FAQ | Bronc Day Festival

What is the Bronc Day Festival?

The Bronc Day Festival is an annual celebration held in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado to honor the region's rich western heritage, culture, and community. This year marks the 88th Annual Bronc Day, and the festival will also celebrate America-250 and Colorado-150. The event features a parade, pie contest, kids’ games, food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment, and more. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that draws locals and visitors to the picturesque mountain town. The first Bronc Day was held on July 1, 1939, and it was originally created to celebrate the opening of the tourist season in Green Mountain Falls. Bronc Day has become a symbol of Green Mountain Falls' western heritage, community spirit, and family-friendly fun.

When and where will the festival take place?

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: Pancake breakfast is 7:30-10AM at Church in the Wildwood. Parade starts at 10:00AM. Arriving early to find parking is recommended. Festival ends at 3PM.
Location: Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. The parade route along Ute Pass Avenue from Joyland Church to Hotel Street and festivities at Gazebo Lake Park.

What are the main highlights of Bronc Day?

Parade: Floats, horses, costumed performers, classic cars, emergency vehicles, and more.
Pie Contest: Competition to see who can bake the best pie in Green Mountain Falls.
Old-Fashioned Kids' Games: Traditional games like gunny-sack and stick-horse races.
Arts & Crafts Vendors: Local artisans showcase their handmade goods.
Food Trucks: A variety of delicious food options will be available.
Free swimming at the town pool.
Live entertainment: The Mountain Banjo Man will play throughout the venue and the Backroads Band will perform from 1-3PM at the Green Box Farm Stand.
A full lineup of family-friendly attractions like Cool Science, the Dinosaur Resource Center, Touch-a-Truck, Fairy Tale Princesses, Professor Higgins Magic, and more.

Is there a cost to attend Bronc Day?

Admission to the festival is free and no tickets are needed. The day’s festivities, including the parade and kids' games, are open to the public at no charge. Food and vendor purchases will have a cost.

Will there be any new activities or changes to the festival in 2026?

Yes! This year, the festival is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood. The parade theme is ‘Let Freedom Ring’ and participants are encouraged to incorporate bells into their parade entries. Also new this year is an unusual parade judge. Dennis the Emu will be part of the parade judging panel. For a schedule of activities and updates, see the website at broncdayfestival.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Is there parking available for attendees?

Yes, there will be free limited parking available in Green Mountain Falls near the parade route. Arrive early and carpool if you can. The town allows parking along residential streets during the festival. Accessible parking is available at the Red Cloud Serenity Club on Hotel Street.

Can visitors from outside of Green Mountain Falls attend the event?

The Bronc Day Festival welcomes everyone, including residents and visitors from nearby towns and cities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the charm of Green Mountain Falls, and many people travel to the festival each year to enjoy the small-town atmosphere.

Is the event family friendly?

Yes! Families are at the heart of Bronc Day, and the festival is designed to be family-friendly with experiences for all ages. There are games for children, live music for all to enjoy, and plenty of space to relax and have fun together. Grandparents, parents, and kids alike will delight in the many fun and low-tech activities that offer an opportunity to bond as a family.

ALL kid’s activities are FREE! This includes the old fashioned family games, art activities, rubber duck race, and swimming at the town pool.

Are pets allowed at the festival?

Dogs on leashes are permitted and can walk with participants in the parade. Please leave pets at home if they are sensitive to loud noises or large crowds. Service animals are welcome at all festival events. The weather is warm, so be sure your pet has water and shade. Under no circumstances are pets to be left in vehicles.

What’s the weather like on Bronc Day?

Green Mountain Falls typically enjoys pleasant summer weather in July. Temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to high 80s. We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and drinking water. A brief rain shower is common at this time of year so a raincoat or umbrella may be helpful. There are some covered spaces available to duck out of the rain.

Will roads be closed during the parade?

Yes, Ute Pass Avenue will be closed to traffic from Joyland Church through Hotel Street at Gazebo Lake Park before and during the Bronc Day Parade. Please plan accordingly and use alternate routes.

Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the Bronc Day Festival is committed to being accessible to all attendees. The Red Cloud Serenity Club is providing limited accessible spaces in their parking lot. There are handicap accessible restrooms in the Green Box campus behind the pie contest area.

What restroom facilities are available?

There will be portable restrooms as well as restrooms at certain event venues, like Church in the Wildwood, the Green Box campus, and the town Swimming Pool.

What food options will be available at the festival?

A pancake breakfast fundraiser will take place before the parade. There will be a variety of food trucks and pie for sale after the pie contest judging. Local restaurants will also be open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Where can I stay if I’m coming from out of town?

There are many short term rental and lodging options available in and around Green Mountain Falls. We recommend searching online for accommodations.

How do I get to the Bronc Day Festival?

Green Mountain Falls is located just off U.S. Highway 24, approximately 15 miles west of Colorado Springs. The address for the town center is: 100 Lake Street, Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819.

Will photos be taken during the event?

Yes, photos and videos of event participants and festivities will be taken throughout the day. These images may be used on the festival's website, social media, or in news media coverage. By attending, you consent to the possibility of your image being shared publicly.

Can anyone be in the parade?

You are welcome to participate in the Bronc Day Parade, whether you're a local resident, a visitor, or a group. You can enter with a float, on horseback, a bicycle, or simply walk with your friends or family. Registration is required: broncdayfestival.org. Note: no campaigning please.

Can we bring our chairs to watch the parade?

Yes! Many people bring chairs to watch the parade. While people tend to cluster in certain spots, there is always space along the parade route to set up chairs. Be prepared to carry them from your car and return them after the parade if you do not want to use them during the festival.

Will alcohol be available?

There will be no alcohol sold at the festival. However, some nearby local establishments may offer adult beverages in accordance with their licensing.

What’s a suggested itinerary for the day?

08:00 AM – Arrive early to find parking, enjoy a yummy pancake breakfast, then stake out your spot along the parade route
10:00 AM – Wave to everyone in the Parade!
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM – Explore vendors and artisans, enjoy lunch from food trucks, homemade pie, kids’ games, cool off with free swimming at the town pool
3:00 PM – Relax, go for a hike, or enjoy dinner at one of the local shops or restaurants

Will there be live music?

The Backroads Band will perform Saturday July 25th, from 1-3PM. It features live music, with the option of open-air dancing in the shelter of the Green Box Farm Stand.

What is the history of Bronc Day?

The first Bronc Day was held July 1, 1939 as the '"Official Opening of the Tourist Season" and to honor the Vertical Mile Marathon Racers who were training for the race up Pikes Peak while staying in Green Mountain Fails. A parade with horses, a clown, and a parade queen, met the marathon racers in Cascade and escorted them to Green Mountain Falls for a day of fun including saddle relay races, trick riding, sack races, ceremonial Indian dances, and evening fireworks. Over the years Bronc Day grew with the addition of more Gymkhana riding contests, gun battle shows, a King and Queen contest, and square dancing. The parade had many years with over 100 horses (149 in 1948), but later, the 4 lane US 24 Highway construction took over the area that had been used for the riding events. In recent years additions include RC boat races, arts and crafts booths, and more activities for the entire family. The King and Queen have been replaced by a Grand Marshal to honor a prominent citizen.

How can I participate or volunteer in the event?

The festival relies heavily on volunteers, and there are many ways to get involved. Volunteers assist with event coordination, helping with activities, guiding visitors, and more. To volunteer, email us at info@broncdayfestival.org.

Are there sponsorship opportunities for Bronc Day?

The Bronc Day Festival is seeking sponsors to help support the event and ensure its continued success. Sponsors will receive recognition throughout the festival, on promotional materials, and at key event locations. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring Bronc Day, email info@broncdayfestival.org for more information.

How can I contact the Bronc Day organizers for more information?

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:
info@broncdayfestival.org
www.broncdayfestival.org