As a new year quickly approaches, Steamboat Springs isn’t slowing down when it comes to exciting area events and programs. Kick off the new year with exuberance and a zest for life with iconic traditions such as the Annual Cowboy Downhill or the monthly First Friday Artwalk. There will be a steady lineup of live music across local venues, so be sure to mark your calendar ahead of time so you don’t miss your favorites!
Steamboat Springs, also known as Ski Town, U.S.A., will be ushering in peak ski season this January. Locals know to expect tourists as they descend upon the beautiful mountain town, which brings in boosted revenue for the local economy and thousands of new friendly faces strolling around town in the evening. See what’s new this January and make sure to stay safe on the slopes!
First Friday Artwalk
Where? Various Locations
When? January 2nd
Steamboat’s First Friday Artwalk is a free self-guided tour of local art galleries, museums and alternative venues throughout downtown. Businesses typically remain open later on the first Friday of every month, allowing visitors to stroll around town and pop in and out of local establishments. Many businesses will also offer changing exhibits, meaning there’s always something new to discover month after month. First Friday Art Walks are free to the public and are scheduled from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Refreshments and lite bites are typically available.
Participating galleries and spaces include the Brinkman Collaborative Space, which is situated in the old Masonic Lodge, and the Pine Moon Fine Art Gallery, which features a broad range of work by 14 local artists. Other studios and galleries that will remain open on first Fridays include Rumor Design & Redesign, the Steamboat Art Museum, The Alley Gallery and Art Studios and The Westerly. Mark your calendar for January 2nd to see what’s new in 2026 on the first Artwalk of the year!
Stagecoach State Park Ice Fishing Tournament
Where? Stagecoach State Park, 25500 County Road 14
When? January 17th
This January, join in on the fun at the 12th Annual Stagecoach State Park Ice Fishing Tournament. The tournament is hosted by the Friends of Stagecoach State Park, which is a nonprofit group formed to enhance the park’s recreational resources, as well as to support educational activities and sponsor park improvement projects. Registration is limited to 300 participants, so please read the contest rules here carefully prior to registering and making payment. Entry is priced at $40. If you think you have what it takes to drill and reel for the win, then snag your spot ASAP and spend the afternoon fishing for cash!
Participants must show a valid Colorado fishing license, which can be purchased online or at the park office starting at 8:00 AM on the day of the tournament. All youth entries under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There will also be an alternative youth category for ages 15 and younger with a registration fee of $5. The Ice Fishing Tournament will begin at 8:00 AM and wrap up at 3:00 PM. Participants must be in line to measure their fish by 3:15 PM. The top prize is $2,400 (with 300 participants) and the top 10 participants will be awarded cash.
MusicFest
Where? Steamboat Ski Resort, 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? January 5th-10th
One of January’s hottest events will be MusicFest, so mark your calendar now. From the 5th through the 10th, MusicFest at Steamboat will be celebrating an impressive milestone — 40 years! What began as a humble, laidback gathering of friends and musicians in 1986 has grown year over year into one of the most iconic and beloved music festivals in the country. Aside from being just a music festival, MusicFest is also the largest group ski trip in the USA! Fans and artists are once again preparing to return to stunning snow-covered peaks in Steamboat while they jam out to great music and enjoy even better company.
This year’s band lineup features powerhouses such as Grammy-nominated artist Zach Top. With over 200 hours of live music, MusicFest gives stage time to both legends and rising talent alike. In fact, some have even gone as far as referring to the festival as “the Super Bowl of Texas music.” The lineup goes on to include American Aquarium, Jack Ingram, Josh Weathers, Lone Star Skynyrd and many more. Explore MusicFest package options, such as 6 days and 5 nights at Steamboat’s premier lodging with ski-in/ski-out privileges or a four full day lift pass on Steamboat’s five interconnected mountains!
Craft Nite
Where? Off the Beaten Path Bookstore, 68 9th Street
When? January 6th
Off the Beaten Path Bookstore is calling all crafters and creatives! This January, get hands-on at Craft Nite at the bookstore. Formerly known as Knit Night, Craft Nite now encompasses a variety of hobby outlets. The indie bookstore, coffeehouse and bakery is a haven in Steamboat for avid readers and those who love to learn, explore and embrace new worlds and ideas while they expand their knowledge.
