The Best Festivals and Fairs in Colorado this Winter

With such incredible natural scenery, it takes a seriously good reason for people to head indoors in Colorado, but the Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival succeeds in doing just that. Now in its 32nd year, the Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival is a musical extravaganza that attracts a wide number of national, regional and local bands who come to the Northglenn Ramada Plaza hotel to show off their own interpretations of Bluegrass, the hugely popular form of American roots music. Held over three full days, the event also features vocal and instrumental workshops, a band scramble, vendors’ fair and non-stop jamming. (Photo: Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival)

Looking from afar it’s tempting to imagine that not much goes on in the Rocky Mountains other than the noble efforts of intrepid hikers, howling winds and the occasional falling boulder. But zoom closer and you’ll see pockets of activity in the various towns dotted throughout the iconic mountain range. One occasion when the region really comes alive is this renowned Belgian-themed beer festival which sees large numbers of visitors come to sample hundreds of Belgian beers and learn about the art of beer brewing. There’s also beer and food pairings, talks from industry experts and a host of other peripheral events and activities. This year’s festival will take place in the resort town of Breckenridge after 16 years in Vail. (Photo: David Foxhoven of Foxhoven Studios)

It may be better known for skiing, but Colorado is also an extremely popular destination for ice climbing enthusiasts. Each year, the city of Ouray plays host to a celebration of this nerve-jangling pursuit which involves ascending ice formations. Both beginners and veterans alike come here to enjoy a whole range of events and activities including exhibitions, ice tool demos, interactive climbing clinics and multimedia presentations by leading climbers. There’s plenty of music, food, dance and parties too, plus a silent auction where you can bid for a range of ice-climbing related items. (Photo: Ouray Ice Festival)

If you’re looking for a fun festival in Colorado this winter and want something that sits outside the mainstream, then GalaxyFest is likely to be right up your street. This popular and quirky annual event is a celebration of multimedia and eclectic arts and features a whole host of action-packed activities. The festival is actually split into two distinct events – one kiddie friendly and the other not so. The first takes place during the day but as soon as night falls it’s time for the adults to come out to play – quite literally in fact. There’s body painting, fashion shows, dances, clock gaming, panels, stage performances, celebrities and pretty much anything you can imagine that’s related to popular culture. (Photo: Galaxy Fest via Flickr)

Taking place in Golden, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this well attended outdoor festival offers something for nearly everyone. Held over a whole weekend, the festival programme features craft beer samplings, wineries, food tastings and live music, while a kids’ activity area and musical workshops are designed to keep the little ones entertained, allowing the adults to enjoy more serious pursuits like grooving to the toe-tapping rhythms of a bluegrass, jamgrass or Americana band or simply getting stuck into the ample booze on offer. (Photo: UllrGrass Music Festival)

Colorado is widely regarded as one of the best places to ski in the world. In fact, it’s fair to say that skiing is woven into its DNA. So passionately do people feel about the high-octane sport that it is celebrated each year at a hugely popular Winter Carnival. Hosted by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, the 5-day event has been a regular fixture on the city’s annual calendar for over 100 years and this year’s edition is expected to be bigger and better than ever. The centrepiece attraction are the horses that tow young athletes on skis through snow-clad streets, as the athletes perform a variety of elaborate jumps, flips and spins. There’ll also be barrage of pyrotechnics culminating with the explosion of one of the largest firework shells in the world. (Photo: Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival)

Nordic Gods are not the first thing that spring to mind when it comes to Christmas festivals, but Ullr Fest is perhaps the exception. This town-wide event in Breckenridge draws locals and visitors alike who don Viking helmets in honour of the mythological figure in the hope of luring more snow to the nearby mountains. A variety of events are held throughout the festuvak including an ice plunge, a talent show and a bike race, while new for 2017 will be an expanded family party featuring helmet decorating, sledding and more. (Photo: louie trau / Breckenridge Tourism Office)

Christmas, as we all know, is a time for giving and the Colorado Springs Festival of Lights stays true to this philosophy by selecting a different charity each year to receive donations. But how does it draw the crowds required to give generously? The answer is through a mesmerising assortment of floats, marching bands, animals and even the season’s key protagonist himself – Santa Claus. The festival also features a variety of cultural and artistic programmes and performances that help make this one of Colorado’s most eagerly awaited winter events. (Photo: Colorado Springs Festival of Lights)

Musicians often say that there’s no better experience than performing in front of large crowds, but doing so in the presence of some of nature’s most awe-inspiring scenery must run it a close second. Taking place at the base of the imposing Mount Crested Butte, the aptly named Mountain High Music Festival features a wide range of up-and-coming musical talents, whose songs are given added resonance by the dramatic backdrop. The event also has a strong philanthropic component, with money raised going to various causes including Tough Enough To Wear Pink, a breast cancer charity. (Photo: Mountain High Music Festival)

Set in a box canyon amid dramatic forested peaks in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the former Victorian mining town of Telluride could easily be mistaken for a film set in its own right. In actual fact, the town’s relationship with movies extends only as far as the prestigious film festival that takes place here each year. The festival selects around 100 films from around the world which are curated alongside guest presentations, a symposium, parties, scheduled conversations, book signings and musical events that has earned it a reputation as one of America’s biggest and best celebrations of the art of film. (Photo: mountainfilm via Flickr)

Now in its 32nd year, this festival combines two of America’s biggest passions – skiing and music. For six days, revellers descend on the tiny resort town of Steamboat Springs to enjoy both in equal measure. As for the music, while Colorado has its own rich musical heritage, the Steamboat Springs festival actually celebrates sounds hailing from much further south – Texas, to be precise. For six days, a number of bands put on exhilarating performances, with a heavy emphasis on Texan country music and Americana. It’s a truly special occasion and one that will test your energy levels to the max. (Photo: Steamboat Springs MusicFest)

Colorado’s Pikes Peak Region offers a number of opportunities to connect with Chinese culture, but few of them are as fun and entertaining as the annual New Year’s celebrations that take place here each year. Hosted by the Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute for a 16th consecutive year in 2017, the day-long celebrations will take place at the City Auditorium in Colorado Springs and will include a wide range of activities including traditional lion dance, Taiko, kung Fu demonstrations, traditional Chinese dances, yo-yo demonstrations and musical performances. There’ll also be an assortment of Asian-themed food vendors for your predilection. (Photo: Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute)