On Saturday evening, June 30, the air above Howelsen Hill was pulsing with the heady mix of blues, funk and rock music, as the New Orleans based band, Galactic, played to a fervent crowd. The talented musicians were the first in an impressive line-up to play in the Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series for 2018.

Since 1993, the series, which was started by a small record shop owner, has been gathering momentum among residents and visitors, attracting upwards of 25,000 people every summer.

“Forget Facebook or Instagram, the free summer concerts are Steamboat’s version of social networking,” shares Coleman Cook, President of the Board for the series, and Broker/Owner with Colorado Group Realty.

Bands and musicians hail from across the country to play below the iconic Howelsen Hill in the heart of downtown Steamboat. Gates open at 5:30PM, and performances start with an opening band, ending around 9PM. All ages are welcome but the organizers ask for pets to be left at home.