Salida Special Events and Park or Facility Rentals

FIBark

Salida is host to many annual events. For a complete list of local events, check out the calendars maintained by the Salida Chamber of Commerce or the Chaffee County Visitor Bureau. The SteamPlant Event Center holds frequent visual and/or performing arts events and several of our local cafes and bars often feature live music. Whether you call Salida home or are visiting the area we hope you enjoy these and other local events.

If you are interested in holding an event in Salida please click on the "How to rent a  park or hold an event" page.

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Annual Salida Events

 

FIBArk Whitewater Festival

FIBArk is the nation’s oldest whitewater festival and Salida’s signature event. Since 1949, every June during the Spring snow runoff, Salida has hosted FIBArk, “First in Boating on the Arkansas.” This event is held over the Father’s Day weekend in June.

Located in Salida’s historic downtown, Riverside Park is the center of FIBArk activity and entertainment. Food, arts and crafts, and industry vendors are available, as well as a beer tent, a carnival, and a state-of-the art amphitheater for extraordinary musical line-up.

FIBArk is presented each year as a non-profit, community event made possible only by the generosity of hundreds of volunteers and sponsors. To become a sponsor of this outdoor festival, please contact the FIBArk Board of Directors by e-mail fibark@gmail.com.

Volunteers are needed for all aspects of the festival, including festival set-up and take-down, beer sales, race event registration, and education at our recycling stations.

Bluegrass on the Arkansas

Memorial /Day weekend festivities in Salida feature live music, kids games, food and drinks in Riverside Park.  Bluegrass on the Arkansas is free event and an annual fundraiser for the Salida Rotary Club who host a beer & wine garden. Food is also available.

Salida Bike Fest

Salida Bike fest happens every September and features the Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, as well as other bike related activities. Follow this link for more information - https://www.cityofsalida.com/parksrec/page/salida-bike-fest

Ark Valley Pride

Ark Valley Pride is an annual celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. This family-friendly event is held the first weekend in June. It includes preparation events, an inclusive 'people-powered' Pride Parade down F Street in Salida, Awards and music in Riverside Park on Saturday, with Sunday serving up a raucous Drag Brunch fundraiser benefiting equity organizations in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. 

Art Walk

Salida Art Walk is an annual arts celebration in Colorado’s largest historic district — downtown Salida, Colorado. Visitors stroll through Salida’s Creative District in Historic Downtown Salida streets, enjoying the sights and sounds of the visual and performing art showcased in over 40 galleries, restaurants and shops. Art Walk will be held October 11,12, and 13 in 2024.

Fourth of July Celebration

Salida is recognized as having one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the country. Noon till 10 pm in Riverside Park. Community parade, music and food. Fireworks show at dusk (weather permitting).

Annual Brewers Rendezvous

70 brewers from around the state offer their best. Local food vendors selling a variety of items ranging from burritos, hot dogs, Thai noodles. Sponsored by the Colorado Brewers Guild and the Salida Chamber of Commerce, this event is typically held on the second weekend in July.

Salida Fiber Festival

Salida Fiber Festival is held in Riverside Park and is attended by visitors from across the country.

Salida Wine Festival

Wineries from Colorado and wine distributors with wines from around the world. Local food vendors selling a variety of items. Artists display their works. Sponsored by the Salida Chamber of Commerce, This festival is held in Alpine Park.

Salida Jazz Festival

The City of Salida Arts and Culture department hosts a Jazz Festival each summer in Riverside Park featuring local and national artists.

Holiday Park & Christmas Mountain

Join us in welcoming the holiday season! 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. Festivities start with a parade on F Street. Downtown shops and galleries have extended hours, and local restaurants and bars are bustling with activity.