Looking for some after-hours fun? Here's your guide to Keystone, CO festivals, the best breweries, and much more.

Right in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Keystone is a stunning destination that combines outdoor adventure with breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you're here to ski, explore alpine trails, or take part in year-round activities, this picturesque mountain town has something for everyone.

Although the nightlife scene in Keystone may not be as lively as in larger resort towns in Colorado, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The town offers charming and cozy spots for a great dinner, followed by delicious cocktails and beers by the fireplace, live music performances, and plenty of friendly locals to meet.

Before we start, a little about us…

At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, including ski-in/ski-out condos, townhouses, family homes, and accommodations located in the heart of both Breckenridge and Keystone.

In our destination blog, we've covered extensive information about Breck and Keystone, including the best coffee shops in town, fishing and hunting spots, and a guide to local nightlife for some fun libations. And soon enough, more interesting content awaits you with great tips to make your travel experience even better.

Heads up: Enjoying Keystone’s nightlife is all about having fun, but don’t forget to do it responsibly. Know your limits, plan for a safe ride home, and be respectful of the community and the environment. A little care goes a long way in making sure everyone has a great time! 

Nightlife: Life Music, Beer on Tap, Craft Cocktails, Friendly Locals and Mountain Allure

Snake River Saloon and Steakhouse

Established in 1975, the Snake River Saloon & Steakhouse is a Keystone institution that offers a blend of fine dining and vibrant nightlife. The restaurant features a rustic, mountain lodge atmosphere with a cozy dining room and a lively saloon area. The saloon is known for its welcoming environment, complete with a fireplace and a dance floor that comes alive with live music on weekends.

It’s a great spot for dinner, where you can enjoy delicious, prime steaks, then grab a cocktail, listen to great tunes, and meet friendly locals.

The Goat Soup & Whiskey Tavern

At The Goat Soup & Whiskey Tavern, you can do exactly what its name suggests—enjoy the laid-back vibes while savoring hearty soups and other delicious dishes, then warm up with one of their unpretentious drinks and good spirits during the live music performances they regularly host.

The cozy, relaxed atmosphere is perfect for watching touring bands across various genres or having fun with their pool tables, foosball tables, pinball machines, and jukebox. This spot is beloved by the locals, so if you're looking to meet them, this is the place to be. 

Kickapoo Tavern

Located at the base of the River Run Gondola and featuring a casual, lively mountain lodge atmosphere, Kickapoo Tavern is a great choice for a light night out in Keystone or for après-ski after hitting the slopes.

During the off-season, the outdoor patio offers scenic views, making it the perfect spot to relax while enjoying American pub fare and a wide variety of beers on tap. You can also indulge in their selection of craft cocktails, margaritas, mules, wines, and bubbles like the popular Blood Orange Mimosa, as well as hot drinks such as the sensational Spiced Apple Pie, made with Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire and hot apple cider.

9280' Sake House

After a day on the slopes or for a relaxed evening out, 9280' Sake House is the perfect spot to meet friends and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Keystone. Located in River Run Base, it offers sake on tap along with a delicious variety of Asian-inspired appetizers and meals.

If you're not a fan of sake, they also have 14 beers on tap and a selection of craft cocktails—all of which can be enjoyed on their deck, offering beautiful views (weather permitting). Additionally, with eight large HD TVs, 9280' Sake House becomes especially lively when there's a big game on.

Bighorn Bistro 

Bighorn Bistro & Bar, located within the Keystone Lodge & Spa, is renowned for offering a dining experience that combines casual elegance with scenic views of Keystone Lake and the surrounding mountains. Their lounge also provides a cozy setting for an evening drink by the fireplace.

The rustic-chic ambiance is perfect for romantic dates or celebrating your trip to Keystone with friends while savoring high-quality wines and delicious spirits.

Breweries: Delicious Handcrafted Beers Your After Mountain Adventures

Steep Brewery Keystone CO

If you're a beer enthusiast, be sure to add Steep Brewing & Coffee Company to your list of must-visit spots in Keystone.

With a variety of handcrafted beers ranging from Belgian-style ales to stouts and IPAs, their two locations in town offer a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. It's the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing brew after mountain activities. Be sure to try highlights such as Mountain Juice Hoppy Days, Heartbreak Hotel Crispy Treat, and Pau Hana, a sensational blend of coffee and coconut porter.

