We all know August can feel like the unofficial last month of summer, but up here in Summit County, it’s just getting good. Whether you're craving cool mountain air, live music, or your next favorite craft beer, August is the perfect time to plan a spontaneous day trip or a well-earned weekend getaway from the city.
Here’s your local guide to what’s happening in Summit County this August because summer doesn’t end until the aspens say so.
First Friday Block Party – Silverthorne
August 1 | 4:30–8:30 PM | Fourth Street Crossing
Silverthorne's First Friday events are always a blast, but August’s Block Party goes all out. Expect live music across multiple venues, over 30 local artists, free screen printing at the Art Spot (bring a tee!), mini murals being painted in real time, and a lively afterparty at Angry James Brewery. It’s the perfect start to a weekend in the mountains.
Insider tip: Take the Summit Stage or carpool, parking can get tight.
🎻 Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival
August 2–3 | Keystone’s River Run Village
Bluegrass + craft beer + sunhine = Colorado magic. This is the longest-running beer fest in the state, and it’s a personal favorite. Multiple stages of live music, creative food vendors, and hundreds of craft brews to sample. It's laid-back, lively, and 100% mountain summer vibes.
Bonus: You can grab lodging discounts if you want to make a full weekend out of it.
24th Annual Breckenridge August Art Festival
August 7–9 | Village at Breckenridge
This juried fine art festival brings in artists from across Colorado and beyond, featuring everything from sculpture to jewelry to live music and food trucks. Free to attend and family-friendly; it’s a great way to spend an afternoon strolling Breck’s historic streets and supporting working artists.
Bikes, Brats, N' Brews – Arapahoe Basin
August 16 | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM | A-Basin
Combine high-elevation mountain biking with cold brews, brats, and live music and you’ve got one epic Saturday. The “4 Hours of the Beavers” MTB race is for anyone who loves a little challenge with their altitude, and the festival energy at A-Basin never disappoints. You don’t have to race to enjoy the day come cheer, chill, and sample the goods.
Breckenridge Wine Classic
August 21–23 | Various Locations in Breck
If you prefer sipping to shredding, this all-inclusive wine festival is a must. Over 100 wines from around the world, paired with gourmet bites and live music, all in the heart of Breck. From educational tastings to mountain-town mingling, it’s a relaxed, elevated way to wrap up the summer.
50th Annual Gathering at the Great Divide Art Festival
August 30–Sept 1 | Colorado Mountain College, Breckenridge
Labor Day weekend brings the longest-running art festival in Summit County history. With artists from across the country, free parking, and easy access from town via the rec path, it’s the perfect way to end your summer on a creative high note.
Plus: Weekly Farmers Markets & Live Music Everywhere
From Dillon to Breck, you’ll find live music nearly every day of the week and farmers markets full of mountain-grown goodness. Come for the peaches stay for the local bands.
Need a Reason to Stay the Night?
Make it more than just a day trip book a cozy cabin, condo, or hotel room and take your time soaking it all in. Plus, staying the night means you can enjoy the full lineup (and maybe that extra glass of wine or beer).
See You in the Mountains!
As a full-time Summit County local, I love helping Denverites explore everything our mountain towns have to offer not just for a weekend, but maybe even for a second home someday. Whether you’re here for the art, the trails, or the tastings, August is a perfect time to fall in love with Summit County.
