Your LGBTQ+ travel guide to Breck Pride in Colorado
Breck Pride 2024. Photo: Steven Lindsey
Breckenridge, Colorado hosts Breck Pride, an inclusive LGBTQ+ celebration from June 9-15. This travel guide highlights the charming mountain town's welcoming atmosphere, picturesque scenery, and diverse events. Enjoy drag shows, live music, unique activities like visiting the Breckenridge Troll, and diverse dining, making it a magical Pride experience.
by Steven Lindsey for News Is Out
Oh, how I love to get high in Colorado. And yes, I’m referring to both legal marijuana gummies and the soaring altitude of its walkable mountain towns.
Last June, I was invited to the quaint historic village of Breckenridge with a group of gay journalists to experience Breck Pride — also briefly known as 10 Mile Pride — and it was a pure delight. From the novelty of snow-capped peaks in summer (and actual snowfall, however minimal) to the breathtaking scenery, it’s difficult to imagine a more picturesque backdrop for a queer celebration.
In my decades covering Pride events as a travel writer, I’ve been a spectator at the biggest of the big, including World Pride in New York City. I’ve also marched, ridden, and floated in more modest-by-comparison observances in Puerto Vallarta, Miami Beach and the Pride Boat Parade in Norfolk, Va.
Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many different Pride festivals I’ve attended over the years, and it never gets old seeing how other towns, states, and countries approach the celebration differently.
But of all the Prides I’ve been a part of, I can state with certainty that I’ve never been to one smaller than Breck Pride — and that only made it more magical.
A drag artist performs at Breck Pride. Photo: Steven Lindsey
From the moment we arrived in Breckenridge and stepped off the 90-minute shuttle from the Denver airport, rainbow flags greeted us at every turn throughout the town. They were hung in storefront windows light poles and were also waving in the breeze on banners spanning the main street through town.
I visit many small towns with a bit of caution, as residents tend to be more conservative., But we couldn’t have felt more welcome or loved in Breckenridge. In a town of only about 5,000 people, the estimated 1,000 people who attended the Community Gathering on Saturday represents a significant statistic.
The event took place in the heart of town on the Riverwalk Center Lawn. It featured local drag queens, big-name drag headliners — Jade Jolie as Taylor Swift and Coco Montrese as Janet Jackson — live music, food and beverage vendors, acrobats, nonprofit organization booths, and celebrants of all ages.
Because of the relatively small size compared to others, like my hometown’s Dallas Pride which normally draws around 60,000, it felt pure in its intentions, almost grassroots if you will. And that’s what I remember the most. Surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, I felt more part of a community than I ever had at larger Prides.
This year, Breck Pride returns from June 9-15, featuring a full schedule of events throughout the town. Among the gatherings to check out: Pride Trivia Night, a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Gay Pop Icon Karaoke, a Fireside Chat with LGBTQ+ panelists, Pride Yoga, Drag Queen Bingo, and Pride Climbing.
The main event, the Community Gathering, returns to the town center with headliner JORDY, the stage name of Jewish queer pop artist Jordan Shulman.
Another perk of attending Breck Pride is building a fun weekend around the major Pride events. Read on for personal recommendations of accommodations, restaurants, and activities to make the most of your time in this mountain paradise. With lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s, don’t forget to pack a jacket and gloves!
Located in the heart of town, this contemporary boutique riverside hotel features only 60 rooms, but it’s bursting with ski-town-inspired decor throughout its public and private spaces with wonderfully comfortable rooms with great views of the town and its surroundings. The property also boasts multiple hot tubs, a cold plunge, a sauna, and a well-equipped gym with fitness classes. It’s also steps from the base of Peak 9 ski slopes if you come in winter, and a short walk to breathtaking hiking trails in warmer months.
For more than 50 years, Bunk House Lodge has been a cozy retreat for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, but predominantly gay men. It’s designed to be a place for fellow like-minded travelers to meet and will appeal to less fussy travelers, but the lodge attracts a high number of repeat guests. Please note that the property is considerably more rustic than a traditional hotel and is located approximately 3.5 miles from the town center. Accommodations include both private rooms (some of which are accessed by ladders) and a bunk room that accommodates up to five individuals. All options share bathrooms and amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast spread, hot tub access, and an outdoor fireplace. It’s currently under consideration for inclusion on the Colorado and National Registers of Historic Places.
Photo: Louie Traub
What to Do
Visit the Breckenridge Troll
Strap on your hiking boots or walking shoes and venture into the woods on the Trollstigen Trail to hang out with the cutest 15-foot wooden troll you’ll likely ever encounter. Unlike his internet counterparts, Isak Heartstone (yes, he has a name) spreads nothing but good vibes and even better photo ops. While you’re in the hiking spirit, hit up one of the longer trails, which take you by rivers, old mines, and scenic overlooks.
Create a masterpiece with recycled plastic
Sign up for a class at Breck Create and design jewelry, pins, or your own unique work of art entirely made out of heat-pressed recycled plastic, available in a near-infinite number of rainbow hues.
Relax, reflect, and recharge Book a session at Clairvergence Wellness Center and experience your choice of healing and inspirational activities, including Reiki, tarot card readings, soundbaths, yoga, and craniosacral therapy. It’s an ideal way to end your time in Breckenridge on a calm, peaceful note.
Get ready for lift-off
Pack a picnic lunch from Semplice Cafe (the vegan chickpea wrap is delicious!), then hop on a chair lift for a scenic gondola ride to Peak 8’s Epic Discovery area, followed by a chair lift where hiking and biking trails, coasters, alpine slides, climbing walls, and mini golf await.
Go for a ride Schedule a tourwith Ridden Breckenridge and explore the town and surrounding terrain by bicycle (available even during the winter) with options that highlight the region’s history along with stops at Broken Compass Brewery and Breckenridge Distillery.
Where to Eat & Drink For a small town, Breckendrige has an abundance of incredible places to eat and drink. For breakfast, try Blue Moose for their famous Benedicts and cinnamon buns. Chow down on incredible Italian fare at Tin Plate Artisan Pizza . Enjoy cocktails at Cabin Juice or RMU, a bike and ski shop that doubles as a bar. And enjoy fine dining with casual vibes at both Radicato from James Beard-nominated chef Matt Vawter, as well as The Carlin, specializing in Pacific Northwest fare. Of course, any time of day is a good time to stop at Mimi & Pin for churros and waffles.
