You’ve definitely heard of MeadowGrass, the biggest music festival in the Pikes Peak region that draws thousands of music lovers every Memorial Day weekend. You might have heard the buzz about Rocky Mountain Flower Fest, the newer, one-day floral festival at Venetucci Farm with Gather Mountain Blooms. But did you know the Rocky Mountain Highway Music Collaborative has one more big event in its concert season repertoire? The Mountain of the Sun Festival in Woodland Park blends early September sun (hopefully), high mountain views and good-time sounds from favorite local-and-beyond bands. It takes place this year on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“It’s exciting to end our festival season with a smaller and relaxed fest like Mountain of the Sun,” says Jessica Barney, festival director for Rocky Mountain Highway. “I’m most excited about Mountain of the Sun because I love fall mountain weather — and it marks the end of our festival season so we can wind down and celebrate the victories of 2024.”
When asked to describe the personalities of the three sibling music festivals, Barney says, “I think MeadowGrass would be the more ‘hippie’ sibling that loves to camp and engage in community activities. Flower Fest is definitely the sister who has beautiful gardens at her home and gets creative often. And Mountain of the Sun is probably the older, more reserved brother who enjoys live music with a drink in hand.”
The scenic Woodland Park location adds to the laid-back vibes of Mountain of the Sun. The higher-elevation gathering happens at Aspen Valley Ranch. With close-up Pikes Peak views and a wide open field for dancing, it’s a beautiful mountain setting for the celebration of music, art and community.
“The grounds are gorgeous. Bring your family, a chair, sun protection and head on up to the ranch,” Barney says. “Rocky Mountain Highway started promoting this festival two years ago, so it’s a newer one for us — although it’s been a part of the Teller County community for many, many years.”
Expect a day filled with upbeat performances and community fun. This year’s at Mountain of the Sun lineup features live music from Reid Poole & the Night Owls, A Carpenter’s Daughter, Patchwork Jack, Frog & Fiddle, and Deirdre McCarthy & Friends.
Good food and drinks are part of the mix, thanks to local food trucks, breweries and distillers. Smokin’ J’s BBQ, Rollin’ Gourmet, Bell Brothers Brewing, 1350 Distilling and Apple Valley Cider Company are scheduled to be there serving food, craft beer and cocktails, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.
Attendees can enjoy an art market and a family-friendly kids space (11-2 p.m. only). For admission, kids 12 and under are free. And there are discounts for military service members, seniors, first responders/healthcare providers, teachers and musicians.
Get tickets and more info at rockymountainhighway.org.
