78th Annual Buffalo Days

Step back in time during one of the most beloved annual traditions in Grand Lake: Buffalo Days.  What started way back in 1948 as a small community celebration of our Western heritage has grown into one of the region’s signature summer events.  Every August, locals and visitors flock to our small town for three jam-packed days of pioneering fun, including a parade, live music, and an authentic buffalo barbecue. It’s a tribute to community spirit and Grand Lake’s unmatched outdoor offerings. Unlike many other summer festivals around Colorado, you don’t have to worry about huge crowds. The 78th Annual Buffalo Days will take place from August 15 to 17, 2025. Read on for the calendar of events and how to make the most of your getaway.

Friday

Get into the Western spirit with a series of kick-off events, including themed painting and line dancing classes. Enjoy a free outdoor screening of “Back to the Future” in Town Park—bring your own chair and blanket, and we’ll provide the soda and popcorn. The event is free to attend, but you are welcome to donate if you’d like.

Saturday

Lace up your sneakers for a morning 5K, then fuel up at one of our local restaurants before diving into a full day of festivities. Highlights include a family-friendly carnival, a corn hole tournament, a jail photo booth, an authentic buffalo barbecue cooked by the masters at Sagebrush BBQ & Grill, and an afternoon of free, live music at Lakefront Park, headlined by the 6 Million Dollar Band, a Colorado ‘80s dance group.

Wrap up the evening by connecting with the local community at the official after-party at Charlie’s Bar and Grill. Although fireworks aren’t planned for this year, the weekend is full of family-friendly excitement.

Sunday

The fun’s not over yet. Be part of the excitement with music, poetry, and humor during Cowboy Church, followed by a Cowpoke Parade down Grand Avenue and a splashing good time at the Water Zone in the park.

An updated event schedule—as well as Grand Lake’s full lineup of upcoming happenings—can be found here.