Colorado winters offer more than just picturesque snow-capped mountains; they invite you to immerse yourself in a world of outdoor adventure, cozy retreats, and unique experiences. From iconic skiing and snowboarding to hidden gems like rail bikes and scenic train rides, there’s something magical about winter in the Centennial State. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of this winter season.
Classic Colorado Adventures
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
No list of Colorado winter activities is complete without mentioning its world-renowned ski resorts. From beginner-friendly runs in Keystone to expert terrain in Aspen and Vail, Colorado’s slopes are unparalleled. For a less crowded experience, check out Loveland Ski Area or Arapahoe Basin. Many resorts also offer après-ski experiences with fire pits, hot toddies, and breathtaking views.
2. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
If you want to skip the lift lines, consider snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Trails at Brainard Lake Recreation Area or Rocky Mountain National Park provide serene, snow-covered landscapes perfect for exploring at your own pace. Eldora Nordic Center, just outside Boulder, offers groomed trails for cross-country enthusiasts of all levels.
3. Dog Sledding and Snowmobiling
For a true Colorado adventure, try dog sledding with outfits like Good Times Adventures in Breckenridge or Alpine Adventures in Leadville. Alternatively, snowmobiling offers an adrenaline-filled way to traverse the backcountry. Vail Pass and Grand Lake are top spots for guided tours or independent exploration.
The Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Manitou Springs, CO
Unique and Outside-the-Box Experiences
4. Erie Rail Bike Adventures
For a winter activity that’s truly out of the ordinary, try Colorado Railbike Adventures. Pedal along historic rail lines on a custom-built bike designed for the tracks. This activity is a blend of exercise, history, and scenic exploration, offering views of snowy fields and foothills.
5. Scenic Train Rides
There’s something magical about a winter train ride through Colorado’s mountains. The Manitou and Pike’s Peak Cog Railway runs year-round and offers breathtaking mountain views. The Georgetown Loop Railroad offers festive holiday-themed rides through the Rockies, complete with hot cocoa and stunning views. For a more luxurious experience, hop aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a journey through canyons blanketed in snow.
6. Ice Climbing
If you’re seeking adventure, head to the Ouray Ice Park, the world’s first ice climbing venue of its kind. Located in the “Switzerland of America,” this park offers routes for climbers of all abilities, along with lessons for beginners.
Glenwood Springs Hot Springs – Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Relaxation and Retreat
7. Natural Hot Springs
After a day of braving the cold, soak your cares away in one of Colorado’s hot springs. Glenwood Springs features the world’s largest hot springs pool, while Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers more intimate soaking pools with mountain views. For a secluded experience, check out Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs.
8. Winter Glamping and Lodges
If you’d rather stay cozy, Colorado offers plenty of winter retreats. Try glamping in heated yurts at Snow Mountain Ranch or stay in luxury lodges in Breckenridge, Aspen, or Telluride. Many accommodations feature roaring fireplaces and gourmet dining for the ultimate winter escape.
Evergreen Lake Aerial Image of Ice Rinks – Evergreen, CO
Festivals and Community Fun
9. Holiday Markets and Winter Festivals
Colorado embraces the holiday spirit with events like the Denver Christkindl Market, Estes Park Winter Festival, and Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships. These community-centered events are perfect for gathering with friends and family while celebrating the season.
10. Sleigh Rides and Ice Skating
Bundle up and take a sleigh ride through snowy fields at venues like Keystone Stables or Snow Mountain Ranch. For a classic winter activity, visit outdoor ice rinks like Denver’s Skyline Park or the massive Keystone Lake Ice Rink.
Why Colorado Winters Are Special
Colorado is more than a winter wonderland—it’s a community of adventurers, families, and thrill-seekers who come together to celebrate the season. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, pedaling along historic rail lines, or simply sipping hot cocoa at a local festival, these activities highlight the diversity and charm of Colorado living.
No matter how you choose to enjoy the winter season, remember that it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors, connect with your community, and make unforgettable memories. This winter, let Colorado show you how to live life to the fullest—snow and all.
Known as much for its breathtaking landscapes as for its vibrant cultural scene, Boulder transforms into a haven for music lovers during the summer. From its historic theaters and enchanting local parks to the iconic Pearl Street Mall, the sounds of the city are as diverse and dynamic as the venues themselves.
In the spirit of embracing the warm weather and longer days, Boulder plays host to a range of concerts, designed to suit all tastes. Whether you’re a fan of indie rock, classic jazz, blues, folk, or world music, the city’s concert series promises to keep your feet tapping and your spirits high.
Every year, this artistic city attracts a myriad of both acclaimed and emerging artists to its varied stages, much to the delight of locals and tourists alike. This Summer 2023 is no exception. An exciting lineup of musicians awaits, set to offer memorable performances at the Chautauqua Auditorium, Bands on the Bricks at Pearl Street Mall, Boulder Theater, Fox Theatre, and beyond.
This blog post serves as your guide to these unmissable concert series. So get ready to mark your calendars and indulge in the delightful rhythm of Boulder’s summer music scene! The following sections provide you with a breakdown of each concert series, including event dates and performers. Let the music play!
Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado – home of Band on the Bricks
Bands on the Bricks, Pearl Street Mall
Enjoy free outdoor concerts every Wednesday evening from June 7th to August 9th. Concerts start at 6 PM on the 1300 block of Pearl Street.
June 14: Eagles tribute The Long Run June 21: The Goonies June 28: Hazel Miller & The Collective July 5: Chimbangle July 12: Chain Station July 19: The Sweet Lillies July 26: JJ Brown’s Raw Soul Band Aug. 2: Mighty Mystic
No tickets are required for these performances, see the Band on the Bricks website for more details.
BoCo Cider Summer Series
In the heart of North Boulder, enjoy the local flavors of BoCo Cider while listening to an eclectic mix of live music.
June 1: Batterhead June 2: Ravin’ Wolf June 4: Blue Eyed Kelly June 8: Hana Kahn and Thomas Gunn June 9: The Who Do’s June 10: West End Junction June 11: Jack Hadley June 15: Peter Stone June 16: Celeste Rose and Keegan MacDonald July 24: The Lofty Pines July 9: Cat 5
Tickets can be purchased on the BoCo Cider website. Be sure to arrive early to snag the best seats!
Boulder Theater
The historic Boulder Theater in downtown Boulder has a rich history and a vibrant present. It has been a cornerstone of the Boulder arts scene for decades and has been a gathering place for live entertainment since it opened in 1906.
June 3: Michael Franti & Spearhead June 23: Gaelic Storm June 30: Melvin Seals and JGB July 2: The Motet July 3: Yonder Mountain July 9: Sparks July 14: Jupiter & Okwess July 21: Jeff Tweedy July 31: Dave Mason Aug. 6: Jorma Kaukonen Aug. 11: BoDeans Aug. 25: Ziggy Alberts.
Celebrating its rich history, the Chautauqua Auditorium hosts a series of concerts throughout the summer. Nestled at the foot of Boulder’s picturesque Flatirons, the auditorium is part of the Colorado Chautauqua, one of the few remaining Chautauqua institutions in the United States. Check out the amazing acoustics at one of the shows running from June 1st through August 30th.
June 1: The Wailers June 10-11: Orebolo June 15: Mary Chapin Carpenter June 20: Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin June 24: Graham Nash June 29-30: Joshua Bell and Mussorgsky’s Pictures July 5: Indigo Girls July 8: Los Lobos July 11: JACK Quartet July 13: John Corigliano July 17: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band July 22: The Wood Brothers July 31: Mat Kearney Aug. 4-5: Andrew Bird Aug. 8: Amos Lee Aug. 9: Gipsy Kings with Nicolas Reyes Aug. 18: Leo Kottke and Julian Lage Aug. 21: The Wallflowers Aug. 30: Watchhouse
The Colorado Music Festival (CMF) is a beloved six-week summer concert series that takes place annually in Boulder, Colorado. The festival is highly acclaimed and features world-class orchestral and chamber music in the beautiful setting of the historic Chautauqua Auditorium.
