If you’re like 25-50% of sports fans, depending on who’s stats you trust, you are a self-described “casual” sports fan, who primarily pays interest to sports right about the time something gets interesting The World Series, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, and NBA Finals are the province of the casual fan, as the stakes are finally so high. While that may seem abhorrent to a fan who is rabid enough to—let’s just say—subscribe to a local sports site, it’s still true that nearly 80% of sports fans follow two or three of the “big four” (NFL/MLB/NBA/NHL), with folks watching anything else in decidedly smaller audiences
But with The Avs and Nuggets out of their respective playoffs, and the NBA and NHL Championships underway and over in the next two weeks, the Summer is looking sparse unless you truly love the still-struggling Rockies. But you—as the intrepid sports fan you are, or want to be—need a new place to channel that sporting enthusiasm. Luckily, Colorado’s summer calendar is actually overflowing with unforgettable sporting spectacles: everything from high-flying freestyle skiers to blood-pumping rodeo wranglers to amateur athletes testing their mettle in world-class races—plus a Major League Soccer team that’s still very much alive, and a National team contest that promises to be electric. Being in one of the prettiest states of the 50, there’s a reason Coloradans leave their air-conditioned homes to venture into mile-high air. Summer is the perfect time to shake things up—trade that living-room couch for a standing ovation stadium seat, or swap endless excuses for an impromptu entry in a 10K.
Here’s how you can hopscotch through your Colorado sporting Summer in order, see something brand new to you, and keep an eye on those Rockies for when they finally make a run.
Up the ‘Pids: Colorado Rapids – MLS Soccer, Various Venues, All Damned Summer Long
Why You Need to Be There
If you thought Colorado’s professional sports lineup ended with the Rockies, think again. The Colorado Rapids, Denver’s Major League Soccer franchise, are in the thick of Western Conference play, and they’ve got 16 more matches before the regular season concludes, including 11 throughout the Summer, and one coming up in Austin on Saturday. Heading into the weekend, the Rapids are perched smack dab in the middle of the conference, playing for every point like their playoff hopes depend on it (because they do).
- Home Advantage: Once they’re back from Texas, you can see the Rapids beautiful home field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. Catch them on June 14 versus the San Jose Earthquakes and June 28 against the Seattle Sounders.
- Participant’s Angle: If you’re feeling particularly footy-fervent, join the Rapids’ “Pick-Up & Play” sessions (every Wednesday in June, 7 PM–9 PM, Community Field). No professional experience required—just an appreciation for cleats in the grass.
- Insider Tip: If you want to experience the Rapids’ official supporter culture, show up early for the “Beer & Burgers” pre-game tailgate outside Section 117. Your stomach will be shouting GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL. Okay, sorry, that went too far.
GoPro Mountain Games — Vail, CO – This Weekend
Why You Need to Be There
If “gravity-defying” and “adrenaline” were married, Vail’s GoPro Mountain Games would be their lovechild. This four-day extravaganza blends competition, outdoor gear expos, live music, and even dog sports. Lots and lots of dog sports. It is so very Colorado. Imagine elite athletes tackling whitewater rapids one minute and then mountain bike race-dueling the next. You can watch—or join. Yes, you read that correctly: the Mountain Games feature dozens of amateur divisions. From men’s and women’s single-speed mountain biking races to stand-up paddleboard races, you can shack up for a weekend in Vail Village, toss back a locally brewed something or other, and at least pretend you’re fit enough to register for the YMCA Hiking and Running events. Or at least go see some remarkable semi-pro athletes attack a mountain.
- Insider Tip: Pack a pair of gaiters and moisture-wick socks. Your feet will thank you when you last-minute decide to enter the Rapid Water Races. And since you’re already there, don’t miss the GoPro Live! outdoor concert, where you can also watch snowboarders hit a massive rail jam on a synthetic “mini-halfpipe.”
Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series — Steamboat Springs, Starting Late June
Why You Need to Be There
Every Friday and Saturday evening from June 20 through August 23, Steamboat Springs kicks off a summer filled with rodeos, and hosts its Pro Rodeo Series, featuring events like bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping. It’s an authentic taste of Western culture, complete with chaps, cowboy hats, and all coming from one of the prettiest corners of the state.
- Participant’s Angle: General admission is a pretty cheap ticket in today’s era, at $18 per night, with kids under 12 free. If you’re feeling brazen, sign up for the amateur riding event and test your mettle against a “friendly” bronc. Yeah. “Friendly”.
