LOCAL EVENTS
There’s Always Something To Do in Salida!
Whether you decide to visit us in the winter or the summer, there’s always something happening in Salida. From festivals to ski events, the town offers visitors and residents alike a variety of fun community activities. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite events, but you can find a full calendar of events on the Salida Chamber of Commerce website.
Events in Salida, Colorado
May
Bluegrass on the Arkansas Festival – Head to Riverside Park to catch some great free music over Memorial Day Weekend. Performers change every year, but they never cease to impress. Food, drinks, and games for the kids are available onsite. All proceeds go to benefit the Salida Rotary Club.
June
FIBArk – FIBArk, which stands for First in Boating on the Arkansas River, is a Salida tradition dating back to 1948. The event includes a parade, races, live music, and most notably, amazing whitewater competitions on the river.
Harriet Alexander Airport Fly-In and Airshow – This airshow is always impressive. In addition to a bunch of amazing demonstrations, there are tons of vintage military and general aviation aircraft.
November
Christmas Mountain Lighting and Parade of Lights – Traditionally held on the day after Thanksgiving, the day kicks off with parade down F Street. Then Riverside Park becomes “Holiday Park” and Tenderfoot Hill becomes known as “Christmas Mountain.”
July
Fourth of July – Salida’s Independence Day is a quintessential small-town celebration. With a parade, live music, and fireworks, you’re sure to find yourself feeling quite patriotic at the end of the day.
Colorado Brewers Rendezvous – Treat yourself to hundreds of beer samples from dozens of Colorado breweries in this annual festival. Held in Riverside Park, the Rendezvous also features food and live music.
Salida Arts Festival & Riverside Fine Arts Festival – July is the month for juried art shows in Salida. Both of these festivals feature mediums like jewelry, photography, sculpture, furniture, and more. The Fine Arts Festival also includes live music and games on the banks of the Arkansas River.
September
Salida WineFest – Sample wine sample from Colorado wineries as well as food from local vendors. Also held in Riverside Park, the festival also features art vendors and live music.
Photo: TheMountainMail.com
Events at Monarch Mountain
March
Kid’s Fest at Monarch Mountain – Bring the kids to Monarch for a full day of arts, crafts, games, and more. The kids will also have the opportunity to meet the ski area’s avalanche dogs.
April
Kayaks on Snow – At the end of Monarch Mountain’s ski season, they close things out in style. Participants race down a specially designed course (on kayaks) and into an icy pond at the bottom. It’s festive, unique, and always entertaining.
December
Santa Skis Monarch – Take the little ones to Monarch Mountain on Christmas Eve so they can have to chance to ski or snowboard with Santa.
New Year’s Eve – There’s nothing quite like ringing in the New Year with a stunning torchlight parade down Monarch Mountain. Of course, there will also be plenty of music, food, and drinks to celebrate the occasion.
Events in Surrounding Area
Photo: Colorado.com
