Summer events in the Rockies bring a delightful blend of music, great food & drinks, competitions, art, and breathtaking scenery.
While ski trips to Breckenridge are the all-time favorite, summer in this Colorado gem offers something unique: summer events and festivals.
This guide to 15 can't-miss summer events in Breckenridge and Summit County will make your visit even better, with celebrations full of local flavor, cheerful crowds, and an endless summer breeze paired with captivating mountain views.
Here's a sneak peek for you:
At Great Western Lodging, we're passionate about all things Breckenridge and Summit County.
In our destination blog, we've covered a lot of information about Breck, including the best coffee shops in town, fishing and hunting spots, and a guide for some fun libations.
This time, we've brought you a guide to the top 15 summer events in Breckenridge and Summit County.
Let's jump right in!
Top Picks: Summer Events in Breckenridge
1. Breck Pride
Early June
A colorful kickoff to summer, Breck Pride celebrates diversity with a full week of outdoor gatherings, live performances, and thoughtful discussions. Expect everything from community runs and rock climbing to karaoke, bingo, trivia, face painting, and lots more.
Why Go?
- Evening Entertainment: From drag shows and karaoke nights to lively rounds of bingo and trivia.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Face painting, outdoor games, and interactive events for all ages.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: An inclusive, affirming space that celebrates individuality and connection.
Local Tip: The Pride Visibility March is a highlight — and a great photo op with the Tenmile Range as your backdrop.
2. Breckenridge Agave Festival
Mid-June
This spirited newcomer puts agave front and center, with tastings of tequila, mezcal, and other agave-based spirits from top distillers. Add chef-driven bites, vibrant Latin music, and lawn games along the scenic Riverwalk Lawn and you've got a perfect midsummer evening.
Local Tip: Buy a VIP ticket for early access, exclusive entry to the VIP Hospitality Lounge, commemorative tasting glass and a welcome reception with appetizers.
Why Go?
- Premium Tequilas & Mezcals: Sample an expertly curated lineup of agave spirits from top distilleries — many of which you won't find on the average bar shelf.
- Gourmet Taco Pairings: Local chef's dish out creative tacos designed to complement your sips, turning this into a true culinary adventure.
- Live Entertainment: Performances by local bands and DJs, including El Paso Lasso and DJ Murkem, enhance the festive atmosphere.
3. Independence Day Celebration
July 4
Breckenridge's Fourth of July celebration puts the spotlight on small-town charm with a colorful parade, live music, races, and patriotic festivities. There are no fireworks displays, as the town is committed to preserving local wildlife, preventing wildfires, and maintaining a peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Why Go?
- Family-Friendly Activities: The celebration includes events for all ages, such as the Strider Bike Race for young children, providing a fun and inclusive environment for families.
- Evening Concert: Conclude the day with the Fourth of July Spectacular concert at the Riverwalk Center, featuring a mix of patriotic and popular music performed by the National Repertory Orchestra.
Local Tip: Arrive early to grab a sidewalk spot for the parade, then head to the Riverwalk Center for live music.
4. Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival
Mid-July
One of Breck's most popular events, this beer-lover's summer party features 40+ craft breweries, food vendors, and mountain views you can't beat.
Why Go?
- Diverse Craft Beer Selection: The festival features over 40 breweries from Colorado and around the world, offering a wide array of craft beers to sample.
- Scenic Mountain Setting: Held at Beaver Run Resort, the event provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, enhancing the overall experience.
- Live Music: Enjoy performances from various bands throughout the day, adding a lively soundtrack to your tasting experience.
Local Tip: The VIP ticket not only gets you early access, but also includes a catered lunch, shaded seating in a private tent, and access to exclusive pours you won't find at general admission tents. Plus, early entry means you can try the more experimental or limited-release brews before they run out.
5. Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival
Mid-July
Stroll and sip your way through an elegant setup of white tents and fine wine. Featuring dozens of wineries, gourmet nibbles, and the backdrop of the Rockies, this event brings Napa flair to the mountains.
Why Go?
- Global Wine Selection: Experience an extensive range of wines, from soft and smooth to bold and robust, curated from renowned wineries worldwide.
- Gourmet Food Pairings: Indulge in delicious small dishes available for purchase, thoughtfully crafted to complement the wine offerings.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances, including the high-energy string quartet Spinphony, blending classical, rock, and pop music, and DJ sets that keep the atmosphere lively.
