So many events, so little time. The Porches concierge picks their favorites.
A lot of people think Steamboat is all about the skiing but the summer calendar is jam-packed with events, with everything from art walks and farmers markets to outdoor concerts. We figured you might be planning your summer stay and thought we’d help sort through the non-stop festivities by suggesting a few of our all-time favorite summer events. Remember, we’re always here to help you purchase tickets and arrange transportation to and from the events on The Porches shuttle. Contact Sara for assistance.
Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
July 7-9, 2017
Now in its 36th year, the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo is a Steamboat summer tradition. Pilots travel from other areas of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Texas to participate and fans look forward to seeing their favorites, like the Smokey the Bear balloon and the array of beautiful hand-painted balloons. Balloon pilots will take part in three signature rodeo events each day, including the “splash and dash,” where pilots try to touch the balloon basket to the lake water, an attempt to grab onto a helium balloon in the middle of the lake for a prize and a contest where pilots throw bean bags at a marked target on land near the shore of the lake. A few tips: While die-hard fans show up to the grounds early to see the balloons inflate at 6 a.m., Saturday night’s Balloon Glow at Steamboat Ski Area is a good opportunity to see about 10 of the balloons without having to wake up early. You can meet the pilots, and it’s a great time to take photos.
Strings Music Festival
June 22-August 20
You don’t have to be in a major city to find some of the finest musicians in the country, not to mention a beautiful venue. Known simply as “Strings” by the locals,this summer-long series is by far a local favorite and longtime tradition, offering some of the finest music performances to Northwest Colorado for 30 years. Strings presents over 85 performances of classical music, jazz, rock, country, bluegrass, world rhythms and many other genres every summer. The unique facility features sliding glass panels, letting the outdoors in for a true Steamboat experience. Artists include Grammy Award-winners and nominees, major competition winners and principal players from the most renowned orchestras. A few tips: If you are a music aficionado, consider buying a festival pass. Or if you have kids or family members who need a little nudge, check out the lineup of free events to give them a taste of music in the mountains.
August 9-13, 2017
After hiking, biking, river sports, golf and all the outside fun available all summer long, you’ve earned a weekend of good old fashioned eating and drinking. There’s no better place to do that than at The Steamboat Wine Festival, where master winemakers, culinary greats, and distinguished guests gather to play, wine, and dine. Test your palate with more than 100 food artisans, wineries, breweries, distilleries, epicurean purveyors, and locally-made products at this ultimate food and wine experience. A few tips: While the grand tastings are the most popular, try one of the seminars. It’s a more intimate experience with an industry expert where you’ll get to actually learn something and taste some delicious food. Also, with so many events to keep track of, take advantage of the event’s mobile app to keep track of your schedule.