Cortez, Colorado, is the heart of Montezuma County. Here, you’ll find a bounty of year-round local events that draw locals and visitors alike to its stunning landscapes and vibrant community.
A proud contributor to the community of Cortez, as well as the nearby towns in Southwest Colorado, Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery encourages residents and tourists to explore the dynamic local events that make this area so special.
With an elevation more than 6,100 feet above sea level, and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Cortez is alive with a diverse mix of events throughout every season of the year. From live music to cultural fairs, seasonal celebrations abound year-round in Cortez. Explore this community calendar of events –– connect, celebrate, and have fun.
Before your visit for Cortez events, check our local Four Corners weather article.
Cortez Events in Montezuma County: A Thriving Community Calendar
The city of Cortez presents a robust community calendar packed with local events, fairs, and festivals that cater to people young and old alike. Supported by local sponsorships, grants, and an engaged community, the variety of Cortez events ensures the city, as well as nearby Dolores, Colorado, remains an exciting place to live and visit.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or exploring the area for the first time, the lively local community calendar of events promises unique experiences and unforgettable memories. Cortez, Colorado, is your ultimate destination for exciting year-round happenings.
Four States Ag Expo: A Cortez Event Celebrating Agriculture
Immerse yourself in the agricultural roots of the Four Corners region at the Four States Ag Expo. This annual event is held each March at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds and showcases the best of rural life, attracting farmers, vendors, and agriculture enthusiasts.
Learn from live demonstrations, browse through extensive exhibits, and engage in entertaining activities that pay homage to the agricultural legacy of the Four Corners area.
Epic Mountain Biking Adventure: 12 Hours of Mesa Verde
The 12 Hours of Mesa Verde mountain bike race is a thrilling endurance event that begins at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. Formerly known as Ride the Lightning, this cycling event is held during the month of May. This team relay race takes participants through a 1,214 elevation gain per lap of the 16.4-mile rollercoaster trail through Mesa Verde National Park.
The event challenges bikers to push their limits while soaking in breathtaking views. Beyond being a competition, it’s a race for a cause, with proceeds supporting local youth organizations in Southwest Colorado. The trail’s perfect for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike!
Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival
Each May, the Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival transforms Cortez. Hosted by the Cortez Cultural Center, the festival features guided tours, guest lectures, and overnight excursions to the region’s birding hotspots.
With about 180 species of birds living in the region, including the rare Lucy’s Warbler, participants can marvel at the incredible biodiversity of Southwest Colorado. The festival is a delightful blend of education, adventure, and appreciation for nature’s wonders.
Cortez Rendezvous Enchanting Hot Air Balloon Balloon Spectacle
In August, the skies above Cortez come alive during the Cortez Rendezvous Balloon Rally. Taking off from downtown’s 130-acre Parque de Vida, hot-air balloons bloom across the skies in a kaleidoscope of colors.
The sunrise balloon glow take-off is a favorite for photographers and families, offering a magical start to the day. This event captures the essence of Colorado’s local charm and is a must-see for balloon enthusiasts and those looking for a unique visual experience.
Festival of Trees and Wreaths in Cortez
The Festival of Trees and Wreaths is a winter tradition in Montezuma County communities as well as other cities in the Four Corners such as Durango, Colorado, and nearby Farmington, New Mexico.
Held in downtown Cortez for a few weeks in late November and early December, it is a family-friendly event, free and open to the public. The event in Cortez features scavenger hunts and auctions of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, each created with care and creativity.
The multi-city festival is a magical holiday experience and also fosters a strong sense of community across the Four Corners region.
Luminaria Night
Every December on the second Saturday, the Four Seasons hosts its Luminaria Night to share holiday cheer in an evening of live music, cookies and punch, and 1,000 glowing luminarias. It’s the Four Season’s way to say “thank you” to the community.
Shopping at Local Markets
Celebrate Spring: Create A Garden Event Every Day
Spring in Cortez marks the awakening of nature, and there’s no better place to celebrate this vibrant season than at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery. Known for its vast selection of quality gardening supplies, locally grown plants, and expert advice, this generous sponsor of many Cortez events sets the tone for spring festivities in the region.
Visitors to the Four Seasons Greenhouse are welcomed with garden workshops, local vendors, and family-friendly activities, making it one of many unique must-see Cortez attractions.
After enjoying a day of gardening inspiration, enjoy other springtime Cortez events. Enjoy the city’s Parque de Vida in the heart of downtown, with its verdant trails, wildlife pond, acres of multi-purpose sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Or, stroll through downtown on art walks featuring local artisans: spring in Montezuma County offers something for everyone.
Visit the Cortez Farmer’s Market in Summer
For a full summer experience, stop by the Cortez Farmer’s Market. Open every Saturday from June to October, it’s the ideal spot for sourcing the best farm-fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious homemade treats. When searching for ingredients for a gourmet meal or unique gifts, the Cortez Farmer’s Market highlights the creativity and hard work of local artisans and farmers.
Shop Local at the Winter Market
From November through mid-March, you can find a taste of summer as the Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery transforms itself into the region’s coziest marketplace with its Winter Market.
Held every Saturday in winter from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the last twelve years without missing a beat, this indoor market offers a delicious array of fresh produce, locally-raised meats, baked goods, local free-range eggs, soups and sandwiches, food trucks, locally grown spices, honey, handcrafted products, and more.
Visitors can sip a hot cup of coffee or cocoa, enjoy local music and performers, and explore the best of what Southwest Colorado’s producers have to offer. The market is more than just a shopping experience — it’s a celebration of community, where residents and visitors come together to support local farmers and sustainable living.
Christmas Shop
Starting in early November through December, the Four Seasons opens its extensive Christmas shop featuring poinsettias, ornaments and other holiday decorations. Additionally, it offers a variety of Christmas-themed classes for making wreaths and other handicrafts –– an opportunity to socialize and swap tips with other creatives and gardeners.
Celebrate Life with Cortez Events: Annual Local Events
Cortez, Colorado, offers an exciting calendar of events, whether you’re exploring the history of nearby Mesa Verde National Park, supporting local artisans and farmers, taking on the 11 best hiking trails in Cortez, or marveling at the beauty of hot air balloons in Parque de Vida. The region’s blend of culture, adventure, and community makes it a destination worth exploring year-round.
For all your gardening, decorating, and local market needs, Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery is the perfect companion for exploring the Southwest during your Cortez adventures. Four Seasons was named Best Garden Center in Best of Cortez, as well as the Best of the Southwest Region from Today’s Garden Center Magazine, and voted the most Revolutionary Garden Center in the U.S.
Four Seasons has proudly supported the spirit of Montezuma County and its Cortez events for over 38 years. Visit Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery and discover how this celebrated garden center can enrich your experience of the Four Corners region.