Mountain Fair 2026: Three Days of Music, Art, Community & Pure Colorado Spirit
If you've never experienced Carbondale Mountain Fair, this is the year to go.
For more than 50 years, Mountain Fair has been one of the Roaring Fork Valley's most beloved summer traditions—a joyful celebration of live music, local art, delicious food, quirky contests, and community spirit. Hosted by Carbondale Arts, the fair transforms Sopris Park into a lively gathering place where you'll find families dancing barefoot in the grass, artists showcasing their work, children creating masterpieces, and friends reconnecting under the shade of old cottonwood trees.
Admission is free, and the atmosphere is unmistakably Colorado.
Friday, July 24
Mountain Fair kicks off Friday afternoon with an exciting mix of modern rock and jam music.
Tommy the Animal opens the Main Stage with a nostalgic rock sound that's equal parts classic and contemporary. Later in the evening, Dizgo takes over with its high-energy blend of funk, jam, electronic grooves, and improvisation that's guaranteed to get the crowd dancing.
Over at the Oasis Stage, you'll catch performances by Aspen's own Rock and Roll Academy, showcasing talented local youth musicians, followed by Denver's psychedelic rock band Velvet Daydream, whose live performances are as unpredictable as they are electrifying.
Saturday, July 25
Saturday offers music nearly all day, making it the perfect excuse to spend the afternoon wandering through artisan booths with a cold drink in hand.
The Main Stage begins with internationally acclaimed Latin guitarist El Javi, whose virtuosic performances blend flamenco, classical, Latin rhythms, and progressive rock.
Colorado-based Marfa follows with an authentic Americana sound inspired by Texas country, Laurel Canyon, and classic rock.
One of Saturday's highlights is Della Mae, the Grammy-nominated all-female bluegrass powerhouse known for heartfelt songwriting, extraordinary musicianship, and unforgettable live performances.
Saturday night closes with High Step Society, whose infectious mix of big band jazz, swing, and modern electronic beats turns Sopris Park into one giant dance floor.
Meanwhile, the Oasis Stage features an equally impressive lineup, including New Orleans-style jazz from Noodle Soup, local favorites The Nearly Now, the funky sounds of Hand Turkey, indie jam band Moonbeem, and the psychedelic grooves of Starfish Enterprise.
Sunday, July 26
Sunday slows the pace just enough while keeping the music flowing.
Start the morning with traditional Gospel Bluegrass, then enjoy the folk harmonies of Mama Lingua before diving into an eclectic afternoon featuring electronic grooves from Beep Bop Boop, uplifting indie rock from Elevator Operator, and the thoughtful songwriting of Antonio Lopez.
The afternoon continues with Charleston funk-rock favorites The Psycodelics, whose message of "Be Kind and Get Down" perfectly captures the Mountain Fair spirit.
The festival wraps up Sunday evening with Moontricks, a Canadian electro-folk duo whose unique blend of roots music, blues, and electronic production creates the perfect soundtrack for one final dance beneath Mount Sopris.
More Than Just Music
While the music alone is worth the trip, Mountain Fair is about much more than its stages.
You'll find hundreds of regional artists, handcrafted goods, interactive children's activities, local food vendors, nonprofit booths, and plenty of opportunities to simply sit under a tree and soak in one of Colorado's happiest weekends.
Don't miss the fair's legendary traditions, including the Mountain Fair Parade, the colorful Costume Contest, and one of the valley's favorite spectacles—the Wooden Canoe Races on the Crystal River.
Jillian's Tip
Come early, bring a blanket or low-back chair, and don't over-plan your day. Some of the best moments at Mountain Fair happen between the performances—running into old friends, discovering a local artist you've never seen before, or hearing a band you weren't expecting to love.
Mountain Fair isn't just a festival—it's a celebration of everything that makes the Roaring Fork Valley such a special place to call home.

















