Whether it's summer, winter, spring, or fall, there's always a good reason to visit Breckenridge — and it doesn't necessarily revolve around its natural attractions (although these are unbeatable!). Besides natural wonders, the city also offers a wealth of incredible festivals and events throughout the year, adding extra charm and appeal to every visit. Many of these events take place outdoors, allowing attendees to enjoy the stunning backdrop of Breckenridge's breathtaking landscape.
Wondering what the Breckenridge events calendar looks like? Or what is the best month to visit Breckenridge, CO? This blog is for you. In the paragraphs below, you'll get a sneak peek into the best annual festivals and events in Breckenridge.
Let's dive in!
Best Spring Events and Festivals in Breckenridge, CO
WAVE: Light + Water + Sound
From late May to early June, Breckenridge bursts with vibrancy during WAVE: Light + Water + Sound. This event brings together local and international artists, transforming the Blue River Plaza in downtown Breck into a captivating open-air art gallery.
The plaza showcases a myriad of unique and inventive sculptures that captivate visitors' imaginations. These masterpieces can either stand alone, emphasizing light, water, or sound or ingeniously combine all three elements.
Throughout the event, attendees can immerse themselves in exciting performances, mesmerizing light shows, film screenings, and many interactive installations. WAVE is an inclusive event enjoyed by everyone no matter their age, and the best part? It's entirely free. Once again, Breckenridge's stunning landscape serves as a picturesque backdrop, making the WAVE experience even more magical.
Best Summer Events & Festivals in Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge International Festival of Arts
Summer arrives in Breckenridge with more displays of great art. The annual Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA) spans 10 days in mid-August. Throughout the city, visitors encounter countless innovative exhibitions and performances, featuring both national and international artists.
These displays are marked by a rich tapestry of creativity and the distinct artistic expressions of the participants. Cultural venues, public parks, and trails alike come alive with a blend of traditional and avant-garde artworks that captivate attendees.
Beyond visual art, BIFA boasts live music performances, engaging workshops, and film screenings. A standout aspect of BIFA is its seamless integration of the community with nature through art. For example, the Trail Mix experience invites visitors to hike scenic trails to discover captivating art installations. Along the journey, unexpected delights await, such as a violinist serenading from the heights of a tree.
Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival
Beer festival? Check. Cider-tastings? Check. Wine extravaganza? Check. This one has everything — at least for food and wine.
The city's Food and Wine Festival offers a unique wine-tasting experience with nearly 300 wines to select from. Both the Main Street Station Plaza and The Village at Breckenridge become a mountain-side vineyard where attendees can try delicious wine from top wineries. Great food and live music add to the fun vibes of the event.
The festival usually happens every July, and this is a great way to celebrate summer in town.
Best Fall Events & Festivals in Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
One of the most expected fall events, not only in Breckenridge but also in the whole of Colorado, the Breckenridge Oktoberfest is a three-day celebration that embraces all the traditions of this quintessential German festival, while also infusing it with local flavors.
Typically held every September, the historic Main Street transforms into a vibrant party zone. Visitors can savor a wide array of beer styles, including an extensive selection from the Breckenridge Brewery — sampling these local brews is a must for any attendee.
The highlight? The breathtaking mountain backdrop that surrounds the area, enhancing the festival's vibe. Moreover, since Oktoberfest happens during fall, the mild temperatures and the mesmerizing fall colors adorning the landscape add to the overall charm.
Live music, unique shopping opportunities, and a range of kids' activities, such as face painting, ensure that there's something for everyone, making it a favorite for families.
For those who aren't beer enthusiasts, there's a diverse selection of cocktails and wines available. Food also plays a significant role in the event, with vendors dishing out traditional German delicacies.
Moreover, several of Breckenridge's top restaurants embrace the festival's spirit by presenting special 5-course menus infused with traditional Bavarian flavors.
Breckenridge Film Festival
Regarded as one of the best film festivals in the US, the Breckenridge Film Festival attracts movie buffs from all around. Held every September, this four-day event infuses the city with vibrant energy, showcasing a stellar lineup of films alongside forums, parties, and various other events. The festival showcases over 100 films spanning diverse genres, from drama and adventure to comedy and documentaries, among others. Attendees can also expect premieres and the participation of the industry's big names, including representatives from giants like Disney and Pixar.