First established in 1976, the CMF quickly became a major player in Boulder’s vibrant music scene and has since drawn internationally renowned musicians to Boulder each summer. The event is traditionally held from late June through early August.
The concert programming at the CMF is broad and varied, featuring a mixture of classical works, new compositions, and innovative arrangements. The festival often includes both full orchestra concerts and more intimate chamber performances. Each season typically revolves around a specific theme, with past themes including “Music of the Americas” and “Rediscovered Masters.”
One of the key components of the CMF is its resident orchestra. The festival orchestra comprises top-tier musicians from major orchestras, universities, and chamber ensembles across the country. They come together for the summer season to deliver an exceptional series of performances under the direction of the festival’s music director.
In addition to the main concert series, the Colorado Music Festival also provides education and outreach programs. These initiatives include family concerts, young people’s concerts, master classes, pre-concert talks, and open rehearsals, ensuring the festival reaches a wide range of audience members and contributes to music education in the community.
The setting of the CMF, the Chautauqua Auditorium, contributes significantly to the festival’s charm. The historic venue, with its stunning backdrop of the Flatirons, provides excellent acoustics and a unique, intimate atmosphere for festival performances.
June 29-30: Joshua Bell and Mussorgsky’s Pictures July 2: Peter and the Wolf + Goodnight Moon July 6-7: Racmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Symphony No. 3 July 9: Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and Symphonic Dances July 11: JACK Quartet July 13: John Corigliano July 18: Brentano String Quartet July 20-21: Michael Christie July 23: All Mozart July 25: Brahms, Britten and Poulenc July 27-28: Brahms 2 and Shostakovich July 30: Schumann’s Piano Concerto Aug. 1: Beethoven, Debussy and Dvorak Aug. 3: Joshua Bell and Debussy’s La Mer Aug. 6: Joshua Bell and Mahler 1
The nationally award-winning Boulder Concert Band has a rich history of over 145 years. It comprises more than fifty volunteer musicians from the business, professional, and educational communities in the Boulder, Longmont and Denver metro areas.
The Boulder Concert Band offers free concerts in various Boulder Parks on Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring a picnic supper and invite family and friends to enjoy this old-fashioned summer activity. Donations are welcome, of course!
The Fox Theatre is located on “The Hill” district at 1135 13th Street, Boulder, CO. The venue opened in 1926 as the Rialto Theatre. Over the years, it has been used as a movie theater, a dinner theater, and finally a concert venue. The Fox was renovated and reopened in 1991 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the best places to see live music in Colorado.
June 1: Caitlyn Smith June 3: Wood Belly June 4: Michael Franti and Spearhead June 10: Leadville Cherokee June 23: Cream Cheese Accident June 24: Equanimous and Kr3ture June 29: MonoNeon July 1: Steely Dead July 2: Spafford July 15: Colorado’s Finest Underground Hip-Hop July 21: Arlo McKinley July 29: Youth Lagoon Aug. 9: Satsang Aug. 17: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band.
This space at 2037 13th Street, has been home to many Boulder businesses including a Cadillac dealership, a bowling alley, a long-standing travel agency, and now a palace of music and fun.
June 3: Bear Hat with Elle Michelle’s Grateful Holler June 9: Armchair Boogie with Ghost Town Drifters June 22: Alpenglow with Grant Livingston & Friends June 29: Sqwerv and Lunar Ticks June 30: DeadPhish Orchestra July 7: Lady Romeo and Amaryllis July 8: High Lonesome with Fastfloyd July 14: Maygen & The Birdwatcher July 20: Flash Mountain Flood and RADO.
