Leetsdale Dr.

One of Denver’s largest and longest running ethnic festivals features traditional Greek music, folk dancing and tons of good food (love the Greek fries). Events include a Greek boutique and tours of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Don’t miss the homemade desserts including baklava. OPA!

Frisco – Colorado BBQ Challenge

June 16 & 18 – Main Street

Frisco’s Main Street fills with more than 60 teams competing in the 18th annual event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Tastings, entertainment, games, cooking demons and pig races ensure a smokin’ good time.

Glenwood Springs – 114th Strawberry Days

June 17 – 19 – Throughout Town

Colorado’s oldest community festival, 114-years-old, includes carnival, entertainment, parade, arts festival and pie eating contest. FamilyFest focuses on interactive, entertaining and creative experiences including mural painting, pony rides and petting zoo. The century long tradition of FREE strawberries and ice cream continues on Saturday.

Hotchkiss – 52nd Black Canyon Art Exhibit

June 17 – 19 – Memorial Hall Gallery

The Hotchkiss Fine Arts Association hosts the annual show that includes painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, printmaking, graphics pastel and fine craft. Show judge Virginia Unseld holds a Travel Journal workshop on Friday afternoon.S

Salida – New Belgian FIBArk Whitewater Festival

June 14 – 19 – Riverside Park

America’s oldest, boldest and largest whitewater festival in its 63nd year with events from international competitors to pancake breakfast, carnival to mountain bike races. With lots of fast moving snow melt 2011 should be an exciting year for “First In Boating on the Arkansas”.

Steamboat Springs – Rocky Mt. Mustang Roundup

June 16 – 19 – Meadows Parking Lot & Downtown

Mustangs of the motorized variety not wild horses. Scenic Mountain Tour on Thursday, Autocross events on Friday, Show ‘n Shine along Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamboat from 10:30am-3pm on Saturday – FREE to the public. Awards breakfast Sunday morning.

Telluride – Bluegrass Festival

June 16 – 19 – Telluride Town Park

Hugh festival weekend in Telluride’s summer of festivals. Ten thousand fill venues all over the mountain valley. Music, music, music from returning favorites and rising stars – dozen of groups playing the main stage or jammin’ around campfires.

Above all remember and celebrate Dad!

Click on each event name to open website.

Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.