Midsummer Masterpieces: Art in the Altitude

July paints Colorado's festival canvas with vibrant strokes, starting with the prestigious Cherry Creek Arts Festival transforming Denver's upscale shopping district into an outdoor gallery. Steamboat Springs takes to the skies with their Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, dotting the morning sky with colorful balloons floating above the Yampa Valley. In Crested Butte, the Wildflower Festival celebrates Mother Nature's own artistic displays, while Colorado Springs hosts the Rocky Mountain State Games, turning the Front Range into an Olympic-style spectacle. These July gatherings prove that whether it's human-made art or natural splendor, Colorado's midsummer offers a masterpiece around every corner.

MOST POPULAR EVENT:

Cherry Creek Arts Festival 

- Basic Premise: Premier outdoor arts festival featuring 250+ artists, culinary demonstrations, and live performances

- Location: Cherry Creek North, Denver

- Host Organization: CherryArts

- Info typically found at: cherryartsfestival.org

- Also: denver.org/events

- Pro Tip: The "Artist of the Year" booth often has the longest lines - visit during lunch hour when most people are at food vendors to get quality time with the featured artist.

5 CLOSEST TO DENVER:

1. Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

- Basic Premise: Pan-Asian cultural festival featuring dragon boat races, performances, and food

- Location: Sloan's Lake Park, Denver

- Host Organization: Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

- Info typically found at: cdbf.org

- Also: denver.org/events

- Pro Tip: The most exciting races are mid-afternoon when the competitive teams face off - watch from the northwest corner of the lake for the best view of the finish line sprints.

2. Evergreen Jazz Festival

- Basic Premise: Traditional jazz festival featuring multiple venues and styles

- Location: Evergreen

- Host Organization: Evergreen Jazz Festival Foundation

- Info typically found at: evergreenjazz.org

- Also: evergreenchamber.org

- Pro Tip: The Church venue has the best acoustics and is air-conditioned - make it your base between visiting other locations.

3. Colorado Black Arts Festival

- Basic Premise: Celebration of African American art, culture, and music

- Location: City Park, Denver

- Host Organization: Colorado Black Arts Festival

- Info typically found at: colbaf.org

- Also: denver.org/events

- Pro Tip: The Boogaloo Celebration Parade on Saturday morning features the most dynamic performances and best photo opportunities.

4. Golden Buffalo Bill Days

- Basic Premise: Western heritage celebration with parade, art show, and wild west shows

- Location: Downtown Golden

- Host Organization: Golden Chamber of Commerce

- Info typically found at: buffalobilldays.com

- Also: visitgolden.com

- Pro Tip: Watch the mutton bustin' competition from the south end of the arena - better visibility of both rides and scores, plus quick access to the beer garden.

5. Central City Opera Summer Festival

- Basic Premise: Historic opera house performances and cultural events

- Location: Central City

- Host Organization: Central City Opera

- Info typically found at: centralcityopera.org

- Also: centralcitycolorado.com

- Pro Tip: Take the pre-performance historic building tour - you'll learn about secret tunnels and ghost stories that make the evening's performance more meaningful.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:

High Alpine Restoration Project

- Basic Premise: Restoration of high-altitude ecosystems and trail maintenance

- Location: Mount Evans Recreation Area

- Host Organization: Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

- Info typically found at: 14ers.org

- Also: fs.usda.gov/arp

- Pro Tip: The alpine wildflower identification sessions during lunch breaks are fascinating - bring a small notebook to record locations for future hiking photography.