Summit County Special Events

YOU CAN NEVER TRULY EXPERIENCE THE SUMMIT WITHOUT PARTICIPATING IN ONE OF ITS MANY CELEBRATIONS. Locals here will find any excuse to have a party, so there’s never a dull moment. With all the visiting or resident athletes in town, sports competitions abound.

Following are just some of the many events to experience during your stay. For specific dates and updated information please contact the Summit County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 530-3099.

Memorial Day Weekend -- Golf Courses traditionally open, see Summit County Golf Courses for information.

Tent Sale at River Run with shopping and live music.

Arapahoe Basin Beach Day Party.

Dillon and Frisco Marinas traditionally open for boating and sailing.

Memorial Day Service at the Dillon Cemetery honoring our Nation's veterans.

Annual Summer Solstice Spash -- Arapahoe Basin. Yes... this legendary ski area is traditionally open! Snow permitting.

Annual Summit Colorado SOAP Box Derby -- Dillon, CO -- Kids race down Lake Dillon Drive in gravity powered cars vying for the championships in Akron, Ohio.

Ten Mile One Mile Kayak Races -- Frisco, CO -- Racers navigate a one-mile course on the Ten Mile Creek.

Let's Go Sailing -- Dillon, CO -- Enjoy a low-cost introduction to sailing with proceeds to benefit charity.

Annual Run The Rockies -- Frisco, CO -- Frisco 10K Downhill and half-marathon races along the Ten Mile Creek.

Annual Celtic Festival -- River Run, Keystone -- This two-day event features Celtic music, Scottish athletics, dancing exhibitions and children's events.

Sunset At The Summit -- Dillon, CO -- Free Saturday concert series that takes place at the Lake Dillon Amphitheatre from June -- August.

Nature Nights -- Dillon, CO -- Free, family-oriented programs that focus on history, wildlife and Colorado culture. Thursday evenings at the Lake Dillon Amphitheatre. June -- August.

Farmer's Market -- Dillon, CO -- Featuring fresh, homemade specialty foods as well as produce and flowers. Fridays at Marina Park in Dillon. June -- September.

The Breckenridge Music Festival -- Breckenridge, CO -- Features over 30 classical concerts by the Breckenridge Music Institute Orchestra and the National Repertory Orchestra, and 15 non-classical concerts at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge. June -- August.

Kidz Calliope Series -- Breckenridge, CO -- Shows for the entire family on Tuesday afternoons and evenings throughout the summer at the Riverwalk Center. June -- August.

National Repertory Orchestra -- Keystone, CO -- The National Repertory Orchestra plays classical music each Sunday evening from 3-5 PM in River Run Village. June -- July.

The Beat Goes On At Copper -- Copper Mountain, CO -- Enjoy the natural amphitheatre created by the mountains, while listening to the sounds of fabulous entertainers Sunday afternoons in The Village at Copper Mountain Resort. July -- August.

Annual Uphill Mountain Bike Challenge -- Keystone, CO -- Race up the Mountain, then enjoy a BBQ and prizes.

Summer Kickoff -- Copper Mountain, CO -- Enjoy the experience of the Copper summer, with a week full of events, attractions and entertainment.

Annual Genuine Jazz -- Breckenridge, CO -- A mix of hot music and cool, refreshing temperatures with free daytime concerts on a floating stage at Maggie Pond and paid nighttime performances in nightclubs around town.

Fourth of July -- Celebrations throughout Summit County with parades in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Dillon, outdoor concerts, BBQ's, kids' activities, a boat parade and awesome fireworks displays in Breckenridge and over Lake Dillon.

Annual July Art Festival -- Breckenridge, CO -- One of the nations finest art shows, representing hundreds of artists and craftspeople from through the US

Music On Main Street -- Frisco, CO -- Frisco's best street dance party enlivens Main Street.

XTERRA Triathalon -- Keystone, CO -- A weekend of expos, activity booths and kids races, the triathlon takes place on Sunday with a 30K-mountain bike, 11K run and a 1.5K swim.

