Steamboat Summer Events: The Best of Summer Fun All in One Place

Summer Events in Steamboat SpringsAs the snow melts and the valley begins to turn green we can't help but anticipate another wonderful summer in Steamboat Springs! Your favorite summer events are back this year, and we have everything in one place. Whether you're interested in adventuring outdoors, browsing local art, or exploring Steamboat's western roots, summertime in the Yampa Valley has something for everyone. Keep reading to learn about the best reoccurring summer events in the Steamboat Springs area.

Yampa River Festival

Put on by Friends of the Yampa, the Yampa River Festival celebrates Steamboat's beloved river with multiple days of on-the-water fun. Activities include kayaking/SUP demonstrations, gear swaps, tube rodeos, and paddling races. The event has occurred for over 40 years, typically during June.

Main Street Farmer's Market

Sample the best of everything grown in Routt County! Boasting more than 100 vendors on display, the Main Street Farmers Market is a summer staple typically held every Saturday from June to September. Come out to Downtown Steamboat Springs and buy fresh produce, arts, crafts, or simply listen live music. The market typically runs every Saturday from early June to September, although the dates may vary per year.

Steamboat Marathon

The Steamboat Marathon is proud to be ranked as one of the Top 10 Destination Marathons in North America. Every year, runners from around the world come to compete in the full marathon, half marathon, and 10K races. Top-placing contestants can qualify for the Boston Marathon.

For those who haven't experienced the marathon yet, be prepared for it to completely take over Main Street for most of the day. Those who aren't running can still enjoy the surrounding festivities and cheer their neighbors across the finish line. Registration ends a few days before the event, which typically takes place in early June.

Haymaker Golf Tournaments

The Haymaker Golf Course is well regarded as one of the best golf courses around Routt County. Every summer, the club hosts several exciting golf tournaments, including the annual HayCup event. The HayCup tournament invites teams of two players to square off in five nine-hole matches taking place over three days.

Steamboat Summer Biking Events

Of Steamboat's numerous nicknames, "Bike Town USA" is a favorite among the thousands of people who flock year every year to enjoy the best of biking in Steamboat Springs. Summer months bring about several races, fun rides, and more. A few of the most popular summer cycling events include:

  • STARS Biking the Boat & Beyond Ride
  • Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series
  • Moots Ranch Rally
  • Tour De Steamboat
  • Revolution Enduro
  • Emerald Mountain Epic
  • SBT GRVL
  • Ride the Cog

Dates may vary from year to year.

Howelsen Hill Trail Run

Push your limits at the Howelsen Hill Trail Run, an off-road running event that tests participants' endurance with 8-mile and 4-mile single-track trails while rewarding them with some of the most beautiful scenery in Routt County. Registration for the event can be completed on-site or online. The event takes place in mid-June when mild sunny days and gorgeous flowers create optimal conditions for trekking Howelsen Hill.

Other summer runs in Steamboat include:

  • Spring Creek Memorial Trail Run
  • Steamboat Lake Triathlon
  • Continental Divide Trail Run
  • 10K at 10,000 Feet
  • Run Rabbit Run Ultra-Marathons

Passport Through the Botanic Park

Explore pristine gardens showcasing alpine plants from Colorado and around the world at Passport Through the Botanic Park. This newer event includes delightful food and wine pairings, a rotating cast of entertainers, and historic photographs showcasing Yampa River Botanic Park's multi-decade history. Reservations can be made for individual tickets or 10-person sponsorship tables.

Reds Whites & Brews in the Boat

Reds, Whites & Brews in the Boat is a locally beloved event bringing together a few of Steamboat's favorite things: unlimited wine and craft beer tastings, live music, local vendors, and delicious food. The event takes place on Yampa Street, Steamboat's premier entertainment district, but attendees are invited to stay and explore tubing, hiking, and all the other fun things to do in Steamboat for the rest of the weekend.

