Colorado’s High Country always makes for a spectacular experience. However, autumn is a particularly unique time to visit Breckenridge as the aspens turn to gold and seasonal food and drinks become plentiful around town. Although the ongoing pandemic may have changed some social outings you had planned in Summit County during the low-season, there is still plenty of fun to be had throughout Downtown Breckenridge and at our seasonal fall festivals. Don’t wait until the lifts start turning and the crowds stack up, the mild weather fall brings makes visiting Breckenridge a real treat.
While Oktoberfest has ushered fall into Breckenridge in the past, this year’s “Brecktoberfest” has downsized for a safer experience during the pandemic. All of your favorite Bavarian treats, like pretzels and bratwursts, will still be in attendance along with a plethora of German pours the event has been named for. Live Polka jams will be playing at the Riverwalk for the ticketed event (for ages 21 and up), but the fall spirit will be present throughout the town with food and drink specials, so grab a seat on an outdoor patio downtown and enjoy the cool, sunny afternoons in Breck before temperatures drop!
No fall trip to the mountains is complete without checking out the colorful foliage, and Breckenridge is no exception! To completely immerse yourself in the gold tunnels of aspen groves, consider a hike or mountain bike ride on some nearby single-track like Aspen Alley or Minnie Mine Loop. During peak leaf-peeping season trails can become crowded, so consider picking up an area map at the Breckenridge Welcome Center to find some less traveled trails. If you prefer a scenic drive through the mountains to tour the spectacular color-change of the trees you can drive Hosier Pass or Boreas Pass (careful of hiker and biker traffic!) for some great viewing opportunities.
So, Breckenridge may not be the locale that comes to mind when you think of Dia de Los Muertes, but Breckenridge Creative Arts will be hosting a multi-day festival in October to commemorate the Day of the Dead that you don’t want to miss! if you’re in the area the fourth weekend of October, come embrace the spirit of the season with bilingual educators, musicians, and artists who will host family-friendly classes and world-class exhibits and performances. This free event in the Breckenridge Art District will provide the opportunity to learn about the history and traditions behind Day of the Dead, and you’ll even get to create your own sugar skull-inspired crafts! There will also be dancing, live music, face painting, and a seasonal, non-profit Mexican market.
However you choose to celebrate the crisper, cooler days that fall brings to Colorado, Breckenridge has something to suit everyone. Don’t wait for the winter crowds that are inevitable once the flakes start flying; there are lots of ways to get to the High Country, so pack your bags and join in on the fun our local fall festivals and vendors have to offer.