August is here and that means that Grand Lake’s beloved Buffalo Days weekend is just around the corner! Buffalo Days is one of Grand Lake’s signature events of the summer and an annual tradition that dates back to the 1940s. This will be the 77th annual Buffalo Days event, taking place August 16-18 when residents and visitors alike will gather downtown for three days of western-themed activities, entertainment and family fun–Grand Lake style!
Cowboy Paint & Sip – Friday August 16th 3pm-6pm at the Grand Lake Center
Line Dancing Class with Dinah Brown – Friday August 16th 4pm-6pm at the Grand Lake Center
Outdoor Movie Night – Friday August 16th 8:30pm in Town Park
77th Annual Buffalo Days Schedule of Events
The festivities kick off on the afternoon of Friday, August 16, at the Grand Lake Center with a Cowboy paint-n-sip class presented by the Rocky Mountain Folk School, a year-round hub for hands-on cultural and artisan classes and workshops, and a Western Line Dancing class–no experience necessary! Then, grab a picnic blanket or chair and head to Town Park at dusk for an outdoor movie night featuring the summertime classic “Dirty Dancing” complete with complimentary movie snacks and hot chocolate, presented by Lupine Village, 6 cozy cabins that have been thoughtfully updated for the modern traveler and located in the heart of Grand Lake.
Saturday’s schedule is action-packed, starting with the annual 5k “Stampede” race at the Grand Lake Center at 9 a.m. on August 17. This all-ages fun run meanders along the lakefront and along a portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail for one of the most scenic and historic routes you’ll ever experience. Next, mosey over to Town Park for Cowboy Carnival Games from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. presented by the Town of Grand Lake, including a bounce house, obstacle course and other kid-friendly activities, including the hilarious Jail Photo Booth sponsored by Fire on the Mountain.
For big “kids” there will also be an exciting cornhole tournament from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Town Park. Spectators will find this activity almost as entertaining as the participants, with two person teams competing to win cash prizes and a custom Buffalo Days corn hole board set in this double elimination tournament. Winners will be recognized at the in-between bands at the Lakefront Music Festival following the tournament. Interested participants should register ASAP as space is limited and fills quickly for this crowd-favorite event!
The fun continues down at Lakefront Park with a beer garden, concert and, of course, a traditional Grand Lake feast of authentic buffalo barbecue from Sagebrush BBQ & Grill, Grand Lake’s most iconic eatery. Grab a spot on the lawn to enjoy a crisp, cold beer and excellent lineup of live music performances brought to you by The Buffalo Rose, a Colorado institution for live music located in Golden. The show starts at 3 p.m. with Jason Eady and wraps up just before sundown with headliner Ryan Chrys and The Rough Cuts playing a fantastically fun and lively country music concert.
The celebration continues at Charlie’s Bar and Grill where the official after party starts at 9 p.m.!
Keep the party going with Karaoke, $1 Shot Specials, Buy 2 Get 1 Free Drink Specials, & take a turn on the Mechanical Bull in Charlie’s new outdoor patio area.
But don’t stay out too late or you’ll miss some of the finest Buffalo Days weekend traditions happening on Sunday morning. Winding River Resort presents its annual Cowboy Church program in Town Park gazebo, where you can rejoice the cowboy way with an eclectic mix of music, poetry and humor. The Cowpoke Parade begins at 12:30 p.m. on Grand Avenue in downtown Grand Lake featuring a procession of floats, horses, costumes, pets, dancers, emergency vehicles and more. And finally, the moment everyone eagerly awaits all summer for, immediately following the parade is the Water Zone in Lakefront Park, where kids of all ages flock to splash, play, and cool off with some wet, wild and safe fun with the Grand Lake Fire Protection District.
There’s no better way to spend a summer weekend on the lake than celebrating Grand Lake’s history, heritage and culture with the annual Buffalo Days traditions. See the full schedule and register for activities online at the Buffalo Days Event Page. This fantastic, memorable event wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated support of our community volunteers and sponsors.
BIG thank you to the following:
If you need a place to stay as your Buffalo Days homebase, check out our featured lodging sponsors: Grand Mountain Rentals, Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging, Mountain Lakes Lodge, Winding River Resort, Lupine Village at Grand Lake, and Gateway Inn. Each of these locally-owned operations has distinct character, amenities and accommodations to make your Grand Lake vacation dreams a reality, from lakefront motel rooms and charming cabins to sprawling ranchlands and cozy, custom homes. Find your perfect fit at here!