- Scenic Venue: Set at Main Street Station Plaza and The Village at Breckenridge, the festival offers stunning mountain views, enhancing the overall experience.
Local tip: Opt for the VIP Experience or the All-Access Pass to enjoy perks like early entry, access to the VIP Lounge with exclusive wine selections, and a sparkling wine welcome reception.
6. Breck Epic
Mid-August
Six days. 240 miles. One serious mountain biking challenge. This backcountry stage race, one of the most rewarding challenges in mountain biking, draws elite riders looking to push their limits, but even as a spectator, the atmosphere is welcoming and well worth soaking in.
Why Go?
As a cyclist:
- Epic Scenery, Epic Trails: Ride through high-alpine singletrack with jaw-dropping views, wildflower meadows, and remote mountain passes.
- Tight-Knit Community: Meet riders from around the world in a supportive, camaraderie-rich environment — the Epic isn't just a race, it's an experience.
As a spectator:
- Electric Atmosphere: Race week brings high energy to Breckenridge, with music, pop-up events, and riders buzzing around town.
- Scenic Viewing Spots: Many trailheads and key points along the course are accessible for cheering — perfect if you want to soak up the race without breaking a sweat.
- Local Events & Post-Race Fun: From live music to local brews and recovery hangouts, there's plenty happening beyond the trails.
7. Breck Int Festival of the Arts (BIFA)
Mid-August
A ten-day celebration of art, performance, and nature, this is not your typical gallery walk. Think aerial dancers in the forest, sound installations on hiking trails, and pop-up performances downtown.
Why Go?
- Immersive Art in Nature: Experience art beyond traditional galleries with installations and performances set amidst Breckenridge's stunning natural landscapes.
- Diverse Artistic Offerings: From music and dance to film and visual arts, BIFA showcases a rich tapestry of creative expressions from local, national, and international artists.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in interactive workshops, live performances, and art installations suitable for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families.
Local Tip: Some performances require advance registration, so check the lineup early.
8. Breckenridge Wine Classic
Late August
This is another opportunity for wine lovers to enjoy an elevated experience with dozens of wineries, curated tasting sessions, and mountain-chic vibes in Breck. The Wine Classic offers fantastic grand tastings, paired dinners, and panels led by industry experts.
Why Go?
- Extensive Wine Selection: Sample hundreds of wines from over 100 domestic and international wineries, offering a diverse range of varieties and styles.
- Culinary Experiences: Enjoy gourmet pairings through wine dinners and lunches crafted by world-class sommeliers and chefs, enhancing the tasting experience.
- Educational Seminars: Participate in lifestyle and classroom seminars, including guided hikes paired with wine tastings and informative sessions led by industry experts.
Local Tip: Beyond the grand tasting, book one of the "à la carte events" to craft your ideal wine weekend. You can join expertly paired tastings at top Breckenridge restaurants, attend classroom-style seminars, or embark on a wine hike through the scenic Breckenridge mountains.
9. Breckenridge Hogfest: Bacon & Bourbon
Early August
Everything's better with bacon, especially when it's paired with small-batch bourbon. At Breckenridge Hogfest, you can expect inventive pork dishes, whiskey tastings, and live rock music that takes the energy of the event to new heights.
Local Tip: If you plan to indulge in bourbon, be sure to designate a driver or use local shuttles — the bourbon flows freely at this event.
Why Go?
- Premium Bourbon Selection: Explore an array of bourbons, including rare and allocated selections like Pappy Van Winkle and offerings from the Sazerac Antique Collection.
- Gourmet Pork Dishes: Savor inventive pork-inspired dishes from local food vendors, perfectly complementing the bourbon tastings.
- Scenic Mountain Setting: Experience the festival in the beautiful surroundings of Breckenridge, with events held at Main Street Station and The Village at Breckenridge Plazas.
10. Great Rubber Duck Race
Late August
The Great Rubber Duck Race is a beloved Breckenridge tradition that combines whimsical fun with meaningful community impact. Held annually on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend the event features over 10,000 rubber ducks racing down the Blue River through the heart of town.
Why go?
- It's Pure Whimsical Fun: Watching thousands of bright yellow ducks bob down the Blue River is a hilarious and joyful sight — it's like a high-alpine version of a carnival.
- Family-Friendly to the Core: With bounce houses, face painting, food vendors, and kid-focused activities, it's an all-day event that keeps little ones entertained.
