Ute Pass News July 2025
Bronc Day Festival July 26 in Green Mountain Falls
The Bronc Day Festival is an annual celebration in Green Mountain Falls that honors the town's rich western heritage. Bronc Day began in 1939 and remains a beloved family-friendly event that draws visitors to the picturesque mountain town.
The best part is that most events - including the parade, pool, bounce house, and kids' activities - are FREE! Food, drinks, and vendor items are available for purchase.
What's new in 2025?
This year's festival features a longer parade route from Joyland Church to Hotel Street to provide more viewing opportunities. The Bronc Day Dance also returns with free music from Tenderfoot Bluegrass at 6 p.m. at the Farm Stand on Lake Street.
Other Attractions
Poetic Kinetics "Off the Beaten Path" art installation over Gazebo Lake is a huge draw for visitors this summer. Additional public art installations can be viewed free at Lakeview Terrace. Skyspace tickets online at GreenBoxArts.org.
Is Bronc Day family-friendly?
Absolutely! Bronc Day is designed for families to play, explore and relax together. Bronc Day is a multi-generational celebration that delights grandparents and toddlers alike. Join a gunny-sack or stick-horse race or one of our many other games. No signup required - just show up and play!
Who can be in the parade?
Families, children, individuals and groups are all invited to participate - on a float, horse, decorated bike, or just walking. Pre-registration required at BroncDayFestival.org.
Food options
Pancake breakfast from 7:30-10 a.m. at Church in the Wildwood, hosted by Friends of Ute Pass Trails; donations benefit the Wildwood Food Pantry. A "flight" of three pie samples at the pie tent is $5. Food trucks: Grilled Cheese, Kona Ice, City Dogs, Pikes Peak Funnel Cakes, and Dani's Thai BBQ. Check restaurants for dining options.
Pie contest
Pre-registration is required. Pies can be dropped off on July 25 from 5-7 p.m. or on July 26 before 8:30 a.m. Details sent upon registration. Limited refrigeration is available. Pies dropped off after 8:30 a.m. will NOT be judged. Pie samples for sale after the winners are announced.
Festival Schedule:
7:30-9:50 a.m. Park your car, enjoy the Pancake Breakfast, find a spot to watch the parade.
9-10 a.m.
Shop local vendors, watch the pie judging, visit Cool Science and nonprofit booths, visit the Bronc Day booth for a festival map and to purchase a Bronc Day T-shirt.
10 a.m.
Cheer on the parade featuring the Bronc Day Grand Marshal, performers, horses, vintage cars, themed floats, and costumed groups.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Enjoy local vendors, food trucks, the pie tent, old-fashioned games, a Bounce House, Professor Higgins Magic, Cool Science, Dinosaur Resource Center, Touch-a-Truck, and face-painting with Fairy Tale Fable Events. Cool off with free swimming at the GMF pool and create free art in Green Box Studio 6.
3 p.m.
Take a break or go for a hike. Recreation information: GreenMountainFalls.Colorado.gov.
6 p.m.
Kick up your heels at the family-friendly dance with Tenderfoot Bluegrass and Dani's Thai BBQ food truck at the Farm Stand on Lake Street.
Photography
You are welcome to take photos. Festival volunteers will be capturing photos and videos throughout the day that may be shared online or in print media. If you do not wish for your image to be used, please stop by the Bronc Day information booth.
What should I bring?
You may set up chairs along Ute Pass Avenue. Shade is limited. Bring layers, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, raincoat or umbrella, and water. Water bottle refilling stations are at the Green Box campus and Church in the Wildwood courtyard.
Can I bring my pet?
Leashed pets are welcome but should not be allowed to harass the animals in the parade. Please leave them home if they're sensitive to crowds or noise. Service animals are always welcome.
How do I get there?
Green Mountain Falls is about 9 miles west of Colorado Springs via US Route 24. Festival address:100 Lake Street, Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819.
Where do I park?
Free parking along Ute Pass Avenue from the Sallie Bush Building to the center of town. Lake and Hotel Streets are closed to parking during the festival. Limited ADA parking across from Cantina Verde. Overflow parking on residential streets is allowed during festival hours - cars cannot block driveways or restrict emergency vehicle access. Registered parade participants park at Joyland Church.
Will roads close for the parade?
Parade-goers are encouraged to find parking prior to 9:45 a.m. Ute Pass Avenue will be blocked off from Joyland Church to Gazebo Park for the parade. During this time, drivers are asked to use the Chipita Park exit from Highway 24.
How can I help?
Volunteers are needed to help with games and other activities. Sign up: BroncDayFestival.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Sponsors help support the event and receive recognition on-site and in promotional materials. Email Info@BroncDayFestival.org.
Bronc Day is presented by Building Ute Pass Community, a nonprofit organization committed to celebrating the rich Ute Pass heritage through social, historical, and cultural events for the community. Info at BuildingUtePassCommunity.org.
