As the daylight gets longer and spring turns into a warm summer, Colorado is bustling with events and festivals all season long. The state celebrates its rich heritage, adventurous activities, tasty culinary offerings and artistic side with great fanfare. From sampling juicy peaches and honoring historic mining camps, to a weekend of rock and roll and a grueling statewide cycling race, summer fun is abundant in every corner of the state. Below are the top 12 summer events of 2012. For more information visit www.COLORADO.com.

Eats and Drinks

For the 30^th year, chefs and foodies will descend on Aspen for the renowned Aspen FOOD & WINE Classic (June 15-17). This highly anticipated event kicks off Colorado’s summer food festivals with all-star tastings, cooking demos and many chances to meet celebrity chefs. The following weekend, the 23^rd Annual Colorado Brewers’ Festival (June 23-24) will showcase more than 60 Colorado craft beers and nearly 40 Colorado breweries. Sample Colorado’s best brews and enjoy two stages of live music in historic Downtown Fort Collins. The summer gets a little sweeter with the Palisade Peach Festival (August 16-19), one of the state’s original agricultural festivals. For the 44^th year, this Western Slope festival starts with an ice cream social and street dance, celebrating everything peach from pies to salsas and opportunities to explore Palisade via self or guided tours.

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