With Memorial Day already behind us, summer has officially arrived. Didn't get a chance to sneak away to one of the our mountain town season kick-offs? There's a full calendar of festivals ahead! Aside from a few standard sellouts like the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and Telluride Bluegrass, there's still time to score tickets to the rest of 'em. We've rounded up our top ten festivals (in date order) for the season with lodging picks from our 38 Essential Ski Town Hotels.
Snowmass Mammoth Fest
When: June 13-15
Where to stay: Viceroy Snowmass
Why go: Formerly known as the Chili Pepper & Brew Fest, the start of summer in Snowmass will bring headliners Chris Robinson and Leftover Salmon to Snowmass. Don't worry, the Grand Tastings of microbrews and chili remain.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
When: July 7-13
Where to stay: Lodge at Mountaineer Square
Why go: The wildflower capital of Colorado celebrates peak season with over 250 events from hiking, walks, birding, butterfly watching and arts with 80 instructors from across the country - all in support of advocacy for the preservation and appreciation of flora and fauna in the Gunnison Valley.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass
When: June 19-July 7; August 29-31
Where to stay: Limelight Hotel (June), Viceroy Snowmass (Labor Day)
Why go: So. Much. Music. Take your pick between the June festival featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Diana Krall, Steve Winwood and Tony Bennett or Labor Day weekend with FUN., Ziggy Marley, Carrie Underwood, Nickel Creek, One Republic and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Big Sky PBR
When: July 30-31
Where to stay: Summit Hotel Big Sky
Why go: The country's meanest bulls will buck the world's best riders for a stop on the Professional Bull Riding Pro Division tour. Each night of competition will be followed by a free concert in Town Center.
Sun Valley Summer Symphony
When: July 28-August 19
Where to stay: Knob Hill Inn
Why go: Celebrate their 30th season with a stellar lineup of classical musicians. The series is punctuated with the Gala Concert featuring "The People's Diva" Renee Flemming.
Wanderlust Whistler
When: July 31 - August 4
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Why go: Your health is your wealth. Here, you'll find inspiration from the world's top yogis, musicians, motivational speakers, artists and culinary experts for a festival focused on YOU. Wanderlust is also making summer stops in Stratton, Aspen/Snowmass, Squaw Valley and Tremblant.
Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival
When: August 15-17
Where to stay: Airbnb a cottage on the North Shore
Why go: SUPing (aka Stand Up Paddling) has exploded on the summer mountain scene. Whether you're a newbie or pro, the "world's original" SUP event takes over Kings Beach State Park for a weekend on the water.
Telluride Mushroom Festival
When: August 15-19
Where to stay: Lumière Telluride
Why go: Presented by the Telluride Institute, this festival is all about the fungi (and all things mycology). Science buffs will learn about the many uses of mushrooms like culinary and medicinal and how to forage and grow your own.
Strawberry Music Festival
When: September 11-14
Where to stay: Nevada County Campgrounds
Why go: After a two-year hiatus, the family-friendly, folk music favorite returns with a new location. Grass Valley, CA will play home to the 60th festival for close to 7,000 concert-goers celebrating the magic of music and mountains.
Telluride Blues & Brews
When: September 12-14
Where to stay: New Sheridan Hotel and Chophouse
Why go: The best microbreweries in the country paired with a killer lineup of live blues, funk, jam, rock, gospel and soul musicians - all set against one of the more scenic mountain town backdrops.
Did we miss a favorite fest? Let us know and we'll file it away!
·Get Ready for Summer with the Updated 38 Essential Hotels [Curbed Ski Archives]
·The Best Ski Town Bike Paths [Curbed Ski Archives]
·The Best Day Hikes in Ski Country [Curbed Ski Archives]