Roots Music Project’s nonprofit mission is to foster the local scene for musicians, fans, and venues.
June 3: Mile High Stash live podcast interview June 4: FastFloyd and Foggy Mountain Spaceship June 9: Funk You June 29: Reed Foehl June 30: David Lawrence and The Spoonful July 1: Joslyn and The Sweet Compression July2: Dave McMurray July 8: A.J. Fullerton July 14: Johnny and The Mongrels July 18: Liz Barnez Aug. 5: Jeff Crosby Aug. 12: Bob Margolin.
A Boulder original, this inclusive and independent coffeehouse hosts live music, poetry, performances and events at 940 Pearl Street.
June 3: Recorduroy June 16: Matthew Hecht June 23: Alex Wirth June 30: Mercy Club July 7: Ingrid Avison July 13: Justin Howl July 22: Strangebyrds July 29: Annie and the Big Band Aug. 3: Peter Stone
Gather outdoors at the Twenty Ninth Street Mall for live music every Friday night starting July 7 through August 25, from 6-8pm. In addition to live music, they will have a beer garden, cornhole, and food trucks.
July 7: Face July 14: Chris Daniels & the Kings July 21: Jacob Larson July 28: Daddyblue August 4: Hunter Hamilton August 11: Quemando Salsa August 18: Cody Qualls August 25: Hazel Miller
The Boulder and Denver area offer many opportunities for free activities. From museums and theatre to outdoor adventure, we’ve compiled a list to get you started planning your fun for 2023.
SCFD Free Days
The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District is a seven-county tax district created within Colorado law, approved by Colorado’s General Assembly, and renewed by voters multiple times over more than 30 years. The seven-county Denver metro area including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties participate, with the exception of Castle Rock and Larkspur in Douglas County. Organizations from across the metro area provide hundreds of free days and free programs each year made possible, in part, by funding from SCFD.
Free Days in 2023
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave 987½ Lookout Mountain Rd., Golden, CO Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave and enjoy free admission on the first Wednesday of the month from November through April.
Wednesday, January 4
Wednesday, February 1
Wednesday, March 1
Wednesday, April 5
Wednesday, November 1
Wednesday, December 6
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus 2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver, CO Joy Park Free Nights return on the third Friday of each month, May through September, from 4:00 PM until dusk. The interior of the Museum is closed except for the restrooms.
Denver Art Museum 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO Remember, children 18 years and younger are free EVERY day of the year!
Tuesday, January 10
Saturday, January 28
Tuesday, February 14
Tuesday, March 14
Tuesday, April 11
Sunday, April 30 (21st annual Día del Niño)
Tuesday, May 9
Sunday, May 14 (Mother’s Day)
Tuesday, June 13
Tuesday, July 11
Sunday, July 30
Tuesday, August 8
Saturday, September 9 (34th annual Friendship Powwow)
Tuesday, September 12
Tuesday, October 10
Saturday, November 4 (Night at the Museum for Denver Arts Week)
Tuesday, November 14
Tuesday, December 12
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton, CO York Street, 1007 York St., Denver, CO Advanced online registration is required. Free Days are for regular Gardens hours only and do not include ticketed events. Tickets are available three months at a time (on a rolling basis), and the tickets are released on the 1st of the month.
Denver Zoo 2300 Steele St., Denver, CO On select “Share the Love” Days, the Zoo offers 125 free ticket vouchers for every 15-minute admission window. Register for vouchers during a specified lottery period.
FREE DAY: Friday, January 6 | LOTTERY: December 26-29, 2022
FREE DAY: Sunday, January 22 | LOTTERY: January 8-14
FREE DAY: Sunday, February 5 | LOTTERY: January 22-28
FREE DAY: Sunday, April 9 | LOTTERY: March 26-April 1
FREE DAY: Saturday, October 7 | LOTTERY: September 23-29
FREE DAY: Tuesday, November 7 | LOTTERY: October 24-30
FREE DAY: Sunday, November 12 | LOTTERY: October 29-November 4
Dinosaur Ridge 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison, CO A special note:Admission to the exhibit hall Trek Through Time is free; guided bus tours are available at a reduced rate.
