Steamboat Springs’ creative side shines through every summer when our robust arts scene comes alive. Whether it’s fine art, performance art, literary art, or visual arts, our connection to our heritage becomes clear as you explore our art scene. Steamboat Springs’ appreciation for art dates to late 1800s settlers and blossomed with the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp that opened in 1915. Today our tapestry of arts and culture continues to grow, and local creativity is celebrated all summer. Here are some ways we recommend exploring the scene.
MUSIC
Each summer, there is a lineup of local musicians as well as regionally and nationally recognized ones performing at various outdoor and indoor venues in town. Strings Music Festival is well known for bringing in notable artists from various genres. Artists on their lineup for summer 2024 include Ben Folds, Shakey Graves, The Crane Wives, and so many more. The organization also partners with Yampa River Botanic Park to bring artists to the gardens for “Music on the Green.”
Opera Steamboat and Steamboat Symphony Orchestra also perform during the summer, offering opportunities to see world-class artists team up with local professional musicians. Check their websites for production schedules.
For a more intimate live music experience, The Press is the place to go. Enjoy a comfortable atmosphere and energetic live music experience at this local joint.
THEATER
Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp, recognized as the oldest and most unique performing arts school and camp in the nation, hosts a summer camp each summer. Guest artists and students will perform shows at their campus just outside of town.
Steamboat Dance Theatre also offers weekly classes that give local dancers the opportunity to perform, share a common bond, and enrich the community with performance art. Stay up to date on their offerings by visiting their website.
VISUAL ARTS
There is a diverse range of art galleries that celebrate local scenery and Western heritage while providing access to nationally renowned artists. Steamboat Art Museum and Pine Moon Fine Art are a couple options to get you started.
Steamboat Creates also produces several creative classes and camps throughout the season to engage the community with art. Classes like creative writing, photography, and pottery are available through this organization. Possibly their most notable claim is “Art in the Park,” one of the largest art festivals in Northwest Colorado! This year it will take place July 13 and 14.
To explore more centers for art, join the First Friday Artwalk, taking place downtown on the first Friday of each month.
LITERARY ARTS
Bud Werner Memorial Library is the perfect place for those seeking inspiration and longing for new stories. Not only do they offer books, DVDs, magazines, music, and more – they also host free films and events for the whole family.
Off the Beaten Path is a bookstore and coffeehouse that offers a variety of books, games, journals, and gifts to browse. They also offer boozy coffee, wine, and locally brewed beer if you’re looking to relax over a book or a game on their upstairs level.
No matter what your preferred type of art is, we know you’ll find it here in Steamboat Springs. We pride ourselves on bringing world-renowned art to our small town and invite you to join us in enjoying every bit of it.
