Top Winter Festivals Near Denver
A snow sculpture taking shape in Breckenridge (credit: Kevin Moloney/Getty Images)During the months spanning from November to typically April or May, Colorado is a winter wonderland. The weather gets chilly, the nights grow dark, and most importantly, there is snow! What does that mean for us? Well, great skiing, terrible drivers and a plethora of festivals taking place throughout the city of Denver and the entire state. Here are some of the best winter festivals being held this season in and around Denver.
National Western Complex
4655 Humboldt St.
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 297-1166
www.nationalwestern.com
Date: Jan. 9-24, 2016
Ever since 1906, cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation gather to partake in this massive event. The "Super Bowl" of rodeos takes place during this event, as well as other nationally recognized horse shows. Not only can you see some great performances, but the National Western Stock Show is Colorado's largest trade show. Artifacts, clothing and other pieces from around the nation are sold by vendors throughout the grounds. Tickets for various shows are available now.
Mile High Station
2027 Olde West Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 946-7721
www.denverbrewfest.com
Date: Jan. 22 and 23 from 7-10 p.m.
The Winter Brewfest will take place at Mile High Station, and will feature tons of different vendors, live performances, games, and other fun activities. Craft beer vendors from around the state bring their new creations to showcase at this event, and will undoubtedly be doing so this year. So if you want to have a fun-filled weekend while getting a preview of some of the best beer in the state, the Winter Brewfest is the event for you. Tickets are currently $35, but will go up to $45 the day of the event.
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Trading Post Road
Morrison, CO 80401
(303) 697-1335
www.icelanticskis.com
Date: Jan. 29, 2016
This year is the fifth anniversary of Icelantic Ski Company's annual "Winter On The Rocks." Skiers, snowboarders, and music connoisseurs alike gather inside Red Rocks for a great concert full of vendors, giveaways, and of course, great musical acts. While this year's lineup has not been announced yet, past headliners have included Major Lazer, Ghostland Observatory and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.
Downtown Breckenridge
203 S. Main St.
Breckenridge, CO 80424
(877) 864-0868
www.gobreck.com
Date: Jan. 18, 2016 - Feb. 7, 2016
This year is the 26th anniversary of the Budweiser International Snow Sculpting Championships, where teams from all over the world come to make the most intricate and beautiful sculpture out of snow that they possibly can. The event takes place in three stages: stomping week (1/18-1/22), snow sculpture championships (1/26-1/30), and the snow sculpture viewing week (1/30- 2/7). This is some of the "coolest" art you'll ever see. Check out a gallery of past participants here.
Estes Park Events Complex
1125 Rooftop Way
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-6104
www.visitestespark.com
Date: Jan. 15-18, 2016
Over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Estes Park will be the place to be. High flying skiers and snowboarders will be putting on a show, there will be a chili cook-off, and of course, tons of craft beer tastings. On Saturday, there will be hundreds of snowshoes available for testing, so feel free to hike that trail you've always wanted to, even though there will be tons of powder on the ground. Monday is a free day, so access to Rocky Mountain National Park will be free for the holiday, and tons of local shops and groups will be putting on events the whole family can enjoy. For ticketing info, click here.
Related: Top Street Art In Denver
