Notable Steamboat Events
Winter Carnival (February)
Winter Carnival is a fun, mid-winter festival geared toward wacky winter sports and ultimately raises awareness for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. The events scheduled are named things like the Street Slalom, Donkey Jump, and Shovel Race. Other more traditional-style events are also on the program. The local high school kids adorn the downtown sidewalks with handmade snow sculptures which are left on display all weekend. The event culminates with a musical performance, awards, winter sports demonstrations, fireworks, and finally an appearance by the Lighted Man, all at the base of Howelsen Hill.
Steamboat Pentathlon (March)
Held in March every year this sporting challenge offers a long and a short course. The five events are Alpine skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and running. Participants can choose to enter the event as an individual or in teams. For more information check out this link.
Steamboat Marathon (June)
The Steamboat Marathon is a serious high-altitude course that attracts runners from all over to meet and compete here in the Rocky Mountains. Motivated runners with great aspirations come every year to confront the challenge of a marathon at over 6,000 feet above sea level. For more details visit the official website.
24 Hours of Steamboat (June)
This event is for the die-hard mountain biker who wants to live on his/her bike for one whole day. For 24 hours, the racers cycle an all-terrain course either alone or in a team. The race has been growing in popularity over the years and is a great place for non-participants to go and cheer on the riders. Check out this link for details on the race.
Mustang Round-Up (June)
Steamboat Events. Cars that is! Whether it is classic or modern, every year hundreds of Mustang enthusiasts gather in Steamboat Springs. They come to show off their cars and interact with other mustang lovers. It is a great way to see how a car has become an American icon.
Rainbow Weekend (July)
One of the most scenic traditions in Steamboat Springs. Hot air balloon pilots and their guests meet early in the mornings over one weekend in July to launch Rainbow Weekend. It is quite a site to see dozens of balloons taking together and filling the Yampa Valley sky. Come and see for yourself and maybe even take a ride in one of the balloons.
Steamboat Springs Pro-Rodeo Series (June – August)
Every weekend in the summer, visitors, ranchers, locals, kids, and adults alike can enjoy an evening at the Rodeo. With events like bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing there is something different to see each weekend.
Strings in the Mountain Music Festival (June – September)
Musicians and performers of all types have played under the Strings Tent. The programs are unique and offer families and youth a chance to experience the art of music in all its many forms. Aside from various theatrical performances, the Strings Tent is most known for showcasing the widest variety of musical entertainment including, chamber orchestral, bluegrass, country, jazz, and world music.
Free Summer Concert Series (June – August)
Every other weekend during the summer the Steamboat Chamber sponsors a free concert either downtown at Howelsen Hill or up on Headwall at the base of Mt. Werner. Past performances have included Bela Fleck, Steel Pulse, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Cracker, and Sonny Landreth.
Annual Wine & Brew Festival (August/October)
The Annual Wine Festival brings wineries from all over the U.S. as well as Australia, South Africa, France, and Italy. While tasting wine from tent to tent, local restaurants proved samplings of their finest appetizers. Tasters can also observe the popular “Steel Chef” cook-off between the top local chefs.
The Annual Brew Festival takes place in October, just before the snow arrives. While tourism has slowed, locals take the opportunity to get together and sample hundreds of brews (most of which are brewed right here in Colorado). Tasters enjoy music and merriment all afternoon.
