MC2 Ice Cream Co.
Colorado-born gelato-style ice cream with a Guinness World Record 985-flavor range, rolling in via their mobile truck.
Visit website →Peak to Peak People's Festival
"If I can't dance, I don't want to be a part of your revolution." — Emma Goldman
Activate resistance.
Celebrate community.
One day, in the mountains, where music meets activism. Dancing is part of the work.
The Peak to Peak People's Festival exists to activate resistance and collaborate with our neighbors across the mountain communities and the front range through celebration and music. We work and play to build bonds that will not bend or break in the face of totalitarian forces.
Developing unity and strength is the goal of this one-day celebration. Activism never stops. Vote. March. Dance. Help our neighbors.
The Gilpin County Democrats have brought together musicians, artisans, speakers, community groups, activist organizations, and families to stand together. We organize and educate, and we need you to be part of this regional effort.
"If I can't dance, I don't want to be a part of your revolution." — Emma Goldman
Scenes from last year
Moments from the last Peak to Peak People's Festival. Tap any photo to view it larger.
Music · Speakers · Schedule
Our lineup is set and the full day-of schedule is below. Set times may shift a little on the day — follow our social channels for anything last-minute.
Music
- Peak to Peak Chorale
- Good for Nothin' Thunder Mountain Boys
- Dakota Gray & Gracie G.
- Eric Stone
- Windy Pines
Workshops & activations
- Vaccination clinic
- Yak meet & greet
- Voter registration
- Kids' activity tent
- Photo Booth
Speakers
- April Nielson & Joe Self
- Edie Hooten
- Lesley Smith
- Kathy Gebhardt
- Lesley Dahlkemper
- Chairman Shad Murib
- Tiffany Weber
- Phil Gibbs
- Greg Petty
Day-of schedule
- 12:45 PM Doors open
- 1:00 PM Welcome · April Nielson & Joe Self
- 1:10 PM Peak to Peak Chorale · National anthem
- 1:15 PM Grass-fed Guardians appeal · Murray the Yak
- 1:20 PM Food pantry appeal · Ron Meehan, DNC Youth Council Member
- 1:25 PM Voter registration · Get out the vote
- 1:30 PM State candidatesEdie Hooten · Lesley Smith · Kathy Gebhardt · Lesley Dahlkemper
- 1:50 PM Dakota Gray & Gracie G.
- 3:35 PM Local candidates & Chairman Shad Murib
- 3:55 PM Good for Nothin' Thunder Mountain Boys
- 5:15 PM Tiffany Weber · Solidarity Warriors
- 5:35 PM Windy Pines
- 7:05 PM Phil Gibbs · Gilpin County Dems Chair, on water issues
- 7:25 PM Eric Stone
- 8:45 PM Thank you and farewell
Set times may shift slightly on the day. Doors open at 12:45 PM.
Vendors & artisans
A curated marketplace of mountain makers, food and drink vendors, artisans, and community organizations.
Food & drink
Pancho's Birrias Y Mas
Authentic Mexican birria and more: slow-braised, boldly spiced street food.
Smokin' Wheels BBQ
Mobile barbecue done low and slow, straight off the smoker.
Augustina's Winery
Colorado winery pouring a selection of their handcrafted wines.
Peak to Peak Rotary
The local Rotary club running a festival booth in support of community service.
Very Nice
Food and drink vendor joining the festival marketplace.
Artisans & makers
GCCC Pottery Studio
Handmade ceramics from the Gilpin County Community Center pottery studio.
Missing Link Soap Works
Handmade, small-batch soaps and skincare.
Wild Moon Medicine
Minerals, botanicals, and handmade wellness goods.
Mountain Mama Mirth
Mountain maker joining the marketplace.
Bellwether
Mountain maker joining the marketplace.
Deb Hadford
Mountain maker joining the marketplace.
Wellness
TOTEMS & TAROT
Tarot readings and mystical curiosities.
Mountain Blood Shilajit
Shilajit and natural wellness products.
Activist organizations
Sunflower Seeds Ukraine
Ukrainian community organization bringing solidarity, culture, and awareness to the mountain community.
Solidarity Warriors
Community activists organizing for mutual aid and solidarity.
Giffords Gun Owners for Safety
Gun owners advocating for responsible gun-safety policy.
Initiative #85
Colorado ballot-initiative campaign.
Healthcare Initiative
Healthcare ballot-initiative campaign.
Community organizations
Gilpin County Democrats
The presenting partner of the festival, organizing across the mountain communities.
Kobzar Ukrainian Heritage School
Sharing Ukrainian language, music, and cultural heritage.
Gateway Partnership for Early Childhood
Community organization supporting local youth and families.
Teens Inc
Youth-focused community organization for local teens.
FGCCC
Local community organization joining the festival.
Gilpin County Food Pantry
Local food pantry serving Gilpin County families.
No Animal Left Behind Search & Rescue
Volunteer animal search-and-rescue organization.
RMRR
Community organization joining the festival.
Volunteer · donate ·
spread the word
We are all volunteers and admission is free. Here's how to plug in: bring a can, bring a coat, bring a friend.
Volunteer
The festival runs on volunteer power. Help with setup, gates, info tents, kids' activities, or breakdown. Any block of time is welcome.
Sign up →Food drive
We collect non-perishable food on the day of the festival for local food banks. Bring what you can. Every can counts.
What to bring →Clothing drive
A coat & clothing drive supporting homeless kids in Boulder. Drop off at the festival gates. Any sizes welcome, but kids' winter gear is most needed.
What to bring →Grass-fed Guardians
Sustainable agriculture education with their yaks at The Barn at the Gilpin County Community Center. Come meet the herd.
Learn more →Frequently asked
Don't see your question? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.
Is admission really free?
Yes. The Peak to Peak People's Festival is a free, all-ages community event. Donations to the food drive, clothing drive, and partner organizations are welcome but never required.
Where is it and how do I get there?
The festival is at the Gilpin County Community Center in Black Hawk, Colorado. Detailed driving directions, parking info, and shuttle options will be posted closer to the event.
Is parking available?
Free on-site parking is available at the fairgrounds. Carpooling is encouraged. Accessibility parking will be clearly signed near the main entrance.
Is the festival accessible?
We're committed to making the festival accessible. The fairgrounds are mostly flat and on packed gravel/grass. ADA-accessible parking and restrooms will be available. Reach out via the contact form if you have specific needs and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Are kids and families welcome?
Absolutely. This is a community festival. There will be a kids' activity tent and family-friendly programming throughout the day.
Is there a vaccination clinic?
Yes. Gilpin County Public Health is running a vaccination clinic from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, inside the community center building. It opens before the festival itself and is free to drop in on — you don't need a festival ticket, and admission is free anyway.
Are dogs allowed?
Service dogs are always welcome. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome too!
What should I bring?
Refillable water bottle, sunscreen, layers (mountain weather changes fast), a chair or blanket, cash for vendors, and ID if you plan to purchase from any 21+ vendors. Bring a non-perishable food item for the food drive and any clothing donations you'd like to contribute.
What's the weather like in mid-September?
Gilpin County sits at high elevation. Days can be warm and sunny; evenings get cool quickly. Pack layers and a rain shell. Sun protection is essential at altitude even on overcast days.
How can I be a vendor or partner?
Use the contact form and let us know whether you're applying as a vendor, an artisan, or a community partner. We review applications on a rolling basis.
Send us a message
Volunteering, vendor applications, partnership inquiries, accessibility needs, or anything else: drop us a note and we'll be in touch.