Museo de las Americas 861 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, CO Celebrate First Fridays with special activities and free admission from 12:00-9:00 PM. Remember, children 13 years and younger are free all day, EVERY day of the year!
Friday, January 6
Friday, February 3
Friday, March 3
Friday, April 7
Friday, May 5
Friday, June 2
Friday, July 7
Friday, August 4
Friday, September 1
Friday, October 6
Friday, November 3
Friday, December 1
This barely scratches the surface of free activities available in and around Boulder. To see a complete searchable list visit SCFD directly.
Cultural Centers Free Everyday
There are several organizations across the Front Range that have free admission every day they are open. These include:
The Broomfield Veterans Museum honors local veterans of all the United States conflicts and peacekeeping efforts, from the Civil War to the present, from all branches of service. The museum not only shares the stories of Colorado veterans, it is a center for veterans to connect, students to learn about our nation’s history, groups to explore the rotating exhibits, and families to honor their loved ones who served in the military.
The Foothills Art Center was established in 1968 when a group of local artists originally known as the Michonia Watercolor Society bought the First Presbyterian Church building to have a permanent location for their work. Since that time, Foothills Art Center has grown and evolved to offer a broad range of exhibits, events, and programming for artists and community members. In order to meet the needs of the community into the future, they will be expanding into the historic Astor House in downtown Golden in 2023.
Colorado Hall of Fame’s museum is an ideal place to bring the entire family or out-of-town guests to learn about the talented men, women, and institutions that have shaped the culture of Colorado’s music history. While you’re there, you can visit one of the most iconic natural amphitheaters in the world, Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Colorado Music Hall of Fame is home to exhibits of famous Colorado musicians such as John Denver, Dianne Reeves, Dan Fogelberg, Philip Bailey, and Judy Collins, as well as institutions like the legendary Caribou Ranch recording studio and many more. Celebrating Hall of Fame Inductees from our inaugural class in 2011 to the present day, the exhibits include artifacts, video biographies and written overviews of the legacies that inductees have left on Colorado’s music history.
The Aurora History Museum is part of the Library and Cultural Services Department for the city of Aurora. The Cultural Services Division is the largest single provider of arts and culture in the city of Aurora offering programs in performing arts, fine arts, history, and public art.
The Aurora History Museum opened its doors in 1979 in a historic building with two small galleries and an office. In 1990, the museum moved to its present location and re-opened in 1991. The museum collects and exhibits artifacts and documents pertaining to the history of Aurora and Colorado.
Are you looking for more outdoor adventure? Check out some of the places compiled in these top lists from in and around Boulder!
Summer may be winding down, but the fun never stops in Colorado. September continues to be packed with the best entertainment, festivals and celebrations with something for everyone.
Want to see something on our monthly calendar? Email us at john@john-farley.com.
1300 block of Pearl Street (in front of the County Courthouse)
Art Exhibits (FREE): Internal Pathways & Early Dawn by Melanie Yazzie; Faces of Little Luck by Marco Antonio García Noguera; Oculus Mentis by Penelope Sharp; Frank Buffalo Hyde #FBH
(Aug 26 – Sept 25)
Daily from 9 AM – 8 PM
Diary Arts Center
2590 Walnut Street (26th & Walnut)
Boulder, Colorado
80302
Every single day in Colorado is packed with amazing things to do- get out and explore our great state by checking out one of these amazing events! We hope you are enjoying your summer!
Want to see something on our monthly calendar? Email us at john@john-farley.com.
The Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Manitou Springs, CO
Glenwood Springs Hot Springs – Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Evergreen Lake Aerial Image of Ice Rinks – Evergreen, CO