The Breck Film Festival is hosted across three distinct venues: The Eclipse Theater, The Riverwalk Center, and the Breck Backstage Theater. Located near the city's Main Street, these venues ensure convenient access for visitors, allowing them to easily move between locations and take part in multiple film sessions and forums.
Breckenridge Strings, Beers, and Ciders
Breckenridge Strings, Beers, and Ciders is a simple and charming event that seamlessly combines fantastic music, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere - all set against the scenic backdrop of Breckenridge, what more could one ask for?
Typically held every September at Main Street Station & The Village at Breckenridge, attendees can sample a diverse range of ciders and beers from both local and national breweries. The event also offers amazing live Bluegrass performances, amazing food options, and opportunities to mingle with locals.
Upon arrival, guests receive a commemorative tasting glass, inviting them to immerse themselves in the event's festive vibe while indulging in top-notch drinks and cuisine.
Best Winter Events & Festivals in Breckenridge, CO
The Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas
Breckenridge takes Christmas celebrations to another level. Each year on the first Saturday of December the Lighting of Breckenridge and the Race of Santas bring the magic of the holidays and an irreverent vibe to the mountain city.
The Christmas extravaganza begins with the hilarious Race of the Santas on Main Street where participants compete wearing their best Santa costumes. The race is catered for all ages and it's a lovely family activity. Some participants take their furry companions to partake in the race adorned with cute festive costumes, too. You can imagine how many photo ops you will find!
Competing is super fun, but just watching the race and talking to the locals is also a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. After the race, locals and tourists head to the Blue River Plaza led by Santa in a procession where everyone witnesses the lightning of the Town Tree. It's a magical event filled with stunning lights and Christmas decorations.
Ullr Fest
Ullr Fest is a unique event that captivates both locals and visitors in Breckenridge with its irreverent and unusual activities and sights. Rooted in Scandinavian folklore, the festival honors the Norse God of skiing — you guessed it, Ullr! (pronounced Oool-er)
A highlight is the grand parade on Main Street, featuring several snow and Nordic-themed floats, along with participants wearing eccentric costumes. The festival boasts a range of entertaining activities such as a talent show, the Ullr Bonfire, and the Ice Plunge, among others.
The Ice Plunge is an example of how wild the event gets: participants are invited to jump through a hole carved in the ice into a chilly pond. You definitely don't need to take part in it, but all the celebrations happening during Ullr Fest are extremely entertaining and it will make any visit to Breckenridge unforgettable.
Dew Tour
Being one of the most visited ski resorts in the US, it is only natural that Breckenridge has an event celebrating winter sports and gathering some of the best athletes in the country to compete head-to-head.
For four days in December, Dew Tour offers not only exciting ski and snowboarding competitions but also several live music performances, and autograph signings. The Cooper Mountain became a stage for lots of winter fun gathering sport enthusiasts and snow lovers. The best thing is that the event is free!
International Snow Sculpture Championships
The International Snow Sculpture Championships is not only one of the best winter events in Breckenridge but also in the entire state of Colorado. Held annually in January, this competition draws artists from around the globe to craft monumental sculptures from snow that, when displayed in a single place, captivate every attendee.
Visitors can observe these artists at work, transforming a massive 12-foot-tall, 20-ton block of snow into intricate masterpieces. Once completed, the sculptures are illuminated with lights, making a nighttime stroll along West Adams Avenue near the Riverwalk Center an unforgettable experience. Oh, and that admission to the event is free is a delightful bonus.
Your Guide to the Best Annual Events in Breckenridge, CO
No matter what time of the year you visit Breckenridge, there will always be something exciting and unique happening. Experience the local events of this charming mountain town is a great way to enhance every visit to the Rockies.
Where to Stay During Your Nature Getaway to Breckenridge, CO?
While in town, why not stay in style with the great backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in one of the most iconic rental properties Breckenridge has to offer? 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.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Breckenridge.