Summertime in Steamboat Springs is a bustling time of year. Instead of being a ski destination, the city transforms into a hub of other outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and floating down the Yampa River. Check out these summertime events, such as the annual Art in the Park weekend and the exciting Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo!
Art in the Park
📷 Image courtesy of Steamboatcreates.org
Where? 1305 Lincoln Avenue
Art in the Park is one of Steamboat Spring’s most beloved traditions. Activities are set to take place on July 13th and 14th this year and the festival is one of the largest of its kind in Northwest Colorado. Local artists and creators from around the country will showcase their handmade work. Not only is this event family-friendly, but it’s also free to the public and features a wide variety of activities and entertainment — such as live music, food vendors, and a beer tent. Kiddos can hang out in the inflatable childcare area and participate in interactive stations that are designed to inspire curiosity and creativity.
With over 130 artists and vendors expected, this event is one you won’t want to miss. Handmade products span a variety of niches, including paintings, clay sculptures, clothing, leather goods, face painting and so much more. Mark your calendars for the most colorful weekend in Steamboat Springs and join in on this annual tradition that’s spanned over five decades!
Main Street Steamboat Farmers Market
Where? Yampa Street
Starting June 8th, the Main Street Steamboat Farmers Market will kick off for the summer 2024 season. The market is held along Yampa Street between 5th and 8th Streets on Saturdays through September 21st between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. With over 150 vendors registered to attend, there will be plenty of offerings each week to peruse. The farmers market is presented by F.M. Light & Sons and provides the community with a range of fresh produce, handcrafted goods, gourmet ingredients, and a variety of high-quality protein options.
Many of the market vendors are from Steamboat Springs, making this a great way to shop locally and support the Steamboat Springs economy. Whether you want to pick up a fresh loaf of artisan bread or you want to grab a homemade dessert for a weekend treat — you’ll find all that and more at the farmers market. Some booths will feature local artisans and entrepreneurs, making this a great opportunity to strike up a conversation and learn more about businesses and organizations in the area.
Town Challenge Bike Race
Where? Various Locations
The Town Challenge races kicked off on May 8th and will carry on through August 14th, where the event caps off with a free community bike ride, BBQ, and awards at Howelsen Hill. Upcoming races are being held on June 12th and 26th and July 10th and 24th. There are different levels of division, allowing eager participants to find the one best suited to their riding style and distance capabilities. There are event races designated for the tots, featuring shorter quarter mile to half-mile routes!
Registration for each race is open no later than one week before the race date — with online registration ending at 11:30 PM on the night before the event. Little ones 5 and under are always free and depending on the age group, season passes can be purchased for $70-$120. Individual races can be purchased as well if you’re new to the event and aren’t sure yet if you want to commit to the whole season.
Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo
Where? 35565 South Highway 40
Wake up bright and early to see the hot air balloons ascend into the sky for a truly spectacular sight. The balloon rodeo festival will be held from July 26th through 28th at Bald Eagle Lake. Admission is always free and spectators can watch the balloons inflate before they take off and snag some photos of the sky dotted with the brightly colored balloons at this unique event held each year. When snapping photos and posting them to social media, event organizers encourage the use of the hashtag #steamboatballoonfest so everyone can enjoy the spectacle.
Balloons are set to launch as early as 6:00 AM each morning. While the launch site is not open to the public, there will be spectator-friendly areas with a prime view of the festivities. Some folks may even catch sight of the balloons from their front porch! If you’re visiting from out of town, book your accommodations well in advance as this festival weekend is always a popular one in Steamboat Springs.
Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo
📷 Image courtesy of Steamboatprorodeo.com
Where? 401 Howelsen Parkway
The rodeo is coming to town on Fridays and Saturdays from June 21st through August 24th, with an additional event on July 3rd and 4th. The main event kicks off at 7:30 PM and the BBQ begins at 6:00 PM and wraps up at 9:30 PM with options including burgers, hotdogs, sides, and snacks. Adults can grab a drink from the full bar. Attendees can enjoy rodeo entertainment on stage from opening until 7:15 PM while they get ready for an evening of bull riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, and tie-down roping.
Kids can get in on the action and try their luck at one of the scrambles. No registration is required — just head on down when it’s time! The ram scramble is for little ones ages 5 and under, with gentler sheep as opposed to calves and the winner receives a gift card worth $15 to F.M. Light & Sons. The calf scramble is designated for ages 6 to 12 and participants will chase a calf and try to snag the ribbon from its tail. The winner receives a gift card for a pair of Wrangler jeans and a belt buckle.
Fourth of July Celebration
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
Celebrate Independence Day at Steamboat Square this July 4th in Steamboat Springs. The event is being hosted from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Attendees will gather at the base of the Steamboat ski area for an afternoon-turned-evening of patriotic vibes and activities for all ages. The festivities will include live music and entertainment from John Papa Gros as part of the Stranahan’s Summer Concert Series. As the sun descends, there will be a drone show that illuminates the night sky for all to see. Steamboat Springs does not set off a fireworks display due to the risk of wildfires.
