Planning an outdoor event in Colorado during the spring? Then you already know: the season is as beautiful as it is unpredictable. Between sunny afternoons, unexpected wind gusts, and the occasional snow flurry, your event needs more than just charm—it needs structure. And that’s where choosing the right tent comes in.
At Mountain View Tent Company, we’ve helped hundreds of Colorado hosts—from the Denver area and beyond—in helping to find the perfect tent setup for their event, even when spring throws a curve-ball. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate function, or community gathering, here’s what you need to know to make the right call.
Spring Weather in Colorado: What You’re Up Against
Springtime in Colorado is a bit of a wildcard. The average temperatures in Denver range from the mid-40s to mid-60s, but what really affects your event is the sudden shift in conditions. One minute it’s sunny, the next—rain or strong wind.
That’s why weather-resistant tents (not to be confused with “weatherproof”) are essential. Our tents are built to stand strong against the elements, and our team handles a full professional setup with secure anchoring. We don’t do pop-ups or DIY kits—because when the weather turns, you need peace of mind that your tent will hold up.
We also factor in ground conditions, potential wind loads, and sun exposure during installation. And if the forecast looks unpredictable, we’ll talk you through options like sidewalls, heating, or ventilation fans to make your space as comfortable as possible.
Tent Size: Don’t Just Plan for Heads—Plan for Flow
Guest count matters, but don’t stop there. You’ll need space for tables, catering, service aisles, maybe even a bar or band. We always encourage clients to overestimate rather than underestimate their space needs. Here’s a quick guide to help:
Estimated space per person:
- Seated dinner: 15 sq. ft. for round tables, 10–12 sq. ft. for banquet tables.
- Theater-style seating: 7–8 sq. ft.
- Standing reception: 7–10 sq. ft.
- Add 100–200 sq. ft. for each vendor or activity station
For a 100-person dinner, seated at round tables, you’ll want at least 1,500 square feet. Hosting a cocktail-style fundraiser? You can probably do it in 800–1,000 sq. ft.—but don’t forget to leave room for service flow and staging areas.
Tent Types We Recommend for Spring Events
At Mountain View Tent Company, we keep our inventory focused on what works best in the Colorado climate. All of our tents are structured for stability and set up by trained crews. Here’s what we offer:
Tension Tops (High-Peak Frame Tents)
- Best for: Smaller weddings, dinners, or ceremonies
- Sizes: 20×20 and 20×40
- Features: No center poles, elegant silhouette
Unique & Traditional Frame Tents
- Best for: Medium-size events, vendor setups, or custom layouts
- Sizes: From 10×10 to 30×105 or even longer
- Use Cases: Can be combined for custom layouts or placed where staking isn’t possible
Festival Tents (Our Version of a Big Top)
- Best for: Community events, festivals, or large seated gatherings
- Sizes: Starts at 20×30, goes up from there
- Note: Includes center poles for structural support
Super Tent (Our Clear-Span Model)
- Best for: High-capacity events needing open interior space
- Sizes: Starts at 30′ wide and goes up to 80’ wide, expanding in length by 15’ increments
- Use Cases: Weddings, galas, corporate functions needing multiple zones
Our tents are not pop-ups or instant setups—they are anchored and tensioned structures designed to last through wind, rain, and long event days. If you’re planning in a public park or need guidance on spacing, we also offer site assessments in the greater Denver area.
Match the Tent to the Event Type
Not every event is the same—and your tent should match your event’s tone, flow, and guest needs.
Weddings and Private Parties
- Go with: Unique, Tension Tops, or Festivals
- Why: They provide a classic look and flexible layout
- Extras: Add lighting, sidewalls, and heaters for comfort and ambiance
Corporate Events and Galas
- Go with: Super Tent for larger groups or Unique Frames for breakout areas
- Why: Clean lines, adaptable layout, and space for staging or presentations
- Extras: We can help with branded elements or recommend vendors for furnishings
Markets, Fundraisers, or Fairs
- Go with: Festival Tents or multiple Frame Tents
- Why: Scalability and ease of coordinating with vendors
- Extras: Great when combined with food trucks, vendor booths, and music stages
Remember: we don’t supply tables, chairs, or dance floors directly—but we have strong relationships with Colorado vendors who do. We’ll help connect you with providers for everything from rentals to restroom trailers.
Accessorizing Your Tent Setup
Spring weather is moody, but you can plan ahead. We rent out select accessories only when bundled with a tent rental, and we always recommend booking early to ensure availability. Here are some key items to consider:
- Sidewalls (solid or windowed): Protect against wind or light rain
- Lighting: String lights or overheads for ambiance
- Heaters or fans: For climate control
- Entryway tents or canopies: Keep guests dry and create a natural flow
- Flooring or dance floor: Available via trusted vendors, we’ll gladly refer
These additions go a long way in making your event feel polished and guest-ready, especially when the weather throws surprises your way.
Customization: Yes, but Within Scope
We often get asked about custom tents. While we don’t manufacture new tents from scratch or offer styles like sailcloth or clear tops, we do offer limited customization of our existing tent frameworks. That includes:
- Adjusting layouts for your site
- Linking tents for larger layouts
- Adding logos or branded vinyl (with proper lead time)
These options are especially popular for corporate events or public activations—but they require time and planning. If you’re interested in this, we typically do customization work during our slower winter months to prep for spring and summer activations.
Planning Ahead? We’re Here to Help
Choosing the right tent doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Mountain View Tent Company, you’ll get guidance from seasoned professionals who understand Colorado’s climate and community. Our team doesn’t just drop off a tent—we install, secure, and support your event from concept to takedown.
If you’re hosting in Denver or anywhere in the surrounding region this spring, now is the time to reserve your tent. Spring books quickly, especially for April through June events.
Have an event in mind? Let’s talk. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a non-profit gala, or local fair, we’ll help you find the right tent and setup for your space, your guest count, and your style. Reach out today for a quote or site visit consultation.
