If you've only seen Winter Park in the winter, you're missing half the story. Summer here is genuinely spectacular — and honestly, a little underrated. The crowds are smaller, the weather is ideal, and the mountains look completely different when they're covered in wildflowers instead of snow.
As your host at Northstar, I want to help you make the most of your time here. Whether you're coming for a specific event or just looking to get outside and unwind, here's what I'd put on your radar for May through August 2026.
Get on a Bike (Seriously)
Winter Park holds the trademark of "Mountain Bike Capital USA" — and it earns it. There are over 600 miles of cross-country trails and a world-class downhill bike park covering every ability level. If you're new to mountain biking or bringing kids, start with the Fraser River Trail, a 5.5-mile paved trail that runs all the way from Fraser to Winter Park Resort — it's flat, scenic, and great on an e-bike. For experienced riders looking for a rush, Trestle Bike Park at Winter Park Resort is home to over 40 miles of lift-serviced downhill mountain biking. Bike rentals are available at several shops in town including Epic Mountain Sports and Christy Sports.
Winter Park Resort Mountain Biking
Hit the Resort (Even Without Skis)
The resort opens for summer on Memorial Day weekend, and it's worth a visit even if you never touch snow. An Unlimited Activities Day Ticket includes all-day access to the Alpine Slide, scenic Gondola rides, and an 18-hole putting course. The alpine slide is a crowd favorite — it drops 3,000 feet from mid-mountain to the base with over 600 feet of vertical, making it one of the longest in Colorado. If you want the views without the adrenaline, the Gondola takes you up to 10,700 feet where you can see miles of aspen groves, fields of wildflowers, and panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The Lodge at Sunspot at the top is a great place to grab lunch or a drink while you soak it in.
Pro tip from your host: Book the Gondola in advance online — you'll save money and skip the line.
Live Music All Summer Long
One of the things I genuinely love about this town in summer is how much live music there is, and a lot of it is free or low-cost.
Every Saturday from 1–3pm, the Summer Music Series brings local artists to the Village Gazebo — perfect for a relaxed afternoon with no cover. On the resort side, High Note Thursdays feature live music at the resort — bring your picnic and favorite beverages and they'll provide the chairs. On Fridays and Saturdays, Mountaintop Happy Hour at Sunspot adds live music to already incredible views.
Don't Miss: The 43rd Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival — July 18–19
This is the biggest weekend of the summer, and if your trip overlaps, plan around it. The Winter Park Jazz Festival has grown into one of Colorado's most beloved summer events over more than four decades, blending smooth grooves, soulful rhythms, and high-energy performances. The 2026 lineup is stacked: Saturday features Patti LaBelle, Damien Escobar, and Najee, while Sunday brings Brian Culbertson, After 7, and more. The festival runs at the Rendezvous Event Center in downtown Winter Park, music starting at 11am each day.
Book your stay early if you're planning around Jazz Fest — this weekend fills up fast.
Revel in the Park — July 23–25
If your taste runs more toward rock and indie, Revel in the Park is the summer festival for you. This two-day event celebrates the great outdoors and world-class music, with a free show on Thursday, July 23 to kick things off. The 2026 lineup includes Kitchen Dwellers, Dogs in a Pile, and more — all set against the backdrop of the Rendezvous Event Center. It's an all-ages event with outdoor experiences woven throughout the weekend.
More to Love This Summer
- BigWonderful Beer Fest & Bluegrass: Free live bluegrass, unlimited samples from Colorado breweries, and a craft market bazaar — a great low-key summer afternoon.
- Tacos + Margs in the Mountains: An all-day street taco and margarita festival on August 22 with live music.
- Rocky Mountain Wine Fest: A weekend of mountain-side wine sampling benefiting the National Sports Center for the Disabled.
- Fishing: The Fraser River and nearby Grand Lake offer excellent trout fishing all season. Several local outfitters run guided trips if you want to learn the ropes.
- Rafting: Whitewater on the Colorado River is a classic summer day trip — several companies operate out of the area.
A Note From Your Host
Northstar at Après is walking distance from downtown Winter Park, steps from the free ski shuttle, and a short drive from the resort — which makes it a great home base for all of the above. If you're planning a trip around a specific event, I'd recommend booking early. Summer weekends fill up, especially Jazz Fest and Revel in the Park weekends.
Have questions about any of this, or want a local recommendation I haven't covered? Reach out — I'm happy to help you plan.