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Crested Butte Restaurant Week: June
Residents and visitors alike will delight in the annual Crested Butte Restaurant Week June 8-15, 2012, highlighting local eateries and lodging establishments in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Crested Butte is situated at an astonishing 8,885 feet above sea level, where diners and overnight guests will revel and relax to their hearts’ content for meals or lodging starting at $88.85. starting at $8.85 for a single lunch and $88.85 for dinner for four.
Crested Butte is renowned for its superb restaurants and quaint, historic bed and breakfasts, inns, lodges and hotels that are surrounded by pristine National Forest and stunning mountain views. Dining is exquisite, as noted by Michael Carlton of The Denver Post, “Crested Butte has more fine restaurants per capita than any other town in the U.S.”
Participating restaurants will offer single lunches starting at $8.85 and $88.85 for multi-course dinners for four. Restaurants may offer several choices, and some may include wine or other beverages in the fixed price. Restaurants will also have their usual a la carte menus available at regular prices. Establishments that do not serve dinner will provide multi-course lunch promotions for $8.85. Special lodging rates will be available every night throughout Crested Butte Restaurant Week starting at $88.85 per bedroom, per night. Note: All prices exclude taxes and service.
Telluride Heritage Festival: June
Celebrate Telluride’s colorful and storied past. Venture back in time and walk along historic Main Street where Butch Cassidy once roamed. Mingle with weathered cowboys and gold-hungry prospectors and all others who answered the call of the San Juan Mountains. From the era of the mining boom through the rise of alpine skiing, Telluride roots have greatly influenced its rich character. Discover Telluride’s true colors as storytellers weave tall tales from the past.
Telluride Heritage Festival
www.telluridemuseum.org/events.html
Country Jam: June
The “much anticipated” 2012 line-up for Major Mortgage Country Jam has been announced. The festivities will kick off on Wednesday, June 20 with a Major Mortgage Country Jam Camping Party on Wednesday evening. Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young will continue the party on Thursday, June 21. Friday will be the ever popular Military Day headlined by Trace Adkins. Saturday will feature the “most anticipated” and “most requested” group to ever play at Major Mortgage Country Jam … the Zac Brown Band. Major Mortgage Country Jam 2012 will finish up the weekend with Blake Shelton, CMA and ACM Male Vocalist of the Year.
4-Day and 1-Day General Admission tickets are available at all Bradley Petroleum Convenience stores.
VIP, reserve, general Admission, Campground and Country Club tickets are now on sale at countryjam.com
Gunnison River Festival: June
Friday, June 23, 2012: Gunnison River Festival Extravaganza, Live Music River Games
Saturday, June 23, 2012: Community Raft Parade, Competitive Raft Race, Freestyle Kayak Comp, Kids Fun Zone, 2nd Annual Raft Rodeo, Standup Paddle Board, Hooligan Race
Telluride Balloon Festival: June
The 29th Annual Telluride Balloon Festival takes place June 1-3, 2012. We’re looking forward to some great flying and balloon wrangling here in the beautiful town of Telluride in the San Juan Mountains.
www.tellurideballoonfestival.com
Annual Dinosaur Days: June
Museum of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, CO
Come celebrate Dinosaur Days with Dinosaur Train!
Complete four Nature Trackers challenges to become a member of the Nature Trackers Club, meet Buddy the T. Rex, view Dinosaur Train episodes, see real dinosaur fossils outdoors, and take part in lots of other fun activities at the Dinosaur Journey Museum and the Fruita Paleontological Area!
Fruita Paleontological Area and Dinosaur Journey Museum map link
Telluride Wine Festival: June
The combination of mountain splendor with fine wines, this years event features winemakers’ luncheons, cooking demonstrations, reserve programs, tastings and seminars.
www.telluridewinefestival.com/
Telluride Musicfest: June-July
While Telluride already boasts many music festivals, the founders of Telluride Musicfest intended something different when they first opened their homes to festival goers in June 2003. Josh Aronson and Vincent and Ann Mai wanted to create a unique festival to enjoy chamber presented music in its intended form – first-class musicians performing in an intimate home environment.
Josh Aronson explains, “Chamber music was intended for performance in small chambers, salons and private theaters, where two to eight musicians played at parties given by noblemen.” Aronson first started having chamber music concerts in his New York loft a few years ago as a place for musicians to have a private warm-up concert before going public. He quickly realized that “audiences love the insider-ness of it and hearing big time music in a tiny venue is thrilling”, and decided that his family’s home in Telluride would be the perfect setting for such an event.
