When the high-country snow finally melts, and the San Juan River runs higher, it’s a sign that summer has arrived in Pagosa Springs. And along with the southern Colorado sunshine, floating or rafting the river, and outdoor adventures abound, these Pagosa Springs events and festivals make the summer months a prime time to plan your stay at the best place to stay in Pagosa Springs.
Whether it be the weekend farmers market, live music on weekday evenings, folk and bluegrass festivals, or All-American fun at the rodeo and town parade over the 4th of July weekend, the community comes together as summertime shines bright in Pagosa Springs.
Pagosa Spring Events: Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 9 am until 1 pm during the summer and early fall, the weekly Pagosa Springs Farmers Market hosts the best local farms, vendors, and artisans in a laidback setting on East Highway 60 directly across the street from the Riverwalk Inn. Started in 2007 by local community members who saw a need for a local grassroots market, the farmers market was taken under the guidance of the non-profit Southwest Organization for Sustainability in 2008 and has expanded over the ensuing 15 years.
Of course, you’ll find the best fruits and produce from Archuleta County farms like Canyon Farm – their yellow squash, Spanish rojo garlic, sugar snap peas, and lemon cucumbers are early-season faves – but the selection also includes alpaca socks from Oak Hill Farm, fresh honey from Pagosa Honey, and pastries from newcomer Dyna Breadhouse. The market’s motto aims to support “growers, producers, and makers,” which includes handmade wooden furniture, Native American jewelry, pottery, and handmade clothing. Stay for the live music, which runs from 11 am until 2 pm, and bring your instrument if you are musically inclined, as jams are welcome.
The farmers market is next to the Eastside Market (open Fri-Sun from mid-May through early October), where you’ll find more artisan crafts and locally-owned food carts, like the authentic Mexican food at Lonchera Don Jose. After shopping and eating at the market, head down for a soak in the free hot thermal pools along the San Juan Riverwalk Trail.
Live Music All Summer Long
The first big summer music festival, Pagosa Folk and Bluegrass, celebrates its 16th year on June 9-11th, bringing the best of folk, old-timey string bands, Americana, and bluegrass. Both single-day tickets ($75) and Sat-Sun tickets ($131) are still available, and kids under 12 are free, so it’s a great family outing (and there’s even a unique Jam Camp for kids ages 7-15, where they learn how to write songs, jam with groups, and harmonize vocals). The stacked lineup features festival regulars and expert players like Larry Keel and the Henhouse Prowlers, groups who combine new and old sounds in the bluegrass and folk traditions. And conveniently, the festival grounds are at Reservoir Hill Park, only a 1-mile walk or drive from your room at the best hotel in Pagosa Springs so we’re an ideal home base for your festival weekend. If you plan to visit later in the summer, check out the 27th annual Four Corners Folk Festival, which takes place on the same property over Labor Day weekend.
Thursday nights from 5:30-7:30 pm, the “19th Hole” at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club becomes a music venue, with families setting up blankets and evening picnics on the soft grass of the fairway as local musicians perform. The concerts run from June 1st through June 29th, with acts like the folk guitar duo the San Juan Mountain Boys (June 15th) and the soulful saxophone of Bob Hemenger (June 22nd). The $10 cash cover benefits a different Archuleta County non-profit weekly, so catch some great tunes while supporting the local community.
The town-sponsored free summer music series, ComFest, takes over Town Park (less than a mile from us and accessible via the Riverwalk Trail) from 5:30-8:30 pm one Friday every month throughout the summer – it kicks off on June 16th with the Jackson Mountain Ramblers, a newer local band who has quickly won devoted followers with their upbeat mix of originals and covers from the last several decades. Grab a bite from one of the many food trucks, and wine/beer sales support local causes. Eat, drink, relax near the river, and enjoy the family-friendly scene.
A Classic Rodeo, 4th of July Festivities, and Fireworks
Pagosa Springs embraces its southwestern cowboy roots over July 4th weekend when the Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo (also just called the Pagosa Rodeo by locals) comes to town at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds, less than a mile from our location right on the banks of the San Juan River. A non-profit operation run by volunteers since its founding in 1949, the rodeo has everything from bull riding and calf-roping to children mutton busting and professional rodeo clown competitions. It’s a hoot for the whole family, and all-day tickets are cheaply priced ($20 for adults and $10 for those younger than 12).
After catching the rodeo over the weekend, plan to watch the 4th of July parade, which winds its way along Hot Springs Blvd, Main St, 2nd St, and Hermosa St, all within the vicinity of Town Park. The whole town comes out to celebrate the holiday, and there’s no better place to watch the after-sundown fireworks show than from behind the Riverwalk Inn with the river rushing by.
Book your room at the Riverwalk Inn, where these Pagosa Springs events, festivals, and non-stop festivities will make your summertime getaway extra fun!
Comments