While summer is in full swing, you might already be thinking about your next big trip.
If you’re looking for fun this fall, nothing beats a trip to Breckenridge during the most spectacular time of year – especially when it coincides with the 2025 Breckenridge Film Festival!
There’s nothing like the combination of fresh mountain air and four days of world-class cinema all wrapped up in one unforgettable weekend.
From September 18-21, 2025, Breck turns into Colorado’s cinematic hub, inviting film lovers and creators to gather to celebrate independent storytelling against a backdrop of breathtaking fall colors.
Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile planning your annual pilgrimage or someone who’s been searching for the perfect excuse to experience Colorado in the fall, we’ve got everything you need to know about making the most of Breck Film Festival weekend.
Trust us – combining award-winning films with peak fall foliage, incredible dining, and mountain adventures makes for a getaway you’ll be talking about long after the credits roll.
Grab your early bird tickets for the 2025 Breck Film Festival – tickets are available online now!
September is the Perfect Time to Visit Breckenridge
If you’ve never experienced fall in Breckenridge, you’re in for a treat.
Mid-September is when our aspens begin their stunning transformation. The timing couldn’t be more perfect – you’ll catch the leaves at their peak while enjoying four days of exceptional filmmaking.
The weather can’t be beat. You’ll enjoy sunny days in the 60s and cool evenings perfect for cozying up with a craft cocktail. The fall is peak season for hiking and biking without the summer crowds, and the town has that relaxed, locals-only vibe that makes Breckenridge so special.
Plus, with the festival running Thursday through Sunday, you can easily extend your stay to explore everything the area has to offer inside and out.
Last Year’s Breck Film Festival Set the Bar High
The 44th Breckenridge Film Festival delivered everything we love about fall in Breck. We opened with ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! – complete with pink-clad audiences competing for prizes from the legendary Colorado restaurant.
Throughout the weekend, standout screenings included our Adventure Reel, the Saturday spotlight film Magpie, and closing night’s The Fight For Our Planet.
Top honors went to Bonjour Switzerland (Audience Award), Porcelain War, and Yellow Bus (Best Drama), representing the diverse storytelling that defines our festival.
Get Your Passes Now – Here’s What to Expect
Ready for some exciting news? Festival passes are on sale NOW!
This year, we’re bringing you more films and less fuss. We’ve enhanced the festival experience to maximize your movie-watching time while still giving you plenty of opportunities to connect with filmmakers and fellow film lovers.
When you attend, you can enjoy:
- Multiple venues, including The Riverwalk Center, The Eclipse Theater, and Breck Backstage Theater – all within walking distance of each other
- Diverse programming from thought-provoking documentaries to edge-of-your-seat adventures, intimate dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies
- Filmmaker Q&As that give you behind-the-scenes insights
- Special events, such as our opening night celebration and closing awards ceremony
- Networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals and fellow film enthusiasts
Pro tip: The earlier you grab your passes, the better your selection for individual film tickets when the schedule drops. Plus, early bird pass holders get first dibs on special events and parties!
Your Perfect Breck Film Festival Itinerary
Planning your festival weekend? Let us take the guesswork out of the process. Here’s a great way to experience the beauty of the fall in Breck around the top events of the festival:
Thursday
Arrive early to beat the traffic and get acclimated to our 9,600-foot elevation. Check into your accommodations (we recommend staying downtown for easy walking access to venues), then head to Main Street for dinner before the opening night film and party.
Friday
Start with a morning hike to see the aspens – Aspen Alley or Boreas Pass are photographer favorites. Grab lunch on Main Street, catch an afternoon screening, then dive into the evening’s lineup. Don’t miss the filmmaker happy hour!
Saturday
This is typically our biggest day! Fuel up with breakfast at one of our local cafes, then film-hop to your heart’s content. Take a break between screenings to explore our art galleries or grab a beer at Breckenridge Brewery.
Sunday
Catch any films you missed before the closing ceremony. If you’re extending your stay, Sunday evening is perfect for a celebratory dinner as the festival winds down and the town returns to its peaceful mountain rhythm.
Other Fall Adventures in Breck to Enjoy
While the film festival is reason enough to visit, September in Breckenridge offers so much more. Here are some of our favorite (and often free) things to do:
Go Leaf Peeping in Breckenridge
The Colorado Trail, Boreas Pass, and McCullough Gulch offer spectacular aspen viewing. Rent an e-bike to cover more ground, or take the Breck Free Ride shuttle to popular trailheads.
Oktoberfest is Best in Breck
Sometimes you need a bit more time for a full Breck experience. If you’re extending your stay, Breckenridge Oktoberfest happens the weekend before the festival – talk about perfect timing!
Check Out the Breck Arts & Culture
Breckenridge is all about creativity. Make sure to visit the Breckenridge Arts District, check out local galleries, or catch live music at one of our many venues. The festival coincides with a particularly vibrant time in our arts scene.
Eat, Drink, and Play in Breck
From farm-to-table fine dining to hearty mountain comfort food, our restaurant scene shines in fall. Many spots feature seasonal menus highlighting local ingredients, so look ahead at menus online and check out the best spots to reserve before you come.
Quick Tips for Your Film Festival Experience
- Download the festival app when it launches for real-time schedule updates and ticket availability
- Dress in layers – theaters can be cool, but you’ll want to be comfortable for walking between venues
- Stay hydrated at altitude, and take it easy on your first day if you’re coming from sea level
- Book accommodations early – downtown properties fill up fast during festival weekend
- Mix it up – try films outside your usual preferences; festival audiences often discover new favorites by taking chances
Join Us For The 2025 Breck Film Festival!
For 45 years, the Breckenridge Film Festival has been bringing world-class cinema to the heart of the Rockies.
We’ve grown from a small gathering of film enthusiasts to one of Colorado’s premier cultural events, but our mission remains the same: to educate, entertain, and inspire through the power of film.
When you visit this September, you’re becoming part of a tradition that celebrates independent storytelling, fosters community connections, and showcases the very best of what cinema can offer.
Ready to plan your ultimate fall getaway? Grab your festival passes today and start counting down to September 18-21, 2025. Follow us on social media for updates and more insider tips for making the most of your festival experience.
We can’t wait to share the magic of movies with you this fall. See you at the festival – we’ll save you a seat!