Cherry Days in Paonia: July
Cherry Days will be 66 years old this July 4-8th, 2012, but to the youngsters who will eat cotton candy and corn dogs, thrill to the rides and watch the July4th parade, the celebration will seem wondrous and new. Downtown Paonia is the bee’s knees. We all know that, but downtown gets a little more hip during the 66th Annual cherry Days with a Celebration of Grand Avenue. Hosted by downtown Paonia’s premier events centers, the Paradise Theatre and the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. During this celebration of downtown, visitors can enjoy interactive art activities, live entertainment, comedy and more. To the thousands of older folks who remember past Cherry Days, some back to 1947, this year’s celebration will be a mix of the familiar and the new.
Also, the Paonia Chamber of Commerce sponsors this festival to provide artists and craftsmen with a venue to showcase and sell their work.
Crested Butte Music Festival: July through August
www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com
Six-week summer event features opera, bluegrass, gypsy jazz, symphony & more
CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. (April 20, 2011) – The annual Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF), isn’t your average music festival. It distinguishes itself from other music events around the nation with extremely diverse offerings and the intimacy audiences can share with visiting artists from all over the world. Being held amongst the beauty of the Colorado Rockies in the charming 1880s town of Crested Butte and energetic resort village of Mt. Crested Butte adds to the appealing mix.
Colorado Lavender Festival: July
The Lavender Association of Western Colorado is proud to, once again, host Colorado’s ONLY lavender festival in historic downtown Palisade. Don’t miss the Lavender Festival at the park with informational displays and crafts featuring Lavender.
All-day, guided farm tours have included:
- Guided farm tours spanning the western Slope
- Art Studio and Lavender Gardens
- Wine reception
- Scrumptious, local lavender lunch
- Farmscaping Techniques & more…
Contact Us to be notified of other Lavender Festival related news.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival: July
www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com
Visitors also can enjoy the many other activities that draw people to Gunnison-Crested Butte throughout the season. Crested Butte is located in the West Elk range of the Rocky Mountains. Mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, boating and fishing are among the favorites. In addition, visitors can dine at the area’s fine restaurants and shop at local galleries, boutiques and outfitters.
Annual Colorful Colorado Car, Truck, & Rod Show: July
The two day event is held in July each year, sponsored by Black Canyon Classics of Montrose.
Grand Valley Performing Arts Festival: July
Colorado Mesa University, Moss Performing Arts Center, Grand Junction, CO
Celebrating the rich cultural heritage and vibrant performing arts and artists throughout Grand Junction and the Grand Valley.
The event includes an exciting array of dance, theater, music, and poetry performances and workshops, with a host of activities, entertainment, and classes for adults and children of all ages. All daytime festival events are free to attend. The highlight of the festival will be the Main Stage Showcase on Friday and Saturday nights in Robinson Theater, with wide-ranging performances including awesome multi-media dance theater pieces set to the music and message of John Lennon and The Beatles, popular Broadway musicals, beautiful classical and folk music, and amazing silk dancing.
Top O’ The Rockies Rally: July
The Top O’ The Rockies Rally is our Club’s annual Rally located on the grounds of the City Park in historic Paonia on the Western Slope of the Rockies. The Top O’ The Rockies Rally is in its 40th year, in 2012, of providing riders and their guests with the best riding and scenery Colorado has to offer. View the Rally Site Map and some fun Activities HERE. Captioned Pictures HERE.
Artists Alpine Holiday: August
This 9-day event is the 52nd Artists’ Alpine Holiday starting on Friday, August 3, 2012 and running through Saturday, August 11, 2012. In addition to the art show, there will be daily art demonstrations, door prizes, classes, etc. The entire show is free to the public. This annual art show is the oldest juried show on the Western Slope and features artists from the entire United States.
Location: Ouray Community Center
Ridgway Rendezvous Arts & Crafts Festival: August
Weehawken Creative Arts in Ridgway and Ouray, Colorado invites artists and craftspeople to participate
in the Annual Ridgway Rendezvous Arts and Crafts Festival. This annual show is located at the junction of Highways 550 and 62 in Southwest Colorado, Gateway to the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Ridgway is just 9 miles north of Ouray, 37 miles east of Telluride and 24 miles south of Montrose. Known as one of the most picturesque locations out there for artistans as
well as shoppers, this show boasts very successful sales for the 140 vendors.