Breweries Near Keystone CO

Keystone is home to just one brewery, but in the neighboring cities of Dillon, Breckenridge, Frisco, and Silverthorne, you'll find many more fantastic options for enjoying excellent craft beer. Just remember, mixing driving with alcohol is never a good idea. If you plan to visit some of these breweries from Keystone, be sure to plan ahead and have a designated driver who is alcohol-free.

Here are some great options in the area:

• Dillon Dam Brewery (Dillon): Established in 1997, Dillon Dam Brewery is the largest brewpub in the Colorado Rockies. They offer a diverse selection of beers, including their flagship Dam Straight Lager and Sweet George’s Brown. The brewpub features a full menu with regional cuisine and a family-friendly atmosphere.

• Pug Ryan's Brewery (Dillon): Known for its handcrafted beers and hearty pub fare, Pug Ryan's Brewery offers a variety of beers brewed on-site, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery also features a full menu with classic American dishes.
  

• Broken Compass Brewing (Breckenridge): Situated in nearby Breckenridge, Broken Compass Brewing is known for its Coconut Porter and a variety of other craft beers. The brewery offers a relaxed atmosphere and is pet-friendly, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
  

• HighSide Brewing (Frisco): HighSide Brewing offers a range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. The brewery features a taproom with a cozy ambiance and a menu of pub-style food, making it a great place to unwind after outdoor activities.
  

• Outer Range Brewing Co. (Frisco): Known for its innovative beers, including hazy IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. The brewery offers a spacious taproom with a modern design and a selection of food trucks on-site.
  

• Angry James Brewing Company (Silverthorne): Angry James Brewing Company offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery features a taproom with a rustic-chic design and a menu of food options from local vendors.

Evening Entertainment: Mountain Activities Under the Stars

Night Skiing

Keystone Resort offers a unique winter activity for visitors and locals: night skiing. You can enjoy the slopes after sunset, typically starting on Thanksgiving and continuing through March.

The resort lights up approximately 9.32 miles of terrain on the front side of the mountain, including the A-51 Terrain Park, providing a range of runs suitable for different skill levels. Lifts such as the River Run Gondola and the A51 Lift operate during night skiing hours, giving access to these illuminated trails.

One of the great benefits of night skiing is the opportunity to escape the crowds and enjoy a quieter, more relaxed skiing experience. After getting your adrenaline rush on the slopes, you can dine at The Summit House at the top of Dercum Mountain, which often extends its hours during night skiing, offering food and beverages to guests.

Keystone CO Festivals

Another way to make the most of your evening in Keystone is by attending the events and festivals hosted by the resort town, if they coincide with your visit. Annual events that bring vibrancy to Keystone's nights include:

• Keystone Kickoff Concert: Evening entertainment marking the start of the ski season.

• Winter Comedy Series: Live performances by various comedians.

• Keystone's Winter Carnival & Lighting of River Run: A festive celebration with a lighting ceremony.

• New Year’s Eve | Neon Nights: Festivities include live music, dancing, and a countdown to the new year.

Extra Tips for Enjoying the Evening in Keystone, CO

Keystone offers a variety of evening activities to suit different interests. Here are some extra suggestions to help you make the most of your evenings in town:

• Stargazing: Keystone's high elevation and clear skies provide excellent conditions for stargazing. Find a quiet spot away from the village lights to enjoy the night sky.
  

• Ice Skating: During the winter months, Keystone Lake transforms into a five-acre ice skating rink, offering a picturesque setting for an evening skate.
  

• Festivals and Events: Check Keystone's event calendar for evening festivals, concerts, or special events during your visit. Warren Station often hosts concerts and comedy shows, providing entertainment options for the evening.
  

• Relaxation: If you prefer a quieter evening, consider visiting one of the local spas for a massage or relaxation session, or enjoy a cozy evening by the fireplace in your accommodation.

Note: Remember to check the operating hours and availability of these activities, as they can vary seasonally.

How can you make your trip to Keystone, CO even better?

While in Keystone, it's a great idea to stay in style with the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, some of which are pet-friendly.

When you stay in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience. Happy travels!