By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | May 1, 2023 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Feature,
Memorial Day weekend takes place May 27 to 29. For a fun-filled three days, check out what’s happening below.
Website/ Beaver Creek 81620
From May 26 to 28, the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival takes over the base of the Beaver Creek Resort. The summer kick-off event is family friendly and features live blues music; craft beers from Colorado breweries and barbecue eats grilled and expertly sauced by Colorado pit masters. What’s more, Saturday and Sunday will welcome Myron and Michael Mixon, the father and son barbecue legend of Jacks Old South BBQ.
Website/ 1236 Canyon Blvd 80302
From May 26 to 29, the Boulder Creek Festival will put on more than 30 bands across three stages over the course of four days. In addition to music, the long weekend will feature shopping, a beer fest, food from more than 30 restaurants, kids' activities, an art battle and over 200 artisans.
Add some excitement to the holiday weekend with a Breckenridge Fat Bike Tour. You’ll witness a bit of nature with a ride through the French Creek area and Boreas Pass and have some extra fun with stops at the Breckenridge Distillery and Broken Compass Craft Brewery.
Website/ W San Juan Ave 81435
The Gondola welcomes riders again right in time for Memorial Day weekend. Opening May 25, enjoy impeccable views over the course of a 13-minute gondola ride between Mountain Village and Telluride. It runs between 6:30 a.m. and midnight so you can choose among sunrise, sunset and mid-day rides.
Website/ 352 East Meadow Dr 81657
Kick off your Saturday of Memorial Day weekend with a 20-mile ride from Gravity Haus Vail to Avon and back by way of the Vail bike path. The intermediate-level ride calls for water, snacks and your road/gravel bike of choice. Once the ride ends, the group will celebrate with a brew.
Website/ Telluride
From May 25 to 29, the MountainFilm Documentary Film Festival will showcase documentaries that highlight adventure, activism, social justice, environment and indomitable spirit. The organization was founded in 1979 and is one of the country’s longest-running film festivals.
Website/ 606 6th St 81224
A multi-day literary extravaganza, the Mountain Words Festival will happen May 25 to 28 at Crested Butte’s Center for the Arts. The programming will feature panels, parties, live theater, workshops, kids' events, readings and more.
Website/ 221 W Colorado Ave 81435
Rafting season usually begins around late May, making Memorial Day weekend the perfect time to welcome the season. According to your stamina and expertise, choose half-day rides along Upper or Lower San Miguel river. Trips include a wet suit fitting, safety talk and about two hours on the river.
Website/ Vail Village
For a weekend full of laughs, dedicate three days to comedy. The Vail Comedy Festival will be from May 26 to 28 and will feature headliners from The Comedy Cellar, Netflix, HBO, CBS and NBC, such as Carmen Lagala, Rob Haze, Dustin Chafin and Leah Bonnema. Last year’s festival sold out, so be sure to grab tickets quickly.
Website/ 457 Mountain Village Blvd 81435
For views with a side of an excellent meal, secure a reservation at The View at Mountain Lodge Telluride. Memorial Day weekend will be the first weekend the restaurant is open for the season, so be sure to grab a spot as soon as possible. There are just a handful left for dinner on Sunday and Monday. What’s more, The View serves up breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus of innovative local cuisine.
Website/ 500 Trail Gulch Rd 81637
Whiskey lovers can start off the holiday weekend with a bang! On May 26 at 6 p.m., the 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company Distillery will host a cocktail class, which is inclusive of a tour of the distillery, three cocktails (which you learn to make), charcuterie and snacks and a take-home goodie bag so you can also make the cocktails at home. Tickets are now available.
There’s no place like Colorado to welcome the near-summer season during Memorial Day weekend.
See also: 10 Of The Most Luxe Music Festival VIP Packages
Photography by: MALERAPRESO/ISTOCK