Palisade Peach Festival: August
Four Days of celebration of the world famous Palisade Peaches, including:
• Agricultural Tours and Winery Tours
• Ice Cream Social & Street Dance
• Peach Cuisine with Colorado Chefs
• Guided Historical Walking Tours
• Peach Eating Contest
• Feast in the Fields
• Peach Recipe Contest
• Lions Club Pancake Breakfast
• Peach Festival Parade
• Suncrest Fiber Alpaca Expo
• Live Entertainment
• Palisade Sunday Farmers Market
Olathe Sweet Corn Festival: August
Olathe: 970-323-6006
The “Family fun event featuring all the Olathe Sweet Corn you can eat!”
Telluride Chamber Music Festival: August
The Telluride Chamber Music Festival has been bringing music to Telluride since 1973. Chamber Music is to be an close and personal experience for the listener, establishing a close connection in spirit. Take a break, spend time in Telluride and enjoy chamber music at its best.
Crested Butte Arts Festival: August
www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com
The festival features 175 artists, selected through a very competitive jury process, will exhibit their one-of-a-kind works in ceramics, drawing and graphics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, wearable art and wood.
Open-air booths line the three-block center of Crested Butte’s National Historic District from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days, featuring 185 artists who are selected through a very competitive jury process. New this year is a culinary arts demonstration tent. Returning favorites are an art auction, a hands-on “Art Alley” for kids ages 2 – 12, demonstration tent with exhibiting artists demonstrating their craft, culinary court, beer and wine pavilion.
In addition, there will be musical entertainment on the Ragged Mountain Stage from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and a variety of gourmet food selections available at the festival’s Culinary Court.
West Elk Wine Trail: August
Tour the North Fork Valley in Delta County and visit the local wineries participating in the tour. Events promote the West Elk AVA and understanding of the agricultural resource of the North Fork.
Telluride Jazz Festival: August
Telluride Jazz Celebration is proud to announce an outstanding lineup for its 35th Anniversary year. The yearly lineup showcases the very best artists in classic, mainstream and progressive jazz along with blues, cajun, pop, funk and soul. The annual festival will be held in August at Town Park and throughout the town’s many clubs and theaters. As in recent years, all pass holders will enjoy a wine tasting with over 20 varietals and yoga in the morning; both of which take place inside the park.
Annual Grillin’ & Chillin’ Brew & Music Fest: August
The Ouray Chamber Resort Association is proud to host craft brewers from the Western Slope of Colorado this year, including our three local breweries Colorado Boy, Ouray Brewing Company and Ouray House Brewery. Taste your way through the great variety of regional ales and be sure to chat with the friendly brewers, who enjoy this event, as much as the visitors do.
Music for the brew fest is just as diverse as the brews! This year we are excited to host three talented acts as the main entertainment. Regional favorite the David Starr Band kicks off the day followed by rising progressive country star Kyle Jennings and his friends. Nashville newcomers Humming House round out the entertainment with their eclectic danceable beats. Festival-goers are sure to find something to dance to and we’re hoping for some fun collaboration between the musicians.
Rock Jam: August: Mack, CO
The August Rock event on the Western Slope, camp and enjoy the famous line up of musicians for the weekend long rock festival.
San Juan Camber Music Fest: August
Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG)is a non profit organization, bringing quality events in music, dance, theater and other genres to Ouray and Ridgway.
Each year, The San Juan Chamber Music Festival boasts a variety of talented musicians both performing and sharing classical music knowledge. This year share the experience of three incredible artists!
Telluride Film Festival: August- September
Telluride: 970-665-9494
This festival is a celebration on all things on film. Come and immerse yourself in top films, with activities centering on the behind the scenes stories that resulted in great movies. This festival brings together the actors, directors, writers, and all those whose craft results in great film.
Paragon Gallery Peoples Fair: September
Arts and Crafts in Downtown Crested Butte. For the past 18 years the artists of the Paragon Gallery have hosted the this annual event, an eclectic mix of 60-70 booth selling unique regional arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, preserved food from local gardens, music, and more in a fun, family oriented environment. Reasonably priced items make this fair affordable for everyone and a must for treasure hunters!
Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off: September
Get into the spirit of autumn with Mt. Crested Butte’s annual Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off held on Sept. 8 at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) ski area. Heat up by sampling great chili prepared by area cook-off contestants, cool off with beers poured by several microbreweries and savor live music all afternoon. For admission costs and times, contact the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at (800) 814-8893 and visitwww.cbchamber.com.
Montrose Celebration of Art & Culture: September
An art and commerce event encouraging visits to merchants by providing culinary samplings and special events at each downtown business. Participants will be invited to join art docents on sculptural twilight tours. This event coincides with PAX’s annual sculpture unveiling.
Every year artists display quality works of art in various public location is the downtown area of Montrose, CO. The goal of PAX’s effort is “to enhance our community by creating new opportunities for people to come together and enjoy direct engagement with quality works of art.”
Pork N Hops Challenge: September
Location: Lincoln Park, Grand Junction, CO
The All-American Family Festival, including a professional KCBS BBQ competition with over 50 professional BBQ teams to compete for over $20,500 in cash prizes with bragging rights. Live bands, lots of beer, rides and food for the entire family.
Telluride Annual Blues & Brews Festival: September
The annual Telluride Blues and Brews has powered through rain, snow, hail and blazing sun in September for yet another amazing three-day festival of music, food, beer and fun. There is so much to love about this well-orchestrated event. Let me count some of the ways:
1. Blues! And so much of it, from the country blues of the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band to the soulful blues guitar of Robert Cray to the eclectic blues of Anders Osborne to the boogie woogie blues piano of Marcia Ball. Even when one of the headliners is Big Head Todd and the Monsters, not an immediate go-to for the blues, there are still blues in the offing — the band sent out some Robert Johnson in memory of the late David “Honeyboy” Edwards. Not to mention a ridiculously fun version of “Black Betty,” which allegedly was written by 12-string blues guitarist Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, although most people know it from Ram Jam. The Flaming Lips were sensational. Not really blues. But such a hoot to see live. As was Willie Nelson, bless his crowd-pleasing heart.
2. Brews! And so much of it, not only from the vendors who were sending it forth from kegs in garbage cans and strapped to their backs and in booths as fast as they could, for heaven sakes, but also at the grand tasting of 50 micros.
Annual Colorado Mountain Winefest: September
The Colorado Mountain Winefest brings together dozens of local wineries to celebrate Colorado’s award winning wines. The Winefest starts with food and wine pairing events throughout the Grand Valley. The traditional Colorado Mountain Winefest Golf Tournament is held during the weekend. Don’t miss the Wine & Vine Experience at the Colorado Wine Country Inn, Palisade. The Culinary & Chocolate Delight Package, held at the Double Tree Hotel on Horizon Drive, including dinner. The Fest concludes with ”Tour of the Vineyards,” a 25 mile Bike Tour of Wine Country.
Information: www.winecolorado.org/events/mountain-winefest/
htttownofpalisade.org/tour_vinyrds.htm
Mountain Harvest Festival: September
The annual Mountain Harvest Festival in Paonia is a wonderful community celebration of agriculture, art, music and life in general on Colorado’s Western Slope, held in Paonia in the North Fork Valley, the Heart of the Western Slope.
Our festival weekend kicks off this year on Wednesday evening with the 4th Annual District 81428 Fashion and Design Show at the Paradise Theatre. Thursday is the day for the Local Farms First Farm to Table Dinner at Delivious Orchards followed by the wonderfully acclaimed Harvest of Voices at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. This event is always well attended so get there early to get a good seat. While there, check out the art exhibits in the recently renovated Blue Sage Gallery.
www.mountainharvestfestival.org
Crested Butte Film Festival: September
Come be inspired! Features, shorts, documentaries, panel discussions, parties – and it all takes place during the peak of the aspen-viewing season. Many of the films will be Colorado premieres, including a mix of international and US productions, Academy Award nominees, selections from Cannes and Sundance, and newly discovered gems. Crested Butte provides the perfect intimate setting to engage with visiting filmmakers at unique historical venues, combined with some of the best mountain biking and hiking the state has to offer. Pass options make it easy and affordable for you to enjoy the entire 4-day festival and all events. For information, visit www.cbfilmfest.org or call (303) 204-9080
Ouray County Historical Society, Quilt Show: August-September
Annual Alpine Bank Fruita Fall Festival: September
The Fruita Fall Festival is a 3-day event with over 150 vendors selling their arts, crafts and foods to a crowd of 50,000-plus. The weekend is filled with events including a youth pet and talent show, a parade, the famous bed race, and a baking and canning contest. New this year is a 5K race. Planned by the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce as its major fundraiser, the fest is a free community event.
