America’s Mountain Festival, Tava House land Venue of the Year nomination

America’s Mountain Festival and Tava House in Woodland Park, Colorado, were named a 2026 Venue of the Year Award nominee by the Mountain West Country Music Association. The nod puts the festival and venue group alongside four other finalists and underscores Woodland Park’s growing profile in the regional live country music scene.

Why it matters: - The nomination spotlights Woodland Park as a growing live music hub in the Mountain West. - It also recognizes venues that give artists a stage and create fan experiences around live country music. - For America’s Mountain Festival and Tava House, the nod arrives as planning advances for America’s Mountain Festival 2027.

What happened: - America’s Mountain Festival / Tava House was named a nominee for the Mountain West Country Music Association’s 2026 Venue of the Year Award. - The association announced five nominees: Copper River Family Entertainment & Events, Tom Davis Saloon, Phil Long Music Hall, Shifterz Bar & Grill and America’s Mountain Festival / Tava House. - The winner will be announced Nov. 7 during the 2026 Mountain West Country Music Awards at The Antlers in Colorado Springs. - The awards show is the closing event of the Mountain West Country Fest.

The details: - The nomination recognizes venues and organizations that support live country music and create memorable experiences for fans. - Derek Waggoner, founder of America’s Mountain Festival and a Tava House investor, said the recognition reflects the artists, volunteers, sponsors, community partners and fans who helped build the project in Woodland Park. - Heather Burrows, AMF operations director, said the nomination reflects a festival that is about more than the stage and lineup. - America’s Mountain Festival has become a signature music and community event in Woodland Park. - The festival brings nationally recognized and emerging country artists to the Pikes Peak region. - The festival emphasizes community, family and support for military members and veterans. - The 2026 festival featured headliner Aaron Watson. - The 2026 lineup also included Jenna Paulette, Walker Montgomery, Tyce Delk, the Matt Skinner Band and Kenya Reese. - The 2026 festival was held at Woodland Station in downtown Woodland Park. - Tava House has expanded as a gathering place for music, entertainment and special events in Woodland Park. - Tava House spaces used for performances and programming include the River Room, Taproom, patio and other areas. - The awards evening will include a cocktail hour, a three-course plated dinner, an awards ceremony, performances and live music.

Between the lines: - The nomination gives the festival and venue group a bigger platform as they build local and regional credibility. - The recognition also signals that smaller-market venues can compete with established music spaces across the Mountain West. - The emphasis on community, military support and family-friendly programming helps distinguish the festival from a standard concert series.

What's next: - Organizers are moving ahead with plans for America’s Mountain Festival 2027. - The 2026 Venue of the Year Award winner will be announced on Nov. 7 in Colorado Springs. - America’s Mountain Festival and Tava House said the nomination reflects support from the broader community and partners.