Fall Festivities Come Alive in Breckenridge and Grand Junction

Breckenridge is First to Fall With Some of North America’s Earliest Fall Colors: For those who are already craving cooler temps, pumpkin lattes, evening sweaters and fall colors, Breckenridge is the place to book a September or early October vacation. Located at 9,600 ft. above sea level, the charming and historic town is one of the first in Colorado to say hello to fall. The area's splendid groves of aspen trees begin their annual transformation to brilliant gold earlier given the town’s high elevation.

Main Street Oktoberfest is Back September 15-17: Break out your lederhosen and best Bavarian attire for Breckenridge Oktoberfest’s triumphant return to historic Main Street. The 27th annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest will once again be held on Main Street, returning to a full-blown Munich-style street party with live music, food vendors and plenty of ‘Prost!’.

Learn to Mountain Bike Amongst the Fall Colors: The Town of Breckenridge and Summit County Open Space opened River Park on the north-end of Breckenridge with a strider skill park perfect for children ages 5-12 to learn valuable bike skills and play. Colorado Adventure Guides can teach visitors of all ages new mountain bike skills through a variety of mountain bike clinics for various skill levels from beginners to those looking to take their dirt riding to the next level. For those looking for a mellow cruise, the Blue River paved recreation path offers miles and miles of paved path that follows the Blue River through town limits and beyond to the rest of Summit County full of fall color viewing opportunities. E-Bikes can also be rented to explore the bike path.

Fall Events:

• Breckenridge Wine Classic, August 24 - 26

• Breckenridge Oktoberfest, Sep 15-17

• Breckenridge Film Festival, Sep 21 - 24

• Breckenridge Strings, Ciders & Sours, Sep 29 - Oct 1

• Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival, Oct 6-8

Breckenridge Wine Classic, August 24 - 26, 2023: Breckenridge Wine Classic offers education, quality food and wines from vineyards around the world. Master sommeliers, chefs and winemakers invite the public to play, wine and dine during the height of Breckenridge’s fall colors.

Breck Film celebrates its 43rd Festival, September 21 - 24, 2023: With the most film submissions ever, experience Breck Film for films, forums, parties and free kids events all weekend long. The festival is hosted across three venues in Breckenridge: The Eclipse Theater, The Riverwalk Center and Breck Backstage Theater – all walkable from Breck’s historic Main Street.

Breckenridge Strings, Ciders & Sours, September 29 - October 1, 2023: Ciders and Sours are some of the most loved beverages. Add in some live Bluegrass, delicious food and gorgeous Breckenridge mountain views at the Breckenridge Strings, Ciders and Sours event.

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival, October 6 - 8, 2023: Colorado’s premier craft spirits festival brings together some of the finest distillers to share their talents, fun times, artisan snacks and the quality spirits. The Breckenridge community turns into a distilling-mecca with one-of-a-kind experiences planned throughout the weekend.

Escape the Crowds and Extend Summer With Incredible Fall Adventures in Grand Junction. Grand Junction is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and there is no better time to experience all that area has to offer than the fall season. Named to The New York Times’ list of “52 Places To Go in 2023” and located just a few hours west of Denver, Grand Junction boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through picturesque canyons and stunning vistas. Summer crowds melt away, the leaves on top of the Grand Mesa transition to brilliant golds and the area’s warm climate allows visitors to enjoy their favorite summer adventure activities throughout the fall and even winter seasons.

Explore Fall Foliage Atop The Grand Mesa: Among Grand Junction's spectacular red cliffs and winding canyons, visitors will see the 11,000-foot Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, which boasts more than 300 lakes. This area offers some of the most fabulous fall foliage anywhere in Colorado.

Fall Foraging!: Foraging has become a popular trail sport in the Grand Junction area, and the benefits these wild foods offer will surprise and delight. Foraging gives visitors the chance to explore the area's unique landscapes while collecting a wholesome snack along the way. Source watercress on the banks of the Colorado River, hunt for porcini mushrooms along the Crag Crest Trail high up on the Grand Mesa, pull wild onions along Leach Creek and pick juniper berries along Golden Star Canyon Trail.

Savor A Taste of Grand Junction with Craft Libations and Local Cuisine: The Grand Junction area is renowned for being home to a plethora of fruit stands, orchards and farms. Foodies can experience freshly harvested produce at farm stands throughout the region and at Grand Junction’s celebrated Market on Main. The Fruit and Wine Byway is an idyllic way to take in all the area has to offer and can be driven or biked. After an adventure-filled day, relax with some of Colorado’s best craft beer, wine and spirits. Grand Junction is home to a booming craft beer scene with several new breweries opening in the past few years. For those looking for local spirits, Highlands Distillery offers a prime spot to relax and enjoy the neighboring lavender farm and Clark & Co.’s Distillery offers a wide variety of flavored moonshines. New! Get a Bike Tune While Enjoying Good Eats and Beer at Trail Life Brewing: Trail Life Brewing is a one-stop shop where patrons can get their bike repaired while enjoying a local beer and some good food before heading back out on the trail.

Breckenridge photo by Holly Blando