Cedaredge AppleFest: October
Cedaredge comes alive with music, food, art and more. Originally called “Harvest Festival,” AppleFest’s main theme is the celebration of one great fall event, “the apple harvest.” We still celebrate apple harvest, but with small town flair, we stretch it out to four days of fun.
Thousands of locals and visitors flock to Cedaredge to enjoy the craft &food booths, classic car show, antique tractor show, 5K run & fitness walk, and much more. The Surface Creek Valley boasts some of the most delicious apples you will ever sink your teeth into— like Honey Crisp, Fuji, Golden Delicious…all which can be seen hanging from trees as you drive up and down the peaceful country roads. The Surface Creek Valley is home to both large and small apple orchards. For a fun family experience you can still pick your own apples here in Cedaredge. The Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the four day celebration starting with the 5-Alarm-Chili Cook-Off on Thursday evening at the Cedaredge Fire House.
Then there’s the “party of the year,” the Golden Gala on Friday night with live music, food, beverage and a glass to commemorate your evening.
On Saturday and Sunday you’ll experience two days of fun, food, booths and music for the entire family on Main Street and in the Cedaredge Town Park with no admission fee.
Montrose Visual Arts Guild: Annual Art Exhibition: October
Camelot Gardens, Montrose, CO.
The annual event is open to the public and attendees are encouraged to participate in the “Peoples Choice Voting.” Visit Camelot Gardens, see local works of art, and support the Arts Guild.
Oktoberfest In Montrose: October
Centennial Plaza
Oktoberfest celebrates the unique flavors of our community and region. Attendees listen to live music, drink locally-brewed beer, and enjoy food from local restaurants.
Come and Enjoy Oktoberfest in Montrose, at Centennial Plaza, South First and Uncompahgre Avenues.
Oktoberfest In Ouray: October
Cold beers, hot brats, and great company are all on tap at the annual Ouray Oktoberfest celebration. The festivities also include the Annual Jeep Raffle, polka dancing, and door prizes.
The annual Jeep Raffle, now 48 years old, supports Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve fireworks in Ouray, an annual student scholarship, the purchase of a new Jeep and community events.
October: “One Step Closer to Help and Hope”
Remember that ALL money raised during these events stays in Western Colorado to help those who have been touched by breast cancer.
If you are unable to attend and would like to send a donation to this year’s annual fundraiser, please mail your check to
Bosom Buddies
PO Box 1263
Montrose, CO 81402-1263
For additional information, call Francie Smiles at 252-2814.
Annual Telluride Horror Show: October
October 12, 13, 14, 2012 marks the 3rd Annual Telluride Horror Show, a 3-day genre film festival in world-famous Telluride, Colorado. For three days, film fans will experience the latest horror, fantasy, and sci-fi films in Telluride’s historic Sheridan Opera House and Nugget Theatre. The festival screens an average of 20 feature films and 30+ short films, and hosts special programs, guests, and events.
Ouray County United Sports Swap: October
Ouray County 4H Event Center, Ridgway, CO
Drop Off Winter Sports Gear to Sell: Help get kids outdoors! This swap helps raise funds for the George Fund (for Experimental Education) which gives scholarships for kids outdoor experiences.
15% of sales will be retained to benefit the George Fund for local kids. All Locals equipment will be sold in a special “DEALS” section for better visibility. Area Shops will also be there selling last year’s gear at incredible deals as well, as Telluride Ski Resort selling past products.
For Further Information: 970-626-3821
Email: thegeorgefund11@gmail.com
Montrose Downtown Fall Fun Fest: October
The Montrose Downtown Fall Fun Fest is a Fall themed fundraiser festival on Main Street in Montrose Downtown. All youth serving organizations are encouraged to set up game and activity booths to earn funds for their group.
Punkin Chunkin Fall Fun Fest: October
DeVries Fruit and Veggys
Highway 50, between Mile Markers 85 & 86
Olathe, CO
Starting at 10:00am to 5ish. Time to get your machines ready for the Olathe Volunteer Fire Deptments annual Punkin Chunkin. We need you! If you ever have wanted to build a contraption that could hurl pumpkins far and away, this is your chance. Every year we build this event and every year it is getting better. Food, music, vendors, kids games and events, we got it all. So, if you are interested in putting a machine together, you better get on on it. All types of machines welcome (EXCEPT EXPLOSIVES), air canons, catapults, trebruche, sling shot, what ever you can come up with. Each machine is in its own category and will compete for distance and accuracy.
