Once the epicenter of a Colorado silver and gold mining area during the 19th Century, Breckenridge is currently a destination that offers a wealth of outdoor activities, mountain vistas, and historic structures. The Kingdom’s legacy as a mining town comes through in its variety of Victorian Era buildings. A great way to take in the sights is via walking tours that highlight sites like the Breckenridge Sawmill Museum and Barney Ford Victorian Home. Those looking to soak in the natural vistas will be enamored with the views at Quandary Peak, Carter Park, and McCullough Gulch.
The Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival has showcased beers and brewers from across the world over the past 12 years, and it will take place April 7 at the Main Street Station. This year’s event will be the Colorado Rockies’ largest spring beer event featuring more than 50 breweries. While the bulk of the brewers are from Colorado, attendees will also encounter beers from Illinois, California, Japan, and more. Paid entry includes unlimited 5 oz. samples of more than 100 different beers, and a collectible 5 oz. sampling cup. Tracksuit Wedding and The Company Stores will perform live music throughout the event. Attendees looking for a meal or snack can patronize 10 food vendors or enjoy the cuisine at the restaurants inside the Main Street Station. Purchase of a VIP ticket includes early entry, a glass 12 oz. collector’s mug, full-sized pours (on select beers), snacks, and more. The proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Summit County Advocates for Victims of Assault. We interviewed Event Representative Lee Sims to learn more about this celebration of beer and the season.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
LS: This will be the 12th Annual Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival. It started as a small, local radio station promotion with a handful of Colorado breweries and has expanded into the largest Spring beer festival in the Colorado Rockies with more than 50 breweries participating.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
LS: We expect 3,500 people to be at this event although all of them won't be tasting. The event is free to walk through, so even if you're not drinking you can enjoy the vendors and live music
RAL: What demographic does your event attract?
LS: We have a pretty wide demographic and surprisingly, just as many women as men. Singles, couples, bachelor & bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, skiers just off this slopes - we see it all!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
LS: This event moved last year to the base of the slopes in Breckenridge so you can ski right up to it. But if you're planning on doing so, bring an extra pair of shoes. Ski boots will become a liability with too many tastings.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
LS: Live music on the main stage ( see details here), karaoke on the side stage, lots of food and retail vendors, and of course over 100 different types of beer to taste!
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
LS: There will be about 10 local and regional food vendors, plus onsite restaurants inside the Village at Breckenridge and Main Street Station.
RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere?
LS: While everyone is welcome to come to the event, it's a big party scene, so it's not recommended to bring small children or dogs. It's just too crowded and busy.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up for the event?
LS: Yes, check those out here.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
LS: Yes, we have a large demographic of ticket holders from the Front Range (Denver & beyond) who come to Breckenridge specifically for this event. They book lodging, eat out, shop, and more throughout Breckenridge and Summit County.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
LS: This year the Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival benefits Summit County Advocates for Victims of Assault.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
LS: We know that there are lots of beer festivals out there and that travelers have many options when choosing which one to go to. The Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival is uniquely located at the base of the slopes with free live music throughout the day, tons of local and regional vendors, a rockin' karaoke stage, and of course beer (and lots of it)! On top of that, Breckenridge is a world class ski resort with an even cooler town, and we want to showcase that during the beer festival weekend. Breckenridge has been a wonderful host for 12 years, and we want to make sure that when you come to the beer festival, you take some time to enjoy the town as well.
For more information about the Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival, please visit the event website.