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Breckenridge at Night

Nightlife and More in Breckenridge

Searching for a change of pace from the drudgery of 9-to-5 life? Look no further than Breckenridge, where you can mix creativity with the town’s vibrant après-ski scene and eclectic nightlife. Known for its world-class skiing, Breck also comes alive as the sun sets, offering visitors much more than just a daytime playground. 

Family-Friendly Evening Activities in Breckenridge

For those looking to keep the fun going after the lifts close, Breckenridge’s Arts District Campus is a must-visit. Part of the town’s cultural heart, Breck Create offers an array of evening classes and workshops that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re interested in a Date Night art class, creating treasure from plastic waste via Precious Plastics Injection 101 or diving into creative workshops like Beginner Glassblowing or Wire-Wrapped Jewelry, there’s something for everyone. Check out our event calendar for more information.

Breckenridge History offers a fascinating stroll through the town’s past with evening options like the Walk Through the Darker History Tour or the equally eerie Tombstone Tales Tour, perfect for history buffs and ghost story lovers alike.

If wandering through the illuminated streets of Breckenridge sounds more like your speed, Main Street is the place to be. With its array of cozy shops, public art installations and the delicious treats at Mountain Top Cookie Shop, it’s the perfect spot for a low-key evening. Pro tip: plan a night-time visit to Crepes a la Cart—so popular that, during the day, the line stretches a block or more for the sweet and savory delights. Warm up by an outdoor fireplace, or lace up your skates and glide across the ice at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. For a truly magical experience, catch a glimpse of the starry sky while stargazing or take a quick trip to nearby Keystone for night skiing under the moonlit slopes.

The Arts District Campus in downtown Breckenridge comes alive for the annual Dia de Metros festival

Candlelight vigil on the Arts District Campus during the Día de Muertos festival

Carabiners created from shredded plastic during a Precious Plastic Injection 101 class

Carabiners created in a Precious Plastic Injection 101 class

Students in a beginner glassblowing class

Students enjoying a glassblowing class

Live Music + Events in Breckenridge

Breckenridge’s nightlife also pulses with live music and theater. The Riverwalk Center, managed by Breck Create, hosts performances from local and touring musicians, while Backstage Theatre, a Breck-Create resident company, offers a more intimate cultural experience with plays and performances perfect for rounding out an evening in town.

And if you’re lucky enough to visit during one of the town’s annual festivals, you’ll get to experience Breckenridge at its liveliest. From the craft cocktails of the Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival to the the quirky, fun-filled Ullr Fest, there’s always something exciting on the calendar. Toward the end of October, the colorful celebration of Breck Create’s Día de Muertos unfolds across the arts district. The 2024 weekend opens with a reception for the exhibition Santos y Simbolismo, featuring artwork from three Latine artists. The festivities include artist talks, live music and a performance by Aztec dance collective Grupo Huitzilopochtli, with a day full of free workshops and vibrant evening celebration to follow. 

The Lighting of Breckenridge and the festive Race of the Santas, where hundreds of Santas dash down Main Street, is pure magic. If you’re in town for the Lighting of Breckenridge, be sure to check out Handmade Holiday, an annual holiday market on the Arts District Campus featuring art and crafts made by local artisans and Breck-Create instructors.

The Brass Queens perform at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge

The Brass Queens perform at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge

The Lighting of Breckenridge event where all of the town trees, illuminated in tiny white lights, are turned on for the winter season

The Lighting of Breckenridge

Handmade Holiday, a market featuring arts and crafts by local artists in Breckenridge

Handmade Holiday

Breckenridge Bars, Restaurants + Nightlife Hotspots

With over 200 bars and restaurants, Breckenridge caters to every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet meal or craft cocktails, some of the town’s standout dining spots include Briar Rose Chophouse with Chef Todd Nelson, the inventive Rootstalk helmed by James-Beard awarded Chef Cameron Baker, and the scenic South Ridge Seafood Grille from Chef Paul Brenholt.

For a fun twist on traditional drinks, Breckenridge Distillery not only serves craft cocktails but also offers creative mocktails for non-drinkers. Other spots like Castaway’s Cove, Aurum and Rootstalk also feature delicious non-alcoholic concoctions. Those in the mood for wine should check out Carboy Winery at Gold Pan Saloon. 

After dinner, the night continues with plenty of entertainment options. Head to Downstairs at Eric’s for an arcade full of old-school games, perfect for some family fun. For something more adult, swing by Broken Compass Brewing for a trivia night. Dancing and clubs are plentiful too; places like Cecilia’s, The Absinthe Bar, and Gold Pan Saloon keep the music going into the night.

For those craving a dive bar experience, HD Tavern and Motherload Tavern are must-visit spots with cheaper eats and drinks plus good times. Both of these establishments along with Cecilia’s also feature karaoke nights, if singing is more your style. Remember, Breckenridge sits at 9600 feet—pair your alcohol with plenty of water, and if you feel a headache coming on, The O2 Lounge oxygen bar on Main Street can be a life saver.

Getting Around in Breckenridge

Worried about getting from place to place? Breckenridge has a free bus system that makes it easy to explore the town without the hassle of parking, allowing you to focus on enjoying the night to its fullest.

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities or vibrant nightlife, Breckenridge at night offers something for every kind of traveler. From the cultural charm of Breck Create to the lively après-ski scene, this mountain town is much more than just a winter sports destination—it’s a world of experiences waiting to be discovered after dark.