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BLUEGRASS & BEER FESTIVAL | WEEKEND GUIDE

Keystone Festival’s mountain guide to Bluegrass & Beer Weekend

Keystone Festivals are legendary for bringing summer fun to the mountains, but there’s so much more to do in Keystone, we can’t fit it all in one weekend! Lucky for you, we’ve narrowed down which Keystone activities pair best with each Keystone Festival so you can plan your perfect Keystone Festival weekend!

If you’re planning on joining in one of the longest running craft beer festivals in the state at Keystone’s 26th Annual Bluegrass & Beer Festival, check out the perfect beer pairings to round out your weekend in the mountains!

two women in sunglasses pet a marbled horse at Keystone Stables 1. Saddle Up at Keystone Stables 

Unleash the spirit of the Wild West at Keystone Stables this summer! Running until August 20th, these stables offer an array of exciting activities to delight visitors of all ages. Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of Scenic Wagon Rides and indulge in the delights of Dinner Wagon Rides every Tuesday through Saturday. The stable’s knowledgeable guides will share fascinating tales of the valley’s history, making your journey even more memorable.

Grab your cowboy hats and book your adventure at the Keystone Stables!

PLAYGROUND PRO TIP: Little ones can enjoy Pony Rides from 10am to 3pm daily (except Tuesdays)!

2. Hit the Keystone Bike Parkseen from below, a mountain bike rider covered in protective equipment rides over a rock

The legendary Keystone Bike Park is still open Thursday-Sunday every week offering trails for all levels! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced downhiller, the bike park has a trail for you. The Keystone Bike Park Crew has been hard at work to keep the bike trails smooth and flowy, but there are plenty of technical trails available for more experienced riders who want to take advantage of Keystone’s rugged terrain. Mosquito Coast offers a fun intermediate ride, while black diamond trail Jam Rock gives advanced downhillers an adrenaline rush.

Want an extra challenge? Bike up Jackstraw Road after the lifts have closed to kick your cardio into gear!

PLAYGROUND PRO TIP: Not ready to mountain bike down Dercum Mountain but want to take in the beautiful green views after a great winter? Purchase a scenic gondola ride ticket to take in the majestic views of Dercum Mountain, Lake Dillon, and beyond!

a hand pours beer into a pint glass using a tap handle3. Drink more beer on draft!

Just because the festival ends at 5pm each day doesn’t mean the party has to be over! There are plenty of tap rooms in Keystone where you can keep the beer flowing well after hours. 9280 Tap House is conveniently located in River Run Village as your go-to sports bar. The Rathbone Self-Pour Taproom is located over in Lakeside Village, and offers guests a unique opportunity to pour their own beers – as little or as much as you like! Pour a beer, and wind down with a beautiful lake view while you sip your beverage.

Steep Brewing & Coffee Co, also in River Run Village, is hosting a Saturday after-party with live music from The People’s Key and plenty of local craft beer on tap.

PLAYGROUND PRO TIP: Rathbone Self-Pour taproom is open on weekends only until 7pm, so head over early to pour your fill!

 4. Hit the Keystone Adventure Center for a splash of fun a boy and girl sit in a paddle boat on green water, the boy rests his hands on top of his head while leaning back

Keystone Festivals take place in River Run Village, but there’s more to explore along the base of Dercum Mountain! The Adventure Center is located right on the lake in Lakeside Village; you can’t miss it! Bring out the whole family and rent any combination of paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the 5-acre lake full of rainbow trout. Don’t forget your life vest, even this late in the season!

PLAYGROUND PRO TIP: Not seeing an activity that suits your fancy? Check out Keystone’s summer activity page to find out what other playground adventures are in store!

If you’re planning on joining us at Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival and want to sample from all the breweries, make sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time!

PLAYGROUND PRO TIP: No ticket is needed just to attend the festival! Beers and food will be available for purchase “a-la-carte” on site.

Follow @KeystoneFestivals and @KeystoneResort and remember to tag #KeystoneSummer with your mountain adventures!