Breckenridge brims with life year-round, hosting unforgettable festivals, outdoor adventures, and mountain charm at every turn. Join the locals, taste the flavors, and feel the pulse of this Colorado gem.
One of the best ways to fully enjoy your vacation destination, from the Rocky Mountains to Florida's sunny coast, is to join the locals at events and festivals that fill the days with music, food, and vibrant culture.
Each season in Breckenridge brings its own reason to visit, and it's not just about the unbeatable natural beauty. The town buzzes year-round with incredible festivals and events that add even more charm to every trip. Many of them unfold outdoors, giving you the chance to soak up Breckenridge's breathtaking mountain backdrop while joining the fun.
Here's a sneak peek just for you:
- WAVE: Light + Water + Sound: Interactive light and sound installations blending art with nature.
- Breckenridge International Festival of Arts: Ten days of performances, visual art, and creativity.
- Breckenridge Food & Wine Festival: Nearly 300 wines, local bites, and live summer tunes.
- Breckenridge Oktoberfest: Three days of beer, Bavarian food, and Main Street festivities.
- Breckenridge Film Festival: Indie films, premieres, and lively post-screening conversations.
- Strings, Beers & Ciders: Bluegrass music paired with local craft brews and ciders.
- Race of the Santas & Lighting of the City: A festive Santa run followed by Breck's holiday lights.
- Ullr Fest: A Viking-themed winter party with parades, bonfires, and snow-day fun.
- Dew Tour: Top athletes compete in ski and snowboard events with live music.
- International Snow Sculpture Championships: Artists carve 20-ton snow blocks into glowing winter masterpieces.
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!
Below, I'll walk you through Breckenridge's best annual festivals and events, helping you plan your trip to catch one, or maybe even two, while you're in town.
Let's dive in!
Best Spring Events and Festivals
1. WAVE: Light + Water + Sound
Open-air art experience where creativity meets nature.
Every late May through early June, Breckenridge lights up, literally, for WAVE: Light + Water + Sound. This vibrant event transforms Blue River Plaza into an open-air art experience where creativity meets nature. Local and international artists bring the town to life with glowing sculptures, sound installations, and immersive performances that celebrate art in all its forms. It's one of Breck's most anticipated festivals, and best of all, admission is free.
Event Highlights
- Takes place in late May through early June at Blue River Plaza.
- Dazzling light, water, and sound installations by artists from around the world.
- Interactive art pieces and hands-on experiences for all ages.
- Live performances, film screenings, and nighttime light shows.
- Free admission and family-friendly atmosphere.
- The stunning Breckenridge scenery enhances every moment.
Best Summer Events and Festivals
2. International Festival of Arts
Ten days of creativity spilling into every corner of town.
Every August, Breckenridge turns into an open-air art gallery during the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA). For ten days, creativity spills into every corner of town: from parks and trails to galleries and outdoor stages. Artists from around the world bring an exciting mix of visual art, music, and performances that celebrate the intersection of art, nature, and community.
Event Highlights
- Ten days of art installations, live performances, and outdoor exhibits.
- Trail Mix series: hike scenic paths lined with pop-up art and live music.
- Performances by national and international artists across diverse media.
- Interactive workshops, film screenings, and family-friendly activities.
- Unique blend of nature and art set against Breckenridge's mountain backdrop.
3. Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival
Unique wine-tasting experience with nearly 300 wines to select from.
This beloved festival usually happens every July, and this is a great way to celebrate summer in town.
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.
Event Highlights
- Takes place every July at Main Street Station Plaza and The Village at Breckenridge.
- Nearly 300 wines from top wineries across the country and beyond.
- Features craft beer and cider tastings alongside premium wine selections.
- Delicious food pairings from local chefs and restaurants.
- Live music and mountain views create a lively summer atmosphere.
- Seminars and tasting sessions led by wine experts and sommeliers.
- Perfect summer event for foodies and wine lovers visiting Breckenridge.
Best Fall Events and Festivals
4. Breckenridge Oktoberfest
A three-day celebration that embraces all the traditions of this quintessential German festival.
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 enjoy a wide variety of beer styles, including an extensive selection from Breckenridge Brewery, along with live music, unique shopping, and the breathtaking mountain backdrop that surrounds the area.
Event Highlights
- Three-day celebration filling historic Main Street with music, food, and fun.
- Wide range of beers, including local favorites from Breckenridge Brewery.
- Delicious Bavarian-style food from local vendors and restaurants.
- Live music, games, and family-friendly activities like face painting.
- Seasonal cocktails and wines for non-beer drinkers.
- Fall colors and crisp mountain air add the perfect seasonal touch.
- Local restaurants join the fun with limited-edition Oktoberfest menus.
5. Breckenridge Film Festival
Screenings that range from indie gems to big-studio hits.
September in Breckenridge means popcorn, premieres, and plenty of buzz. For four days, the town transforms into a mountain retreat for filmmakers and movie lovers, with screenings that range from indie gems to big-studio hits. During the event, you might catch a local filmmaker chatting with a Pixar rep or find yourself in a cozy theater watching a film that'll be everyone's favorite next year. The vibe? Energetic, creative, and just a little glamorous.
