Steamboat Springs Events
113th Steamboat Winter Carnival
Feb 3 - Feb 8, 2026
As the oldest continuous Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi, this multi-day event is a deep celebration of Steamboat's unique heritage. Highlights include street events where children on skis are pulled behind horses down a snow-covered Lincoln Avenue (Saturday and Sunday mornings) and the famous ski jöring races. The carnival culminates in the spectacular Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill on Saturday night, with the show typically starting around 7:30 PM, featuring the legendary Lighted Man and massive fireworks.
Light Up The Night Celebration
Feb 14, 2026
Steamboats Light up the Night Celebration is a dazzling Valentines Day event held at the resort base area. The sensory delight begins with a magnificent Balloon Glow around 5:30 PM, featuring tethered hot air balloons illuminating the mountain village until approximately 6:30 PM. Spectators can stroll among the balloons or watch from warm slope-side eateries. The grand finale of the evening is the combined Fireworks and Torchlight Parade, making for a spectacular evening of light, color, and high-altitude fun.
WinterWonderGrass Festival
Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2026
The WinterWonderGrass Festival is a highly popular bluegrass and craft beer event that brings vibrant energy to the Steamboat base area. The festival features over twenty bands on multiple stages, focusing on authentic bluegrass, roots, and Americana music. Music typically kicks off in the mid-afternoon each day and continues into the evening. It also includes daily craft brew and cider samplings from local and regional breweries. It’s a community-focused gathering that combines great live music, mountain scenery, and a genuine love for Colorado's craft beverage culture.
Cardboard Classic
Apr 11, 2026
This legendary Steamboat tradition is a wild and hilarious downhill race featuring homemade sleds made almost entirely from cardboard, glue, and duct tape. The day begins with check-in from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the Cardboard D'Elegance judging. The main race begins promptly at 11:30 AM on the Stampede run. Spectators can expect crashes, wild costumes, and incredible creativity as teams launch their fragile crafts down the snow to a hysterical finish.
Splashdown Pond Skim
Apr 12, 2026
The Splashdown Pond Skimming Championship is the ultimate celebration of spring skiing, wrapping up the season with rowdy fun. Participants in their best retro gear and wildest costumes attempt to skim across an icy pond at the base area. Check-in for participants starts at 9:30 AM, and the action officially begins at 1:00 PM. Whether they make it across or make a massive splash, competitors are judged on costume, distance, style, and crowd response in this highly popular closing day spectacle.
The Final Showdown - Closing Day
Apr 19, 2026
Giddy up, Steamboat riders! The season ain't over till the last cowboy ( or cowgirl) carves their way down the slopes! We're sendin' off another legendary winter with a wild west-style weekend full of BBQ, music, rowdy games, and action on the mountain. So grab your boots, dust off your Stetson, and join us for the Final Show Down-where the fun’s hotter than a campfire at sunset!
