If you’ve never heard of Loveland, Colorado, it might be time to start planning a trip to the mountains. This funky town throws an unbeatable festival every summer featuring local flavors and live music.
But if barbeque and beer aren’t your jam, you’ll still find plenty to love about this high-altitude destination.
Today, we’re digging into the BBQ, Bands, & Brews Festival to show you why the Eastern Slope should be on your bucket list.
Let’s get into it!
About the Loveland Loves BBQ, Bands, & Brews Festival
Beer, barbeque, and music come together like nowhere else at this Loveland, Colorado, festival. The 17th annual event takes place in early July at the Old Fairgrounds Park. You’ll get free entry to the grounds, where you can purchase drink tokens and all the barbeque you could hope to eat.
Locals look forward to the BBQ, Bands, & Brews festival every year. The event’s website even features a page dedicated to poems written about the occasion.
The Loveland Sertoma club puts on this much-loved tradition with the help of many local sponsors. Sertoma is an international organization, short for “Service To Mankind,” originally founded to help people with language, speech, and hearing disorders. But they also contribute to local youth clubs and other regional charities.
Where Is Loveland, Colorado?
The town of Loveland, Colorado, lies along the Front Range Urban Corridor between Boulder and Fort Collins. This area is home to plenty of eccentric mountain towns, and this place is no exception.
While the downtown storefronts are reminiscent of any old-school small town in America, there’s more to offer than meets the eye. This little city is known for its appreciation of the arts, with museums, galleries, and public installations throughout.
But there’s no shortage of outdoor exploration to enjoy. There’s plenty of space for camping, hiking, and biking. You can catch a glimpse of the Rocky Mountains Eastern Slope from many places in town.
Other Fun Things To Do Near Loveland, Colorado
If you visit Loveland for the BBQ, Bands, & Brews Festival, you’ll also want to give yourself time to check out the rest of this quirky Colorado town. Here are a few of our top picks.
Check Out the Benson Sculpture Garden
One of the town’s tributes to the arts is the Benson Sculpture Garden. Established in 1985, this park now features over 175 sculptures valued at upwards of five million dollars. This treasured greenspace has ADA-accessible sidewalks, picnic areas, and public restrooms within its ten acres.
The only time you’ll pay to enter is during the Sculpture in the Park show in early August. But even then, only a portion of the grounds require a fee.
Whether or not you’re in town for the event, you’ll want to swing by to see why it’s Loveland’s #1 tourist attraction!
Visit Boyd Lake State Park
When you’re ready to work off some of that barbeque from the festival, Loveland’s Boyd Lake State Park is the perfect place to do it. Locals consider it the watersports haven of the area. Here, you can swim, kayak, or paddleboard to cool off. If you’d rather stay dry, you can play a game of beach volleyball or hit the hiking trails.
Pack a picnic and make a day of your visit. You’ll have access to handicapped parking, restrooms with showers, and beverage services.
Hike the Devil’s Backbone
If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can really stretch your legs by hiking the Devil’s Backbone. This out-and-back trail is just over four miles long and takes around two hours to complete.
While many consider this an easy trek, there’s little shade or water access. Consider starting early in the morning to avoid excessive heat and growing crowds.
There’s no entry fee, and leashed pets are welcome. Just bring plenty of water for you and your furry friends.
Best Places to Stay Near Loveland, Colorado
Make the most of your trip to Loveland, Colorado, by staying a while. After all, there’s plenty to see and do beyond chowing down on barbeque.
No matter the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, you’ll find it nearby. Here are a few of our favorites.
Boyd Lake State Park
Boyd Lake State Park has more to offer than premier water sports. You can also bring your RV or tent and get comfortable. All RV sites have partial hookups with access to 20, 30, and 50-Amp electrical service, as well as a picnic table and fire pit.
There’s a dump station, laundry facility, trash service, and full restrooms for visitors. When you’re not spending time on the water or the hiking trails, you can play a round of horseshoes or let the little ones run around on the playground.
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
For a taste of the Old West, make a reservation at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. This family-owned “Bunk and Breakfast” has been in operation since 1946. It sits on 3,200 acres that guests can explore on foot or horseback.
Join guided hikes, bass fishing excursions, or trap shooting. You can even help around the stables if you want to get your hands dirty.
You can rent a cabin or guest house for anywhere from two to ten people. And if you book for a week or more, you’ll get home-cooked meals for your stay.
While this working ranch will take you back in time, you’ll still have access to all the modern comforts of home.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
If you’re looking for more cosmopolitan accommodations, the TownePlace Suites in downtown Loveland could be just the spot. This centrally located hotel will put you close to all of the town’s featured attractions.
Each unit has a full kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, and other appliances. And their Something Borrowed program lets you use things that may not be in your room already, like a crockpot or blender.
This Loveland Festival is Worth the Trip
The BBQ, Bands, & Brews Festival alone is worth a trip to Loveland, Colorado. You’ll get to enjoy all the flavors of this small mountain town and the sense of community that makes it unique.
And even if you can’t visit during the event, plenty will draw you in year-round. From outdoor adventures to high art, you won’t run out of things to do anytime soon!
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