5 things to do in Colorado in August 

Make the most out of the long summer days while they last and enjoy these events and attractions this August in Colorado.
By:
July 18, 2023
Peaches are low in calories, rich in fiber and a good source of vitamins and minerals. Photo by Getty Images.
Peaches are low in calories, rich in fiber and a good source of vitamins and minerals. They’re the stars of the summer harvest in Colorado. Enjoy them now. Photo by Getty Images.

August in Colorado offers outdoor adventures, vibrant festivals and opportunities to taste Colorado-grown food, picked at the peak of deliciousness. Make the most out of the long summer days while they last; soak up some sun (don’t forget the sunscreen), enjoy an ice cream cone and check out these ideas for things to do in August in Colorado:

August 4: Enjoy a free day at Colorado’s national parks

The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Southern Colorado is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. You'll find opportunities to picnic, hike, camp and sand sled. Photo by Getty Images.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Southern Colorado is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. You’ll find opportunities to picnic, hike, camp and sand sled. Photo: Getty Images.

In 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act was passed, which provides funding to national parks and other public lands to improve infrastructure and recreation opportunities. In celebration of this act, August 4 is now known as the Great American Outdoors Day, and entrance to all U.S. national parks 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 18-19: Taste the world-famous Palisade peaches

Peaches in Palisade, Colorado. Photo by Matt Inden/Miles, courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office.
Peaches in Palisade, Colorado. Photo by Matt Inden/Miles, courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office.

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! Join the fun and buy your tickets today.

The first Comic Con, short for Comic Convention, was held in San Diego in 1970. Today, there are Comic Cons held all over the world. Photo courtesy of Altered Reality Entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Altered Reality Entertainment.

August 25-27: Explore the world of comics, sci-fi, cosplay and pop culture at Colorado Springs Comic Con

The first Comic Con, short for Comic Convention, was held in San Diego in 1970. Today, there are Comic Cons held all over the world.

This 3-day event will feature stars from all genres of TV, movies and cartoons, some of the best names in the comic art community, as well as numerous vendors with those hard-to-find toys, comics and collectibles. Autographs, photo ops, shopping, celebrity panels and cosplay contests are just a few of the things you can look forward to.

August 27: Find affordable art for a good cause at the annual Affordable Art Festival

Engaging in art, whether as an artist or an appreciator, can have various positive effects on mental, emotional and even physical health. Photo by Jim DeLutes, courtesy of Affordable Arts Festival.
Engaging in art, whether as an artist or an appreciator, can have various positive effects on mental, emotional and even physical health. Photo by Jim DeLutes, courtesy of Affordable Arts Festival.

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 Colorado and is ranked #25 in the country out of 600+ art festivals. 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 1-30: Visit the artisan village of Jessup Farm

Jessup Farm is named after Mary and Joseph Jessup, who bought the property around the turn of the century and began farming there. Photo by Clayton Jenkins, courtesy of Bellisimo Inc.
Jessup Farm is named after Mary and Joseph Jessup, who bought the property around the turn of the century and began farming there. Photo by Clayton Jenkins, courtesy of Bellisimo Inc.

Located at the northern end of the Bucking Horse Community in Fort Collins, the Jessup Farm Artisan Village brings to life the farmstead of one of Fort Collins’ early settlers. It’s a place to gather, drop by for coffee and a bite to eat, or do a little shopping. You can even get a haircut at the Lucky 27 barbershop, break a sweat at the SPENGA fitness studio or bring your pet in for a checkup at the Moore Animal Hospital. Basically, Jessup Farm has it all in a quaint and convenient location.

Ready. Set. CO To do in Colorado

About the author

Megan Jansson is a Social Media Communication Strategist at UCHealth with a passion for all things health. She worked as a certified personal trainer for many years, earned her bachelor’s degree in strategic advertising at the University of Colorado Boulder and earned her master’s degree in public health at Colorado State University. Always having a big passion for writing, she’s written numerous articles and stories for Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Public Health.