Embrace the Magic of the Full Moon

Summer + Fall Full Moon Ceremonies in Colorado

2023 is an exceptional lunar calendar year with two full moons in August. A lunar calendar is based on the monthly cycles of the moon's phases where the time interval between a full moon and the next repetition of the same phase averages about 29.53 days and takes 354 days to complete 12 cycles. As the 12 cycles are a bit shorter than the 365-day calendar year, roughly every two-and-a-half years there is a 13th full moon.

During the month or phase, the sun illuminates the entire moon, making her as full, round and bright as can be, representing completion, fertility, abundance and transformation. In addition, new research is beginning to reveal that the moon may play a unique role in regulating different aspects of the natural world.

The following are three of the many spa and wellness centers in Colorado that practice full moon ceremonies.

JULY 3 — SUPER BUCK MOON

Yoga, soaking, ceremony and live music with Kat Tudor at SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs

The Super Buck Moon marks the month when young bucks grow their new antlers and "are very sensitive to the world around them, radiating out through their antlers," explains Kat Tudor, co-founder of SunWater and full moon yoga practitioner.

"Water is part of the full moon ceremony via 7 Minute Spring. This spring fills the tubs at SunWater Spa and is the one most connected to lunar energy. Our teacher, a Ute Native, blessed our waters when the spa opened and taught us a lot about their healing properties. These waters are also connected to the divine feminine and help heal the skin and joints and are particularly powerful during the full moon," Tudor adds.

Tudor hosts monthly full moon events tied to what the moon teaches us each month.

AUGUST 1 — SUPER STURGEON MOON

Ashtanga Yoga in Denver

Ashtanga Yoga Denver is located on Larimar Street and teaches traditional ashtanga yoga, as well as primary classes. The studio celebrates both new moon and full moon classes throughout 2023. Enjoy the Super Sturgeon Moon evening on August 1, one of the biggest full moons of the year.

Bhava Yoga in Breckenridge

This studio offers full moon workshops, as well as a summer solstice workshop on June 21 to celebrate the longest day of the year. +

Other Full Moons In 2023

JUNE 3 • Full Strawberry Moon

This full moon correlates with the strawberry harvesting season for Native American tribes and was a celebration of the red and juicy fruit that fed them through the summer.

SEPTEMBER 29 • Super Harvest Moon

A time to harvest summer crops.

OCTOBER 28 • Full Hunter's Moon

The harvesting work was usually done under the September harvest moon, and by late October, the fields were bare, so the hunter could see the animals searching for food before the winter.

NOVEMBER 27 • Full Beaver Moon

In November, hunters usually trapped beavers to collect their thick fur ahead of the cold months ahead. Also, during this month, beavers hide in their lodges, having collected enough food for the winter.

WENDY WILKINSON Writer + Publicist wendywilkinsonwriter.com

summer + Fall 2023

May

Colorado Hiking and Yoga Retreat

Nathrop, CO • May 18-21, 2023

Learn to connect with yourself, others and nature at this annual mountain retreat that takes place at the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Engage in meaningful activities to help promote your body’s health and wellness, as well as indulge in foods that nourish your body. fireflycommunity.com

Yin Inspired Flow

La Junta, CO • May 18, 2023

Enjoy an evening of peace and serenity at this all levels class that mixes yin principles with hatha and vinyasa elements. This event takes place at the Mystic Mayura Yoga and Wellness Studio and is bound to help you learn how to stretch and move your body in a way that helps improve your lifestyle. mysticmayura.com

Cerus Fitness Festival

Frederick, CO • May 20-21, 2023

Compete in a number of various fitness activities and enjoy a day of healthy exercise. The Cerus Fitness Festival includes a kids run, obstacle race, strength games and so much more. Sign up now, and start moving towards your fitness goals. cerusfitness.com

Mountainfilm Festival

Telluride, CO • May 25-29, 2023

Calling all movie lovers! Come together with a community of filmmakers and change makers as they showcase their documentary films that celebrate activism, adventure and social and environmental justice. Come witness some inspiring films and enjoy great company. For more details and how you can enter your own documentary, visit the website. mountainfilm.org

Meadowgrass Music Festival

Colorado Springs, CO • May 26-28, 2023

Enjoy a variety of local musical acts to kick off the summer in the Pikes Peak region. Besides extraordinary musical acts, there are a variety of other activities to participate in, such as guided hikes, workshops, yoga and late-night shows. rockymountainhighway.org

