A Haven of Cultural Immersion
In the very heart of the Rocky Mountains is an enchanting town with a distinctive Western culture. Here at the foot of Mount Werner, there’s no distinction between cowboys and skiers – this ski town is deeply connected to its ranching roots. That’s right, in Steamboat Springs, authentic American cultural events go hand-in-hand with the luxury of a pristine ski mountain.
Whilst Steamboat Springs is renowned for its world-class skiing and luxurious culinary scene, there’s so much more to this town than snowy slopes. As a functioning town with a vibrant and welcoming community, the area is known for its full calendar of events that honor Colorado history whilst paving the way for Steamboat’s bright future.
There’s something exciting happening in Steamboat every day of the week! But what really compels visitors to return to our Rocky Mountain haven season after season, is the town’s iconic showcase of annual events that occur every year.
Here at The Astrid, we like to ensure that discerning vacationers like you can make the most of their trip to Steamboat Springs. That’s why we’ve curated this list of the eight most bucket-list-worthy annual events in Steamboat, so that you can mark them on your calendar for 2024 (and 2025…)
We’ve also included exclusive insider-knowledge about how to make each event a little more luxurious – afterall, we’re the most luxurious community in Steamboat Springs!
The MusicFest
In Steamboat Springs, there’s no such thing as post-holiday blues. Every January, the mountain transforms into a one-of-a-kind music festival venue, bringing some much needed excitement and energy into the new year.
Affectionately called “The Super Bowl of Texas Music” by musicians and fans, MusicFest is a deeply Western cultural experience, known as the premier Texas and Red Dirt Music festival.
Festival-goers can ski right up to the Outdoor Stage or take a star lit gondola ride to the mountaintop for an otherworldly music experience surrounded by majestic mountain views. Many of the performing artists cross paths with the wider community throughout the festival, resulting in a strong sense of togetherness that you won’t find anywhere else.
Add a little luxury: Located next door to the Dung Beetle Saloon is the MusicFest’s exclusive general store. Here you can catch a special (unannounced) performance, autograph signing, or never seen before merchandise!
The Cowboy Downhill
If you’ve ever wondered if a cowboy could perform rope tricks whilst hurtling down a snow-covered slope, then wonder no more! The iconic Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is a true highlight in the Steamboat Springs calendar of annual events.
Every year, sometime in January, cowboys and cowgirls across Steamboat put on their stetsons and participate in the most mind-boggling snowsports rodeo you’ll ever see. From challenging jumps, to super-tight slalom, there’s almost nothing these bull wranglers can’t do on a pair of skis.
And most iconic of all? The downhill stampede, which is exactly what it sounds like. A crowd of rowdy cowboys on snowboards or skis zoom down a snowy slope at maximum speed, with the hopes of coming in first place. You’ll never see more fringed leather chaps flying through the air than during this legendary annual event.
Add a little luxury: We don’t think the Cowboy Downhill is complete without some slopeside al fresco dining. From the deck of Timber & Torch you can watch the excitement of the day whilst enjoying hearty food, delicious snacks, and refreshing drinks with your friends.
The Winter Carnival
Ask any Steamboat local what their favorite event of the year is, and they’ll tell you it’s the Winter Carnival. This event takes place every February as a celebration of Western heritage and Steamboat’s long standing tradition of winter sports.
The iconic festivities at the Winter Carnival are something that has to be seen to be believed. From children skiing down a snow-covered main street – whilst being pulled by a horse – to skiers jumping through fiery hoops, you’re bound to see something you’ve never witnessed before!
This multi-day annual event is a Steamboat staple, guaranteed to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.
Add a little luxury: To guarantee participation in all the activities, and to secure free skiing at Howelsen Hill, purchase a Winter Carnival button or buff.
Fourth of July
If you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience for your family, look no further than the annual Fourth of July celebration. Patriotism meets old-school fun at this spectacular community event, with a high-energy parade followed by a ski jumping competition at Howelsen Hill. Yes, you read that correctly, ski jumping in the summertime!
The Steamboat Fourth of July parade is a completely unmissable event, giving visitors and locals alike the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Steamboat’s distinctive Western culture. You can expect to see cowboys on horseback (and bull-back), enormous red fire trucks, magnificent dancers, rollerski racing, and a variety of creative performances from members of the local community.
Add a little luxury: It wouldn’t be Independence Day in Steamboat without a trip to the rodeo. After dinner, head on over to the Brent Romnick Arena to watch bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling and more! We recommend arriving at the arena early to secure a place in the much-coveted Gold Buckle Seats for the best view in the house.
Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
Once a year in July, Steamboat’s skies are set ablaze when a collection of hot air balloons drift across the landscape. The skillful balloon pilots paint a slow moving rainbow over the mountains, making for a truly enchanting experience that you’ll never forget.
The 2024 Hot Air Balloon Rodeo will take place at Bald Eagle park, where not only will the balloons paint the sky, but colorful reflections will adorn the glassy waters of the lake below.
This annual event is the perfect opportunity to hire a mountain bike and enjoy the sunshine, as the lake is an absolutely spectacular venue for cycling. A variety of food vendors will ensure you feel refreshed throughout the event, and picnicking at the shore of the lake is encouraged.
Add a little luxury: The Hot Air Balloon Rodeo is a completely unmissable opportunity to arrange that family photoshoot you’ve been trying to find a suitable location for. With an array of gorgeous balloons providing a charming backdrop, pose with your loved ones for professional photographs that you’ll be proud to hang above your mantle.
Art in the Park
This beloved Steamboat tradition draws in artists from all over the country to enjoy a festival of visual art, live entertainment, delicious food, a market, and more! Art in the Park takes place annually in July, and offers free entry to anyone who wishes to attend.
This event is particularly family-friendly, with a variety of children’s crafts and activities available to participate in. Adults can browse the array of unique craft stalls and art vendors, and enjoy a refreshing beverage in the beer tent.
Add a little luxury: Once you’ve browsed the stalls to your heart’s content, take a dip in the cooling waters of the Yampa River which runs just alongside the event.
Oktoberwest
Every September, Steamboat Springs plays host to the most exciting celebration of craft beer in Colorado! With over 30 brewers in attendance, live music, incredible food, and an array of festivities, for many beer enthusiasts Oktoberwest is Steamboat’s event of the year.
In true Rocky Mountain style, this annual event puts a Western spin on the famous German Oktoberfest. Guests are welcome to dress in traditional attire, including lederhosen and alpine hats! Activities at previous events have included ax throwing, beer stein holding contests, and cook-offs, guaranteed to have you belly-laughing all day long.
The stand-out feature of this incredible event is Steamboat’s commitment to authentic Western hospitality. As the sun shines down on Steamboat, the local community lights up with smiles, laughter, and a strong sense of togetherness. If there was ever an event to capture the soul of Steamboat’s tight-knit community, this is it.
Add a little luxury: The day before Oktoberwest begins, the famous Beer Stroll pre-event takes place in downtown Steamboat. Guests aged 21+ are invited to follow a trail of restaurants and breweries through Steamboat Springs to taste incredible craft beers, and raise money for a charitable cause.
New Year’s Eve
Nowhere rings in the new year quite like the people of Steamboat Springs. This cornerstone annual event (in December, of course) sees hundreds of visitors from all over Colorado flock to the Steamboat base area for an illuminations display like no other!
Much like the authentic Western legacy woven into the fabric of Steamboat’s holiday festivities, the New Year’s Eve celebration is rooted in tradition and community spirit. With its historic ranching origins, to the newly enhanced ski resort, Steamboat Springs has long embraced a strong sense of togetherness throughout the month of December.
The event begins in the evening, just before dinnertime, where a magnificent display of hulking great Snow Cats bedecked with vibrant lights will glide down the ski slope towards the base area. After this spellbinding parade, the night sky will come to life with an impressive fireworks display.
After the event reaches its finale, we recommend reserving a table at one of Steamboat’s fine dining options.
Add a little luxury: What better place to view the fireworks than from a luxurious rooftop lounge and bar? The Astrid enables residents to enjoy the incredible New Year’s Eve celebrations without getting lost in a crowd. Our rooftop boasts remarkable views of the mountain and base area, which you can enjoy next to a crackling fire pit.
Repeat Vacations Every Year
With such a vast array of annually occurring events, and the town’s commitment to true Western hospitality, it’s no wonder vacation goers return to Steamboat year on year, month on month! From family-friendly favorites, to adults-only indulgences, this small ranching town sure knows how to have some mountainside fun.
Here at The Astrid, we make it possible for event-lovers like you to return to Steamboat Springs at any time of year. Our idyllic slopeside retreat is the perfect choice for those looking for a luxury home from which to experience Steamboat’s endless calendar of iconic events.
The Astrid is not only an impressive ski-in, ski-out condominium, it’s a community of event-enthusiasts like you, seeking to immerse themselves in the Yampa Valley’s vibrant Western culture, whilst investing long-term into Steamboat’s historic legacy.
To join our community, simply provide us with your name and email address. By doing so, you’ll be invited to join our exclusive mailing list. As part of this list you’ll gain access to insider information, behind-the-scenes content, and a highly personalized email experience reserved only for members of The Astrid community.