US Women’s National Team vs Ireland — Commerce City, CO, Late(r) June
Why You Need To Be There
Carrying us into the end of June (26th), and back to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to see the one of the most successful National teams the U.S. has ever celebrated playing a friendly against the Irish. Will any of the Coloradans who play for USWNT be in the park? TBD. But the soccer that will be played will be exceptional and inspired, and a rare opportunity to see one of soccer’s great teams.
Boulder Peak Triathlon/Duathlon — Boulder, Mid-July
Why You Need to Be There
Boulder gets even bolder on July 13th, with brave souls tackling an entirely different beast: the Boulder Peak Triathlon, Duathlon, and Aquabike. These sprint-distance events wind along Boulder Creek and Wonderland Lake, beautiful for participants and observers alike. The finish line at North Boulder Park is a party worth checking out.
- Participant’s Angle: Registration costs $125 (and closes June 21), and there’s a self-seeded Age-Group Wave. If you’re a first-timer, consider the Splash & Dash (a run and swim only) at $75.
Cheyenne Frontier Days — Cheyenne, WY Mid-to-late July
Why You Need to Be There
Okay, so Cheyenne Frontier Days technically isn’t in Colorado, it’s only 10 miles over the border, and it’s the motherlode of western culture, the Daddy of ‘em all, and is only a 90-minute drive from Denver—close enough to warrant a mention, especially as the biggest rodeo on this list. From July 18–27, 2025, this ten-day extravaganza boasts the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo” (think: bull riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling), a massive carnival midway, and nightly mainstage concerts where country icons rub shoulders with up-and-comers. If you’ve ever wanted to see a man hold onto a 2,000-pound beast for eight seconds while the ground tries to fling him back over the state line, Frontier Days has you covered.
- Participant’s Angle: For aspiring rodeo heroes, amateur competitions run daily (entry forms must be submitted by July 1). Helmets might be wise. Several of the amateur competitions are “Junior”, but not all. Note: “junior” refers only to the 12–17 age group, but adults can volunteer to help and live vicariously through horse- or bull-powered gravity.
- Insider Tip: While the rodeo is epic, the pancake breakfasts, the air show, the base tours and more are the stuff of legend. Come conquer a couple dozen pancakes and tell your stomach to imagine what riding a bucking bronco feels like.
CSU PBR Last Cowboy Standing — Fort Collins, Late July
Why You Need to Be There
Because apparently all the rodeos have to happen at once, is why. Just down the road from CFD, Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Last Cowboy Standing combines the grit of bull riding with the beautiful atmosphere of a beautiful college town. July 21–22, 2025, at Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium, 35 of the toughest riders in the world will strut into the ring for a gladiator-style elimination tournament.
- Participant’s Angle: While the event itself is pros-only, CSU’s Ranch Romaine Invitational (July 20, all-day: amateur rodeo event) lets locals try tie-down roping, team roping, and bareback bronc riding. No prior ranching experience required—just sign a waiver, swallow hard, put on a cowboy hat (preferably borrowed from a friend), and remember: the bull’s the one with the horns.
Inspirato Colorado Open — Denver, Late(r) July
Why You Need to Be There
Getting past rodeo and into the greens… Tee times are serious business July 24–27 at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, where the Inspirato Colorado Open invites pros, amateurs, and venerable golf geeks to test their mettle. What’s unique about the Colorado Open is its dual-edged nature: it’s both a rigorous 72-hole professional stroke-play competition and an open public affair that lets weekend hackers strut the same emerald fairways. The winning score last year was 16 under par, and if you think you have a shot, sign yourself up to swing.
- Participant’s Angle: The Amateur Division (entry deadline: July 10) costs a modest $225. That covers four rounds—if you can match the pros’ pace, you’ll earn bragging rights at the clubhouse.
Leadville Trail 100 Run — Mid-August
Why You Need to Be There
It’s a 100 miles from Denver to Cheyenne, and if that seemed a slightly long drive, turn that distance into a footrace and jack it up to altitudes the birds gasp in, and you’ll have the Leadville Trail 100. Leadville’s ultra-endurance race will test even the best endurance runners. Dubbed “The Race Across the Sky,” this event kicks off at over 10,200 feet in elevation and climbs to 12,600 feet. Even seasoned runners debate if they’re breathing real air or vaporized jet fuel.
- Participant’s Angle: Lottery-entry only, and it’s been open since January. Entry fee is $400 for the “Pro” field. If you didn’t secure a spot, consider yourself amongst the lucky and volunteer at the historic 1880 Mine Aid Station—it’s still a bucket-list experience.
DNVR Bar, Also All Damned Summer Long
Why You Need to Be There
A shameless plug for the best place you can catch sports in Colorado day or night, with a stellar bar and grub menu to match. One of the gems in the state to talk about any sport you love, even if it’s one you just recently discovered over the Summer.