We came for the winter and stayed for the summer … this is the standard response that 90% of our long-time locals will utter if you ask them why they moved to, and stayed in, Steamboat. We all live for these incredible Steamboat summers. They’re the reason we put up with skipping spring, enduring mud season and not putting our snow shovels away until almost May. Sunny days, a recreational river, endless bike paths, hikes, gondola rides, outdoor concerts, the list goes on. Lazy days of summer doesn’t really apply here. There’s so much to do, so much fun to be had, sometimes to take it all in, we figure we’ll just have to wait until October to sleep.
Here’s an overview of why Steamboat should be your summer headquarters. We would say just pick one weekend and stay with us for a few nights, but there’s too many wonderful weekends to choose from, just set up camp in our fantastic lodging and stay a spell… you won’t be disappointed.
Steamboat Marathon, Half and 10K
Just like any good race to fall, we have to pace our summer enthusiasm to keep our energy up for all of its juicy goodness, so what better role model is there for setting the summer agenda than the Steamboat Marathon? If running downhill while surrounded by mountains, the Elk River and enthusiastic fans sounds appealing, join us for the 34th annual Steamboat Marathon and find out why it’s been named one of the top 10 destination marathons in America.
Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup
After we’ve tested our foot-power, it’s time for a different kind of lead foot to propel us forward. We put the pedal to the metal with the 27th annual Mustang Round-up.
Over 400 Mustang muscle cars horse power their way over the pass and into Steamboat for the Friday AutoCross and the Saturday morning Show ‘n Shine. Since the kids are out of school, you might want to head up a day ahead of the motorcade and make it in time for the Thursday night radio-controlled autocross for kids. Register ahead of time to participate or just watch these mini daredevils careen into each other around the tennis bubble. This is one Father’s Day weekend present that can’t be beat.
Fourth of July Celebration and Cowboys' Roundup Days
Fourth of July... for everyone else it’s kind of the kickoff to summer, for us, we’re already going strong through June. Fourth of July means the downtown parade, fantastic fireworks, the rodeo, floats down the river, and more.
Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
In my family nothing gets us up too early in the morning except for going to the Balloon Rodeo. It’s a spectacular weekend that needs more than two sentences to describe it. Head over to this post to see our full balloon rodeo rundown.
Steamboat Wine Festival
We do un-WINEd a little bit in summertime … and one of the best ways to slow down and savor summer is at the Steamboat Wine Festival. What used to be a small gathering of wine aficionados at one grand tasting tent has swirled into an 11th annual extravaganza of amazing wine and activity pairings that last for five days.
Try the Wine & 9 - golf and wine evening, or the Trails and Ales - hiking on our terrain accompanied by craft beers, or bend yourself into Vino and Vinyasa. Top it all off with Bubbles and Brunch. Not even stand up paddleboarding is left out of the mix. The signature downtown Wine Stroll and Grand Tasting round out these palate pleasers.
Steamboat All Arts Festival
If your summer needs even more inspiration… the Steamboat All Arts Festival is the ‘Boat’s version of a summertime bacchanalia. From Emerald City Opera arias to rocky mountain bluegrass and dinner-hour jazz, this collaborative weekend celebrates all the senses.
Feast your eyes on the masterpieces at the downtown Yampa Art Stroll or take a guided gallery tour, join artist workshops or watch live painting demonstrations at the Quick Draw. Delight your taste buds with farm-to-table fabulousness at an outdoor riverside restaurant and soak up the natural canvas that Mother Nature has so lovingly created for our scenic little town.
USA Pro Challenge Stages 1 & 2
We’re coming into the home stretch at the end of August with our fortunate position of hosting the Stage 1 start of the famed USA Pro Challenge cycling tour. Bike Town USA® has plans for all kinds of bike-themed events to kick-off this extraordinary race.
If you’ve never seen a peloton in action, don’t miss watching the top cyclists from around the world begin their epic journey right out our front door. Steamboat comes out en masse to ring our collective cowbells and cheer on these guys … join us in celebrating the elite competitors of our favorite two-wheeled past time
Wild West Air Fest
If the only “work” you have to do over Labor Day is to get yourself into our gorgeous verdant valley, then you’re celebrating in Steamboat style. Catch the warbirds and the aerobatics out at the Steamboat Wild West Air Fest, join the cowboys at the Pro Bull Rodeo event or test your spice factor at the Chuckwagon Chili Festival downtown.
OktoberWest
Don’t let the name fool you - this shout out to our beer brethren in Munich is in September, just as it should be. Craft beer has been kind of a big thing around Colorado these last few years and our Western spin on the biergarten classic is just what fall calls for.
Golden ales rival golden aspens at the base of the ski area. Sip Colorado suds while listening to live music, or enjoying the babbling sounds of Burgess Creek. Taste the organic beef at the cook-off or join the kids at the Coca-Cola Adventure Zone in Gondola Square. Raise your commemorative Colorado craft beer mug to another amazing Steamboat summer and get ready to do it all again next year!
