12 spring events and festivals to know about in Colorado

The snow is melting and temperatures are set to start rising as spring approaches in Colorado. As the winter season comes to an end, don't forget to plan ahead to check out the many quirky and fun spring events and festivals that take place around the state.

Here's a list of 12 events to put on your calendar:

1. Bud Light Rocks the Boat - Saturdays, March 9 - April 14, Steamboat Springs

This free concert series is put on at Steamboat Resort. Seven concerts will be held in Gondola Square every Saturday from mid-March until the end of the ski season in mid-April.

2. Aspen Film Shortsfest - April 1-7, Aspen and Carbondale

Aspen Film is putting on its 33rd Oscar-qualifying Shortsfest. The film festival showcases emerging filmmakers from around the globe. Attendees participate in public screenings, panels, workshops, and other festivities. The program will be announced on March 14, and early-bird passes are now available.

3. Taste of Vail - April 3-6, Vail

Taste of Vail is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1990 and and it's host its 32nd annual food festival. The wine and food festival includes mountaintop wine tasting, culinary seminars on a range of subjects, and food from Vail's finest chefs.

4. Cardboard Classic - April 13, Steamboat Springs

Homemade cardboard crafts will race down Steamboat Ski Resort's Stampede ski run in this fun race to close out the slopesport season. The crafts are constructed from only cardboard, glue, string, water-based paint, duct tape, masking tape, balloons, and other decorations, making for an entertaining race. Online registration opens April 1.

5. Splashdown Pond Skim - April 14, Steamboat Springs

This event features skiers and riders attempting to cross an icy pond, and they do it in costumes. According to Steamboat Ski Resort, the event celebrates the ski season and "has antics like you wouldn't believe." Online registration opens April 1.

6. Durango Bluegrass Meltdown - April 19-21, Durango

This music festival is coming back for its 28th year and includes bluegrass music, a barn dance, and other activities. The festival will feature many bands and artists including Missy Raines & Allegheny, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, as well as local bands.

7. Mountain Plover Festival - April 26-28, Karval

This festival consists of everything from bird watching and wildlife viewing tours to entertainment, history, arts and crafts, antiques, and home-style food prepared by community non-profit organizations. Participants can learn about the lifestyle of local farmers, ranchers, and the conservation practices and history of the area, and even tour private land.

8. Durango Wine Experience - April 26-27, Durango

Featuring wine, food, and educational seminars, this festival includes plenty of wines, artisan spirits, and craft beers. The Walkabout Durango Tasting consists of hundreds of wines and light appetizers at downtown Durango locations. The Grand Tasting consists of hundreds of wines from around the world and regional Colorado spirits.

9. Estes Park Rotary Duck Race Festival - May 4, Estes Park

Yes, this festival does consist of racing yellow ducks down the river, and it's all for charity. The event began in 1989 and has returned more than $3 million to local charities and groups. Each year, sixty to seventy local Estes Valley charities and groups are selected to participate in the race. People can "adopt" ducks for the race and decide which charity will receive the proceeds of their adoptions.

10. Garden of the Gods Art Festival - May 18-19, Colorado Springs

This inaugural festival will take place at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, one of the most picturesque properties of Colorado Springs. The fine arts and crafts festival will feature 150 fine artists and craftsmen from across the nation.

11. Cinco de Mayo Festival, May 4-5, Denver

Hosted at Denver Civic Center Park, Colorado's largest Cinco de Mayo festival is a weekend full of events, contests, and entertainment. There will be diverse food vendors and unique merchandise from local artisans.

12. Telluride Balloon Festival, May 31-June 2, Telluride

Watch hot air balloons take off from Telluride Town Park and float over the Telluride Valley at this festival. A 'Balloon Glow' will also take place on Main Street on Saturday night.