January
New Year’s Day 5k Fun Run / Walk.
Begins at 10 a.m. at the Salida Scout Hut. This is a fun and friendly annual event to kick off the new year in a healthful manner with friends! All ages welcome. Light snacks available before and after the event. For more information visit http://salidarec.com/recreation/new-years-day-5k/
Backcountry Film Festival.
The annual event is produced by the Winter Wildlands Alliance as a celebration of the human-powered backcountry experience. The films are shown at the Salida Steamplant theater beginning at 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Colorado Mountain Club. For more information visit http://salidasteamplant.com/event/backcountry-film-fest/
February
Chocolate Lover’s Fantasy Fundraiser.
This annual fundraiser and chocolate extravaganza is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at High Country Bank in Buena Vista. Enjoy unlimited chocolate, appetizers, wine tasting, spirits and beer. Silent auction with fabulous items. All proceeds benefit survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Chaffee County. To read more visit https://alliancechaffee.org/thealliance-events/
Hippie Radio Party.
Hippie Radio 97.5 FM hosts this annual event at the Salida SteamPlant Event Center. Don your favorite hippie apparel and dance the night away! Tickets will be available in advance at the Salida Chamber of Commerce and the SteamPlant box office as well as at the door. For additional information visit http://www.hippieradio975.com or http://www.salidasteamplant.com.
March
Big Mountain Comp.
This is a Regional IFSA-sanctioned Junior event for skiers and snowboarders held at Monarch Mountain Ski Area. It is part of the big mountain schedule for the Rocky Mountain Region. For more information visit : http://www.freeskiers.org/events/monthly-view.html
March 10th : Run Through Time Marathon and Hard Half.
This annual race will test your mettle on single-track trails and dirt roads in the hills near Salida. The routes range from 7,000’ to 9,000’. In addition to the marathon and hard half-marathon, there is also a two mile fun run and a 400 meter run for children. http://chaffeerunning.org/run-through-time-marathon-and-hard-half/
April
Kayaks on Snow.
Participants race down a specially designed snow course at Monarch Mountain on Freeway, ending into and across an icy pond. Great fun for participants and spectators alike! This is an annual kick-off for the summer river season which is just starting at lower elevations. Admission is free for spectators. For additional information visit http://www.skimonarch.com.
Chaffee Home and Garden Show.
Sponsored by Sunrise Rotary, this annual event is held at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds outside of Salida. The show includes more than 80 booths featuring products and services for home maintenance, home improvement, gardening, children’s activities, and local non-profit organizations. Admission is free. For more information visit chaffeehomeandgarden.com.
May
Salida Chamber Golf Scramble.
Join the Salida Chamber of Commerce for the annual fun golf scramble followed by prizes, awards and drinks at the Business After Hours in the Salida Golf Club. For additional information or to sign up a team contact the Salida Chamber. http://www.salidachamber.org.
Bluegrass on the Arkansas Festival.
This annual two-day event is hosted by Salida Rotary Club at Riverside Park on Memorial Day weekend. Admission is free. Come out and enjoy the music, food, drink and fun for all ages! For additional information visit http://www.bluegrassonthearkansas.org.
June
FIBArk River Festival.
Salida is best known for its annual FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas River) celebration! The world’s finest whitewater competitors participate in kayak, raft, SUP and other water sports. There are also many other events such as a fun parade, the hilarious Hooligan Race, running races, bicycle races, a carnival, live music, food and much more. Admission is free for spectators. For additional information visit http://www.fibark.com.
Salida ArtWalk.
The Creative District in historic downtown Salida showcases the artistry of local painters, photographers, jewelry, potters, sculptors and other creations every year during ArtWalk. There will be numerous art receptions, live music, entertainment and artist demonstrations in numerous participating venues around Salida. You won’t want to miss the Mini Masterpiece Auction! If you can’t make it during ArtWalk, visit Salida on any Second Saturday year-round as Salida Council for the Arts presents gallery tours, artists’ receptions, show openings and special exhibits throughout downtown. For additional information visit http://www.salidaartwalk.com.
Harriet Alexander Airport Fly-In and Airshow.
Salida’s own Harriet Alexander Airport fly-in and Airshow attracts pilots from all over the Rockies and the Front Range to spend the weekend enjoying our beautiful valley. The airshow held on Saturday brings both military and general aviation aircraft and features static displays as well as fly-bys and demonstrations. Expect many vintage aircraft as well as a display of vintage cars. The airshow is free and open to the public. Partake of the traditional pancake breakfast at the airport on Saturday morning. For more information visit http://www.chaffeecounty.org/airport-fly-in
July
Fourth of July Celebration.
Salida celebrates Independence Day in a big way with a kids fishing derby, hometown parade, pancake breakfast, free live music and activities for kids of all ages at Riverside Park, and fireworks (weather permitting) at dusk from “S” Mountain. For more information visit http://salidachamber.org/event/fourth-july-celebration/
Colorado Brewers Rendezvous.
Over 75 Colorado Breweries gather every year at Riverside Park in Salida for a fun tasting experience. This is your chance to sample your choices from more than 200 different beers! Hosted by the Salida Chamber of Commerce, this exuberant event includes plenty of food and live music. For additional information visit SalidaChamber.org
Salida Riverside Fine Arts and Music Festival.