- Support a Great Cause: Proceeds benefit The Summit Foundation, helping fund scholarships, local nonprofits, and community programs across Summit County.
Local tip: Adopt a duck and you could go home with fun prizes — all while supporting a worthy mission.
Around the County: Events Worth the Short Drive
11. Dillon Amphitheater Summer Concert Series
Dillon, June through September
Set against Dillon Reservoir with snow-capped peaks in view, this open-air venue hosts an impressive lineup each summer. From symphonies and bluegrass to funk and indie rock, good music, friendly locals, and breathtaking scenery takes center stage in this amazing series of concerts.
Why Go?
- Unparalleled Setting: Nestled on the shores of Dillon Reservoir, the amphitheater provides panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, creating a stunning backdrop for every performance.
- Diverse Musical Lineup: The series features a mix of genres, from nationally acclaimed artists to local favorites, ensuring there's something for every musical taste.
- Free and Ticketed Shows: With a combination of free concerts and ticketed events, the series offers accessible entertainment options for all.
Local Tip: Bring your own blanket and picnic (yes, it's allowed).
12. Silverthorne National Repertory Orchestra Fourth of July Concert
Silverthorne, 4th of July
This is a cherished community event that combines patriotic music with family-friendly festivities. Held annually on Independence Day, this free outdoor concert offers a memorable way to celebrate the holiday in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Why go?
- Celebrate with Soul-Stirring Music: This isn't just background music. The NRO brings a full symphony orchestra to Rainbow Park, performing patriotic classics and Broadway hits that lift spirits and honor the meaning of the day.
- Free and Family-Friendly: No tickets, no barriers, just show up and enjoy. With face painting, inflatable attractions, and even an instrument petting zoo, kids stay engaged while adults relax and soak in the music.
- Perfect Start to Your Holiday: Held in the morning, this concert sets the tone for the rest of the day. It's a feel-good, inspiring way to kick off your Fourth of July in Summit County.
13. Frisco Triathlon
Frisco, July
The Frisco Triathlon is a unique, non-traditional race that swaps out swimming for stand-up paddleboarding, offering a fresh take on the classic triathlon format. Set against the stunning backdrop of Dillon Reservoir and the Ten Mile Range, this event is perfect for athletes seeking a scenic and challenging adventure.
Why go?
- A Fresh Twist on a Classic Format: This isn't your standard swim-bike-run triathlon. Swapping the swim leg for a scenic 3K stand-up paddleboard (SUP) makes it a unique and fun challenge.
- Breathtaking Scenery: Paddle across Dillon Reservoir, bike along forested singletrack, and run through alpine trails — all with panoramic views of the Tenmile Range. The setting alone makes it worth the effort.
- Great for All Levels: Whether you're an experienced triathlete or a recreational athlete looking for a new goal, this event welcomes a wide range of fitness levels. It's approachable but still challenging.
14. Frisco Run the Rockies Half Marathon/10k/5K
Frisco, August
For more challenges, Run the Rockies is a scenic trail running event that gives participants the chance to experience the area's natural beauty at its most vibrant and green.
Why go?
- Scenic High-Alpine Trails: This isn't just a race — it's a run through wildflower-lined trails, towering pines, and panoramic mountain views. Whether you're doing the 5K or the half marathon, the backdrop is stunning every step of the way.
- Multiple Distance Options: With 5K, 10K, and half marathon routes, runners of all levels can find a course that fits their pace and goals.
- Cooler Temps, Cleaner Air: Escape the summer heat and enjoy crisp, clean mountain air as you run at over 9,000 feet above sea level.
15. Bacon & Bourbon Festival
Keystone, June
Keystone also hosts its own celebration of all things bacon and bourbon. The festival takes place in the picturesque River Run Village, offering a weekend filled with savory treats, spirited drinks, and family-friendly activities.
Why go?
- Indulge in Bacon Delights: Savor a variety of bacon-inspired dishes crafted by local chefs, from classic favorites to innovative creations. The festival offers an array of savory treats that highlight the versatility of bacon.
- Explore Bourbon Tastings: For those 21 and over, the festival features an extensive selection of bourbons to sample. The VIP Bourbon Tour provides an opportunity to taste a curated collection of bourbons, enhancing your culinary experience.
- Enjoy Live Music: The event boasts performances from popular cover bands and local artists across multiple stages, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the village.
Experience Summer in the Rocky Mountains Like A Local
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and Downtown vacation rentals, some of which are pet-friendly.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to the Rockies.