“Courtesy of The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival”
“Courtesy of The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival”
“Reasons to Drive”
highlights the thrilling events happening within five hours of your city, giving you every reason to get on the road and start exploring.
September is a magical time of year in Colorado—not just for the cool tinge in the air and the yellowing of leaves, but because it marks the return of the annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival. Each year, people from around the state and far beyond its borders descend upon Colorado’s southern city in hopes of tasting the sweet heat of the pepper that’s exclusive to the region.
While the exact origins of the crop remain unknown, it’s believed that pepper farming began in Colorado’s Arkansas Valley as early as the mid-1800s. From the cultivation and southern Colorado’s dry climate, a new variety of chile grew, and it became the pride and joy of Pueblo.
Now, from September 20th to 22th, visitors can make their way to Pueblo’s Union Avenue for a wide array of vendors, makers, growers, and chefs, all united around their love of the Pueblo green chile. In addition to fun side events like the Chihuahua parade and jalapeño-eating contest, you’ll be able to sample and purchase as many chiles as your heart (and stomach) can handle—from bags full of Pueblo green chiles freshly roasted before your eyes, to dried chiles and “chile-centric” goods and treats.
“Courtesy of The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival”
Drive time
1 hour, 45 minutes from Denver
5 hours, 15 minutes from Albuquerque
What to Do Beyond the Chile Festival
The Downtown Pueblo Riverwalk is the centerpiece of town and a great way to spend a few hours, whether you’re just strolling along the water, popping in and out of shops and restaurants, or if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon one of the many events held there.
Pueblo is also full of museums. Three of the best: the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, the Pueblo Heritage Museum, and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center.
To say nothing of the splendor that comes with being at the tail-end of the Rockies. Hike, bike, or camp throughout the mountains to the west of town, including up in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest and the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. If somehow you don’t see local wildlife along the way, be sure to check out the Pueblo Zoo (actually, check it out anyway).
Where to Eat and Drink
Morning: For a hearty breakfast, B Street Cafe should be top of the list for traditional dishes like omelettes, Benedicts, and waffles. For those starting their days on the lighter side, Love Mug’s crepes and coffee should do the trick.
Bites: The hours between breakfast and dessert is where Pueblo food really shines, and Fuel & Iron Food Hall is a solid place to start; its rotating concepts offer something different every time you visit. That said, Bingo Burger is up there with the best burger spots in Colorado.
Dinner: La Forchetta da Massi’s got Italian food covered, with varying pasta dishes and a bit more ambience, making it good for slightly more upscale dinners and group outings. But if you don’t mind a little mess, GG’s BBQ is where you’ll find The Gus: sauce-slathered beef brisket between two grilled cheese sandwiches. It is undeniably tasty.
Tacos: Look no further than Tacos Fuego. We may even catch some heat for letting this local secret slip, but if you like tender, savory meats, melted cheese, and a whole lot of flavor and spice, this one’s for you.
Where to Stay in Pueblo
Pueblo has its fair share of accommodations, though most fall in the hotel or short-term rental category. You can find plenty of big-name hotels in the area, plus rental options from the likes of VRBO and Airbnb, and a few splurge-worthy standouts.
Station on the Riverwalk is a boutique hotel situated in Downtown Pueblo, within walking distance of pretty much everything. It served as the town police station and jail from the 1940s to 2010. So when you’re checking its availability, you’re selecting from a variety of “cells” that have been designed by local artists to offer modern flair coinciding with a huge piece of Pueblo history.
For even more history, you could book a room at the Orman Mansion and take in the opulence of its Victorian style. Built in 1889, the rooms are as lavish as you’d expect. It will provide an interesting contrast to your festival shenanigans but a restful place to crash after you’ve had your fun.
