Southeast Colorado Events

The communities in Southeastern Colorado host multiple events during the year. From one-day festivals to County Fairs there is always something happening.

Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival - Rocky Ford, Colorado

Mark your calendar and plan to visit Rocky Ford and the lower Arkansas Valley every November for the only Hot Air Balloon Festival in Southeast Colorado. This annual event takes place the first weekend in November and should be included on everyone's calendar.

Balloonists from around the state converge on the city of Rocky Ford for a fun-filled three day gathering, which includes the Balloon Festival, an art show and a photo contest. On Thursday morning the Rocky Ford Lions Club sponsors a Wake Up Breakfast beginning at 6:45 a.m. at the Gobin Building, located at 105 North Main Street to get area residents and sponsors fueled up for the weekend activities.

Join in the fun at the Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival every November in Rocky Ford.

Arkansas Valley Fair - Rocky Ford, Colorado

For good, old-fashioned family fun, don't miss the Arkansas Valley Fair, which is held each August in Rocky Ford. The fair has the distinction of being the oldest annual fair in Colorado and offers a variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family. Take a spin on one the carnival rides or try to win the biggest stuffed animal at one of the game booths.

Contests and tournaments during the fair range from horseshoe pitching to turtle races and watermelon seed spitting. There is no gate fee at this county fair and minimal fees are charged for special events making this an affordable fun occasion.

Plan your visit during mid-August and join in the fun at the Arkansas Valley Fair.

Crowley County Days

Crowley County Days is an event that is as unique as the communities that sponsor it. Held annually in Ordway during the last week of July, this old-fashioned, family oriented celebration is one not to be missed, and offers a variety of activities and entertainment for everyone.

Crowley County Days has been held each year since 1911, and has always stayed true to it's old-fashioned roots. The week long event culminates with a pancake breakfast, parade, barbecue and other activities on the last Saturday of the month.

This festival is sure to put a smile on your face and provide affordable family entertainment. The folks from the volunteer fire department cook up the tastiest barbecue beef lunch. For only $3.00 for a full plate it comes complete with beans, pickles, and onions - you might enough change for a sno-cone for dessert.

Don't miss Crowley County Days, held every July during the last week of the month.

Early Settlers Day Celebration - La Junta

Early Settlers Day is celebrated downtown in La Junta each September on the second Saturday. This day is set aside to honor the early settlers of the Arkansas Valley, but is filled with festivities that will entertain young and old alike. The courthouse square is transformed into a carnival-like atmosphere with craft booths, food vendors, games, contests and entertainment tents. This all day festival provides plenty of fun and entertainment for the kid in everyone.

The entertainment gets underway early with a pancake breakfast in the courthouse square. The vendor booths open early and hand-made crafts and shopping for unique gifts and trinkets lasts until late afternoon. Don't miss the parade at 10 a.m. and hang around late for the street dance.

Be sure to catch Early Settlers Day every September.

Music at the Junction - Summer Music Festival - La Junta

This is a great family event that is co-sponsored by the City of La Junta and the La Junta Chamber of Commerce to benefit the Arkansas Valley Hospice. Each year several bands play live on the big stage beginning at noon and playing until 9 p.m. The bands consist of several local favorite groups as well as bands from Pueblo, Colorado Springs and in 2006 a nationally recognized band will join the line-up. Each band plays a variety of music ranging from blues, to country, classic and alternative rock. Admission is under $5 with advance purchase, and as an added bonus the City offers reduced prices at the adjacent Wipe-Out swimming pool for those who want to cool off and still enjoy the music.

Take advantage of enjoying multiple bands for one low ticket price and help in benefiting the Arkansas Valley Hospice every August by attending Music at the Junction.