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.
Bluegrass on the Arkansas
Memorial 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 and keeps the grill cooking all afternoon.
FIBArk
This year marks the 62nd anniversay of FIBArk, 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.”
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 this year’s 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 calling 719-539-4186 or 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. Please contact Kate at kateyost@gmail.com if you are interested in making this year’s FIBArk the best yet!
Art Walk
Salida Art Walk is an annual arts celebration in Colorado’s largest historic district — downtown Salida, Colorado. Visitors stroll Historic Downtown Salida streets, enjoying the sights and sounds of the visual and performing art showcased in over 40 galleries, restaurants and shops. The 2011 Art Walk begins Friday, June 24.
Fourth of July Celebration
Noon till 10 pm in Riverside Park. Community parade, music and food. New larger fireworks show to commence at dusk (weather permitting).
Annual Brewers Rendezvous
45 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. July 9, 2011.
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.