There’s never a bad time for live music, but fall can be prime for music festivals in Colorado. You get warm days, cool nights, brilliant blue skies, golden aspen trees and towering mountain backdrops. Springs locals don’t have to leave town to find several excellent fall music festivals in 2024. But if the mountains are calling, you’ve got lots of chances to hear some more stellar artists. Here’s a quick list of don’t-miss music festivals in Colorado Springs and beyond this fall. Get your tickets now and get ready to jam.
Fall Music Festivals in Colorado Springs
Mountain of the Sun Music Festival
Sept. 7
Aspen Valley Ranch, Woodland Park
OK, it’s just outside the Springs, but an easy drive up Ute Pass to join the Rocky Mountain Highway Music Collaborative’s fall festival. Aspen Valley Ranch is a perfect scenic spot to dance along with Reid Poole & The Night Owls, A Carpenter’s Daughter, Patchwork Jack, Frog & Fiddle and Deirdre McCarthy & Friends.
Patty Jewett Porchfest
Sept. 8
Patty Jewett Neighborhood, Downtown
Patty Jewett Porchfest is all about good neighbors and great music on front porches. Bring your lawn chair and follow the bands along Corona Street and back to the Good Neighbors Meeting House. This year’s artist lineup is Pauli’s Rug Cutters, John Spengler & Frenemies, and Family Elephant.
Folk and Flannel
Sept. 20-21
The Meanwhile Block, Downtown
Put on your favorite flannel and get ready for some boot stomping. This two-day fest doubles as the annual fundraiser for UpaDowna, and it’s filled with music and outdoor fun. The lineup of bands includes Anna Grace, Pocket Sauce, Ben Garcia, Tenderfoot Bluegrass and the John Spengler Band.
Blues on the Mesa
Sept. 28
Gold Hill Mesa
Now in its fourth year, Blues on the Mesa never fails to bring excellent blues artists to town. And that grassy natural amphitheater at Gold Hill Mesa is a perfect spot for live music. Tommy Castro & The Pain Killers and Davina & The Vagabonds headline this year’s Blues on the Mesa. You’ll also hear Eef & the Blues Express, Rex Peoples & X Factr, and the Johnny O. Band.
Buffalo Grass
Sept. 27-29
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, Manitou Springs
Bring your family, friends and instruments for a musical weekend at the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, nestled between Manitou and Garden of the Gods. Join in the daily picking circles and jam sessions. Or just listen and dance along to concerts by John Spengler & Frenemies, K Squared, Manitou Strings, Old Dangerfield, Countywyde, Local Folk, James Galloway, and Jon Murphy.
Front Range Fall Music Festivals
The Colorado Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 13
McAwesome Ranch, Castle Rock
One night, 10 bands, three songs each. This is Colorado’s biggest small festival at the private McAwesome Ranch in Castle Rock. Camping is encouraged. This year’s bands are Meadow Mountain, the Grass Project, Before the Sun, FY5, ToneWood String Band, Monica Marie, Nabanita Sarkar, Ryan Drickey Band, ALBAND, and JKON.
thecoloradobluegrassfestival.com
Wildflower FallGrass
Sept. 20-21
Planet Bluegrass, Lyons
If you’re a fan of RockyGrass but want it with cooler weather, this weekend of music, picking and camping is for you. The lineup features Hogslop String Band, Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms, Willie Watson, Tanasi, and The Sullivan Sisters.
Colorado Music Festivals in the Mountains
Caveman Music Festival
Aug. 30 – Sept. 1
Monument Lake Resort, Weston
This festival is a big one in Weston, about a half-hour west of Trinidad. More than 20 artists will play over three days, including Kurt Vile and the Violators, the Red Clay Strays, the Wallflowers, Toadies, Uncle Lucius, Jamestown Revival and many more.
Four Corners Folk Fest
Aug. 30 Sept. 1
Pagosa Springs
At a beautiful wooded venue overlooking Pagosa Springs, this three-day music festival has an impressive lineup that includes Sam Bush, Ozomatli, Sunny War, Tophouse, Drew Emmitt Band, Jeremy Garrett Band, Stillhouse Junkies and many more. If you can take a break from the music, head over for a healing soak at the Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs.
Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
Sept. 13-15
Telluride
It’s hard to find a more scenic backdrop for a music festival than Telluride. Soak it all in at the three-day Telluride Blues and Brews. The world-class lineup includes Gary Clark Jr., Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Joe Bonomassa, JJ Grey & Mofro, Hiss Golden Messenger, Tab Benoit, Marc Broussard and lots more.
Billy Strings Renewal 2024
Sept. 27-28
Buena Vista
The Meadows in Buena Vista has been the annual site of multi-day celebrations of music, community and nature — with A-list artists. This year’s headliner is Billy Strings. The festival is already sold out, but you can join a waiting list just in case.
Freefall Bluegrass Festival
Oct. 11-13
Vail Village, Vail
Want to see the Sam Bush Band, phoffman (of Greensky Bluegrass), Terrapin Family Band, Alison Brown, Nicki Bluhm and more for free? Head to Vail for this weekend fest, and expect some brilliant fall color.
