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Steamboat Magazine

Cocktails, Concerts and Culture

06/28/2015 12:24PM ● By Christina Freeman

Free concerts draw crowds at the base of Howelsen Hill. Photo by Noah Wetzel.

Strings Music Festival

Take the opportunity to hear globally acclaimed musicians or up-and-coming Different Tempo and classical stars with the summer series playing at Strings Pavilion. Families will enjoy youth concerts on Tuesdays at 11 a.m.; tickets for kids are $1. Music on the Green has the Yampa River Botanic Garden buzzing with lunchtime picnickers; concerts are free. Step inside local homes during The Strings Kitchen and Garden Tour on Saturday, July 18; $40 for advance tickets.

www.stringsmusicfestival.com / 970-879-5056

Chief Theater

Set in the heart of downtown on Lincoln Avenue, the Chief is a cultural hub in Steamboat Springs. Live performances by musicians, actors and comedians are interspersed with foreign movie nights and talks. www.chieftheater.org / 970-871-4791

Steamboat Art Museum

Located in the historic First National Bank building on Eighth Street and Lincoln Avenue, SAM, as it's affectionately known, hosts exhibits by nationally acclaimed artists. Currently on display is John Fawcett, a master of capturing the bond between people and animals using a combination of oil and watercolor.  www.steamboatartmuseum.org / 970-870-1755

Tread of the Pioneers Museum

Discover the evolution of the Yampa Valley from trapper territory to an international ski resort. Step inside the recreated home of the town's founders, check out choreographed displays including the new HORSE exhibit and pick up a souvenir in the locally stocked shop. Ask about walking tours and the kids’ scavenger hunt. www.treadofpioners.org / 970-879-2214

Perry Mansfield

The nation's oldest performing arts camp is a hotbed of up-and-coming talent. Music, art and acting students are put through their paces learning from professionals and guest artists throughout the summer. Visitors have the opportunity to attend live performances at the camp's spectacular rural setting. www.perry-mansfield.org / 800-430-2787

The Depot

Home to the Steamboat Springs Arts Council, the historic Depot is a multi-use space for the community's visual arts and dance scene. Workshops and weeklong youth creativity camps keep this iconic old rail stop bustling. www.steamboatarts.org / 970-879-9008

First Friday Artwork

Join local art enthusiasts on the first Friday of every month. Spend the evening strolling through downtown between galleries and alternative venues, sipping wine while appreciating art of every medium. 5-8 p.m. www.steamboatartcenter.com

A sand mandala is created by Drepung Loseling monks in 2010. They return this summer. Photo by Jennie Lay.

 Bud Werner Memorial Library

A hive of activity beyond books, the library offers outreach programs for all ages and interests. Stop by for local seminars, creative classes, kids’ craft times and movie nights, or relax with a book in the café.  www.steamboatlibrary.org / 970-879-0240

Paint and Bowl

Roll a strike at the bowling alley or create a masterpiece while sipping wine at Splatz art studio and the Snow Bowl, located under one roof, west of town.

www.snowbowl.net/ 970-879-9840 www.splatzpainting.com/ 970-871-7904

Steamboat Free Summer Concerts

Mingle with locals at five free open-air concerts at the base of Howelsen Hill. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Friday, June 19; New Orleans Suspects, Friday, July 3; Johnny Lang, Friday, July 10; Ziggy Marley, Wednesday, Aug. 5; Jeff Austin, Saturday, Aug.15. Concerts start with an opening band around 5 p.m.; main act begins around 7 p.m. ending just after 9 p.m. Refreshments are available for purchase from a range of local vendors.  www.steamboatfreeconcerts.com/ 970-846-5086

Yampa Street

A hub of activity all summer long is Yampa Street with its canopy of fairy lights, and riverside setting. Kick back with a cocktail in hand on the deck at Aurum, or sit beneath the trees listening to the water rush by at Sweet Pea. Lively spots include Sunpies and the Boathouse. Outdoor seating lures diners to Carls Tavern and Eureka, perfect for people watching or checking out the buzz during Saturday Farmer's Markets. 

Downtown

Live music draws the crowds to Schmiggitys and the Old Town Pub. Local brews are the order of the day or night at The BARley, and Mahogany Ridge Brewery with patio seating. Cocktails and fine foods await at c.v. bistro, Harwigs and The Laundry.

Mountainside

With its close proximity to Burgess Creek, Slopeside is a great place to chill out during happy hour, while kids splash around nearby. Head up the gondola from 5 p.m. for Sunset Happy Hour on Thursdays. $12 includes gondola ride and $5 off food and beverage. Take in mountainside views from the Truffle Pig deck or indulge the taste buds at nationally acclaimed Café Diva. Look out for free Movies on the Mountain nights. As darkness falls, the base becomes an outdoor theater. Popcorn and refreshments are available for purchase, but bring your own chair and blanket.