New Name. New Location. Same Unwavering Impact.
The Chaffee County EDC is pleased to highlight Smalltown for the Cause (formerly Campout for the Cause), a downtown Riverside Park festival scheduled for September 19–20, 2025 – a strategic event that supports both community values and local economic resilience.
Founded in 2009 by Bonfire Entertainment, Campout for the Cause began as a humble grassroots gathering of like-minded people who cared about music, the land, and giving back. Over the past 15 years, it has grown into one of Colorado’s most beloved boutique music festivals – raising tens of thousands of dollars for causes, building community, and cultivating awareness around environmental stewardship and social good. At its core, it remains an intimate, family-friendly event designed to uplift small towns, independent artists, and meaningful partnerships.
In 2025, the event enters a bold new chapter with its relaunch as Smalltown for the Cause, officially moving to the scenic Riverside Park in the heart of downtown Salida, CO. Nestled along the Arkansas River, Riverside Park offers the perfect setting to carry the festival’s mission forward – right in the cultural core of one of Colorado’s most creative communities.
Conservation easement requirements necessitated the relocation from Hutchinson Ranch, prompting a thoughtful venue transition. As festival founder Scotty Stoughton explains:
“Every challenge leads to an opportunity, and after landing at Riverside Park, we all realized The Universe was sending us a message! To be downtown, on the river, at the surfing wave and the trailhead for biking and hiking is just perfect! Surrounded by the welcoming and authentic community of Salida feels right. With camping 1 mile away and several lodging options in town, this is the ideal situation. We can’t wait for September.”
Importantly, this move does not alter the festival’s commitment to Hutchinson Ranch. Smalltown for the Cause will continue to donate a portion of proceeds to support the preservation of 650 acres of the historic working ranch – a foundational pillar of Chaffee County’s agricultural heritage.
Economic Benefits to Rural Communities
Festivals like Smalltown for the Cause are more than cultural events – they are powerful economic engines for small towns.
“Festivals don’t just entertain – they inject real economic momentum into rural communities,” said Robin Vega, Marketing Director and Managing Partner for Coletrain Music Academy. “According to Oxford Economics, for every $100 a visitor spends on a ticket, nearly $350 flows into our hotels, restaurants, and local shops. That’s why having a community partner like Bonfire Entertainment is invaluable. They have a stellar track record of producing both large- and small-scale events and know how to design festivals that truly align with the character of the towns they serve. They care deeply about impact – and they know how to execute it. Events like Smalltown are more than an opportunity to support art and live music; they’re a catalyst for tourism, local commerce, and cultural vibrancy.”
For a community like Salida, the impact will be significant. Smalltown for the Cause will boost spending across lodging, dining, retail, transportation, and outdoor recreation. It will also create seasonal jobs, expand opportunities for local vendors, and encourage repeat visits to the region — fueling long-term growth in our arts, culture, and hospitality sectors.
Why This Matters for Chaffee County
Boost to local businesses
Increased foot traffic in dining, retail, lodging, and outdoor services during the festival stimulates local revenue and supports year-round economic vitality.
Community collaborations
Bonfire Entertainment is partnering with local businesses – including Ascent Alumni Coletrain Music Academy, Yoga Olas, and others – to co-create unique experiences that engage both locals and visitors. These collaborations strengthen the local economy, foster creative partnerships, and showcase Chaffee County’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.
Enhanced visibility
Hosting an accessible, downtown event with world-class production builds regional awareness and highlights downtown Salida as a cultural and creative hub. For visitors, it serves as a powerful reminder that this is the caliber of music, talent, and community-driven programming you can expect year-round in Salida – elevating its reputation as a must-visit destination for arts, culture, and outdoor adventure.
Preservation and prosperity
The festival’s ongoing partnership with Hutchinson Ranch reflects a shared commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable economic development in the Arkansas River Valley.
Experience the New Venue
Surf the Scout Wave just behind the stage while the music plays, hit Salida’s hiking and biking trails only steps from the venue, or wander through town to discover charming cafés, shops, and restaurants. When the sun goes down, spill into the bar scene for late-night shows (lineup coming soon). For those staying the weekend, camp at the South Ark Neighborhoods – just one mile from the venue – along the South Arkansas River and beneath shady cottonwoods. Enjoy creekside camping with a Center Camp offering morning mindfulness workshops, yoga, restrooms, water, vendors, a free shuttle, and more.
While the move was prompted by conservation easement requirements, relocating downtown has proven to be a strategic evolution – improving accessibility, deepening local partnerships, and aligning the festival more closely with the community it celebrates.
Tickets & Schedule
Tickets are now available via campoutforthecause.org
View the full weekend schedule: campoutforthecause.org/schedule
