Top Events August 30 – September 6 in Summit County, Colorado: Breckenridge, Copper, Dillon, Frisco and Keystone

The annual rubber duck races in Breckenridge are one of many events happening over the Labor Day weekend in Summit County, Colorado.

Just as Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial start to summer, Labor Day can be considered the unofficial close. The aspen in my neighborhood are already beginning to turn yellow, despite Denver temperatures climbing into the 90s.

While many of Summit County’s towns offer events into the fall, the non-stop, free event summer circus is nearing its end. So this will be the last of the weekly event posts until next summer. That said, I can’t stay away from Oktoberfest and the other Summit County events that continue through the fall. So you may get some photos from those. Besides, the approach of fall is an excellent time for backpacking and biking. So I’ll likely be posting those exploits as well. Until next summer, here’s your top events for August 30 – September 6 in Summit County, Colorado: Breckenridge, Copper, Dillon, Frisco and Keystone.

Breckenridge, Colorado Event Pick: Breckenridge Wine Festival
Saturday, September 4: noon-5pm
Main Street Station Plaza, Breckenridge
Just one of many activities happening over Labor Day weekend in Breckenridge, the Wine Festival highlights wines from across the globe. Proceeds benefit the Breckenridge Film Festival and the Summit Foundation. Add free live music, the annual rubber duck races and outdoor food vendors, and you’ve got a reason to stay the weekend.

Copper, Colorado Event Pick: Copper Country
Friday – Sunday, September 3-5: all day events
Copper Mountain Resort
This Labor Day tradition features live music all weekend as well as a boatload of family activities, including an outdoor screening of “Where the Wild Things Are”, pancake breakfasts, face painting, a petting zoo and more. For the grownups, big name musicians light up the stage. As a NOLA native, I’m looking forward to Dr. John.

Dillon, Colorado Event Pick: Dillon Craft Fair
Friday – Sunday, September 3-5: all day events
Downtown Dillon
This inaugural craft fair features over 65 artists from around the state. The weekend is punctuated with free live music at the Amphitheatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Frisco, Colorado Event Pick: Oktoberfest
Saturday & Sunday, September 4-5: 11am-5pm both days
Frisco Nordic Center
I’ve never understood why Oktoberfest celebrations often happen in September, but who am I to question when the event involves plenty of tasty beer? Frisco’s Oktoberfest offers plenty of beer and live music, as well as leg wrestling. I’m not sure what leg wrestling is, but I bet it’s fun to watch after you’ve put away a few steins of brew.

Keystone, Colorado Event Pick: Taste of Keystone
Saturday, September 4: 11am-3pm
Keystone, Colorado
Stuff your belly and support Summit County’s Mountain Mentors, a community-based mentor program for youth ages 6-16. Live music all day sets the scene for Keystone’s many restaurants, which will each offer samplings from their menus.