If you are looking for something a little different to do this summer, and do not mind a bit of a drive, there are some fun, quirky festivals around Colorado that just might be the thing. Here are a few of them:

The 51st Madam Lou Bunch Day
In honor of the town’s most successful brothel owner from the Gold Rush era, Madam Louisa “Lou” Bunch, this festival is held on June 14 in Central City, 39 miles west of Denver. The highlight of the day is the Famous Bed Race down the center of Main Street. Other fun includes a historical costume contest, a parade, and the Madams’ and Miners’ Ball. For more information, visit visitcentralcity.com/blog/madam-lou-bunch-day-e4swx.

Keystone Bacon & Bourbon Festival
This celebration of all things bacon and bourbon is June 21 and 22 in Keystone, 93 miles west of Castle Pines (pictured below). The festivities center around bacon sampling and a bourbon tour, but also include bacon eating contests and the best bacon awards. For more information, visit keystonefestivals.com.

 

The 94th Annual Cripple Creek Donkey Derby Days
This festival celebrating the significant role that donkeys played in the region’s history is June 27-29 in Cripple Creek, 45 miles west of Colorado Springs. The event includes donkey races, a parade, a fly-over by Panther Flight, and a silent auction featuring an array of unique items and experiences. For more information, visit cityofcripplecreek.com and search “donkey derby,” and cripplecreekdonkeys.com/donkeyderbydays.

The 76th Fairplay Burro Days
This celebration of the role of the burro in mining days of old is July 25-27 in Fairplay, 93 miles west of Castle Pines. The festival’s highlight is an arduous burro race to the top of Mosquito Pass and back. Other fun includes llama, dog, and outhouse races, a parade and a cowboy church. For more information, visit burrodays.org.

Leadville Boom Days
Celebrating the Old West and Leadville’s rich mining history, this festival is August 1-3 in Leadville, 120 miles west of Castle Pines. The event includes burro races, mining skills contests, motorcycle skill games, a parade and a street fair. For more information, visit leadvilleboomdays.org.

The 129th Loveland Corn Roast Festival
Put on by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, this festival is August 22 and 23 in Loveland, 51 miles north of Denver. It features the Corn Roast parade, corn shucking contest and a cornhole tournament. For more information, visit loveland.org/events-2/corn-roast-festival.

Tour de Fat
This costumed bicycle parade is August 23 in Fort Collins, 64 miles north of Denver. A party at New Belgium Brewing follows the parade, with art bikes, a slow ride contest, a dance contest and games. For more information, visit newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat.

Olathe Sweet Corn Festival
August 23 is also the day for this festival that celebrates the sweet corn harvest in Olathe, 306 miles west of Castle Pines. The festival features free all-you-can-eat roasted Olathe sweet corn, and includes a 5K run/walk. For more information, visit olathesweetcornfest.com.

Along with their themed activities, these festivals offer kids’ activities, food and other vendors, entertainment and more. There is something for everyone!

 

By Susan Helton; courtesy photos