Special Events

The annual runBlossom race is Cañon City's premier running event. Held each year during the weekend of the Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival, the event features a 5K distance, half-marathon, and kids' races. 

This race is appropriate for runners of all ages and abilities. The course showcases the best of rural Colorado. The course consists of a flat, wide dirt trail that follows the Arkansas River. Beginning and ending at the newly-remodeled Centennial Park, it is the perfect activity to kick off a weekend full of events and activities in the Cañon City area. Come for the race, but stay for the carnival, parade, rodeo, and local celebrations. 

Fremont Adventure Recreation is proud and excited to announce the second annual Royal 50 / Gorgeous 25 Mountain Bike Races. This epic ride, which will take place on the newest jewel in Cañon City's crown - the Royal Gorge Park Trails - takes you across singletrack trails that offer flowy fun and technical challenges. This event is a six-hour ride wherein the goal is to ride the full 50-miles. You may choose to ride as an individual or on a team.

From Fruit Days to Blossom Festivals History From Fruit Days to Blossom Festivals It has long been tradition in small towns all across America to acknowledge new growing seasons or harvests through community celebrations that are part festive and part commerce based. This tradition actually predates American history by thousands of years, with similar such celebrations by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese and many other cultures long since disappeared.

But in some small towns like us, that history is not altogether relevant, because the sun sets and rises on the accomplishments and achievements of the individuals in these towns, making each community unique and profoundly different. Canon City has never been shy about showing unbridled exuberance for its festivals and fairs.

To this end, the town has always loved a parade and its parades have always been a microcosm of the town at large, from the fire fighting hose teams of the 1890's to the high school bands of the 1990's. From the beginning of the towns history and always complete with an impressive array of delicacies from funnel cakes to candy apples, parades have always bared the towns’ soul.

20/20 Visions in Bloom - 82nd Annual Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival

Features national high school, middle school and junior high school bands in competition areas of concert band, jazz band, parade and orchestra. Concert Band and Orchestra Competitions are held at the Cañon City High School Lou Del Pizzo Performing Arts Center and Jazz Band Competitions are held at the Florence High School Performing Arts Center. The Blossom Festival is the largest school band competition in the state; performances will begin on Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 and will continue nearly until parade time on Saturday.

The Chocolate Lovers Walk helps raise funds for the Cañon City Blossom Festival Celebration and also gives exposure to our beautiful historic downtown area and the many merchants who works year round to bring unique items to residents.

Your ticket gains you entrance to Chocolate Lovers Headquarters located at Maggie’s Candy Kitchen & Baker, 1326 Main Street. There, you’ll receive your Chocolate Walk supplies. Guided by a map and signs in front of participating merchants, you’ll visit the “Sweet Stops”, collecting something chocolate-themed at each location.

First Friday in downtown Cañon City means fun, food, and festivities! Join your community as shops stay open late (especially in summer months). Check for food trucks, specials, and even activities offered at Macon Plaza.