August is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor adventures, vibrant festivals and delicious Colorado-grown specialties, which are at their peak now. Soak up some summer rays (don’t forget the sunscreen), enjoy some ice cream and venture out to take advantage of these fantastic activities and events.
Aug. 1: Celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday with great activities throughout the month
As Colorado celebrates its 150th birthday, there is no better time to explore the state’s rich history, stunning landscapes and unique attractions.
To mark Colorado’s sesquicentennial, we compiled a list of 150 fun things to do across the Centennial State, from iconic national parks and historic landmarks to quirky museums, scenic mountain towns and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, looking for family-friendly activities or hoping to experience something new close to home, this guide offers inspiration for everyone.
August 3-8: Odyssiad live piano competition – Fort Collins, Colorado
Maybe you’re checking out the new adventure film this summer, “The Odyssey.” There’s an unrelated event with a similar name, where you watch brave performers in action. 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 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 6-23: 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 across Metro Denver, from Longmont to Castle Rock and Arvada to Aurora, and new this year to the Denver Parade of Homes is Winter Park.
This year’s event debuts a new mobile app, helping attendees plan their tours and learn about the homes they visit. Parade-goers can also cast their vote in a new designer competition.
In-person tour tickets cost $10 through Aug. 5; $12 from Aug. 6-23; kids 13 and under are free. The fee supports the Home Builders Foundation, a Denver-area nonprofit.
August 12-16: 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 also is a festival parade.
August 21-22: 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 22-23: 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 28 to September 7: Colorado State Fair – Pueblo, Colorado
The Colorado State Fair is an iconic celebration that offers 11 days of food, fun and events, including carnival rides, demolition derbies, monster truck shows, rodeos and concerts in Pueblo.
After purchasing a ticket to enter the fairgrounds for about $15 (various discounts are available), there are plenty of free attractions to enjoy, including pig races, livestock exhibits and various competitions where the talents of Coloradans shine in art, needlework, cooking and more. Families and children will love the Colorado Proud Trail, which allows kids to gather and learn about Rocky Ford melons, Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Pueblo green chiles and more. New this year: special exhibits and events honoring the 250th birthday of the United States and Colorado’s sesquicentennial.
Check out three “free stages” for live music throughout the fair. And be sure to eat one of Pueblo’s most iconic dishes, the “slopper,” a hamburger smothered in green chile.
August 28: 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.
August 30: 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.
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.