Embrace Summer in the Mountains with a Calendar Full of Events!
Summer is in full swing here in Grand County, and I'm here for all of it! The longer days full of sunshine and blue skies, lush green mountainsides, postcard-worthy wildflowers, majestic lakes, roaring rivers, and seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventure make summer here in the Winter Park area as good as it gets.
One of the (many) perks of living in the mountains in the summer is the full calendar of events. Couple opportunities to enjoy live outdoor music, sign up for races, sip craft drinks, experience an old-school circus, head to the rodeo, and more with Grand County's Top 10 Summer Activities , and life doesn't get much better! From one-time to weekly events, there's no shortage of fun to be had this July and August here in Grand County!
4th of JULY WEEKEND
Grand County always goes big for the 4th, and this year is no different! In fact, we go so big that I had to devote a whole blog to the weekend's festivities! If you're in town for 4th of July, be sure to check out all the opportunities to celebrate from Winter Park to Grand Lake this year!
THE Big Wonderful Beer fest and Bluegrass
Saturday, July 12
Winter Park Resort teams up with The Big Wonderful again this summer! Enjoy free live music, shop from over 40 craft vendors, and grab a ticket to the beer fest: over 20 Colorado breweries, distilleries, and cideries will be pouring unlimited samples for ticket holders. Make a day of it - the event runs from 12-6pm. You can even get a few runs in at Trestle bike park or take advantage of Winter Park Resort's base activities before joining the festivities. The Big Wonderful is a favorite every summer!
Music Lineup on the Village Gazebo Stage:
12 - 1:30pm: Ghost Town Drifters
2:10 - 3:40pm: Taarka
4:30 - 6pm: Silas Herman and Tone Unit
And on the Lawn Stage:
12:45 - 2:15pm: Pass the Snakes
3:15 - 4:45pm: Easy Tiger
ALPINE ART AFFAIR
Saturday + Sunday, July 12 - 13
A fun-filled weekend of creativity, music, and food, the 51st Annual Alpine Art Affair will host 60-70 talented artists from around the world, showing off their incredible work in various mediums. You can also catch live music in the park all weekend long. Local food trucks will be serving up delicious bites to keep you fueled. And the hands-on art booths where you can jump in and make something yourself are always favorite!
42nd ANNUAL JAZZ FEST
Saturday + Sunday: July 19 - 20
I love when Jazz Fest comes to town! The rhythmic sounds of saxophones and trumpets fill the streets of downtown Winter Park for the two-day festival, and the whole town feels like a party. Enjoying outdoor music in the high country in the middle of July! The 42nd Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival runs all-day Saturday and Sunday, with live music playing 11am-6pm at the Rendezvous Event center. Get your tickets and start planning to enjoy some high country jazz in Winter Park this summer!
ZOPPE FAMILY CIRCUS
Friday, July 18 - Monday, July 28
A yearly family favorite, the Zoppe Family Italian Circus makes a stop and sets up camp in Fraser this summer. This intimate one-ring circus starring Nino the Clown features acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation all while being propelled by a central story. You will not regret a trip to the Zoppe Circus - grab your tickets here! Weekday shows (Monday, Thursday, Friday) are at 6pm, Saturday shows are at 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm, and Sunday shows at 1pm and 4pm. They'll even be hosting a circus camp for kids ages 7 - 15 July 24 -28. We are so grateful they chose to make Fraser one of their handful of stops again this summer!
WINTER PARK CLASSICS XC MTB RACE SERIES: RACE RENDEZVOUS
Saturday, July 19
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The Winter Park Race Series Rendezvous Race is a fun and friendly event for riders of all levels—from junior cyclists to seasoned pros. Whether it’s your first race or you're chasing a podium finish, there’s a category for you. The course kicks off at 8am at Mary’s Pond, winds through the local-favorite Idlewild Trails, and finishes back at Rendezvous. Competitive racers can go for a professional purse awarded to the top three men and women in each category. It’s a great way to experience Winter Park’s world-class trails and the beautiful Rendezvous community. Be sure to register in advance.
Crafts, Cocktails, and Corks
Saturday, July 26
Craft, Cocktails, and Corks is Winter Park’s newest tasting event, and it's all happening at the Rendezvous Event Center in downtown Winter Park. Enjoy a Rocky Mountain afternoon sampling drinks from a mix of wineries, breweries, and distilleries, while enjoying tasty eats from local food vendors and live music by Kyle Hollingsworth and Drunken Hearts. Even better - proceeds support the Grand Foundation’s G.A.P. Fund, helping Grand County youth access activities and programs outside of school. Snag your tickets for this inaugural event here.
FIRST FRIDAY
Friday, August 1
This summer's second First Friday event, hosted by Uptripping Gallery, takes place (you guessed it!) the first Friday of August in Cooper Creek Square, right in the heart of downtown Winter Park. Be sure to swing by between 5-8pm. An open-air market featuring local artists will be set up all evening, and complimentary wine and beer will be served from 5-7pm. Enjoy live music from the Delta Sonics from 6-8pm.
We love how Uptripping puts on this event to support and showcase local artists -booths are free for the artists, and we get the opportunity to shop the work of local artists in a fun, festive environment at this twice-a-summer event!
FRASER MOUNTAIN MURAL FESTIVAL
Friday - Sunday, August 1 - 3
Raising awareness for the Fraser Center for Creative Arts through local nonprofit Fraser Valley Arts artists will use their creative energy to produce their best work on an 8'x8' primed mural. This year's theme is “Wild at Heart." Watch the artists in action while listening to live music in the new art hub of the county at the 2025 Fraser Mountain Mural Festival!
