There’s never a dull moment in Steamboat Springs!
While Ski Town USA® has long been known for world-class skiing, Steamboat Springs was originally a summer resort. Travelers in the early 1900s visited Steamboat Springs during the summer months for the natural hot springs and the area’s hunting and fishing opportunities. Today, summer activities span the spectrum, with biking, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, horseback riding and plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the mountains.
Summer also brings a non-stop schedule of events, from outdoor concerts and rodeo to bike races, art festivals and community celebrations. There’s always something happening around town, and every season brings its own reasons to come enjoy Steamboat.
Planning your vacation around a particular event? Check the Steamboat Springs Events Calendar for current dates and details. Events and schedules can change, so the Chamber’s calendar is the best place to see what’s happening during your stay.
We sure hope you’re ready for an action-packed vacation! With adventure around every corner and activities the whole family can enjoy, it’s hard to imagine how big your “to do list” will be for such a small, friendly town. Whether you’d like to downhill ski, cross-country ski or snowshoe, you’ll find plenty of snow in winter. Looking for a true Western experience? Take a scenic horseback ride or catch the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo. Love live music, art and local events? You’ll find plenty of those too, with something happening in town in every season. Or just slow things down with a soak in the hot springs or a little time at one of Steamboat’s day spas.
Signature Events
Steamboat’s signature events are part of what gives this little mountain town so much personality. From winter traditions and Western celebrations to summer arts, music and fall festivities, there’s always another reason to come back and experience Steamboat at a different time of year.
Steamboat Winter Carnival
One of Steamboat’s most beloved traditions, the Winter Carnival has been bringing the community together for more than a century. Founded in 1914, this uniquely Steamboat celebration embraces both the town’s Western heritage and its love of winter sports. Watch skiers race down snow-covered Lincoln Avenue behind horses, catch the famous Night Show at Howelsen Hill and see why Winter Carnival is a Steamboat tradition like no other.
Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K
Runners come from near and far for the Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K, with courses winding through the beautiful Yampa Valley before finishing in the heart of downtown. The full marathon is a Boston qualifying race, but even if you’re not the one doing the running, race weekend brings plenty of energy to town.
Cowboys’ Roundup Days & Fourth of July
Steamboat’s Fourth of July celebration is about as Western as it gets. Cowboys’ Roundup Days brings together the hometown parade, family activities, ski jumping, live entertainment and the Pro Rodeo Series for a long-standing local tradition that celebrates the Western heritage of the Yampa Valley and brings the whole town together.
Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series
Every summer, the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena comes alive with bull riding, bronc riding, roping, barrel racing and plenty of Western excitement. The roots of organized rodeo in Steamboat go back more than 100 years, and today’s Pro Rodeo Series keeps that tradition alive right in the heart of town. Pull on your boots, grab a seat and get ready for a night of old-fashioned Western fun.
Art in the Park
Art in the Park fills West Lincoln Park with handmade art, live entertainment, food and family-friendly activities each summer. Browse paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery and other handcrafted treasures while enjoying a beautiful summer day in the park. It’s free to attend and has become one of Steamboat’s favorite summer traditions.
Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series
Steamboat’s Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series brings riders together throughout the summer for a variety of mountain bike races around the Yampa Valley. With cross-country, hill climb and downhill events, it’s a great way to see some of Steamboat’s mountain biking community in action. Whether you’re racing or just watching, there’s always plenty of energy around these local events.
Strings Music Festival
Music lovers have plenty to look forward to during the summer at Strings Music Festival. The season brings a wide range of performances to Steamboat, from classical and chamber music to Americana, jazz, rock and singer-songwriters. With concerts held throughout the summer, Strings adds a little culture and a lot of music to the mountain experience.
Literary Sojourn
Every fall since 1993, authors and book lovers have gathered in Steamboat for Literary Sojourn. This annual literary festival brings authors and readers together for conversations, stories and a celebration of the written word. It’s a quieter kind of Steamboat event, but one that has become a beloved annual tradition.
Steamboat OktoberWest®
When summer starts winding down, Steamboat knows how to send it off. OktoberWest brings together beer, food, music, games and a healthy dose of Western personality for one of the town’s signature fall weekends. It’s Steamboat’s own take on Oktoberfest, complete with mountain scenery, Western flair and plenty of reasons to raise a glass.
And that’s just a sampling. From live music and art to races, rodeo, festivals, family activities and community celebrations, there’s usually something happening around town. Check the calendar, pick your weekend and come see what Steamboat is up to.
All dates and events are subject to change. Not all events are available during every season, so be sure to check the current Steamboat Springs Events Calendar for the most up-to-date information.
