For many, April marks the true beginning of spring. Kick off the new season with an array of community events, such as Springalicious at the Steamboat Resort and all of the festivities that are included or the First Friday Artwalk downtown. If you love live music, you’ll have multiple opportunities to listen to musicians take the stage throughout the month — such as the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra, The Cat Pack, and Vincent Antone.
Springalicious
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? April 1st-20th
This year’s Springalicious will be held across 20 days this April at the Steamboat Resort. Take advantage of Colorado’s beautiful bluebird sunny days, with a range of fun and family-friendly events and a boatload of snow. Spring doesn’t shine quite as bright as it does in Ski Town, USA! Join the Steamboat Resort as locals and visitors alike celebrate the close of the winter season with this annual festival, which includes popular activities like the Cardboard Classic and the Splashdown Pond Skim! Don’t miss out on the free music concerts, as well. Springalicious is made possible through partnerships with Coca-Cola, The North Face, Bud Light, Honey Stinger, Yeti, Red Bull, and many more.
Cody’s Challenge
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? April 5th
Cody’s Challenge is Steamboat’s first and only randonnée (skimo) race! Each year during Springalicious, this race is scheduled at Steamboat Resort. Despite more and more races being added to the calendar each year throughout the great state of Colorado, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one with more heart. Cody’s Challenge is more than your typical big ascent, heart-pumping race. Born out of the French tradition of honoring ski patrollers who passed away, Cody’s Challenge was born from this inspiration. Participants can show their support for how many people Cody touched with his kindness, enthusiasm for life, and respect for the environment. From professional racers to first-timers, Cody’s Challenge is for everyone. Join in on this race-for-a-cause, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the Cody St. John Memorial Scholarship Fund. Each year, the foundation is committed to awarding five scholarships for medical education. Recipients will be publicly announced at the post-race lunch and ceremony.
43rd Annual Cardboard Classic
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? April 12th
This longstanding tradition is a favorite amongst many local Steamboat residents, as well as tourists just passing through. The Cardboard Classic is Steamboat’s traditional rite of spring and will be returning in 2025 for its 43rd year! The race is equal parts wild and hilarious, featuring an array of homemade cardboard crafts that are constructed from just cardboard, glue, string, water-based paint, duct tape, masking tape, balloons, and other assorted decorations. These crafts will then race to an oftentimes hysterical finish. You won’t want to miss watching these ingenious creations! Craft registration will open in late March, so keep an eye out and sign up if you want to participate this year! On race day, check-in will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in Steamboat Square, followed by judging from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM. At 11:30 AM, the 17 and under race will begin before being followed by the 18 and up race. There will also be an award ceremony at the end of the event. There is no entry fee for the classic but waivers will be required! Award categories include Most Creative, Best Reproduction, Judge’s Choice, Best Costumes, Crowd Favorite, and more.
Splashdown Pond Skim
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? April 13th
The Splashdown Pond Skimming Championships will once again return to Steamboat this April. Celebrate another spectacular season at Steamboat Resort, with a fan-favorite event that has antics that you have to see to believe. The Splashdown Pond Skim brings brave and slightly crazy skiers and riders on a mission to cross the icy pond successfully, all while wearing costumes! The online pond skim registration will open in late March, so check back via the Steamboat Resort website to sign up if you want to participate this year. The schedule kicks off at 9:30 AM with check-in before the official Pond Skim begins at 1:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis. The award ceremony is scheduled after the conclusion of the skim. The event capacity is capped at 75 skimmers. The entry fee is priced at $20 and participants must bring their own skis or board. Costumes are mandatory and there is an age limit of at least 9 years old. Scores will be based on criteria such as costumes, distance, style, crowd response, and air.
First Friday Artwalk
Where? Downtown Steamboat
When? April 4th
The First Friday Artwalk in Steamboat Springs is a self-guided tour of local art galleries, museums, and alternative venues in downtown Steamboat. Businesses remain open later on the first Friday of every month for this local favorite. Many spots offer changing exhibits, so there’s always something new to discover month after month. The art walk is free to the public and is hosted from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Refreshments and light bites are served. Participating venues in Steamboat include Brinkman Collaborative Space, Ohana, Pine Moon Fine Art Gallery, Tread of Pioneers Museum, Zandee Gallery, Wild Horse Gallery, Rumor Design & Redesign, and more! Peruse galleries and businesses at your leisure and enjoy the community-building atmosphere around town.
Steamboat Symphony Orchestra: Celebrating Sant’Ambrogio
Where? 900 Strings Road
When? April 4th & 5th
Enjoy this spring concert celebrating Sant’Ambrogio at the Strings Music Pavilion this April. The concert is scheduled from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and is being presented by the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra. This is sure to be a night to remember, as the symphony “plays” tribute to mentor, friend, and Steamboat Springs icon, John Sant’Ambrogio. John was the Principal Cellist of the famed St. Louis Symphony and April’s performance will feature Elgar’s Cello Concerto performed by Sara Sant’Ambrogio, John’s daughter. Tickets are on sale now for both dates, so grab yours while they’re still available!
