7 Crested Butte Summer Events You Can’t Miss

The summer season is a hectic time in Crested Butte. There is so much to do in such a short amount of time. We’ve taken the burden of planning out 7 events this summer (in chronological order), so that you can just show up and enjoy. Sit back, relax, and check out what’s coming up soon!  

Summer in the Butte kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with this multi-day celebration at the Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased for single events, full days, or all-inclusive passes with discounts for students as well. The 4th year of the Literary Fest includes over 40 events including:

• Q&As and discussions with renowned guests
• Workshops on writing, world-building, acting, and more
• Kids’ events, parties, and live theater

Independence Day in Crested Butte is one of the biggest events of the year. This year there are a few more celebrations to enjoy:

• The annual parade down Elk Ave with dozens of creative floats
• Vendor Village at 3rd and Elk featuring live music, face painting, and eats
• Epic water fight at the end of the parade route by the Big Mine/CB Nordic Center courtesy of the CB Fire Department
• Alpenglow (free concert series) at the Center for the Arts outdoor stage in the late afternoon w/Trout Steak Revival
• Mt. CB laser light show w/live DJ

Every Monday evening at the Center for the Arts outdoor stage and park enjoy free concerts. A variety of bands and musical genres are playing indoors at the Center as well. Check out the full schedule here.

Crested Butte is the undisputed Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Every summer is a treat here, with colorful and truly amazing blooms of countless species. The Wildflower Festival itself spans two weeks, however there are events offered all summer long including 4×4 jeep tours, art classes, garden tours, guided hikes, photography workshops, and much more. Keep in mind the July events sell out pretty quickly.

The Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival offers enlightening seminars, elegant winemaker dinners, exciting tasting events, and the annual Grand Tasting in the wildflower capital of Colorado. This summer tradition brings passionate hospitality professionals, culinary stars, celebrated winemakers, award-winning beverage experts, and adventurous foodies from around the world to Crested Butte to eat, drink and give.

Now in its third year at the new and improved location by the Crested Butte Community School, the Arts Fest continues to attract unique and talented  fine artists from both Colorado and around the world. Expect delicious food trucks, music and dance, and family friendly activities to go along with over 100 artist exhibits showcased outdoors.

The Great Rubber Duckie Race is the Crested Butte/Mt Crested Butte Rotary Club’s sole fundraiser for the year. We host the duck race on Coal Creek the first Sunday in August and it’s a lot of fun! Each $10 ticket or $500 Big Duck goes towards the goal of raising over $55,000 each year.

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At Crested Butte Lodging & Property Management, we understand the quality of lodging can make or break your vacation. We have carefully evaluated and inspected each property and have categorized our accommodations to further help you make your lodging selection. We want you to come to Crested Butte, Colorado to relax and have fun – not hassle with your accommodations.