Glenwood Springs is a destination that knows how to throw a party where all guests have the time of their lives. These five festival events are a few of our favorites, but there’s always something fun and exciting happening in the famed hot springs town.
Good times begin in Glenwood Springs. These five annual events bring people from all walks of life together for music, fun, food and festivities. Mark your calendar and get ready to join the party in Colorado’s favorite hot springs town!
Strawberry Days
Held the third weekend in June in Two Rivers Park, Strawberry Days is a one-stop festival hot spot for a weekend of summer fun. Explore the artisan fair to discover items ranging from handmade jewelry to delicious caramel corn. Grab a bite to eat at the food court featuring an assortment of tasty treats, including fresh-squeezed lemonade, crepes, gyros, barbeque and more. Kids will be endlessly entertained at Family Fest where creative crafts and performances will keep them smiling. Don’t miss the Strawberry Days Parade down Pitkin Avenue, followed by free strawberries and ice cream at the park for all. Music lovers will get an earful as well with local, regional and headliner acts performing at the festival’s Main Stage. This is a destination event, so be sure to book your Glenwood Springs lodging in advance.
Music on the Mountain
Take your concert experience to new heights with Music on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. On designated Saturdays and a few Sundays July through September, the mountaintop theme park is humming with sounds that reverberate through the Colorado mountain air. As the sun sets, talented musicians take the stage, strumming guitars, plucking banjos and serenading the audience with familiar and original tunes. Enjoy dinner and drinks from the Lookout Grille or the Smokehouse while you take in the show. When the mood strikes, get moving to the foot-tapping rhythms that range from bluegrass and soul-stirring folk ballads to old-time rock ‘n’ roll. Glenwood Caverns is a captivating place to appreciate both the beauty of the outdoors and the power of music.
Octoberfest
German-themed events, music and family-friendly activities are the highlights of three weekends in October at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Enjoy traditional German beer, brats, sauerkraut, and pretzels, while an authentic oompah band keeps crowds on their feet and twirling in their dirndls and lederhosen. Extra fun for adults includes axe throwing and stein hoisting; kids can play oversized games like Connect 4 and Giant Jenga. There’s also a pumpkin patch and homemade in delicious fall flavors at the Gift Shop. Prost!
Annual Ghost Walk
The Glenwood Springs Historical Society’s Ghost Walk is a spooky October tradition that brings back the spirits of Glenwood’s past for a ghostly good time. Tours begin at the trailhead to Linwood Cemetery, led by lantern-wielding guides. Visitors traverse the rocky trail to the old pioneer cemetery where “ghosts” tell tales of their former lives on Earth. Ghostly characters vary year to year, but you may see like Jasper Ward, New Castle’s first mayor; Caroline Barlow, a hardworking pioneer woman; Doc Holliday, the infamous gambler and gunslinger; Kid Curry, a notorious train and bank robber; and many more. Tickets for the Ghost Walk nearly always sell out. Buy them early for a spooky good time at the graveyard.
Hotel Colorado Lighting Ceremony
This festival of lights inaugurates the holiday season in the hot springs town and takes place every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving at Hotel Colorado. Indoor activities begin in the late afternoon and include visits with Santa, a holiday photo booth, a gingerbread house display and a performance by Symphony in the Valley. As darkness descends, the event accelerates in anticipation. Performances begin on the outdoor stage in front of the historic hotel, dignitaries give speeches and, the moment everyone has been waiting for finally arrives. A jubilant countdown leads to a spectacular fireworks display launched from the hotel’s bell towers and, with the flip of a switch, the beautiful courtyard and hotel are illuminated in a festive array of holiday lights, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
Glenwood Springs is the ultimate destination for festival events and memorable experiences year-round. Check the resort town’s annual calendar of events for more things to do and make plans to visit today!
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