Plan Your Visit to Summit County, Colorado Around One of These Great Events
Summit County, Colorado, is not just a skier and outdoor lover’s paradise – it’s also a community that hosts incredible festivals and events throughout the year. There’s something for everyone here, celebrating the local culture with food, art and music. Here are the top 10 Summit County events that you can’t miss on your next visit!
1. International Snow Sculpture Championships (January – Breckenridge)
Held in Breckenridge, this annual winter event transforms the town into an outdoor art gallery. Teams from around the world converge to carve intricate sculptures from 25-ton blocks of snow, using only hand tools. Visitors can watch the artists at work and view the finished sculptures on display over a 2-week period in January (or until they melt). This free event is perfect for art lovers, families and really anyone visiting this time of year!
January 20-29, 2025
2. Copper Mountain’s Sunsation (April – Copper)
As winter winds down, Copper Mountain Resort bids an epic farewell to ski season. The Sunsation festival features free live music, pond skimming, giveaways, and a tropical theme. This free event is a perfect chance to squeeze in some final ski runs and close out the season on a high note.
April 26-27, 2025
3. Bacon and Bourbon Festival (June – Keystone)
Bacon lovers and whiskey aficionados unite at this mouthwatering festival which pairs bacon-centric dishes with a selection of bourbons, whiskeys and craft spirits. Held at Keystone every year in June, this event features live music, cooking demonstrations and tastings highlighting the delicious combination of these smoky, savory flavors. The festival is free to enter for all ages and there’s plenty of kids activities at Camp Bacon keeps the little ones entertained. Ticket prices for food and bourbon vary depending on how many samples you want, and whether you’d like booze or not. Either way, it is a deliciously good time!
June 21-22, 2025
4. Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival (July – Breckenridge)
Wine lovers flock to Breckenridge each July for this sophisticated event featuring an impressive selection of wines from around the world, paired with gourmet food and live music. Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, this festival offers the ideal setting for an afternoon of fun and indulgence. Ticket prices vary depending on tasting options, so it’s the perfect event for both casual sippers or wine connoisseurs.
July 25-27, 2025
5. Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival (August – Keystone)
Since 1996, Keystone has hosted the Bluegrass and Beer Festival, where visitors can enjoy an incredible lineup of bluegrass bands while sampling craft beers from more than 40 different breweries. Held at the peak of a Rocky Mountain summer, there is no better way to enjoy an afternoon in the mountains. Admission is free, but tasting tickets are required.
August 2-3, 2025
6. Breckenridge Oktoberfest (September – Breckenridge)
Breckenridge hosts the largest Oktoberfest in Colorado, turning Main Street into a lively Bavarian-themed party. Guests can enjoy steins of German beer, authentic bratwurst, and traditional music while taking in the crisp mountain air and golden leaves. This is one of the best times of the year to be in Summit County! Admission is free and families are welcome to join the festivities.
September 12-14, 2025
7. Breckenridge Festival of Film (September – Breckenridge)
One of the oldest film festivals in the country, the Breckenridge Festival of Film is a must for movie buffs. Featuring a mix of independent films, documentaries, and premieres, this festival provides an intimate setting where audiences can engage with filmmakers. Tickets vary by screening, and it’s a fantastic event for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling.
September 21-24, 2025
8. Frisco’s Wassail Days (December – Frisco)
Start the holiday season in Frisco, where you can enjoy a celebration filled with wassail (hot spiced cider), caroling, sleigh rides, and festive activities. Throughout this weeklong event in early December, local businesses serve up their variations of wassail and visitors who sample at least 12 can earn a commemorative mug. This event has a cozy holiday atmosphere that really gets you into the spirit of the season!
TBD 2025
9. Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas (December – Breckenridge)
This charming event kicks off the holiday magic in Breckenridge. The festivities begin with the Race of the Santas, where hundreds of participants dressed as Santa Claus sprint down Main Street. This fun run is followed by the official Lighting of Breckenridge, making the town sparkle with over 250,000 lights. Other highlights include a dog parade, children’ s activities and caroling.
December 6, 2025
10. Ullr Fest (December – Breckenridge)
The whole town of Breckenridge comes together to celebrate the Norse god of snow, Ullr, in hopes of a snow-filled ski season. Festivities feature a parade, bonfire, and winter-themed activities, including fat tire bike races and world record attempts for the longest shot ski. This quirky festival is a great way to embrace the winter season in Summit County.
December 11-13, 2025
With such a diverse range of events, Summit County offers an event calendar packed with a little something for everyone. Book your Summit County vacation rental and fully immerse yourself in this vibrant mountain community!
