Whether you're seriously considering downsizing or just fascinated by the concept of itty-bitty houses, the Colorado Tiny House Festival, July 28-30, will be a fun and informative event celebrating the beauty of minimalistic living.

Taking place at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado (40 minutes northeast of Denver), the first annual Colorado Tiny House Festival will showcase more than 20 tiny houses -- from homes built by professional builders to the creative designs constructed by ambitious DIY'ers. WHEN: Friday, July 28 | 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, July 29 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, July 30 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The three-day festival will feature food and drinks, entertainment, vendors (even composting toilet info!), guest speakers about the tiny home movement, and the opportunity to browse the wide variety of tiny houses on display, including yurts, shipping container homes, and traditional-looking tiny houses! Ticket-holders will also get a discount on admission to the 720-acre wildlife refuge in order to view the 350 rescued lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other large carnivores on the premises.

The Colorado Tiny House festival was born from the need to maintain tiny house education/awareness to tiny house enthusiasts across Colorado, as well as provide a platform for builders across the state and region to showcase their work," the festival's website states. "Following the National Tiny House and Simple Living Jamboree’s decision to move their event from Colorado Springs to Arlington, TX, it was clear that someone needed to step up to the plate and maintain the tradition of tiny house excellence in the Centennial State." 

Festivalgoers are welcome to camp on the grounds, as well, for a small fee. Some of the proceeds for the entire event, including camping fees, will be donated to the Wild Animal Sanctuary. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="19041,19042"] The festival, which will provide education on simplifying life and adopting a minimalistic lifestyle, is sponsored by Einstyne Tiny Homes, Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses, and Trailer Made Custom Trailers. It is the largest event of its kind in Colorado. For more information on the Colorado Tiny House Festival, visit their website or Facebook page.