The 108th annual Cattlemen’s Days runs July 5-13 and celebrates Gunnison’s ranching heritage and Western spirit. The event features three Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos, horse and livestock shows, horse racing, local team roping and barrel racing, as well a parade, carnival, cowboy poetry and the Gunnison County Fair. Rodeos will be at 7 p.m. July 10, 11 and 12. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $15 for reserved grandstand. On “Family Night,” July 12, kids get in free for general seating with a paid adult and for $5 for grandstand seating. Information: 800-274-7580 or .
Crested Butte flower fest.
The 22nd annual Wildflower Festival runs July 7-13 in the 1880s mountain town of Crested Butte. There will be daily alpine flower identification hikes, backcountry flower walks, and in-town garden and historical building tours, as well as horse-drawn wagon rides, four-wheel drive tours, and van tours among the flowers and a variety of related workshops, booths with wildflower-inspired products and musical performances. Information: 970-349-2571 or .
Let’s rodeo Durango.
Fiesta Days Rodeo is a weekend-long celebration of Durango’s rich Southwest culture. The event started in 1935 and combines Spanish, American Indian and Western traditions. Events include rodeos, street dance and parade. Rodeos are scheduled at 7 p.m. July 25; 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 26; and at 2 p.m. July 27. Information: . or 970-247-3500.
Keystone arts fest.
Mountain Art Gathering returns July 25-27 to the Keystone Pavilion for its 10th-anniversary weekend, including an art show and a Friday-night dinner with a live art auction. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the auction go to the Summit Foundation. The art show is free and open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. There will be complimentary art activities for children and live music for all. Information: 970-453-5970.
Telluride Blues and Brews.
Music legend Etta James will headline the 15th annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, Sept. 12-14 at Telluride Town Park. Other bands and performers playing over the weekend include John Hiatt, Gov’t Mule, Susan Tedeschi, the Derek Trucks Band, Chris Thomas King and many others. Also on hand is the Grand Tasting on Sept. 13, where you can sample more than 150 beers from 56 microbreweries. Admission prices vary, and a three-day pass is on sale now. Single-day tickets go on sale July 1. Camping reservations are also available. Information: . or 1-866-515-6166.
Compiled by Andrea Labak and Dane Strom
