August is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor adventures, vibrant festivals and delicious Colorado-grown specialties, which are now at their peak. Soak up some summer rays (don’t forget the sunscreen), enjoy some ice cream and take part in these fantastic activities and events.
August 4-5 and 7-8: Odyssiad live piano competition – Fort Collins, Colorado
Witness young piano prodigies from around the globe as they compete for the prestigious Bobbie and Paul Mielke Gold Medal, along with silver and bronze medals, cash prizes and an opportunity to perform with the Boulder Symphony.
This free, public event, held at the University Center for the Arts at Colorado State University, features the semifinal and final rounds of the competition. The solo rounds take place on Aug. 4 and 5, while the concerto rounds will take place on Aug. 7 and 8.
The competition is part of the International Keyboard Odyssiad and Festival, U.S.A, which offers a vibrant educational learning environment for all competitors and is open to all piano enthusiasts. The competition is free to the public, but tickets are required for the festival’s evening concerts.
August 4: Enjoy a free day at Colorado’s national parks
Since 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act has provided funding to national parks and other public lands to improve infrastructure and recreation opportunities.
In celebration of this act, Aug. 4 is now known as the Great American Outdoors Day, and entrance to all U.S. national parks and federally managed public land is free for the day.
Colorado is home to multiple national parks, trails, recreation areas and historic sites, all with picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife and numerous recreation opportunities. At some parks, you’ll need reservations. Make your plans in advance, and check out great hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and fun ways to explore Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
August 7-24: Denver Parade of Homes – metro Denver
Be awed by the newest trends in home design. See top-quality construction, furnishings and landscaping at featured homes throughout the Denver area. Join a free multi-site tour (either online or in-person) Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The Home Builders Association of Metro Denver hosts the tour which includes new and award-winning homes.
See unique floor plans, beautiful communities and the latest interior design trends and home technology.
This event is free and open to the public.
August 13-17: Telluride Mushroom Festival, Telluride, Colorado
If you love eating mushrooms, hunting for mushrooms or are just fascinated by fungi, this is the festival for you. Learn from experts about how to identify mushrooms and how to avoid dangerous, poisonous mushrooms while exploring natural areas in Colorado’s stunning San Juan Mountains. Listen to talks from world-renowned mycologists, enjoy large community gatherings and sample culinary delights. There is also a festival parade.
August 15-16: Palisade Peach Festival – Palisade, Colorado
Palisade is a small town on Colorado’s Western Slope with a rich agricultural history. In the summer months, Palisade is most famous for its peaches, which are known for being extra juicy and sweet. Each year, the Palisade Peach Festival celebrates these world-renowned peaches with orchard farm tours, food trucks, live music, peach eating contests, a parade and more!
August 23 and 24: Unicorn Festival – Aurora, Colorado
This magical, family-friendly event offers a fairytale experience featuring unicorns, mermaids, butterflies and princesses (with lots of photo opportunities). There will be foam parties, face painters and many fun fairyland games and events.
The event takes place at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds on a lush lawn and in 50,000 square feet of indoor space. Activities start at 10 a.m. each day and continue until 5 p.m. Admission gets you into all the activities and events.
August 22 to September 1: Colorado State Fair – Pueblo, Colorado
The Colorado State Fair is an iconic celebration that offers 11 days of events and competitions from carnival rides to demolition derbies, monster truck shows, rodeos and concerts.
After purchasing a ticket to enter the fair for about $9, there are plenty of free attractions to enjoy, including pig races and a high-dive show. Children can participate in the tractor pull and can hunt for “The Plant Guy” around the grounds.
Check out three “free stages” for live music throughout the fair. You can also visit the many different 4-H exhibits or watch 4-H members compete. Adults also compete in craft drinks and fine art.
August 24: Affordable Art Festival – Littleton, Colorado
Every year, the Affordable Art Festival hosts over 160 artists from around the country to offer art patrons the unique opportunity to buy fine art for $150 or less. The show is the fastest-growing art show in.
All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Arapahoe Community College Foundation to help fund scholarships for future artists who are enrolled in art classes at the college.
August 29: Last Friday Poetry Night – Longmont, Colorado
Join the Firehouse Art Center Writers for an evening of poetic expression at their monthly Last Friday Poetry Night.
These last-Friday events celebrate the beauty and power of poetry, offering a platform for poets to share their original work. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or a first-time reader, this is an opportunity to connect with others and explore the full spectrum of human experience through verse.
The event is free, but donations to support the Firehouse Art Center, a non-profit organization, are always appreciated.