GRANBY RANCH ROCKY MOUNTAIN MUSIC SERIES
Saturday, August 2
The Rocky Mountain Music Series returns to Granby Ranch on Saturday, August 2nd with a free outdoor festival right at the base of the ski area. Enjoy live music from country artist Billy Dean, along with food, drinks, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The kids will love the face painting, balloon artists, lawn games, a photo booth, scenic chairlift rides, and more. You can even take a few laps at the Granby Ranch downhill bike park before the festivities start at 2pm. The concert is free, but there will be a charge for food and drinks + most of the activities. Keep in mind: outside alcohol and pets are not permitted. Read more about the Granby Ranch community here!
CROOKED GRAVEL RACE
Saturday, August 2
The Crooked Gravel race has some options for everyone (including single-speed and e-bike categories!). If you're looking for a long race, sign up for the 67-mile long course with an elevation gain of 5,700 feet. Or take it a little easy with the 25-mile course that boasts an elevation gain of 1,700 feet. Long and short courses for riders 16 years old and younger are also available. All bike rides start at 8am. Not looking to pedal? The 10K run starts at 8am. Sign up in advance and be ready to hit the trail the morning of!
BUFFALO DAYS
August 15 - 17
Buffalo Days in Grand Lake is a summer tradition full of that old-school, laid-back charm the town is known for. The three-day celebration dates back to the 1940s and brings together all the fun of a small-town festival - a parade down Grand Avenue, carnival games, a 5K run, a cornhole tournament, bounce houses, and more. There’s live music by the lake, outdoor movie nights, and a barbecue with food from the Sagebrush (one of Grand Lake's most popular restaurants). Sunday wraps things up with cowboy church, the classic Cowpoke Parade, and a kid-favorite water zone. It’s a relaxed and fun way to enjoy the best of summer in Grand Lake.
WINTER PARK XC MTB RACE SERIES: TIPPERARY CLASSIC
Saturday, August 16
The final race in the Winter Park Race Series is a true Colorado classic - and a personal favorite, especially with Tipperary on the route (one of my all-time favorite trails!). This legendary course has been around for over 39 years and is known for its big climb (some might call it "the grind") and sweeping views. Starting at 8am in Fraser near the Tipperary trailhead and ending at the base of Winter Park Resort, the 25-mile course packs in over 4,000 feet of climbing. Be sure to register in advance for the last race of the series!
Tacos and Margs in the Mountains
Saturday, August 23
Back again this year, Winter Park Resort embraces the quintessential paring of tacos and hand-crafted margaritas. Head over to the base of the Winter Park Resort from 12:30 - 4pm for Tacos + Margs in the Mountains, complete with live music! You can get taco-only tickets or general admission tickets that include the marg samplings (from Blanco to reposado to something spicy and a variety of flavors in between) - take your pick, but be sure to get your tickets in advance. You can even take a few laps at Trestle Bike Park or enjoy the resort's base activities before the event gets going!
BYERS PEAK STAMPEDE HALF MARATHON + 5K
Saturday, August 23
Formerly the Winter Park Half Marathon and 5K, the Byers Peak Stampede gives participants the opportunity to race through the Fraser Valley, enjoying the breathtaking views on a course that beautifully meanders across dirt roads and single track trails in the Arapaho National Forest. Dogs are welcome to run as well!
The half-marathon starts at 8am, and the 5K has a 9am start. Both races end at the High Country Stampede Rodeo in Fraser for a post-race party. Vicious Cycle Brewery will host a pre-party and packet pick up the night before from 6-8pm.
And this isn't just any race; it's a run with purpose. All proceeds from this event benefit the Shining Stars Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides therapeutic social and recreational services to children with cancer.
Check out Shining Stars' website to learn more about the courses and register for this fun event!
ART IN THE PARK
Saturday, August 30
Granby hosts its fifth annual Art in the Park from 12-5pm at Polhamus Park just off Main Street in downtown Granby. Swing by to enjoy free live music and art activities for kids. Vote for your favorite bird-shaped murals or bid on the opportunity to win one of last year's "Windows to the Past" mural art. The winners of this year's competition's art will replace the aspen art that lines Granby's main street.
FAVORITE WEEKLY EVENTS
And there's more! Our summer staples happen weekly - enjoy free live music, rodeos, outdoor fitness, and outdoor movie nights. There's something happening almost every night of the week!
TUESDAYS:
6-8pm: Fraser's Picnic in the Park live music (through 8/19)
WEDNESDAYS:
5-7pm: Grand Lake Summer Concert Series at the Town Park Gazebo (July 2 - September 3)
5-7pm: Music on the Hill at Colorado Adventure Park (1st and 3rd Fridays through August)
5-8pm: Granby Ranch Wednesday Night Concert Series (through August 27)
THURSDAYS:
5-7pm: High Note Thursdays live music at Rendezvous Event Center (through August 28)
5:30-8pm: Granby's Music + Market (through August 14)
FRIDAYS:
6-8pm: Cooper Creek Square's Music on the Square
8:15-8:45pm (start times vary based on sunset - check the schedule): Winter Park Resort Outdoor Movie Nights (through 8/22)
SATURDAYS:
1-3pm: Winter Park Resort's Summer Music Series at The Village Gazebo (through August 16)
3-5pm: Cooper Creek Square's Saturday Sessions live music
7pm: Granby Rodeo at Flying Heels Arena (through July 26)
7pm: Fraser's High Country Stampede Rodeo (through August 12)
SUNDAYS:
9-10am: Fitness in the Park at Rendezvous Event Center (through 8/31)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR CLOSING ON YOUR NEW MOUNTAIN HOME!
If embracing summer in the mountains by owning a mountain property is on your radar, I'd love to get together and learn more about your real estate goals. Let's connect to start your journey toward mountain living at its best!
Posted by Leah Bishop on
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