June

Mike the Headless Chicken Festival

Fruita, CO • June 2-3, 2023

This festival is based on the unique story about a chicken and includes lots of fun for the whole family. Events range from a 5K run to a poultry show to live music and will not leave you disappointed. A full schedule will be available on the website soon, so be sure to check back. miketheheadlesschicken.org

Telluride Balloon Festival

Telluride, CO • June 2-4, 2023

Get ready for a magical experience as you witness colorful hot air balloons lift off and float over the Telluride Valley. This picturesque event is sure to bring a smile to your face and is guaranteed to make for a memory you’ll never forget. telluride.com

Strength in the City Festival

Denver, CO • June 4, 2023

Experience a whole day of health and wellness as the community comes together with local studios, trainers, vendors, entertainers and so much more. Learn how to best take care of your body from professionals in yoga, strength training, biking and everything in between. eventbrite.com

GoPro Mountain Games

Vail, CO • June 8-11, 2023

This is the perfect event for active, mountainloving people. Be surrounded by a plethora of music and art as you spectate or participate in these thrilling games. Some of the games will include biking, hiking, kayaking, yoga, fishing and more. To register, visit the website. mountaingames.com

Telluride Yoga Festival

Telluride, CO • June 22-25, 2023

Enjoy four days of deep connection and inspiration in Mountain Village that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. This festival features over 100 offerings, including yoga, meditation, hiking, music, SUP yoga, wellness and wisdom talks, social gatherings and more. tellurideyogafestival.com

JULY

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Denver, CO • July 1-3, 2023

Attending this enriching event will not let you down. It brings together hundreds of artists and community members to enhance life through education and art. Enjoy various activities, such as creating art at the creation station, listening to live music, tasting culinary masterpieces and so much more. cherrycreekartsfestival.org

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival

Crested Butte, CO • July 7-16, 2023

Gather your people and head to this 10-day festival that features over 100 workshops in wildflower expertise ranging from painting, pollination, photography, culinary arts and leading hikes. Register now and advocate for the preservation and appreciation of wildflowers. crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org

Hanuman Festival

Longmont, CO • July 13-16, 2023

Experience this intimate retreat taught by a variety of world class yoga teachers and begin your spiritual transformation. This festival focuses on yoga, music and climate consciousness while teaching about the importance of impact through the power of community. hanumanfestival.com

Keystone’s River Run Village

Art Festival

Keystone, CO • July 21-23, 2023

Attend this event and get ready to shop to your heart’s desire with a variety of one-of-akind art pieces that will always remind you of the fun you had at the festival. Come explore the original, handmade paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics and more, and support the local community. keystonefestivals.com

Tough Mudder Colorado

Byers, CO • July 22-23, 2023

Calling all those who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. This event is the perfect combination of endurance and adventure mixed with a little mud. Whether you are competing by yourself or with a group, everyone is guaranteed to get muddied up with memories. toughmudder.com

August

Denver Burger Battle

Denver, CO • August 3, 2023 denverburgerbattle.com

Calling all grill masters and foodies for this delicious event. Come enjoy Denver’s top burger restaurant as they battle for the title of the best burger in Denver. In addition to burgers, you can also enjoy a variety of other beverages and treats.

Gentle Flow Yoga

Grand Lake, CO • August 4, 2023 steamboatpilot.com

Experience a slower, flowing Vinyasa yoga class and find focus, balance, strength and flexibility with lower intensity postures and flows synchronized to breath. This slower paced class is open to students of all ages in all levels on their yoga practices, whether you are just starting out or are advanced.

Beanstalk Music Festival

Bond, CO • August 10-12, 2023

This music festival in the Rocky Mountains is one of the state’s most premier music and camping events. In addition to enjoying a variety of national and local talent, there are also numerous outdoor activities to participate in, including rafting, hiking and biking. beanstalkfestival.com

Brew’Au Avon

Avon, CO • August 19, 2023

For the fourth year in a row, attend this day full of fun for the whole family. This festival includes unlimited samples of amazing brews, seltzers and ciders in your souvenir sampling glass, live music, water lanterns, food trucks, kids’ activities, lawn games and more. avon.org

September

Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival

Estes Park, CO • September 8-10, 2023

Immerse yourself in Irish and Scottish cultures with festive traditional activities. There are many events for you to participate in, including dog expeditions, whiskey tastings, Scottish athletic competitions and more. scotfest.com

Sunnyside Music Festival

Denver, CO • September 9, 2023

This event provides free music, fun entertainment, local food, beer and kids’ activities. Join a community that supports their local bands, businesses, artisans and youth organizations for a day full of fun. sunnysidemusicfest.org

