June Brings Mountain Summer Magic with Music, Picnics, Festivals, Races and More!
I'm sure you've heard it before, but it rings true every year: people come to the Fraser Valley for the winters and stay for the summers. Summertime in Grand County is truly as good as it gets! With sunshine-filled days, ideal temperatures, lush green landscapes, and dry trails ready for adventure, it’s the perfect time to get outside and soak in the beauty of sweet summer in our slice of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, camping, golfing, enjoying our mountain lakes, or simply basking in the summer sun while soaking in the mountain views, there’s no shortage of ways to take advantage of the Winter Park area this summer. And the fun doesn’t stop there – our community has rolled out a full summer schedule packed with free live music, festivals, races, rodeos, theatre performances, and family-friendly events. Kick off your summer with June’s events here in Grand County! I’ve pulled them all together in one spot for you—just putting this list together reminded me how lucky I am to call this place home.
GRAND LAKE COMMUNITY PICNIC
Thursday, June 5
Grand Lake's summer charm is undeniable, and they're jumping into this summer season with a community picnic and party at the Grand Lake Center! The festivities start at 2:30pm and run until 8pm. The party gets going with a bubble run, followed by live music and dinner. And they'll even have a bouncy house and games for the kids. It's a fun-for-all-ages event, and it's free!
HOT SULPHUR DAYS
Friday - Sunday, June 6 - 8
RMRT: FROZEN + GUYS & DOLLS OPENING NIGHTS
Friday, June 6 + Friday, June 20
There's just something special about opening day at the theatre - seeing a cast perform in front of an audience for the first time gives off palpable energy. The fact that we can experience that in our little mountain community is a gift! Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre in Grand Lake brings Broadway-caliber talented acting, imaginative set design, big-sound orchestras, and a state-of-the-art theater to the mountains. And summer is theatre season! Rocky Mountain Rep kicks off the season with two opening nights in June. Disney's Frozen the Broadway Musical makes its debut on Friday, June 6, and Guys and Dolls opens on Friday, June 20. They both run through the end of August. Get her tickets in advance here.
GRANBY RODEO
Saturday, June 7
Rodeo season is here! The longest running rodeo series in the county, Granby Rodeo hosts its first of many family-friendly events at Flying Heels Arena on Saturday, June 7. The series runs every Saturday through July 26 and even adds July 3 and 4 to celebrate Independence Day.
Featuring events like bull riding, roping, barrel racing, and games for the kids, Granby Rodeo puts on a fun show! Special acts like Flintstone Gravel Belgian Team, Shockwave's Trick and Fancy Riding Team, the famous Westernaires from Golden, CO, the Motorcycle Barrel Race that dates back to the 1980’s, Mounted Shooting, and Mini Broncs are also on the schedule.
The junior rodeo starts at 1pm and the open rodeo at 7pm. You can buy tickets at the gate (adults: $20; kids 6-12: $15, kids under 6: free; seniors: $10; military: free with ID) for non-holiday events. And parking is always free! If you haven't checked out one of our local rodeos, June is your chance to get in on the small-town, authentic western fun!
WINTER PARK RESORT MTB RACE SERIES: HILL CLIMB DOUBLE-UP CHALLENGE
Saturday, June 14
Does something about the uphill grind just make you feel alive?! Then this event is for you! The first of Winter Park Resort's 2025 cross-country bike race series, the hill climb starts at the base of Winter Park Resort and ends at Lunch Rock. Participants can bike or run up - they can even "double up" and race both events. And it's a fun, friendly race environment: anyone (from first-time racers to junior athletes to pros) can sign up - register here if this one's calling your name!
GRANBY RANCH SUMMER NIGHTS MUSIC
Wednesday, June 18
Granby Ranch will continue its Summer Nights Music Series this year with its first show on Wednesday, June 18. They'll host bands every Wednesday from 5 - 8pm through the summer. The family-friendly, laid-back vibe with lawn games, dancing, and live music right at the base of Granby Ranch is a summer favorite. You can even take a quick ride on their downhill and cross-country trails before the show starts. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks. Keep in mind - no outside alcohol is allowed, but food and drinks can be ordered at the Bluebird Bistro!
WINTER PARK HIGH NOTE THURSDAYS
Thursday, June 19
This beloved and much-anticipated series in the heart of Winter Park at the Rendezvous Event Center offers a variety of musical styles and runs every Thursday from 6-8pm for the majority of the summer, kicking off Thursday, June 19 and running through August 28. Locals and visitors spread out on the well-manicured green grass with blankets and picnics. Sit close to the state-of-the-art stage to bask in the live music and dance along, or set up camp towards the back to enjoy a conversation over a meal with friends. Families love this event as the kids feel free to run back and forth from the playground, skate park, and show. There's no need to bring a chair as hundreds are provided at the venue, compliments of the Winter Park Chamber. Check out this year's line up here. Keep in mind, this is a pet-free event, so leave your furry friends at home!