San Juan Weavers Guild Show & Sale: November
San Juan Weavers Guild Show & Sale:
A huge inventory of handwoven items will be availalbe for purchase, including textiles for the kitchen, and bath, rag rugs, baskets, and fashionable clothing, scarves, and accessories. Holiday decor and gifts are always featured; tapestries and hangings can provide unusual accents for your home. Products made from members’ handspun yarn or felted from raw fiber are included. Demonstrations of weaving, spinning, and other fiber arts are ongoing during the sale and give an appreciation for the time and skills needed to create one-of-a-kind items.
Downtown Grand Junction: Tree Lighting: November
Downtown Grand Junction: Tree Lighting:
Watch Main Street and the Wells Fargo Christmas Tree lighting about dusk on Main Street. This is the kick off of the holiday season, with Santa, the Barbershop Chorus and your favorite Christmas Carols.
Montrose, CO: Tree Lighting: November
Tree Lighting, Processional, and Santa’s Cabin:
Come down to see the festive tree lighting in front of the historic courthouse, including roasted chestnuts, refreshments, and entertainment. Carolers and Santa will lead a lantern-lit procession down Main Street to Santa’s Cabin in Centennial Plaza.
Montrose, CO: Small Business Saturday: November
Visit Downtown Montrose on November 24, for “Small Business Saturday: A nationwide program to highlight the power of small businesses to invigorate a local economy. There will be Free Holiday Hay Rides around the downtown district. Many stores will be featuring special holiday sales, refreshments, and other fun holiday activities. Bring family and friends for a fun, memorable hometown holiday experience.
By shopping locally, we can strengthen our economy and create positive economic growth. Over the past year, over 20 new businesses have opened downtown and many existing stores have brought in new products. This day is a day to explore the fresh, exciting atmosphere in Montrose Downtown and find the perfect holiday gifts.
The following quote is from the Small Business Saturday website, “Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Last year, over one hundred million people* came together to Shop Small® in their communities on Small Business Saturday®.”
Visit smallbusinesssaturday.com and www.facebook.com/montrosedowntown for more information.
Yule Fest Victorian Christmas Weekend: December
OURAY, COLORADO, Ouray welcomes the holiday season with a long weekend of special events, shopping and winter cheer with Yule Fest. The town will be aglow in decorated windows, twinkling lights and Santa’s chuckles. The weekend features live music at two venues, a wine, chocolate and cheese celebration on Saturday, visits with Santa for the kids and the pets, and great shopping opportunities at local small businesses, many of which are featuring holiday specials and events.
Shoppers have a chance to win a holiday gift certificate courtesy of the Ouray Chamber Resort Association by participating in the Ouray Holiday Scavenger Hunt. A special ornament will be hidden in many Ouray shops, restaurants and businesses. Participating businesses will have glowing luminarias outside their doors. Turn in at least ten “finds” by the end of the weekend to enter a special drawing. Visit OurayColorado.com or the Ouray Visitors Center for a full list of participating businesses and more details on all of the events.
Ouray Ice Festival: January
The Ouray Ice Festival is held each year in January at the Ouray Ice Park in Ouray, CO. This international gathering of ice climbers was first held in January 1996. This is one of the world’s premier ice climbing events, a mix of ice climbers, industry sponsors, and the top climbers of the world. This event is held at the Ice Park located in the Uncimpahgre Gorge in Ouray, CO. The festival is the primary fundraiser for the Park, funds being used for maintenance and operations. Come an join fellow climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, and support the Ouray Ice Park.
Crested Butte Songwriters Festival: January
In January, at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s elevation-hotel-and-spa in Colorado, The Crested Butte Songwriters Festival will proudly present the best performing songwriters in the world. Building on last year’s successful debut, which raised more than $40,000 for Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink and the TJ Martell Foundation.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Crested Butte, Colorado
Annual Taste of the Grand Valley: February
The “Home Loan Taste of the Grand Valley” is a local food festival that benefits the United Way of Mesa County. This food festival features local restaurants, catering companies, and food producers. The exhibitors feature samples of their products, and your entrance fee is a donation to the United Way of Mesa County.