July is one of the most beautiful months in Colorado. Summer is in full swing, and the warm weather means you can enjoy plenty of outdoor events and activities. Whether you’re eager to venture into the mountains, enjoy a picnic and live music or attend a one-of-a-kind event, here are some ideas for fun things to do in Colorado in July:

July 4-6: Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Cherry Creek North

For two days each summer, the works of 260 artists fill the streets of Cherry Creek North for the annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival.

There is so much to see and experience, and along the way, you can enjoy live music, kids’ activities, food and can learn more about art education.

This event is free and opens each day at 10 a.m.

July 5-10: Rooftop Rodeo – Estes Park

Watch the world’s top rodeo contestants during this six-day “rodeo with altitude.” Estes Park’s rodeo organizers brag that the event takes place at the highest altitude of any rodeo in the U.S. This signature Estes Park event offers contestants a chance to cool off and enjoy some mountain beauty as they show off old-western skills from bull riding to cattle roping and barrel racing.

The event features everything you’d expect from a class rodeo: family fun, thrilling entertainment, food and vendors. Covered grandstands ensure an enjoyable experience no matter the weather.

July 11-20: Wildflower Festival – Crested Butte

The picturesque mountain town of Crested Butte is known as the wildflower capital of Colorado. The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival offers guided and self-guided hikes and walks, adventure photography and art workshops, nature-inspired culinary classes and more. Learn about geology, birding, butterflies and the history behind Crested Butte and the area’s wildflowers. Events are generally limited to 15 participants and are selling out fast, so get your tickets today.

July 1-30: Cool down on a river – throughout Colorado

By July, most Colorado rivers have slowed, making it a great time to jump on an inner tube — with your life jacket and river shoes on, of course — and enjoy a refreshing float.

Across the state, there are many waterways with sections that are safer for tubers. Before heading out, be sure to check with local river experts, such as rafting outfitters, fly-fishing shops or Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service ranger stations, to confirm that water levels are safe.

Want to know where to go, what to bring and how you can stay safe? You’ll find everything you need to know about tubing in Colorado in this article.

July 25-27: Burro Days – Fairplay

Burros played an important role in Colorado’s mining history — and the town of Fairplay hasn’t forgotten. For more than 75 years, the town has honored that legacy with a free, family-friendly event.

The tradition began with a daring burro race from Leadville to Fairplay. While the route has evolved over the years, the spirit remains the same. Today, racers dash to the top of a mountain pass and back, with a shorter course for those looking for a less intense challenge.

But the fun doesn’t stop with the burros. There is also an event featuring llamas, as well as some more silly competitions, like an outhouse race.

Come for the history and stay for the fun.

July 26: Steel City Arkansas River Festival (SCARF) – Pueblo

The free Steel City Arkansas River Festival highlights the beauty of Pueblo and the revitalized waterway that flows through it. With recent improvements to the river corridor, now is the perfect time to explore this enhanced space for recreation and connection. This is the first year for this festival.

The festival kicks off with a build-your-own-boat race starting at the Nature Wildlife Discovery Center and finishing at Waterworks Park. The park will also feature vendors throughout the day. At noon, watch a surf competition at the whitewater park’s lower wave. At 3 p.m., community members are invited to decorate their crafts and dress in their favorite summer costume for a free community float and bike ride; Life jackets are required for the float. From 2 to 7 p.m., there will be food trucks, live music and hands-on demos at the whitewater kayak park/Pillar Park.

July 28-30: Yampa Valley Hot Air Balloon Rodeo – Steamboat

The Yampa Valley Hot Air Balloon Rodeo started in 1981 to attract more visitors to Steamboat Springs during the summer.

The event features mass ascensions of hot air balloons over the Yampa Valley, with the launches taking place at Bald Eagle Lake. The event attracts balloon pilots and enthusiasts from all over the country and has become one of Steamboat’s most iconic summer events. Admission is free, and the balloons launch between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m.

July 1-30: Hike a 14er – throughout Colorado

If you’re not from Colorado, you may be wondering, what is a 14er? A 14er or “Fourteener” is a mountain that exceeds 14,000 feet of elevation. Colorado has 58 named 14ers, the most of any state in the United States.

Summer is the best time to summit a 14er as most of the snow has melted, but the summer season is also known for afternoon storms. And hiking 14ers is extremely challenging and can be dangerous. Here’s more information on the various levels of difficulty of Colorado’s 14ers.

Regardless of which one you pick, you’ll want to start your hike as early as possible and depart the summit by noon at the latest. You don’t want to be above tree line when a lightning storm hits. It’s also essential to bring plenty of water and food along with warm layers and a dependable headlamp if you’re starting your hike in the early morning hours.

If hiking a 14er feels too intimidating, there are two high peaks with roads to the top. They are Mount Blue Sky near Denver and Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs. Plan ahead since you’ll need reservations to go to the top of these famous peaks.