Annual Keystone Arts Festival At Keystone Village -- Keystone, CO -- A free two-day festival of juried art, exciting children's entertainment, live music and BBQ.

Mountain Art Gathering -- River Run, Keysone, CO -- This celebration in the Village includes climbing wall competitions, mountain bike trial shows, a photo contest and games for kids.

Saturn Cycling Classic -- Breckenridge, CO -- A grueling road bike race with a 140 mile course that originates in Boulder and ends on Main Street.

Dillon Open Regatta -- A prestigious weekend series of sailing races that draws competitors from across the country.

Vettes On The Rockies -- Frisco, CO -- Corvettes from over 40 states gather for a road rally and a car show on Main Street.

Mountain Community Fair -- Silverthorne, CO -- A showcase of the cowboy tradition with daily rodeos, horse shows, gymkana, 4H exhibits, carnival rides and more.

Taste of Keystone - River Run, CO -- Sample a variety of delectable foods from Keystone's greatest restaurants while enjoying great live music and children's activities.

Annual River Run Wine, Jazz And Art Festival -- Keystone, CO -- Showcasing award-winning wines, jazz and exquisite art.

Annual Bluegrass and Beer Festival -- Keystone, CO -- Bluegrass performers, beer sampling from Colorado microbreweries and a lumberjack competition.

Colorado Barbeque Challenge -- Frisco, CO -- Colorado's official barbecue cook-off, with over 60 teams from across the country.

Labor Day Weekend -- Blues Festival at The Village at Breckenridge; Rubber Duck Race on the Blue River; 27^th Annual Gathering at the Great Divide Art Festival.

Breckenridge Festival Of Film -- In its 22^nd year, this world-renowned festival features premier films, documentaries, independents, children's features, a screen writers' competition and international celebrities.

Oktoberfest -- Breckenridge, CO -- A celebration of the German tradition and, of course, great beer. Breckenridge diverts traffic for a two-day festival that turns Main Street into a "Little Munich".

Bavarian Beer Festival -- Keystone, CO -- Celebrations include the Brewmaster's Dinner, food, folk dancers and live oompah music. In River Run.

Annual Meet The Artists -- Breckenridge, CO -- The Summit County Arts Council presents this fine art show with visual and performing artists, authors and children's events.

Snake River Mountain Challenge -- Keystone, CO -- A 3-day weekend of exciting bike racing competitions, including downhill and cross country races plus shopping, expos and activities.

Ski Season Begins! Traditional openings of Keystone Resort and Loveland Ski Area, weather dependent.

Wine In The Pines -- Keystone, CO -- An evening of wine tasting, fine dining and a silent auction to benefit charity at Keystone's beautiful Conference Center.

Opening of Breckenridge Ski Resort, Copper Mountain Resort and Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, weather dependent.

Thanksgiving Weekend Celebrations -- Countywide, Highlights include Turkey Bowling at Copper Mountain and special hokday menus at the restaurants.

Breckenridge Victorian Holiday -- Breckenridge, CO -- Two weeks of seasonal festivities include The Lighting of Breckenridge, the Disabled Sports USA Ski Spectacular and the Vans Triple Crown of Snowboarding.

Firsco's Old Fashioned Christmas -- A celebration of Christmases past featuring tree lighting and caroling at the Frisco Historic Park.

Dillon's Holiday Lighting -- Enjoy the spirit of the season on Main Street with warm foods, holiday tunes and an appearance by Santa and his reindeer.

New Year's Eve -- Countywide. Ring in 2003 with celebrations around the county. Highlights include a torchlight parade and fireworks at the resorts and parties for all ages.

Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships -- Breckenridge, CO -- Talented teams from around the world create beautiful works of art from huge blocks of snow. The sculptures remain on the display at the Riverwalk Center for about two weeks.

Anniversary Colorado Governor's Cup -- Frisco, CO -- Nordic snowshoe races at the Frisco Nordic Center.

Annual Frisco Gold Rush -- Frisco Nordic Center -- Includes Colorado's oldest citizens' cross-country race and an ice sculpting competiion.