Steamboat Comedy’s 4th Annual Winter Stand-Up Series
Where? 821 Lincoln Avenue
When? April 4th & 5th
Don’t miss out on Steamboat Comedy’s 4th Annual Winter Stand-Up Series, with two dates to close out in April. The winter season lineup has featured a diverse array of amazing comedians hailing from across the country. The series is hosted at Schmiggity’s Live Music & Dance Bar and April’s dates will mark the 9th and final weekend for the winter season. Robbie “The Fire” Bernstein will return to the stage to bring his irreverent comedy style through both political and social commentary. Robbie is both a comedian and a podcaster and has been described as “the great purveyor of misinformation.” The show is scheduled for 7:30 PM on both dates and tickets start at $23.18 or $76.54 for a table for four.
Figure Drawing with Live Models
Where? 1001 13th Street
When? April 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th
Join the Depot Art Center for Friday Figure Drawing! The center provides tables, chairs, easels and the opportunity to draw, paint, and sketch a live model. Participants should bring the media of their choice and their creativity! Figure drawing workshops are hosted from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Fridays throughout April and registration is priced at $20, which will be collected at the time of class. Cash is preferred. There will be no instructor for these sessions.
Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? April 5th, 12th & 13th
Get ready to Rock the Boat this April with multiple free concerts on the Steamboat Stage. The live music fun kicks off with Drunken Hearts on April 5th from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. The band has successfully carved out their own space in the country and Americana space, hailing from Louisiana and raised in Colorado. The five-piece rock n’ roll band is led by singer-songwriter, Andrew McConathy, who’s known for his storytelling lyrics and commanding stage presence. On the 12th, Southern Avenue will take the stage and to cap off the month, The Legendary Wailers featuring Junior Marvin will perform.
Live Jazz at the Library with The Cat Pack
Where? 1289 Lincoln Avenue
When? April 7th
On Monday, April 7th — don’t miss The Cat Pack as they perform at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. This springtime jam welcomes everyone! The Cat Pack consists of Tim Cunningham, Neil Marchman, Jonathan Grenier, Mike Lewis, Tim Schuett, and Ron Wheeler. The group’s passion for jazz music brought them together and they continue to explore the art of jazz as they play off of one another’s musical inspirations for audiences to enjoy. Fans can catch them playing live at The Press throughout the year but April’s library performance will be a bit different. While you listen to the band play live, you’ll also have the chance to learn more about the history of the tunes played during this casual, hour-long concert and conversation. The show is free, though tips for your local musician friends are always appreciated.
Reel Rock Film Festival 2025
Where? 1289 Lincoln Avenue
When? April 8th
The Reel Rock Film Festival will be hosted at the Bud Werner Memorial Library this April from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM on the second Wednesday of the month. Reel Rock will showcase three world-premier climbing films that span disciplines, characters, and continents. A $5 donation is suggested at the door, which helps to support this beloved film festival’s annual visit to Steamboat Springs. This year’s film lineup will feature Death of Villains, Riders on the Storm, and The Cobra & the Heart, a 20-year saga featuring a whirlwind romance, a crushing defeat on a legendary climb, betrayal, and more. Whether you are a climber or you have a loved one who enjoys climbing, the Reel Rock Film Festival is a great way to watch fascinating climbers come to life on the big screen.
Vincent Antone
Where? 821 Lincoln Avenue
When? April 11th
Vincent Antone is an American producer and recording artist based in Austin, Texas. Antone is a multi-instrumentalist and has been playing guitar for over two decades and drums, piano, and bass for over 10 years! Antone has been producing music for over 8 years now and has found a successful passion for combining elements of dance music with all sorts of unexpected genres. His style can be described as future bass, hip-hop, house, trap, and everything in between. Audiences love his boundless musical style and Antone has been well-received at events such as Austin City Limits Festival, Euphoria Fest, Art Outside, Breakaway Fest, and more. Tickets are on sale now for $31.91 at Schmiggity’s this April 11th! The show is scheduled for 9:30 PM.
Evenings with the Master Gardeners
Where? 1289 Lincoln Avenue
When? April 29th & 30th
Enjoy two evenings with the Master Gardeners in the Bud Werner Memorial Library’s Library Hall. Both evenings are hosted from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and will be jam-packed with expert gardening advice and even hands-on demonstrations! The open houses will be just in time for gardening season, which is why the library teamed up with the Routt County CSU Master Gardeners to help locals maximize their summer gardens. During the open houses, you’ll learn how to take advantage of the short growing season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or this year will be your first, these gardening gurus will be on hand to share information about soil, seed selection, season extension, weeds, and even gardening with kids! No registration is required and the event is free. 30-minute lectures will be led from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM each night, with Tuesday’s talk targeting newer gardeners and Wednesday’s targeting more advanced topics.
Happy April, Steamboat Springs!
April is a time of transition, with bluebird days, snow, and events organized to celebrate the end of the ski season. The Steamboat Resort will be hosting Springalicious, as well as Bud Light Rocks the Boat dates where locals and visitors alike can jam out to live music for free! April also welcomes gardening workshops at the library and the return of the Reel Rock Film Festival.