0
Your Favorites
By: Jeremy Swanson
Events are the heartbeat of summer in Snowmass Village, creating a steady rhythm of days filled with celebrations of music, food, and our high-country culture. These weekly festivities serve as exciting bookends for mountain adventures, but with dozens of options available, how do you choose the can’t-miss moments? My family and I have lived in Snowmass for over 25 years, and we’ve made a tradition of attending every summer event. Here’s our local guide for enjoying the best summer in the Village, complete with weekday favorites, culinary highlights, and the fan-favorite events that define the season.
My family and I have lived in Snowmass for over 25 years, and we’ve made a tradition of attending every summer event. Here’s our local guide for enjoying the best summer in the Village, complete with weekday favorites, culinary highlights, and the fan-favorite events that define the season.
Snowmass hosts recurring events almost every day of the week, so there’s no need to schedule your visit around a specific festival. These gems can fit any schedule and style.
Every Thursday, June 12 – August 21
The free concert series is our favorite summer tradition, and we never miss a Thursday on Fanny Hill. This series transforms a ski run into a hillside amphitheater, keeping the Snowmass skiing spirit alive while celebrating the start of summer. Last year, the liveliest show was The Spazmatics’ Fourth of July performance—and they’re returning this year for a bonus concert on Friday, July 4! We’re planning our Independence Day around it to catch their set.
Tip: No matter how warm and sunny it is when the concert starts, temperatures drop significantly after the sun goes down. Make sure to bring a sweater or jacket so you’re warm enough to enjoy the encore.
Every Wednesday, June 18 – August 20
A true Western spectacle, the Snowmass Rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and more. The lively emcees break down the action, making you feel like an insider, even if it’s your first rodeo. When our daughter, Tilly, was younger, she never missed the calf scramble where dozens of kids dash around the arena to grab a ribbon from a calf. She always returned to the stands covered in red dirt and grinning from ear to ear.
Tip: Sign up the kids for the calf scramble or mutton busting when you arrive at the rodeo—spots fill up quickly.
Sunset Tuesdays & Bonus Bike NightsEvery Tuesday, June 24 – August 5
Snowmass’ gondola and bike trails stay open late on Tuesday evenings, allowing for free gondola rides starting at 5pm and bonus time on the iconic bike trails. After our ride, we love to grab a bite to eat and listen to music on the deck.
Tip: If you’re an experienced mountain biker, consider signing up for the race!
Snowmass knows how to host tastings! With diverse selections and a relaxed atmosphere, there’s plenty of time to chat with the chefs and savor the flavors.
June 14
Snowmass Rendezvous is known as the Village’s unofficial kick-off to summer. Base Village comes alive with pop-up tents offering artisan beers, wines, and spirits. The event features tasty Colorado creations, including Stranahan’s renowned whiskies, Casey Brewing’s eclectic beers, and Carboy Winery’s wines from just down the hill in the Grand Valley. The afternoon tastings culminate in a concert on Fanny Hill featuring the folk-rock band Heavy Diamond Ring this year.
Tip: Snap a photo of your favorite pour, track it down after the event, and bring some home. The taste will transport you back to your time in the mountains.
August 2
This food-forward event showcases delicious bites crafted by local chefs. The theme is live-fire cooking, and the tantalizing smell of smoke and spice will draw you in if you’re in town. Various cocktails and spirits will be available to complement the BBQ theme.
Tip: Look for the Venga Venga booth. These local favorites really know their way around a grill.
August 16
With the tagline “High Quality and Low Key,” Cidermass is one of the season’s most relaxed and local-feeling events. Crisp, bubbly ciders enjoyed in the sun make for an unforgettable summer afternoon on the Snowmass Mall.
Tip: Make a beeline for Big B’s and Snow Capped Cider, both made just on the other side of the Elk Range and bursting with Rocky Mountain flavor.
September 27 – 28
Debuting this year, Oktoberfest brings the best Bavarian beers to Snowmass with our very own Oktoberfest. The German experience is sure to be a blast, with yodeling, Stein hoisting, pretzel slapping, and more festivities.
Tip: Don your best Dirndls and Lederhosen to fit in with the scene.
These two events need no introduction. As staples of the Snowmass community, you can’t go wrong with either.
August 29 – 31
This open-air music festival is the season’s biggest event, featuring legendary acts in our little mountain town. This year’s headliners include Imagine Dragons, Lenny Kravitz, and Luke Combs. Imagine watching the moon rise over Sky Mountain Park while the music echoes through the valley—it doesn’t get more Snowmass than that.
Tip: Come hungry—while the music is the main attraction, my family and I love sampling the offerings from regional food trucks.
September 12 – 14
My favorite summer event is the Snowmass Balloon Festival, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Over 30 balloons take to the skies against a backdrop of 14,000- foot peaks, creating a mind-blowing spectacle of rainbow colors, bluebird skies, and golden flecks.
With this guide, you’ll be ready to make the most of your summer experience in Snowmass Village!
This site uses cookies. By using this site or closing this notice, you agree to the use of cookies and our privacy policy.