AWAKE Festival

Evergreen, CO • September 15-17, 2023

Experience this weekend-long wellness gathering to restore, rejuvenate and reconnect with yourself and others. This festival offers over 50 yoga and wellness talks and workshops, live music, conscious dance, a vendor village and so much more fun for the whole family. allevents.in

Telluride Blues and Brews Festival

Telluride, CO • September 15-17, 2023

Enjoy the 29th annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival with a beautiful mountain backdrop. This festival is full of fun for the whole family, including the perfect mix of live music with blues, funk, indie, rock, jam-band, gospel and soul performances. Also, enjoy kids’ activities, cozy late night club shows, free morning yoga sessions, local and regional food, craft vendors and so much more. tellurideblues.com

Wholeness and Wellness Weekend

Colorado Springs, CO • September 15-17, 2023

Connect with nature and restore your spirituality at this weekend retreat. Become re-centered through storytelling, movement, mindfulness, creative expression, massages and spiritual direction. Also experience popular Wellness and Arts Market to further engage this spirit-centered event. allevents.in

October

Applefest

Cedaredge, CO • October 7-9, 2023

Enjoy Colorado’s award-winning apples at this fruit-themed festival. This festival is sure to have something for everybody as activities range from crafts, food and beverage vendors, a 5K, a classic motorcycle show and so much more. cedaredgeapplefest.com

Vail Farmers Market and Art Show

Vail, CO • October 8, 2023

For its 22nd year, over 148 tents of delicious fresh food, handmade products and beautiful artwork will be available. Enjoy the fun of the hand-picked food vendors mixed with a gorgeous view of Vail Valley. This is the last Sunday of the season that this famous farmers market will be open, so go show your love for the local community. vailfarmersmarket.com

Telluride Horror Show

Telluride, CO • October 13-15, 2023

Calling all horror fans for the 14th annual Horror Show in the beautiful mountain town of Telluride. Come enjoy an eclectic mix of horror, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy, sci-fi and dark comedy. The festival line-up includes many feature films and short films from new and rising talent. telluridehorrorshow.com

All-Out Kooky-Spooky Half Marathon

Golden, CO • October 29, 2023

Bust out your best Halloween costumes and attire for a fun, festive way to get some exercise before you indulge in your favorite Halloween candy. Awards will be given out for best costumes in addition to various other awards. Celebrate reaching the finish line with breakfast burritos, fruit, bagels and chocolate milk. halfmarathons.net

November

Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival

Rocky Ford, CO • November 3-5, 2023

This family friendly event is perfect for balloon enthusiasts, balloon crews and pilots. Along with fun, colorful hot air balloons, this festival also includes an art show, a photo contest and so much more. This is sure to be a weekend to remember for the whole family. rove.me

Urban Holiday Market

Denver, CO • November 4-6, 2023

This is a holiday shopping spectacular not to be missed, featuring an awesome selection of one-of-a-kind seasonal items, high-quality handcrafted goods, fabulous holiday gift ideas, delicious specialty foods and more, made from a diverse collection of local artists and crafters. coloradoevents.org

Creede Chocolate Festival

Creede, CO • November 24-25, 2023

This annual two-day event is the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving and is full of all the luscious and delicious chocolate you can imagine. There will be a variety of samples from local business owners and individuals. creede.com

Spiritual Craft Fair and Bazaar

Littleton, CO • November 25, 2023

Jumpstart your holiday shopping with this fair that includes small, local vendors. Shop local and choose from a variety of dreamcatchers, candles, crystals, intention jewelry, art, feathers, teas, pendulums, bath products and more. eventbrite.com

Coming Up In 2024

300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher

Training with Holistic Yoga School

Wilder Nest Retreats, Loveland, CO

February 21 - September 11, 2024

• Every Wednesday from 5:30-9 p.m.

• Every third weekend Sat-Sun

Attend In-Person or Online/Hybrid

Take your yoga teaching skills and credentials to the next level. Embrace profound selfhealing and character-building in tandem with the ancient teachings of holistic yoga. In this hands-on training, you'll develop immensely through daily peer teaching, interactive group discussions, the opportunity to teach three yoga classes and the design of a complete retreat or workshop Series. holisticyogaschool.com

Nurture Through Nature: Hot Springs Yoga Retreat

Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs

Redstone, CO • January 25-28, 2024 holisticyogaschool.com

This magical setting provides the perfect backdrop for quiet reflection. In this retreat, you’ll be supported to strengthen your connection to Mother Earth while embracing the cycle of letting go, rest and rejuvenation. Enjoy daily yoga classes, nourishing meals, breathwork, meditation and unlimited soaking in the mineralrich hot springs pools!