Few places rock the live music and events like WP in the summer. It’s kinda what we’re known for (besides the whole skiing thing). But there are so many events, so often, that it can take talent finding the ones you’re looking for. To give you a hand, we’ve compiled a guide, complete with the when, the where, the style, and the vibe for you to choose what’s best for you. You’re welcome.
June
June 20 (and every summer Thursday after) – High Note Thursdays
The logistics: Thursdays from June 20 to August 22, 6-8 PM. Rendezvous Event Center (formerly know as Hideaway Park). FREE admission!
Perfect if you’re looking for: A small-town, chilled out vibe, frequent jam bands, and a really cool stage.
Insider tips: Bring your own beer and alcohol, just leave the glass at home.
June 22 – Switchback Music Festival
The logistics: Saturday June 22, 11 AM – 6 PM. Rendezvous Event Center. Tickets: coming soon!
Perfect if you’re looking for: Great country music, classic country covers, and a place to rock that cowboy hat and belt buckle.
Insider tips: Be sure to bring a little extra cash for the local vendors that will be selling hand-made products.
June 15 (and every summer Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) – Mountaintop-Après Music
The logistics: Friday through Sunday from June 15 to September 21. Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge at Winter Park Resort. FREE admission!
Perfect if you’re looking for: Delicious food, refreshing drinks, and excellent music in a jaw-dropping mountain setting.
Insider tips: Spend the day on the mountain before hiking your way to Sunspot Lodge for this unique happy hour, or enjoy a scenic ride on the new gondola to catch some stunning views on your way to Sunspot.
June 29-30 – Blues from the Top
The logistics: Saturday-Sunday, June 29-30, 11 AM – 6 PM. Hideaway Park. Tickets: $0-$200.
Perfect if you’re looking for: The best Blues and Blues influence around at one of the biggest festivals around.
Insider tips: This is one of the biggest, if not THE biggest of the year. So be sure to not only hit up the shows in the park, but also take advantage of the added concerts happening at local venues in the evenings. Also, come prepared to give a little. This community event helps fund Blue Star Connection and Blues in local schools.
July
July 4 – Lance Gutersohn’s Fourth of July Celebration
The logistics: Thursday, July 4, 6-10 PM. Rendezvous Event Center. FREE admission.
Perfect if you’re looking for: Good ‘ole Rock and Roll and good ‘ole beer to celebrate the good ‘ole US of A.
Insider tips: Bring a blanket and come prepared for a whole evening, including fireworks that follow the show. Actually, come prepared for a whole week/weekend. Grand County has lakes, mountains, camping, music, hot dogs, beer and more, making it a great place to celebrate this holiday.
July 6 – Village Uncorked!
The logistics: Saturday, July 6 from 12-4 PM. The Village at Winter Park Resort. Tickets: pre-purchase, $25; day of event, $35.
Perfect if you’re looking for: wine, with music on the side. This festival typically features 1-3 bands playing at the same time, reppin’ everything from acoustic melodies to up-beat covers.
Insider tips: Pre-purchase your glass, pre-purchase your activities, and show up early. Purchasing your glass online, in advance saves you $10 on unlimited wine samplings (that’s $25 for UNLIMITED samples). Pre-purchasing your activities, like the paint n’ sip, is the only way to get a spot. And showing up early is always worth it, since you need all four hours to take on these unlimited tastings.
July 20-21 – 37th Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival
The logistics: Saturday – Sunday, July 20-21, all day. Rendezvous Event Center. Tickets: starting at $60.
Perfect if you’re looking for: World-renowned Jazz artists and up-and-coming talent. No joke, this one can feature some of the biggest names around. This year’s headliner is the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men.
Insider tips: Similar to the Blues Festival, this one’s kind of a big deal. Meaning it comes with nightly additional activities and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Check the event line-up, and then check the line-ups of local venues to create your perfect, full schedule. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, because this one tends to sell out!
August
August 17 – Solshine Music Festival
The logistics: Saturday, August 17, 5-10 PM. Rendezvous Event Center. Ticket prices coming soon.
Perfect if you’re looking for: Great tunes to vibe and dance to. Party all night with sounds of classic and dance funk, as well as Electronic Dance Music.
Insider tips: Break out the beads, tie-dye, and glow sticks for this night of funky sounds and unique performances.
See you this summer for great music, plenty of sunshine, and spectacular views!