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Big Al Burns Bright: Gatorfest 2025 at Columbine Roadhouse 🐊

Gatorfest 2025 lit up Silverton, Colorado this summer with music, Cajun food, and the unforgettable burning of Big Al. Hosted at the legendary Columbine Roadhouse in Silverton, the festival drew locals and visitors alike for a weekend packed with community, flavor, and tradition. 

This year’s 40-foot wooden gator was decorated in full Mardi Gras colors—bold purple, green, and gold—with a giant big-top hat and beads hanging from his paws. He was the centerpiece of the weekend and the symbol of letting go, with a “troubles slot” in his belly where folks slipped in worries and regrets to be burned away.

Friday and Saturday featured live music from the South Austin Moonlighters, whose soulful harmonies and tight rhythms filled the mountain air. Festival goers jumped into stick horse races and cherry stem tying contests, laughing and cheering under the San Juan sky. On Sunday, the tradition continued with the crowning of gator royalty before the grand finale.

As the sun set, the torch was carried up the ladder, and Big Al was set ablaze. Flames roared, music kicked up, and the crowd danced and clapped, celebrating a Cajun tradition in the heart of Colorado. For a few fiery minutes, troubles burned away and the night turned into a celebration of renewal and community.

Of course, no Gatorfest would be complete without Cajun cooking. Dixie Farms served up authentic Louisiana flavors from The Purple People Feeder—our last crawfish boil of the season until next year—alongside shrimp, sausage, and more. The mix of spicy seafood, Zydeco rhythms, and crisp mountain air made the weekend unforgettable. More than anything, Gatorfest was about bringing the community together.We were honored to meet and serve the locals, getting to know Lucky, Inga, Danno, JP, Haley, and countless other unique and interesting folks who make up the Roadhouse family.

Why Gatorfest in Silverton, CO Matters
Events like Gatorfest bring a taste of the South to the San Juan Mountains, blending Cajun traditions with Colorado’s unique festival culture. From Mardi Gras colors to Zydeco beats, it’s proof that crawfish boils and community celebrations can thrive anywhere—even at 9,300 feet above sea level.

Big Al may be gone for now, but the spirit of Gatorfest lingers. And if history tells us anything, he’ll be back—maybe bigger, maybe bolder, but always ready to carry our troubles off in smoke once again.

We are excited to be returning to the Roadhouse this coming weekend (Aug 24th) for an up close and personal show by Uncle Lucius. We’ll be bringing the Cajun goodness and can’t wait to share another unforgettable night with the Roadhouse family..



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Location: Silverton, CO 81433, USA

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