What do you think of when you hear the words, “Rocky Mountains”, “winter”, and “Breckenridge”? Your mind probably gravitates toward imagery of fresh powder mornings, T-Bar lunch breaks at the base of the ski area, navigating down terrain you’re not quite sure how you ended up on, and lastly, après with your friends or family to cap off yet another successful day on the hill. When it comes to the typical après in Breckenridge, there are dozens of options to choose from. Breckenridge offers over 80 restaurants and bars throughout town and on the mountain; we’ve even rounded up a few of our favorites for you here. But Breckenridge also provides entertainment for après, for when you want to switch up the ole eat, drink, sleep, ski, repeat routine. Check out the below and book your ticket or activity reservation today – they do fill up! Oh, and happy après-ing.
READY, PAINT, FIRE
Perfect for a group, couple’s date night, or simply an outing with the family after all-day ski lessons, Ready, Paint, Fire is an art studio located on the right-hand side of Main Street, right as you enter the north side of downtown. Unlike many similar spots like Sipping n’ Painting in Denver or a studio in your neighborhood, Ready, Paint, Fire is unique in that the studio is more than just painting ceramics (but, of course, they do that too!).
What makes Ready, Paint, Fire truly special is their pottery painting (think: bowls, plates, serving dishes, Christmas ornaments, pet bowls, figurines, and so much more), canvas painting, mosaics, and even glass fusing! The variety in options is perfect because we know in a group of friends or family, one size doesn’t always fit all when it comes to hobbies and interests.
And, the process to create is simple! Don’t stress it if your creative and artistic abilities are mediocre at best. There are pre-made pieces to spark inspiration, stencils and other tools to help guide your shaky hands, as well as incredibly kind staff members willing to help or provide helpful tips as they walk around the studio.
So how can you create art at Ready, Paint, Fire? We’re so glad you asked! The studio accepts walk-ins, party reservations, and also hosts workshop events you can peruse here.
Oh, and lastly, we should mention if your après just wouldn’t be the same without that glass of wine or bottle of beer, don’t fret! Ready, Paint, Fire offers beverages for the 21+ and non-alcoholic choices, too. Plus, don’t miss out on their daily happy hour from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Cheers!
Website: https://www.readypaintfireco.com/
Address: 323 North Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: 970-453-5765
BRECKENRIDGE ARTS DISTRICT & BRECK CREATE
Did you know that Breckenridge has its own Arts District, just one block up from the Riverwalk Center in downtown Breckenridge? Established in 2014, BreckCreate was established to promote something that Breckenridge so desperately needed: arts, culture and creative experiences.
Within the district and throughout the year, there are a number of classes, workshops, events, installations and guest artist residencies. Aligning with Breckenridge’s deep-rooted history of mining, the Breckenridge Arts District is a golden nugget itself.
Chances are you might be in Breckenridge during an event (there are plenty offered throughout the year: International Snow Sculpture Championships, Day of the Dead, Film Festival, music events, and more), but by the off-chance that there isn’t a large event, check out the plethora of weekly workshops and classes via the association’s calendar here.
BreckCreate classes cover a wide range of interests, abilities and age ranges, too. From making your own Christmas ornament to toddler art, metalsmithing, ceramics, painting, writing, glassblowing and more, we have a true ‘après-ciation’ for the arts district and know you will too!
Website: http://www.breckcreate.org/
Address: 150 West Adams Avenue Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: 970-547-3100
BRECKENRIDGE SPEAKEASY THEATER
A hidden gem of Breckenridge, the Speakeasy Theater is the one public place in town you can catch a flick and snack on popcorn. The theater is cozy, quaint and practically hidden, just like a true speakeasy!
You can find the theater on the bottom floor of the public library (also another great spot to check out). Typically, the movie theater features 1-2 rotating movies that have just been released. Prices range from $7 – $10.25 per movie ticket, which is quite reasonable in this day and age!
Website: http://speakeasymovies.com/
Address: 103 South Harris Street Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: 970-453-9021
BRECKENRIDGE BACKSTAGE THEATRE
Keeping in the spirit of sit-back-and-relax type entertainment, the last alternative après spot to check out is the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre. An epicenter of live action entertainment, musicals, theatrical expression and belly laughs so hard you grow a six-pack overnight, this spot should be high on your Breckenridge bucket list.
The theatre boasts the title of “the oldest year-round theatre company on Colorado’s western slope,”. And with shows dating back to the early 1970’s, the theatre truly has decades of experience, love, and quite a few stories, too!
This month of December the featured show is A Christmas Story. You won’t shoot your eye out at this show, but you will surely leave grinning ear to ear with memories of an incredible night “off-the-typical-grid” of Breckenridge.
Fair warning: these shows are popular and do sell out, so snag your ticket as early as you can! Snacks, beverages (adult and child alike) are available in the lobby, so leave a little pocket in your stomach after dinner. Enjoy!
Website: https://www.backstagetheatre.org/
Address: 121 South Ridge Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: 970-547-3100
