CREEDE — For those who feel like getting out of town for a weekend before the summer’s over but don’t want to travel too far, there are some promising events going on in Creede at the end of the month.  

MUSIC 

In the midst of scenery that looks like a set straight out of a classic film, each year the Headwater’s Music Festival is held on Aug. 23-24, bringing to town for the weekend a series of bands along with a variety of unique local dining experiences and local vendors displaying their wares on the festival grounds.   

On Saturday, Aug. 23, the line-up of talent includes Rally Round, Float Like a Buffalo, Bo DePeña Trio, Phil Hamilton Band and Uncle Lucius.  

On Sunday, the stage will be graced by 2nd Chance Trio, Caldera, Rivertown Folk, regional legends Michael Hearne and Friends, and The Rifters.  

On the Karen Robinson Side Stage, Saturday’s line-up includes Ira Thorne, Bob Jenkins, Mel Graham and Brandon Birdsong. On Sunday, Zeke Ward, Augur Family Band, Ira Thorne and Bob Jenkins will be performing. 

The Headwater’s stage is erected at the Creede Ball Field on the south end of town, set against a backdrop of Creede's quaint downtown and soaring rock cliffs. Festival-goers set up tents and lawn chairs on the expanse of grass, backed by the San Juans Mountain range, and just a short distance from the Headwaters of the mighty Rio Grande. 

Camping will be available near the concert site, and other lodging accommodations in Creede include hotels, motels, RV parks, and several Bed and Breakfast venues. 

The Headwater’s Music Festival will be held Aug. 23 and 24, and tickets – both one day and two-day passes - can be purchased by going to www.headwatersmusicalfestival.com/tickets. Gates open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Those 15 and under with an adult get in free. For more information, go to www.headwatersmusicfestival/general-info. 

THEATRE 

On the weekend of Aug. 29-31, the Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) is offering the Headwaters New Play Program commissions, develops, and produces new American plays, amplifying the voices and culture of the San Luis Valley and the rural Southwestern United States.  

New stories are essential for keeping theatre relevant by offering fresh perspectives, diverse voices and innovative narratives, the website reads. They push artistic boundaries and provide opportunities for emerging talent, ensuring theatre remains responsive to our ever-evolving culture.  

On Friday, Aug. 29, the festival begins at 10:00 a.m. with the Young Adult Outreach Tour (YAOT) World Premiere of Raquel’s Purple Pineapple Adventures (Cast A). 

In this play, “the pressure is on ten-year-old Raquel as she goes to summer school, against her will, to improve her reading skills. She knows her Mamá needs help at their family-owned campground, as the busiest weekend of the season approaches. To help Raquel, Pinkie the Purple Pineapple, part inspiration, part aggravation, and part reading assignment, salsas out of a book to teach Raquel a thing or two and also helps her understand how to manage her very real emotions.” 

At 11:15 a.m., there will be a premiere of Tiny Tour, a CRT Education production. 

At 1 p.m., audiences will enjoy Kings of Midnight, a staged reading and puppetry demonstration with Dragoncillo Puppet Troupe.  

As described on the CRT website, “We are thrilled to be commissioning a new play from Jason Yancey and Esther Fernandez, in partnership with Dragoncillo Puppet Troupe. Known for their vibrant and imaginative storytelling, Dragoncillo seamlessly blends puppetry and music to create magical all-ages performances.  

“Their latest work weaves a beautiful tale about the gifts of family, memory, friendship, and storytelling to help us process grief.” 

The 2025 New Play Commission is directed by CRT alumnus Matt Zambrano. 

On Saturday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m., there will be a second production of Raquel’s Purple Pineapple Adventures (Cast B). 

All performances will be at the Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre, 120 Main Street, Creede.  

What is theater without food and conversation? On Sunday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. there will be Brunch and Chat Back at The Cliffside Patio (just north of the Mainstage Theatre at 124 N. Main St.) 

To purchase a pass for the weekend’s events, go to www.creederep.org/headwaters-program/headwaters. And please note, the pass will get you in to all the Headwaters events for the weekend.