So you love Steamboat winters. We all do. But did you know that our summers are - gasp - just as incredible? Seriously.
In fact, you’ll hear many locals (or transplant-locals) say that they like the summer season even more than the winter. Yep, it’s that amazing.
Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself.
Here are some of our favorite summer event highlights (and don’t forget to check out our favorite activities here).
Steamboat Summer Event Highlights
Yampa River Festival
June 1-3, 2018
Now in its 38th season, the annual Yampa River Festival raises awareness for and helps to protects the 270-mile Yampa River in Northwest Colorado, the last remaining major, wild river in the seven-state Colorado River basin. This event promises a fun-filled weekend for the whole family, with slalom and downriver races, fun for kids, freestyle competition, 5K Fun Run, the SUP Cup, crazy river dog contest, tubing and raft races and more. Find more information and weekend schedule on the Friends of the Yampa website.
Strings Music Festival
All summer
Strings Music Festival, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has provided the finest music performances to Northwest Colorado for 30 years. Strings presents over 85 performances of classical music, jazz, rock, country, bluegrass, world rhythms and many other genres every summer and throughout the winter season. Artists include Grammy Award-winners and nominees, major competition winners and principal players from the most renowned orchestras. With a diverse line-up like this, there’s something for everyone at Strings Music Festival! MORE
Steamboat Free Summer Concert Series
All summer
A local and visitors’ summer favorite! The series draws talent from around the country and is held outside at Howelsen Hill. If you don’t like to stand, make sure to bring a blanket and/or folding chairs. MORE
July 4th & Cowboy Roundup Days
June 30 - July 4th
For more than 100 years Steamboat Springs, Colorado has celebrated Independence Day in true western fashion. This is a special holiday and Steamboat does it right with a hometown parade followed by an old-fashioned community block party.
Events like the Pro Rodeo Series and Pioneer Day Block Party, featuring a free concert and Routt Beer Floats, are proof Steamboat's western roots are alive and well.
After the rodeo, keep your seat and watch the sky fill up with the beautiful colors of one of the biggest firework shows in Colorado.
Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
July 14-15
The Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park events offer artistry and color both on canvases and in the air making this weekend a staple of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the summertime.
Get to the launch grounds early to see the balloons inflate and enjoy this wonderful photography opportunity. The rodeo portion of the event consists of fun contests like dipping into Bald Eagle Lake and since balloon pilots can be pretty competitive, you’re guaranteed a good show. Once the balloons are in the air, sip on coffee, grab breakfast from one of our local vendors, and let the kids burn off some energy in the kids zone as you watch more balloons dot the Yampa Valley sky.
Art in the Park
July 14-15
Art in the Park is free to the public and features 150 artist vendors, live entertainment, food and drink vendors, and an interactive children’s art area. This popular and successful event takes place on July 9th and 10th over Hot Air Balloon Rodeo Weekend, which draws large crowds of over 10,000 people through a weekend of fun and excitement.
Steamboat Wine Festival
Dates TBD
The Steamboat Wine Festival is a premier destination event where master winemakers, culinary greats, and our distinguished guests gather to play, wine, and dine in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Experience more than 100 food artisans, wineries, breweries, distilleries, epicurean purveyors, and locally-made products at this ultimate food and wine experience.
Whether you are a full-fledged foodie or an emerging gourmand, you are sure to find more than one event to whet your appetite. There is something for everyone – from food and wine tastings, to seminars and cooking demonstrations, to outdoor adventures with food & wine influences, there are tastes and temptations at every turn.
Steamboat All Arts Festival
Dates TBD
Indulge in the delights of all your senses at the Steamboat All Arts Festival, where symphonic sounds fill the mountain air, culinary delights ignite the taste buds and visual creations burst with color and originality in the mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
A collaborative event, the All Arts Festival encompasses the rich culture of Steamboat’s visual, music, and performance arts whilst featuring nationally renowned artists in an idyllic mountain setting. Listen to cowboy jazz or bluegrass or browse the Yampa Art Stroll during this eclectic affair.
Steamboat Movement Fest
August 9-12, 2018
Steamboat Movement Fest is a transformative four-day experience of Consciously Connecting through movement, music, and the great outdoors, while showcasing Steamboat’s talented community of movement teachers, speakers, musicians, and artists.
Steamboat Wild West Air Fest (Labor Day Weekend)
September 1
Labor Day Weekend in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is packed with entertainment for the whole family. The Wild West Air Fest features nationally renowned performers providing edge of your seat excitement as they perform thrilling aerobatics and formation flying. Don't miss the nonstop, action-packed performances in the extended air show this year. 2017 Schedule coming soon.
Steamboat Oktoberwest
September 14-15
Celebrate the season at a Steamboat-style Oktoberfest including Rocky Mountain beer, local food specialties and festivities unique to Steamboat Springs. We’re taking an Oktoberfest and stamping it with Steamboat’s western brand. No German beer here, just good ol’ Colorado brewed ale, food and festivities.