Event Highlights
- Takes place every September across Breckenridge's downtown theaters.
- Features over 100 films from adventure and comedy to powerful documentaries.
- Mix of premieres, filmmaker Q&As, and lively after-parties.
- Frequent appearances by major studios like Disney and Pixar.
- Hosted across The Eclipse Theater, Riverwalk Center, and Breck Backstage Theater, all within walking distance of Main Street.
6. Breckenridge Strings, Beers, and Ciders
A festival of sound and flavor, pairing local craft pours with toe-tapping Bluegrass.
When September rolls around, Breckenridge trades its ski poles for pints. Strings, Beers, and Ciders turns the village into a festival of sound and flavor, pairing local craft pours with toe-tapping Bluegrass. The crowd? A mix of mountain folk, weekend wanderers, and anyone who appreciates a good melody with their cider.
Event Highlights
- Takes place every September at Main Street Station and The Village at Breckenridge.
- Tastings from local and national breweries with a mix of beers and ciders.
- Live Bluegrass music and a relaxed, welcoming crowd.
- Plenty of food stalls serving delicious local fare.
- Guests receive a commemorative tasting glass to keep as a memento.
Best Winter Events and Festivals
7. RACE OF THE SANTAS & LIGHTING OF THE CITY
A quirky race followed by the lighting of Breck's stunning Christmas decorations.
December in Breckenridge starts with a burst of pure joy. Locals and visitors crowd Main Street for the Race of the Santas, a hilarious dash where everyone, from kids to grandparents, runs in full Santa gear, some even towing dogs in tiny elf outfits. The laughter rolls straight into the evening as the crowd gathers at Blue River Plaza, cocoa in hand, to watch the town tree light up against the snowy peaks. It's Breck at its most festive—playful, cozy, and full of heart.
Event Highlights
- The Race of the Santas kicks off the fun, filling Main Street with runners dressed as jolly St. Nicks.
- Families and furry friends join in, decked out in festive costumes that guarantee great photo ops.
- The crowd follows Santa to Blue River Plaza for the official lighting of the Town Tree.
- Expect twinkling lights, holiday music, and plenty of small-town magic.
- Perfect way to experience Breckenridge's community spirit and Christmas charm.
8. Ullr Fest
A quirky celebration, mixing Viking spirit with mountain-town fun.
Every winter, Breckenridge channels its wild side with Ullr Fest, a one-of-a-kind event that pays tribute to Ullr, the Norse god of snow and skiing. The town goes all out for this quirky celebration, mixing Viking spirit with mountain-town fun. Locals and visitors come together for parades, bonfires, and plenty of laughs in the crisp Colorado air. Even if you don't brave the icy plunge, there's no shortage of entertainment throughout the week.
Event Highlights
- Lively Main Street parade with snow-themed floats and eccentric costumes.
- The legendary Ullr Bonfire lighting up the winter night.
- The daring Ice Plunge, where brave souls dive into icy water for glory.
- Live music, games, and plenty of local brews to keep the energy high.
- A talent show and other community events that bring everyone together.
- A fun, rowdy atmosphere that captures Breckenridge's playful winter spirit.
9. Dew Tour
An event celebrating winter sports and gathering some of the best athletes in the country.
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!
Event Highlights
- Top professional skiers and snowboarders competing in slopestyle, superpipe, and adaptive events.
- High-energy atmosphere with live music performances, DJs, and outdoor parties.
- Athlete meet-and-greets and autograph sessions with some of the sport's biggest names.
- Family-friendly event with gear demos, food stalls, and sponsor giveaways.
- Completely free to attend, making it one of Breckenridge's most anticipated annual winter events.
10. Snow Sculpture Championships
Competition drawing artists from around the globe to craft monumental sculptures from snow.
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.
Event Highlights
- Takes place every January in downtown Breckenridge.
- Artists sculpt 12-foot-tall, 20-ton snow blocks by hand.
- Stunning illuminated displays along West Adams Avenue at night.
- Free admission for all visitors.
- Perfect winter photo ops near the Riverwalk Center.
Other Ways to Enjoy Breckenridge All Year Round
Breckenridge's charm doesn't stop at its festivals. The town stays lively through every season with outdoor adventures, cozy hideaways, and scenic experiences that make every visit feel special. From snow-dusted trails to sunny patios, there's always something that keeps the mountain magic alive.
Ideas for Year-Round Fun
- Hit the Trails: Go hiking or biking along the Blue River Trail or up to Mohawk Lakes.
- Ride the Gondola: Take the BreckConnect Gondola for stunning views of the Tenmile Range.
- Grab a Drink: Sip craft beer at Broken Compass Brewing or Breckenridge Brewery.
- Relax in Town: Stroll Main Street's boutiques, art galleries, and cafés.
- Try Local Flavors: Book a table at Rootstalk or Aurum for a cozy mountain dinner.
- Embrace the Outdoors: Go fly fishing in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter.
Experience Breckenridge like never before!
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings 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.