Travel Blog

Labor Day Weekend in the Colorado Mountains!

There’s something undeniably magical about swapping city streets for winding mountain roads as summer lingers on. If you’re escaping to the mountains for an epic Labor Day weekend, there are a few activities you can’t miss in this end-of-summer season. No skis required, just the spirit of adventure. It’s a reminder that these ski towns aren’t just winter playgrounds—they burst with vibrant life every season. Still, if you’re planning to carve up the slopes later this year, now’s the time to lock in your Epic Pass - before prices climb higher than the peaks themselves.

The weather will be perfect. On Labor Day in the Colorado mountains, expect crisp mornings in the 40s, warming to sunny low 70s. Clear skies and gentle breezes make for perfect late-summer weather. This post will give you a taste of some of the events and activities happening August 29th through Sunday, August 31st in Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Breckenridge, Colorado.

Vail:

Vail Jazz Festival: This year’s event marks 31 years of musical excellence at the Vail Jazz Festival! This three-day celebration, running strong since 1997, wraps up Colorado’s summer season with a jam-packed lineup of headline artists, spontaneous multi-artist jam sessions inspired by legendary jazz icons. Set on the Manor Vail Lodge terrace overlooking Vail Mountain.

Heading to the mountains? Whether you fly into Denver International (DEN) or Eagle/Vail (EGE), let Epic Mountain Express handle your transfer. Book your shuttle, enter code JAZZPARTY31, and save 15% on travel through December 15, 2025. Check our current discounts here.

Vail Farmers Market:

Spend your Sunday in Vail at the farmers market, open from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Explore handcrafted art, colorful paintings, delicious food, fresh coffee, and refreshing cold beers. It’s the ideal place to walk around and get your steps in while enjoying the mountain views and supporting local vendors.

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Summer Concerts:

Soak up the sounds of summer at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, where the Rockies come alive with incredible live music. From free community performances to ticketed shows featuring top-tier talent, it’s the perfect place to enjoy unforgettable concerts under the open sky.

Breckenridge:

Great Rubber Duck Race:

A cherished tradition in Summit County, this lively event brings the community together while raising funds for local nonprofits, student scholarships, youth sports, arts and culture, environmental sustainability, and other programs that help Summit County flourish. On August 30th from 11 AM to 4 PM, thousands of rubber ducks will race down the Blue River in Breckenridge, an entertaining spectacle perfect for kids and families. For over 30 years, this event has been a joyful way to support the heart of the community. If you want to purchase a duck as a support the organization, check this link.

Great Divide Art Festival:

Summit County’s longest-running art festival. Top artists from across the U.S. will showcase original works in 13 categories. From jewelry and painting to photography, sculpture, and beyond. Held at Colorado Mountain College in Breck, the event offers free admission. Don’t miss the final fine art festival of the summer!

Keystone and Beaver Creek Oktoberfest:

Keystone’s Oktoberfest:

Keystone’s 12th annual Oktoberfest is back, and it’s time to celebrate Bavarian-style! Grab your lederhosen, bring the family, and head to Lakeside Village for a day of bratwurst, beer, and fun. Enjoy tasty German food, collectible steins, and cheer on the Stein Hoisting contests for men and women. Don’t forget to explore Keystone’s beautiful 5-acre lake while you’re there.

Beaver Creek:

Celebrate three days of Oktoberfest in Beaver Creek’s alpine village with festive fun for all ages! Enjoy authentic German beer, bratwurst, and traditional music in the lively beer garden, plus plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

It’s a mountain Oktoberfest you won’t want to miss – Prost!

Beyond Oktoberfest, Colorado’s mountains are bursting with summer adventure. From paddle boarding and scenic chairlift rides, to 4x4 mountain tours, horseback riding, and mountaintop yoga, there’s something for everyone! Explore charming village towns, hike wildflower trails with expert guides, browse artisan markets, and catch live outdoor concerts under the alpine sky.

While one weekend can’t squeeze in every epic adventure, it’s more than enough to make you fall in love with mountain life—and keep you counting down the days until your next Colorado escape.

Epic Pass Holders for the current season—don’t forget to use your Epic Mountain Rewards for discounts on select activities and experiences!

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