Evergreen, Colorado may look laid‑back, but this mountain town throws serious throw‑downs all year long—from arts and music to chili, skating, and Western vibes. Here’s your full calendar of Evergreen festivals that give serious local pride (and pack some serious fun).
Summer Festivals
Evergreen Summerfest Arts & Music Festival
Held mid‑July at Buchanan Park Field, Summerfest is Evergreen’s OG arts fest—now in its 45th year. Strut through nearly 100 booths of regional art, jam with local bands, taste local food & drink, and get kids busy with hands‑on crafts. Admission is just $5; under-10s free.
Evergreen Jazz Festival
Late July, Evergreen transforms into a jazz lover’s oasis. Multiple stages across venues—think Elks Lodge, Lake House, Buchanan Field—with national, regional, and local talent laying down swing, bebop, blues, and more. Tickets vary by day.
Evergreen Mountain Art Celebration
At Evergreen North Shopping Center in late June, this laid-back mini‑show highlights fine art, crafts, and local makers. Fewer crowds, one food booth, but big community vibes.
Summer Concert Series at Evergreen Lake & Buchanan Park
Every other Wednesday from June through August, enjoy live music + food trucks by the Lake House or Buchanan Park. Family‑friendly nights under pine‑lit skies.
Dam Duck Derby
Thousands of rubber duckies race down the dam spillway in early August—family fun with small prizes and major quacks.
Fall Flavors
Elk & Art Festival
Late September, Evergreen North Shopping Center hosts the Elk & Art Festival—fine art and craft booths (no food vendors), all Colorado made, all mountain inspired.
Big Chili Cook‑Off Music & Arts Festival
Early September at Buchanan Park Field: over 100 chili teams competing (hello spicy vs mild brackets), live music, firefighter challenges, food & spirits, and community vibes. Proceeds go to local fire causes.
Oktoberfest (Evergreen)
Mid‑ to late September, Buchanan Park Field transforms into beer‑hall heaven with German beer gardens, polka bands, bratwurst, kids’ games, and community fundraising.
Haunted Glow Walk / Halloween Walk
Early October, Buchanan Park lights up at night with spooky glow decorations, glow‑run vibes, maybe costumes, and family fun under the trees.
UPDATE: They have recently added a haunted house!!!
Winter & Holiday Magic
Holiday Walk (Downtown Evergreen)
First Friday of December turns historic Main Street into a festive wonderland—twinkling lights, red wagons pulled by white horses, caroling kids’ choir, pictures with Santa, s’mores, hot cocoa, and a real feel‑good mountain holiday evening.
Skate the Lake & Evergreen Pond Hockey Championship
On New Year’s Eve (and sometimes early January too), Evergreen Lake becomes a magical skating rink with food trucks, fire‑pits, marshmallow roasting, music and backyard vibes. The Pond Hockey Tournament usually kicks off the first weekend in January.
The Daddy of All Festivals: The Evergreen Rodeo
Every Father’s Day weekend, Evergreen goes wild with cowboy fever. This classic PRCA rodeo includes bull riding, barrel racing, mutton busting, parades and all‑around cowboy energy. Dare I say it is the best week of the ENTIRE year?
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Why Evergreen Festivals Rock
Evergreen blends mountain scenery with artsy, small‑town charisma. Most events happen at Buchanan Park Field or Evergreen Lake House, making them easy‑to-navigate and central to the town’s walkable layout. With a strong sense of community, these festivals support local nonprofits, artists, firefighters, and schools.
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Final Thought
From arts and jazz to chili and skating, Evergreen throws itself a festival every season. Whether you’re craving summer crafts, autumn spice, or cozy winter cheer, there’s always something happening in this pine-scented mountain town.
