Summit County, Colorado hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. These fun concerts, festivals and events draw people from all over to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere in the mountains. Summit County tourism is especially big in the summer.
The top happening places in Summit County are Frisco, Breckenridge, and Keystone. However, you’ll also find events being organized in Dillon, Silverthorne, and Copper Mountain.
You can enjoy sports, fine arts, craft beer, movies and so much more. When it comes to Summit County events, there really is something for everyone.
We here at BigHorn Rentals have gathered this list of some things to do in Summit County.
IMPORTANT: Summit County, Colorado events in 2020 are subject to regulations due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Some of the events may be postponed. Check for the latest updates and information on reopening Summit County at Summit County Public Health website.
Things to do in Summit County, CO
If you’re looking to plan a trip to Summit County, Colorado, make sure to check out our specials on lodging for your vacation!
Breckenridge Music Festival
The Breckenridge Music Festival is held from late-July through mid-August. This annual event brings together a local ensemble of professional musicians. During this festival, you can enjoy orchestral and chamber music in various venues across Breckenridge.
A number of Champagne Concerts will take place during the festival weeks. While the main focus is orchestral music, you can attend some Americana, folk, and jazz performances as well.
Frisco Gold Rush
The next Annual Frisco Gold Rush is set for 2021. It is the longest-running Nordic event in the state of Colorado, as the next event will be held for the 51st consecutive year. You can participate in Classic and Skate races, or a Fun Ski race with no timing.
The winter sporting event has been named “Gold Rush” to celebrate the historical mining heritage. The post-race party celebration and award ceremony are held at the Frisco Nordic Center. Plus, there are fun giveaways for lucky participants.
Breckenridge Main Street Art Festival
This nationally ranked fine art festival will take place between August 6 and August 8, 2020. Over a hundred artists will participate in thirteen categories showcasing the nation’s top fine art.
In addition to the main event, a community art project and live music performances unfold during the festival days.
Bacon & Bourbon
Bacon & Bourbon Festival in Keystone has been postponed to June 26 & 27, 2021, but the event is well worth the wait. This is going to be the 10th anniversary of the festival that celebrates all things bacon.
The 2019 event featured a lot of activities for the whole family. The live music, food booths, and kids’ section made it a great weekend for bacon lovers of all ages. Plus, the festival gives back to the Dillon Ranger District that protects the National Forest lands.
This is one of the best Summit County summer activities for families and foodies.
Silverthorne Fine Art Festival
The third annual Silverthorne Fine Art Festival features 60 fine artisans in 13 categories. All the events during the festival have completely free admission. This is a perfect example of the growing arts scene in the lovely town of Silverthorne.
Great Rubber Duck Race
A true Summit County tradition, the Great Rubber Duck Race has been held for three decades now. In 2020, this fund-raising event will be held on September 5. The rubber duckies will race on the Blue River in Breckenridge.
The day starts with free kids’ activities followed by three race launchings in total:
- Kids Duck Dash (Adams Street Bridge)
- Business Battle Duck Race (Maggie Pond)
- Great Rubber Duck Race (Maggie Pond)
Silverthorne’s Pumpkin Fest
The annual Pumpkin Fest in Silverthorne is an event that is gaining more ground with each passing year. Last year’s festival included an 8-foot pumpkin launcher, a petting zoo, and bounce houses for kids.
No Pumpkin Fest is complete without an enormous pumpkin patch. This pumpkin extravaganza takes place at Rainbow Park. You can expect to see at least more than 2,000 pumpkins, if not many more.
Wine in the Pines
Do you love a fine wine? The 37th Annual Wine in the Pines takes place on October 23 & 24, 2020. This Keystone tradition features gourmet culinary experiences together with the best international wines.
On October 23, you can enjoy a 5-course Winemaker’s Dinner at the Keystone Ranch. The next day is reserved for the International Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting at the Keystone Conference Center. Outstanding food and wine pairings with the best company.
Dillon Beer Fest
Lake Dillon Beer Festival is a one-day event complete with live music, a beer garden, and plenty of top food vendors. This event gathers together Colorado’s best breweries. A part of the proceeds will sponsor the Colorado Brewers Guild.
As a participant, you can sample over 35 craft beers from Colorado’s quality breweries including Lone Tree Brewing Co, Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, and Ratio Beerworks. In total, there are three locations for this “hoptacular” festival:
- Lake Dillon Amphitheater
- Marina Park
- The shores of Lake Dillon
Mountain Town Music Festival
This festival has been called the “celebration of all things Colorado”. The annual event is held on August 15th, 2020. The streets will be filled with the best local food vendors as the River Run Village stage is taken over by beloved artists.
This festival offers the best of Summit County.
The Bottom Line: Events in Summit County, Colorado
Summit County hosts a number of spectacular events. Whether you crave gourmet food and stellar craft beer or want to enjoy viewing fine art, the thriving festival scene will surely find a local event or two to your liking.
Check with the events’ respective websites and social media channels for the latest updates on COVID-19. Keep in mind that some of the Summit County events could be postponed for a few months or held in 2021.
If you’re looking for vacation home rentals in Summit County, Colorado, feel free to look at BigHorn’s listings page.
