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.