Can I let you in on a little (not-so) secret? Traveling is expensive… However, if you live in the beautiful melting pot that is the Centennial State, you have the opportunity to see the world (so to speak) without ever crossing state lines. How do you do this? Just attend these 14 unique events for a cultural experience unlike any other:
1. Long's Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival (Estes Park)
Mark your calendars for September 8-11th, when Celtic culture comes to life through music, jousting, food and so much more.
2. Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival (Pueblo)
Do you love green chile? Of course you do; you live in Colorado. Get your chile fix from a variety of vendors and chefs at this "hot" festival (which is scheduled September 25-27th).
3. Maifest - German Celebration of Spring (Grand Junction)
It's May Day (May 1st)! Let's go to Grand Junction and celebrate with beer, brats and polka.
4. 17th Annual Greek Festival (Colorado Springs)
See these? They are called Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs) and they are as amazing as they sound. Don't worry; there's more where that came from at this year's Greek Festival on August 21-23.
5. BaoBao Festival (Boulder)
Watch West African culture come to life through captivating dance, storytelling, and drumming. (Unfortunately, the 13th Annual BaoBao Festival has ended, taking place March 9-12th.)
6. Colorado Brazil Fest (Boulder)
Samba music, Brazilian foods, and unique workshops... What more could you possibly want? (Official date TBA.)
7. Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (Colorado Springs)
Can you guess which culture will celebrate with elaborate and colorfully decorated boats on July 30th and 31st?
8. Philippine-American Society of Colorado's 21st annual Philippine Festival (Edgewater)
"Your passport to the Philippines" takes place June 11th (with upbeat music, vendors, and plenty of tasty food.)
9. Colorado Indian Marketand Southwest Showcase (Denver)
Unfortunately, the highly anticipated 2016 Market and Showcase has already passed, so be sure to keep your ears open for next year's dates. (Trust us; it's worth it.)
10. Festival Italiano (Lakewood)
Mamma Mia! That's a spicy meatball... err, breadstick? Try both for yourself on September 10th and 11th.
11. Christkindl Market (Denver)
The most wonderful time of the year is even more wonderful at the Denver Christkindl Market, which features homemade gifts, treats, decor and so much more. (The dates for this year's market are TBA.)
12. Scandinavian Midsummer Festival (Estes Park)
"Every good party needs music, dancing, Vikings and beer to celebrate summer the Scandavian way." We couldn't agree more! See you June 24-26th.
13. Cinco de Mayo Festival (Fort Collins)
Beer garden? Check. Live music? Check. Bounce houses for the little ones? You know it. Celebrate Mexico's rich heritage on May 7th and 8th.
14. Denver Cherry Blossom Festival (Denver)
Watch Lawrence Street come to life on June 18th and 19th with numerous demonstrations, cuisine and music from the Japanese culture.
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