Earlier in the day, head to Lincoln Avenue between 6th and 10th Streets to watch the annual Hometown Parade at 10:00 AM. The march is led by grand marshals Donny and Jackie Hayes and is set to include over 40 floats sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Those wishing to take part in the parade should register by June 26th. Floats will be judged by the following categories: best theme, best group, best commercial, and best parade theme.
Annual Spring Plant Sale
Where? 1000 Pamela Lane
Circle Friday, June 14th on your summer calendar so you’ll remember that the Yampa River Botanic Park’s annual Spring Plant Sale is taking place from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A member’s reception is being hosted the day prior, on Thursday, June 13th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Whether you’re looking to completely overhaul your landscaping or you’re in the market for perennials and pollinator-friendly plants, the plant sale is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of seasonal discounts.
Staff members and Routt County master gardeners will be onsite to answer any burning questions and help guide you toward making informed selections for your garden. Inventory will be limited and in years prior, plants have sold out. Consider becoming a member of the Botanic Park beforehand so you can shop during member hours for the best selection. Event organizers encourage attendees to bring their own wagons and/or boxes to help transport their finds to their vehicles as efficiently as possible.
Stranahan’s Free Summer Concert Series
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
This annual summer concert series is returning on June 28th at Steamboat Square. Take in the beauty of the mountains while you enjoy free live music with friends and family. The concerts take place on weekends through August 16th. Music begins at 5:30 PM with an opener and the headliner takes the stage at 7:00 PM. Attendees will have easy access to the Range Food & Drink Hall, where they’ll find an abundance of choices to suit a family of palates.
June 28th kicks off the summer concert series with Sweet Lillies’ and attendees will enjoy the sounds of this quartet, featuring guitar, viola, upright bass, drums, and vocal harmonies. The remainder of the schedule features headliners such as John Papa Gros, BoomBox, Pink Talking Fish, Diggin Dirt, and Mama Magnolia with the season finale.
CARbon-Free Challenge
Where? Various Locations
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council is bringing back a summer staple for many locals in Steamboat Springs. The CARbon-Free Challenge, formerly known as the Commuter Challenge, takes place across the entire month of June! In 2023, a record number of participants (over 200!) participated in the challenge — logging over 10,500 miles total! The challenge involves logging miles, whether you’re participating as a solo rider, a family, or a team of riders. Ditch the car and bike your commute or run errands on two wheels. Don’t have a bike? No problem — walking, running, longboarding, and rollerblading all count as well.
Whatever your alternative method of travel is, dedicate the month of June to minimizing car usage whenever possible. Participants who commit to using alternative transportation at least one time per week can receive prizes from local sponsors. Register now and get started making a difference today! Miles can be logged using Strava or via a Google Sheet. Bonus miles can be earned by certain activities, such as buying local food, dropping off compost, and visiting the Yampa River Botanic Park.
First Friday Artwalk
Where? 1001 13th Street
From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the first Friday of the summer months, join community members for an art walk. The price of attendance is free, making this a great activity to mark on your calendars. The walk will begin at Steamboat Creates and attendees will learn more about local artists throughout the Yampa Valley and beyond as they peruse galleries and explore the downtown creative district. There will be live music, as well as adult beverages and other refreshments. Keep an eye out for special demonstrations at galleries and venues along the way.
This is a self-guided tour and participating businesses will stay open later on these designated Fridays for locals and visitors alike to discover artwork and admire exhibits. There will be something new to see each month! A few of the participating venues include the Brinkman Collaborative Space, the Jace Romick Gallery, Ohana, Pine Moon Fine Art Gallery, and Riverwalk Collective.
Coca-Cola Movies on the Mountain
📷 Image courtesy of Steamboat.com
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
Returning this year is the ever-popular Coca-Cola Movies on the Mountain at Steamboat Stage. On select Saturday nights, watch the sunset and bring your comfiest lawn chairs or blankets to settle in for a movie night under the stars. There will be a concession stand on site, where moviegoers can indulge in tasty snacks, such as popcorn and candy, as well as Coca-Cola beverages. Movies are scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM and wrap up around 10:30 PM. Admission is always free — so bring out the whole family and invite your neighbors!
Keep an eye out for the full movie schedule so you can mark your calendar for must-see summer flicks. Last year’s movie showings included Mamma Mia, Legally Blonde, The Parent Trap, Space Jam, Shrek, and DC League of Super-Pets — so there’s always something for everyone! Enjoy a parent’s night out or keep the kiddos up late to enjoy their favorite movie outdoors for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Enjoy a Summer of Fun Events & Exciting Festivals!
We hope you’ve found a handful of events and festivals that you’re looking forward to this summer in Steamboat Springs. Our team at The Group Real Estate can’t wait to catch up with familiar faces and meet new community members at upcoming events in the city!