HESTIVAL
Rise & Vibes Music Festival
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
By: Aryonna Richard
For more than thirty years, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival has brought together music lovers and nature enthusiasts for an unforgettable weekend. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado, this beloved event, taking place August 7th-9th, features three days filled with music, camping, and inspiration.
With a great lineup of artists, including Jesse Welles, a musician recognized for his soulful voice and heartfelt guitar riffs. He mixes folk, rock, and indie styles, creating music that feels honest and tells real stories. Big Richard is an all-female bluegrass group celebrated for their high-energy shows, tight harmonies, and unique sound. The band started in Colorado and blends classic bluegrass with modern styles. Ani DiFranco is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and activist recognized for her independent approach and unique mix of musical styles. She combines folk, rock, punk, and jazz in her songs and has released more than twenty albums on her own label, Righteous Babe Records.
Junior Brown, Valerie June, Steve Poltz, The Strumbellas, S.G. Goodman, Bobby Alu, Tommy Prine, and John McCutcheon add to the mainstage lineup with a mystery artist being revealed soon. Read more about the 2026 lineup here. There’s something for everyone, whether you love folk, bluegrass, or anything in between.
Camping at the Folks Festival in Colorado is laid-back and welcoming, making it easy to enjoy the late summer. You can join song circles, meet new friends, and start your day with music or the calming sounds of the nearby creek. Each camper needs a camping pass, and you’ll need a vehicle pass if you plan to camp with your car. The festival also promotes eco-friendly habits with its Sustainable Campsite Challenge, where you could win free passes for next year. Camping here is a fun way to connect with the festival community and take in the beautiful scenery. Plan your camping experience here.
No matter if you have been to the festival before or are coming for the first time, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival is an experience you should not miss. Mark your calendar, get your tickets here, and prepare to be part of something special!
Rhythms on the Rio
By: Aryonna Richard
Music fans, mark your calendar for Rhythms on the Rio 2026, happening in Del Norte, Colorado, for four days, July 30th through August 2nd! This annual music festival, hosted by the South Fork Music Association (SFMA), is a movement to support music education for children in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado.
When you purchase a ticket to the festival, you’re signing up for a weekend of memorable shows and directly helping a cause that matters. The festival raises funds to provide instruments and lessons to children, making sure that the appreciation of music reaches every corner of the valley.
Whether you’re into emotion-filled tunes, bluegrass, or rock, there’s something for everyone with the 2026 lineup. Taking the stage for two sets, Leftover Salmon is a jam band from Boulder, Colorado, known for their fusion of bluegrass, rock, country, and Cajun influences. Thanks to their electric stage presence, Leftover Salmon is a mainstay in the festival circuit.
The Infamous Stringdusters are a Grammy-winning progressive bluegrass band with elements of rock, country, and jam-band improvisation. The group has established a distinctive niche in the modern acoustic music scene. Moontricks is known for their fusion of roots music and modern electronic beats. Their sound blends elements of folk, blues, and soul with bass-heavy production. Joining the stacked roster are other groups including The Brothers Comatose, Clay Street Unit, Big Something, Don Flemons & The Traveling Wildfires and many more!
Rhythms on the Rio is a full multi-sensory adventure. From the shaded trees covering the camping area to tubing, and don’t forget the breathtaking scenery of the Rio Grande—nature’s perfect stage. Don’t skip this amazing event. Get your tickets here and join Blackspy for a weekend of music, community, and impact.