This is Salida’s annual premier art and music event with excellent music and juried, fine national artists with booths of jewelry, ceramics, photography, wearable art, mixed media, wood and metal and more. Includes a Creative Station For All Ages, face painting, delicious foods and plenty of family-friendly things to do nearby such as fun in the playground, wading at the sandy beaches along the river that borders the park or watching kayakers do tricks in the Play Hole in the river. Free admission. Check out a second Salida Arts Festival at Centennial Park by the Hot Springs Aquatic Center! For more information visit http://coloradoeventsandfestivals.com/Salida_Riverside_Fine%20Arts_Festival.html
Chaffee County Fair and Rodeo.
The annual Fair and Rodeo has something for everyone! Watch Horse obstacle challenges, the 4-H horse show, Steer riding, Mutton’ Bustin’, Catch a calf, Cattle driving, an Antique tractor pull, Archery, melon eating, Catch a Pig, and much more. View prize rabbits, poultry, sheep, horticulture and floriculture entries, and more. Visit with the Pet Psychic, take a carriage ride, dance to live music, watch the 4-H robotics contest! This is a great opportunity to experience the traditional culture of the Salida area. Free admission. For more information visit http://chaffeecountyfair.com/
August
Angel of Shavano Car Show.
The Salida Sunrise Rotary presents this important fundraiser each year for Chaffee County Search and Rescue South. There is a Meet & Greet at 4:00 p.m. the first day followed by a Car Show the next day at Riverside Park in historic downtown Salida. For additional information visit http://chaffeesarsouth.org/
September
Salida Wine Fest.
The annual Salida Winefest is brought to you in Riverside Park by the Salida Chamber of Commerce and local host Vino Salida. The festival highlights Colorado wineries plus local food vendors, music and art. Tickets include a commemorative wine glass and unlimited wine samples and are available online at the Salida Chamber of Commerce. Visit http://www.salidawinefest.com/ for more information.
Fiber Arts Festival.
Find everything you need to stay warm and fashionable this winter at the annual Fiber Arts Festival held in Salida’s Riverside Park. There will be beautifully hand-crafted scarves, mittens, jackets, socks, hats and coats made from the natural fibers of alpacas, paco-vicunas, llamas and sheep. For those of you with the fiber know-how, there will be many supplies and fibers for sale. If you are new to fiber arts, sign up for a class during the festival to learn how to make your own items. http://www.salidafiberfestival.com/
Salida Bike Festival.
This popular annual festival offers unique and fun bike events throughout the week for all ages and abilities. It includes free group rides, bike films, a chainless race, pump track competition, a bike parade, the return of the Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, the Monarch Crest Crank (see below) and free live music in Riverside Park – plus much more! For additional information visit http://salidabikefest.com/
Crest Crank Bike Ride.
Join a fun and diverse group riding the spectacular Monarch Crest Trail and have the additional benefit of participating in this important annual fundraiser for the local Alliance Against Domestic Abuse. Registration is $75.00 and the person who raises the most in pledges after $500 wins a beautiful cruiser bike. Your entry fee includes the ride, a guide, a shuttle to and from downtown Salida, and an after-party in Riverside Park with live music, bbq, beer and a silent auction, and a goodie bag. All proceeds benefit survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Chaffee County. For additional information visit http://www.salidaalliance.org or http://monarchcrestcrank.com/
October
FiberArts Guild Fashion Show.
Join us for the Heart of Colorado FiberArts Guild Fashion Show, Boutique and Luncheon from 11 AM-2PM at the Salida SteamPlant. The show includes Guild members’ handcrafted Wearable Art of all kinds and for men and women. http://www.heartofcoloradofiberartsguild.org/fashion-show.html
November
Christmas Mountain Lighting and Parade of Lights.
Welcome the holidays during Salida’s Christmas Mountain Lighting and Parade of Lights held annually on the day after Thanksgiving. Riverside Park is officially transformed into Holiday Park and Tenderfoot Hill (“S” Mountain) is lit up as Christmas Mountain. Family-friendly festivities start with a parade on F Street from 5th to Riverside Park’s Holiday Park, followed by an open house with free cocoa, cookies and entertainment at the SteamPlant Event Center. Downtown shops and galleries have extended hours, and local restaurants and bars are bustling with activity. Free admission. http://salidachamber.org/event/christmas-mountain-lighting-parade-lights/
December
Salida Holiday Festival.
This annual holiday event is brought to you by the Salida Chamber of Commerce, Monarch Mountain, and the Salida Business Alliance. Shops are open late this evening, with festive happenings including old fashioned caroling, marshmallow roasting, magical carriage rides, prizes for favorite Christmas attire contest, plus chances to win. Free admission. Click here for details! http://salidachamber.org/event/salida-holiday-festival-2/
Santa Skis Monarch.
Santa will be skiing or snowboarding with kids of all ages at Monarch Mountain on Christmas Eve. Watch for him and get into the Christmas spirit while enjoying a day of skiing. For additional information call 719-530-5080, email mktg@skimonarch.com or visit http://www.skimonarch.com.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Monarch.
Ring in the New Year at Monarch Mountain with the Annual Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Show. Live music starts late in the afternoon, with the Torchlight Parade weaving down the mountain around 5:30. If you’d like to participate in the parade, come up to Monarch early to sign up. The Fireworks Show follows the Torchlight Parade and is truly spectacular over the snowy slopes. Food and drink are available. For additional information visit http://www.skimonarch.com.