ULLR Fest -- Breckenridge, CO -- A week-long winter carnival pays homage to Ullr, the mythical Norse god of winter, and features a parade on Main Street.

Colorado Poweder 8 Championships -- Breckenridge Ski Resort -- Teams of two make graceful 8's down Imperial Bowl.

Summit Adventure Series -- Colorado Mountain College, Breckenridge, CO -- A variety of adventure travel speaker presentations to benefit the Breckenridge Outdoor Educational Center.

Copper Mountain Snowboard Series -- Copper Mountain Resort -- The longest-running amateur snowboard series in North America includes competitions in Halfpipe, Slopestyle, Giant Slalom and Boarder X.

Mahre Training Center -- Keystone Resort -- Olympic medalists Phil and Steve Mahre offer training courses for all levels and abilities. Sessions include coaching, lift tickets, lectures, video analysis and an awards party.

Betty Fest -- Keystone Resort -- These one or two-day programs for women feature lectures about fitness and nutrition, on-mountain instruction, parties, video analysis and a chance to socialize with other "Bettys".

High Adventure Series -- Arapahoe Basin -- Adventure seekers and sports enthusiasts can choose from six different programs -- the Chris Anthony Camp, Tele Camp, Tele Steep Camp, Slopestyle Camp, Avalanche School and Women's Clinics.

Winter Bazaar -- Dillon, CO -- Many of the Farmers' Market specialty food vendors will be on hand and joined by Colorado craft artisans. Located in the Dillon Town Center Mall in downtown Dillon.

Mardi Gras -- Breckenridge, CO -- Celebrate Fat Tuesday new Orleans-style with processions, beads, hurricanes and Cajun music. Highlights include a Main Street procession in Breckenridge and Keystone's colorful River Run Village party and gumbo cook-off.

Annual "Marry Me And Ski For Free" -- Loveland Ski Area -- Couples are invited to get married or re-married on the mountain, then enjoy a day of skiing in this Valentine's Day event.

Annual Night Snowshoe Classic Luna Chase Snowshoe Race -- Keystone, CO -- Snowshoers races under the stars with aloha attire and headlamps.

Annual Special Olympics -- Copper Mountain Resort -- Special Olympians from around the region compete in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding.

St. Patrick's Day -- Countywide. Don your Green and party down with the locals, if you dare. Highlights include "Party with Patty" at Keystone and the Copper Mountain Village party.

April Fool's Day -- Breckenridge, CO -- The crowning of the Town Fool, a town barbecue and other Tom Foolery occurs on Main Street.

Imperial Challenge -- Breckenridge Ski Resort -- A grueling three-stage race testing competitor's endurance as they bike and hike to the top of Imperial Bowl on Peak 8 (12,998 ft.).

River Run Blues and BBQ -- Keystone, CO -- A fun après ski party, with live music, beer and enough BBQ to statisfy anyone's appetite.

Annual Bikes And Bumps Event -- Arapahoe Basin -- Biking on bumps at a ski area -- you've got to see it to believe it!

Easter Celebrations -- Countywide. Highlights include egg decorating, Easter egg hunts in town and on-mountain church services.

Breckenridge Bump Buffet -- Breckenridge Ski Resort -- This spring skiing tradition combines talent with creativity as telemarkers tackle the bumps dressed in costume.

Annual Enduro -- Arapahoe Basin -- How many laps can you make down A-Basin's Pavalacinni in one day? You've got to be good to compete with this group of die hards.

Spring Massive -- Breckenridge, CO -- The town and ski resort combine efforts to provide a two-week long slate of springtime fun both in town and on the mountain. Count on non-stop music, cutting-edge ski and snowboard competitions and incredible lodging and lift packages.

Sunsation -- Copper Mountain Resort -- A "blowout bash" in celebration of spring skiing, the bright Coloarado sun and the end of the season that includes music and special events.

Annual Eenie-Weenie Bikini Contest -- Coppper Mountain -- Best undressed wins! This popular event has men and women braving the slopes in skimpy costumes.

Annual Loveland Derby -- Loveland Ski Area -- The oldest and largest slalom race in North America!