Colorado River Festivals Celebrating Community and the Flow

In Colorado, spring mountain runoff means it's time for river festivals! Communities throughout Colorado come together to celebrate this revitalizing time of year. Below is a list of some of the best river celebrations in Colorado. They all offer a unique variety of family-friendly fun, including live music, food, and various river activities.  Check out what's coming up and make plans to stop by and join in on the celebration.

1. Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival – Palisade

Dates: June 6–8, 2025
Location: Riverbend Park, along the Colorado River

Why It's Special: Set against the backdrop of the Colorado River, this family-friendly festival brings together top bluegrass artists and emerging stars for three days of non-stop music and festivities. It's a perfect blend of hot pickin’ guitars, artistry, fiddles, and sunshine.

2. Beanstalk Music & Mountains Festival – Bond

Dates: June 13–15, 2025
Location: Rancho Del Rio, on the Colorado River

Why It's Special: Hosted by Colorado's own Magic Beans, this intimate festival combines the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River with a live music experience featuring top touring acts in the jam scene. Attendees can enjoy outdoor activities during the day and live music under the stars at night, all in a venue known for its magical ambiance.

3. FIBArk – Salida

Dates: June 19–22, 2025
Location: Downtown Salida, along the Arkansas River

Why It's Special: As the nation's oldest whitewater festival, FIBArk (First in Boating the Arkansas) began in 1949 and has grown into a four-day celebration featuring river races, live music, parades, and more. The festival attracts over 10,000 people annually and features a diverse range of events, both on the river and in town.

4. Ridgway RiverFest – Ridgway

Date: June 28, 2025
Location: Rollans Park, on the Uncompahgre River

Why It's Special: This grassroots festival celebrates the Uncompahgre River with a focus on environmental education and community engagement. Attendees can enjoy live music, local food and drink, and participate in river races and other family-friendly activities, all while supporting river restoration efforts.

5. RiverFEST – Glenwood Springs

Date: August 2, 2025
Location: Two Rivers Park, at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers

Why It's Special: RiverFEST combines environmental stewardship with community celebration. Participants can join in river clean-up efforts on foot or by boat, then enjoy a BBQ, live music, and local brews in the park. It's a day dedicated to preserving and enjoying the natural beauty of Glenwood Springs' waterways.

6. Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival – Cañon City

Dates: July 18–19, 2025
Location: Centennial Park, along the Arkansas River

Why It's Special: This festival celebrates the whitewater season with a variety of activities, including kayak, SUP, raft, and river board races, as well as land-based events like trail runs and mountain bike rides. Live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities round out the festivities, with proceeds supporting local river restoration projects.

Whether you're a thrill-seeker, music lover, or environmental enthusiast, Colorado's river festivals offer something for everyone. Embrace the spirit of the rivers and join in these celebrations that highlight the state's natural beauty and vibrant communities.

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons