Looking for some after-hours fun? Here's your guide to Keystone 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. Come for the skiing, stay for the alpine trails, and enjoy a full lineup of year-round activities in this picturesque mountain town that truly has something for all kinds of travelers.
Although the nightlife scene in Keystone may not be as lively as in larger resort towns in Colorado, it certainly doesn't disappoint. In around town, you'll find 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.
Let's kick things off with a quick look:
- Snake River Saloon and Steakhouse: Classic hangout with prime steaks, cocktails, and live music.
- The Goat Soup and Whiskey Tavern: Hearty food, live bands, and an easygoing, friendly vibe.
- Kickapoo Tavern: Mountain lodge-style bar with pub fare, scenic patio views, and beers on tap.
- 9280' Sake House: Asian-inspired spot with sake on tap, craft cocktails, and outdoor deck views.
- Bighorn Bistro: Cozy, elegant lounge perfect for wine, cocktails, and fireside drinks.
- Steep Brewery Keystone: Handcrafted ales, stouts, and coffee-infused beers.
- Nearby Breweries: Great beer destinations in Dillon, Breckenridge, Frisco, and Silverthorne.
- Night Skiing: Keystone's illuminated slopes for an unforgettable evening on the mountain.
- Keystone Festivals: Evening concerts, comedy shows, lighting ceremonies, and New Year's celebrations.
At Great Western Lodging, we specialize in premium, boutique-style vacation rentals, taking pride in creating a true mountain escape where comfort meets adventure.
As locals, we know Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone like the back of our hands, and our blog is packed with insider tips for your next mountain getaway. Visiting our region for the first time? Planning a ski trip? Into summer mountain thrills? We've got you covered!
In this article, I've rounded up the best places in and around Keystone for a fun night out filled with great cocktails, friendly locals, and plenty of mountain charm.
Let's dive into it!
Live Music, Beer on Tap, Craft Cocktails, Friendly Locals, and Mountain Allure
1. Snake River Saloon and Steakhouse
Rustic, mountain lodge atmosphere with a cozy dining room and a lively saloon area.
Established in 1975, the Snake River Saloon and 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.
2. The Goat Soup and Whiskey Tavern
Hearty dishes, unpretentious drinks, good spirits, and live music.
At The Goat Soup and 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.
3. Kickapoo Tavern
Light night out filled with scenic views and American pub fare, and beers on tap.
Located at the base of the River Run Gondola and featuring a casual, lively mountain lodge ambiance, 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.
4. 9280' Sake House
Sake on tap, along with a delicious variety of Asian-inspired appetizers and meals.
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.
5. Bighorn Bistro
Cozy setting for an evening drink by the fireplace.
Bighorn Bistro and Bar, nestled within the Keystone Lodge and 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 for Your After Mountain Adventures
6. Steep Brewery Keystone
If you're a beer enthusiast, be sure to add Steep Brewing and 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.
Bonus: Breweries Near Keystone
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
7. 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.
8. Enjoy Keystone 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 and 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.
A quick heads-up before we wrap 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!
Extra Tips for Enjoying the Evening in and around Keystone
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.
Make the most of your trip to Keystone
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, in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Colorado.