Every September, the historic Union Avenue Historic District transforms into a mile-long celebration of Pueblo's most prized agricultural product: the Mosca chile.
What Is It?
The Chile & Frijoles Festival draws 100,000+ visitors over two days in late September. Highlights include:
- Chile roasters running all day filling the air with roasted chile aroma
- Food vendors serving Sloppers, tamales, green chile stew, and chile rellenos
- Live music on multiple stages
- Arts & crafts with locally made pottery and chile products
- Chile tasting competitions among local restaurants
Planning Your Visit
The festival is on Union Avenue in downtown Pueblo. Admission is free. Parking fills fast — arrive early.
If combining with outdoor adventures, Pueblo is 45 minutes from Canon City and the Royal Gorge, where Royal Gorge Rafting offers Class III-V whitewater. The WhiteWater Bar & Grill in Canon City (not riverside — located in downtown Canon City) is a perfect pre-festival dinner stop. Drive to Pueblo Saturday for the festival, experience Sloppers at Gray's Coors Tavern, and cap off the night at Brues Alehouse or Walter's Brewing.
Getting here: Fly into Colorado Springs Airport (COS) — 45 minutes north on I-25 — or Denver International Airport (DEN) — 2.5 hours north on I-25.