Leadville Boom Days Festival

Nestled in the midst of the Rocky Mountains is a charming little town called Leadville, Colorado. Leadville is a one of the first historic mining towns of Colorado. Kitsch shops and fun festivals make it a must stop for anyone traveling though the state. Once a year, Leadville celebrates Boom Days – a festival celebrating anything and everything from the Old West. A Fair with over 100 booths of food and drink are a big draw for this festival, but different mining competitions really make this festival stand out. This year it will be held on August 4th – 6th and feature 3 days jam packed with mining history, cars shows and fun you can’t find anywhere else.

Motorcycle Games & Boom Days Dance

Courtesy Leadville Boom Days Facebook

Day one kicks off with a craft and food fair, as well as registration for the motorcycle races beginning at 2pm. A historical tour will start at the Delaware Hotel and makes its way through the downtown area. At 5pm, the opening ceremonies begin with an introduction of the festival, followed immediately by the motorcycle games. An up and coming band kicks off the opening night dance at 7pm, where people dress to the nines in 1880’s high fashion.

Mining Events, Boom Days Parade & More

A pancake breakfast kicks off day two of Boom Days and will give you fuel to last through the upcoming days of activities. A 5k run starts right after breakfast, but if that is not your style, head over to the Rod and Gun show hosted by The Leadville Rod and Gun Club. Members will dress up and show off their gun slinging skills, as well as give you a show you won’t forget. If you want to try your hand at the mining activities that made this town famous, there are also mining competitions. These include jack leg drilling, spike driving, hand mucking and hand steeling. If you are searching for more kid-friendly activities face painters and three-legged races will makes for a day of fun. Squirt guns and water balloons will be located sporadically around town to help keep everyone cool on those arm August days.

Gunfighters & Burro Races

Courtesy Leadville Boom Days Facebook

Day three is kicked off with skits and more gun slinging, followed by mining competitions for the kids such as gold panning. A parade makes its way though the town with floats and horses and anything and everything related to the Boom Days. The biggest draw on day 3 is the burro races. Bring a chair or blanket and set yourself up along the race course to see people racing down the streets with their burros. Not a sight you see every day; this event tends to stand out a crowd favorite! This year the time to beat is going to be 3 hours and 21 minutes.

Boom Days is a favorite for locals throughout the state, but a fun experience even if you’re not from around here. Stay for all 3 days or pop in to see an event on your way to and from the AVA Outpost in Buena Vista. Give us a call at 877-RAFTING to book your raft and zip line tour and get some more information about local Colorado festivals and sights you need to see!