Your Guide to Glenwood Springs’ Biggest Celebrations of the Season
There’s something about kicking off summer in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, that feels special. Maybe it’s the mountain sunshine, the sound of live music and laughter drifting through Two Rivers Park or the excitement of festivals and community events filling the calendar. Whatever the reason, summer here arrives in Glenwood Springs with a splash—and there’s no better place to enjoy it than making Glenwood Hot Springs Resort your base camp.
From beloved traditions like Strawberry Days and Fourth of July to the lively Summer of Music and Music on the Mountain concert series and the weekly Market on 7th in downtown, the season is packed with opportunities to gather, explore and make memories.
And when you’re ready to relax and play in the geothermal hot springs, explore the miles of hiking and biking trails, and extend the fun? Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is right in the heart of it all for kicking off summer in Glenwood Springs.
Welcome Summer in Glenwood Springs at Strawberry Days
One of Colorado’s oldest continuously running festivals, Strawberry Days at Two Rivers Park is the unofficial start of summer in Glenwood Springs on June 19-21, 2026. This cherished community celebration brings together locals and visitors for live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food (including free strawberries and ice cream after the parade, while supplies last), fun for kids, and the Strawberry Shortcut 1-mile, 5k and 10K runs. This year’s festival is presented by Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Alpine Bank in partnership with the Glenwood Springs Chamber Foundation and City of Glenwood Springs.
After a day spent strolling through the festival, imagine easing into the warm mineral-rich waters of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. It’s the perfect combination of community fun and well-deserved relaxation for kicking off summer in Glenwood Springs.
Local tip: Turn Strawberry Days into a getaway by booking an overnight stay at The Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort or the resort’s poolside Hotel 1888. You’ll enjoy convenient access to the festivities and unlimited pool access during business hours and complimentary breakfast during your stay.
Celebrate Independence Day the Glenwood Way
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort opened to great fanfare on July 4, 1888, so Independence Day is a reason for celebration. Don’t miss the surprise red-white-and-blue beach ball drops during the day.
You can spend the morning and afternoon splashing in the world’s largest hot springs pool, and then head to Glenwood Springs Fourth of July Celebration in Two Rivers Park that kicks off at 4:30 p.m. At the community event bounce houses, axe throwing, lawn games, mechanical bull riding, food and beverage vendors, and more are among the highlights. Live music begins with the first band going on stage at 5 p.m. followed by a second band at 7 p.m.
Local tip: Carpooling, biking or walking to Two Rivers Park for Fourth of July festivities is highly recommended due to limited parking.
Turn Up the Volume with Summer of Music
Nothing says summer quite like live music under Colorado skies. Kick off a tune-filled summer in Glenwood Springs with Music on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park feature nationally recognized performers from 6-9 p.m. on themed nights: June 13, Mountaintop Fiesta; August 15, Funk & Soul Summit; and August 22, Rockin’ the Rockies. Concert-goers are encouraged to dress the theme.
The Summer of Music concert series brings talented performers to Two Rivers Park on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. from July 1 to August 12, creating memorable evenings filled with great music, dancing and community spirit.
Arrive early and spend the afternoon soaking at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort before heading to a concert. The combination of mineral-water relaxation and live entertainment makes for an unforgettable summer day for all ages. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends or bringing the whole family, it’s an easy way to experience two of Glenwood Springs’ favorite summer traditions in one day.
Local tip: Each Music on the Mountain concert supports a different local nonprofit organization. After 5 p.m., guests can purchase a $5 donation gondola ticket at the ticket window. Enjoy the scenic ride to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which is America’s only mountaintop theme park.
Discover Local Flavor at Market on 7th
Looking for a more laidback way to kick off summer in Glenwood Springs? Add Market on 7th to your itinerary. This weekly gathering runs from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesdays from June 23 to September 8.
Enjoy live music and stroll the downtown market that features local vendors, fresh produce, artisan creations and variety of handcrafted products. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet local makers, shop for unique treasures and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that makes Glenwood Springs distinct.
Before or after browsing the market, savor a refreshing swim in Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Grand Pool; a relaxing soak in the Therapy Pool and the five pools that make up Yampah Mineral Bath; an exhilarating ride on the Shoshone Chutes river tube ride; and a tasty treat from the Grill, Snack Bar and Red Brick Eats food truck.
Local tip: It’s an easy walk to downtown from Glenwood Hot Springs Resort over the pedestrian bridge. There are all sorts of local shops and eateries to enjoy during Market on 7th and any day of the year.
Why Glenwood Hot Springs Resort Belongs on Every Summer Itinerary
Summer events bring an amazing energy to Glenwood Springs, and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort helps make kicking off summer and embracing the season in Glenwood Springs truly unforgettable.
For Day Visitors
Planning a day trip from Vail, Aspen, Snowmass, Carbondale, Grand Junction or western Colorado? Pair any summer event with a visit to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Spend a few hours swimming, soaking, exploring Sopris Splash Zone and enjoying other local attractions before heading back home refreshed.
For Overnight Guests
Want to road trip, experience local trails, book a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion, cast a line in peaceful rivers and lakes, play a round of golf and get out on a horseback ride? Stay overnight, for a weekend or an entire week at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to turn a single day of fun into a full-on summer escape.
Guests enjoy:
- Unlimited access to the pools during business hours (8 a.m.-10 p.m. in the summer)
- Comfortable accommodations at The Lodge or Hotel 1888
- Easy walking access to downtown
- A convenient home base for exploring Glenwood Springs and the entire Roaring Fork Valley
- A chance to relax and recharge between adventures
Check out the resort’s whitewater rafting, e-biking, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves packages that combine all the above with an activity.
Make This Summer One to Remember
The calendar is filling up with some of the most anticipated Glenwood Springs summer events of the year. From the traditions of Strawberry Days and Fourth of July celebrations to the energy of Summer of Music and Music on the Mountain, and the local spirit of Market on 7th, there’s something happening nearly every week.
The only question is: How will you experience it? Book your stay at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, grab your swimsuit and get ready to celebrate summer in Glenwood Springs. The music is playing, the festivals are starting, and the warm mineral waters are waiting to kick off summer in Glenwood Springs