WINTER PARK RESORT OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT KICK OFF
Friday, June 20
Watching an outdoor movie at 9,000 feet? It’s certainly not a year-round activity here in the Winter Park area! Winter Park Resort takes full advantage of the warmer summer temperatures and hosts movie night every Friday from June 20 to August 20 this summer! Head to the Village Gazebo at sunset and enjoy a cozy, open-air theater setting, free of charge. The resort provides the family-friendly movie and chairs - you can pack your own snacks and drinks or pick some up at one of the Village shops or restaurants. Remember to brings some layers and a blanket to stay warm on those cool summer nights! Check out sunset times and the summer movie line up here.
COOPER CREEK'S MUSIC ON THE SQUARE + SATURDAY SESSIONS
Friday + Saturday, June 20 + 21
Cooper Creek Square wins the award for the most free, outdoor live music this summer! In the courtyard of the outdoor mall in the heart of Winter Park, this intimate venue is has something for everyone. Lush flower gardens, a large fountain, play structures, corn hole games, and more create an inviting space for all as they tap their feet along with the music. Even better - Cooper Creek Square is designated an "Entertainment District," which allows people to purchase food and drinks from any of the restaurants and enjoy them in the square.
Their summer concert series brings the fun both Friday and Saturday nights. Music on the Square, a cherished summer concert series tradition, takes place on Fridays, 6-8pm (starting June 20!). They are continuing the Cooper Creek Square Saturday Sessions this summer - live music every Saturday, 4-6pm (starting June 21!). Cooper Creek's live music is a great way to spend your weekend evenings after a day out enjoying the beauty of the Fraser Valley.
FRASER PICNIC IN THE PARK
Tuesday, June 24
Take advantage of the perfect blend of music and community at Fraser's beloved summer "Picnic in The Park" concert series! Starting Tuesday, June 24 and continuing every Tuesday evening until August 19, local bands play from 6-8pm. Live music set against the scenic backdrop of Fraser's town park - it's mountain living done right! Bring your blankets, baskets, and loved ones to enjoy an evening in the heart of Fraser. And if you love Fraser AND free swag, you're in luck! They'll be handing out free Fraser-branded gear each week: hats, stickers, water bottles, and more. But be sure to get there early to see what's up for grabs - it goes quickly! Check out the full line up of artists as well as each week's free giveaway here.
Thursday, June 26
Granby's weekly Music + Market gets started Thursday, June 26 5:30 - 8:00pm and runs weekly all summer long. The valley's only farmer's market sets up right downtown at Polhamus Park - enjoy the tunes, shop the market, and stop by the food trucks + beer garden. The market opens at 5:30, and music starts at 6 each week. Pick up some local honey, meat, eggs, art and more. Do you have produce, art, or handmade goods to share? Or a food truck ready to feed the masses? Apply to be a vendor for Granby's 2025 Music + Market!
BLUES FROM THE TOP
Friday - Sunday, June 27 - 29
A staple Winter Park summer event, the 23rd Annual Blues from the Top Music Festival will be held at Rendezvous Event Center in downtown Winter Park. Grand County Blues Society is really packing in the fun for the beloved event that kicks off our music festivals for the summer. JJ Grey + Mofro, Little Feat, Kingfish, The Record Company, Sonny Landreth, Joanne Shaw Taylor, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and more are lined up for this year's festival! And don't miss "Electric Avenue," a fun vendor village and side stage that will spotlight rising youth blues talent during main stage breaks. Be sure to get your tickets in advance for this 3-day event full of music, food, and fun in the mountains!
WINTER PARK RESORT SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
Saturday, June 28
Winter Park Resort is bringing the summer music scene, too! Swing by the Village Gazebo every Saturday from 1–3pm for their free outdoor music series, kicking off June 28 and running through August 30. It’s the perfect soundtrack to your day - whether you’re stopping by between laps at Trestle Bike Park (the biggest full-service downhill park in the country!). winding down after hitting up the base activities (including the newly upgraded alpine slide), or simply enjoying the Village shops and restaurants, this Saturday music series is an ideal way to spend your afternoon!
WINTER PARK RESORT MTB RACE SERIES: POINT-TO-POINT RACE
Saturday, June 28
Hit the trails again for the second of the summer race series, Point-to-Point. Taking advantage of the extensive singletrack trail system that runs from Winter Park to Fraser, this race kicks off at the base of Winter Park Resort and winds through about 21 miles of scenic trails, finishing at the St. Louis Campground. Due to popular demand, the course has been updated from last year - all riders (except Novice) will now get the chance to ride the full Pro Expert route! Novice riders will still enjoy a great challenge, wrapping up their ride at Elk Creek. Summer temps are typically ideal for riding, so mark your calendars and wrap up June with a fun race in the fresh alpine air!
SEE YOU OUT THERE!
Long sunny days, cool mountain breezes, and that perfect mix of adventure and relaxation - it’s truly my favorite time of year here. Whether you're hiking, biking, paddleboarding, or just soaking it all in with a cold drink and a mountain view, summer up here has a way of making you feel right at home.
If you’re lucky enough to spend some time in Grand County this June, I hope to bump into at one of the many events! And if you summer in the mountains makes you want to put down some roots here in Grand County, let’s connect! I’d love to hear about your mountain-living dreams and answer any questions you have about making this place home.
Posted by Leah Bishop on
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