Gavin AAA Convention

This is a radio summit held each year in Boulder as a "Thank you" to area programmers, however a handful of tickets are released to the public and are well worth snatching up! Many of the performers are artists who usually play much larger venues (the Fox Theatre's capacity is about 625) and it is a real treat to see them in a more intimate setting.

Jazz Aspen Snowmass

The June festival brings in a wonderful jazz lineup to a beautifully intimate outdoor tent. The Labor Day festival is more rock-oriented with all seating general admission on the lawn. Aspen is absolutely breathtaking in the summertime with wildflowers aplenty and great hiking and mountain biking trails abound.

LoDo Music Fest

This is an urban two-day festival staged in various locations in Lower Downtown Denver featuring local, national, and international artists. LoDo (as it's known locally) has gone through a period of revitalization and what used to be a seedy area is now booming with new pubs, resturaunts, venues, and the magnificent Coors Field.

Reggae on the Rocks

Brought to the Denver area each year by Colorado reggae legend Bill Bass, Reggae on the Rocks always has the cream of the reggae crop (not to mention great local support). If you've never been to Red Rocks, it's truly one of the world's most beautiful venues. The festival typically sells out by the first day, so get your tickets early. If you happen to miss it, or want a great souvenir, What Are Records? (link this) will release a live CD taken from the best of the festival's performances.

RockyGrass

This wildly popular festival brings in the top echelon of bluegrass performers (as this year's line-up below can attest to). Attendance is limited to 3,500 per day and camping on-site is already sold out. Beer is served on the grounds and there's a wide assortment of vendors with reasonably priced food, crafts, clothes and other great stuff.

Rocky Mountain Folks Festival

Organized by the same folks who bring us the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and RockyGrass, the Folks Festival showcases some of the finest singer/songwriters in the folk world. The three-day event also offers numerous workshops and seminars with access to hiking and mountainbiking nearby.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival

This is the mama of all bluegrass festivals but be warned - even with a capacity of 10,000 it always sells out weeks before the event, so plan ahead! Telluride is an exquisite backdrop for this festival and people flock here from around the world. There are usually 30+ acts to satisfy the bluegrass junkie in everyone (with a smattering of folk and some blues, country and gospel). Also expect vendors and booths with crafts and food aplenty.

Westword Showcase

This is a wonderful event which proves every year that Denver has a vital and worthy music scene with great musicians. Organized by the Westword weekly, members of the music community nominate the best of the Colorado bands to showcase throughout the downtown area. On the night of the event, Denver comes alive SXSW style.

World Class RockFest

This ecclectic festival draws quite a diverse line up - where else can you catch both Jamiroquai and Susan Tedeschi? Staged at the base of the Winter Park Ski Area, the slopes form a natural amphitheatre with a spectacular view. Additionally, Winter Park is a fun resort town offering plenty of condos, hotels, restaurants and nighttime activities (if you are not too exausted after the festival).