Steamboat Pro Rodeo

Saddle up for months of fun at the Steamboat Springs Rodeo Series, a pro rodeo event that usually takes place from June to August. Every year, locals and tourists alike fill the stands at Howelsen Sports Complex to watch the best of the best compete at bull riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, and more. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy this premier Steamboat attraction:

  • Come in cowboy style. Wide-brimmed hats, flannel, and boots are all encouraged.
  • Arrive early, stay late. There are tons of side attractions, including live music and food stands, so explore the grounds from open to close when you attend.
  • Kids love the Am Scramble! Let younger ones get muddy with a just-for-fun calf scramble. Separate scrambles are held for kids under five and kids ages six to 12.
  • Stay for the Junior and Pee Wee Barrel Racing section. With cowgirls and cowboys under 12 competing for top times, this is one of the event's most underrated attractions.

Steamboat Springs 4th of July Fun

There's nothing quite like 4th of July in Steamboat Springs. Whether you're spending it at the rodeo, the parade downtown, or the summer ski jumps at Howelsen Hill, Independence Day in The Boat is always one to remember.

Hot Air Balloon Rodeo

The Hot Air Balloon Rodeo was well-known as one of the best balloon festivals in the country. Unfortunately, as of 2022, the event has been placed on hold indefinitely. Many locals are hopeful that the rodeo will return soon.

Kitchen And Garden Tour

Browse some of the most luxurious homes for sale in Steamboat Springs at the Kitchen and Garden Tour. The event kicks off at the Strings Music Festival then meanders through top Steamboat neighborhoods. Proceeds support the ongoing community activities by the Strings Music Festival.

Art in the Park

Celebrated for nearly 50 years, Art in the Park is an event by Steamboat Creates that inspires creativity every July! The event features more than 150 vendors, all of whom will be selling one-of-a-kind handmade items. West Lincoln Park hosts the vendors and attendees of the annual two-day event.

People who want to enjoy local art year-round will be pleased to know that the First Friday Artwalk occurs year-round.

Routt County Fair

The Routt County Fair has been bringing people together in the city of Hayden for more than 100 years!

At the fair, you can get a taste of the rodeo with events such as pig wrestling, youth bull riding, and mini bronc bustin'. There is also a home arts competition for baked goods and art. At night there is a barn dance where you can show off your best swing dancing and two-stepping skills.

The most famous part of the fair might be the livestock show. Members of the local 4-H will show off the livestock they have raised throughout the year to bidders.

Yampa Valley Crane Festival

Find the best late summer blues cure at the Yampa Valley Crane Festival! This event, taking place every September, features academic presentations, guided crane viewings, and more in Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and the town of Craig.

Steamboat Food & Wine Festival

Say goodbye to summer and welcome fall at the Steamboat Food & Wine Festival. Held in late September and early October, attendees can sample world-culinary creations perfectly paired with wine samples. Guests have the option of purchasing an all-access pass or individual tickets to one-off events.

Outdoor Activities to Try This Summer

It's no secret that Steamboat is famous for its many fun things to do outdoors. Whether you're a lifelong local or a weekend visitor, why not get outside and try something new? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Go Camping & Bring the S'mores. It really just isn't camping without s'mores! The best summer camping spots in Steamboat promise starry skies and unforgettable memories.
  • Find Your New Favorite Hike. It simply isn't summer unless you Steamboat's trails as much as possible. Multi-night treks and short out-and-back loops make it easy for hikers of all skill levels to find great adventures.
  • Tube the River. Whether you're dropping in a Fletcher Pond or booking a guided float, tubing on the Yampa River is a quintessential Steamboat activity.
  • Catch a movie on the mountain. It really is an incredible experience to see the stars, the mountain, and a movie all at once. Coca-Cola's Movies on the Mountain screens favorite films from July to August at Torian Plum Lawn.
  • Get out of your comfort zone. If you have done all the above options, try something new, like yoga on a stand-up paddleboard, canoeing, or power walking the full length of the core trail.

The Season For Fun Never Ends in Steamboat Springs

Summer in Steamboat means beautiful weather, outdoor activities, and a plethora of exciting events. From cycling races to river floats and food festivals, it's hard to imagine a dull moment in the summer. When the days get short and the leaves turn gold, be sure to stick around for the many other amazing things to do in Steamboat Springs.

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