Whether you’re a knitter, a painter, an embroiderer, a crocheter or any number of other crafting titles, Craft Nite is for you! This is a dedicated time for everyone to use the bookstore’s space to enjoy community and meet new friends while you catch up with old ones. On Tuesday, January 6th, the cozy bookshop hopes to see you there!
51st Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill
Where? Steamboat Ski Resort, 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? January 19th
Celebrating over 5 decades of anything is impressive! 2026 will mark the 51st Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill at the Steamboat Resort. On January 19th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, get ready to cheer on the cowboys of skiing. The downhill all started when Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s director of skiing, and Larry Mahan, a six-time all-around World Champion cowboy, invited a few of the ProRodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of world-class skiing. The cowboys had such an awesome time that the downhill became the most popular event of the season with 100+ of the best pro rodeo cowboys competing in the country’s most unique ski rodeo. This whimsical event combines skiing with the lighthearted spirit of the Wild West.
The 2026 schedule of events will kick off from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with Western festivities in Gondola Square, followed by the Downhill at 1:00 PM and a free concert at Steamboat Stage at 2:30 PM featuring Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. The Cowboy Downhill is always scheduled to coincide with the National Western Stock Show in Denver, which will run from January 10th-25th in 2026. Whether you’re just visiting Colorado or you’re a Steamboat native, make the 150 mile trip to the Mile High City to catch the cowboys on horseback in the area!
Ski Town U.S.A. Olympian Celebration
Where? Steamboat Ski Resort, 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? January 31st
The Ski Town U.S.A. Olympian Celebration in Steamboat Square is scheduled for the last day in January from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Steamboat is known around the globe as Ski Town, U.S.A., and has produced more winter Olympians than any other town in the country. A whopping 13 athletes that had ties to Steamboat attended the 2022 games in Beijing. This brought Steamboat’s athlete record to 100 and counting! Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Steamboat is excited to honor its heritage with an Olympian Celebration that you won’t soon forget. This favorite local tradition not only celebrates previous Olympians, it spotlights current athletes and the Steamboat community. The public is welcome to join in on this recognition of athletes, including thank you videos, a drone show, and the official lighting of the cauldron!
Events will be followed by a dance party and an Olympian meet and greet in the square — so be sure to stick around and you might just meet your hero! A full schedule of events will be posted soon, so stay up to date here.
Justin Roberts and The Not Ready for Naptime Players
Where? Strings Music Festival, 950 Strings Road
When? January 31st
Say goodbye to January with five-time Grammy Award-nominated children’s musician, Justin Roberts and his Not Ready for Naptime Players. The concert is scheduled for 4:00 PM on the final day of the month, with kids and adults alike invited to dance it out with Justin and his talented band. Justin Roberts will also be joined by the Steamboat String Quartet, so this is truly a show you won’t want to miss! Tickets start at $29, so grab yours now and enjoy a family bonding experience that you won’t soon forget.
Justin Roberts has been creating the soundtrack to family life for 25+ years. Boasting 16 full-length albums, Roberts isn’t new to creating music beloved by families of all ages. Enjoy feel-good songs that celebrate all things inclusion, acceptance and self-discovery. Embrace what makes you unique as you jam out with Roberts and his band this January!
Comedy on the Mountain
Where? Thunderhead Lodge, 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? Select Saturdays
Nothing beats a chilly winter evening with big laughs and striking mountain views. Take a ride on the Steamboat Gondola to Thunderhead Lodge and enjoy live music at this cozy, high-elevation night out with a group of friends or that special someone you’re hoping to impress. Attendees will laugh until their sides hurt as the stand-up takes the stage for a full set. The evening schedule follows a set routine, with the Gondola Upload from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and live music playing until 7:45 PM. There will be a full bar and light appetizers available throughout the evening, so enjoy good company and a relaxed atmosphere as you wait for the show.
The comedy show will run from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM, followed by the final gondola download at 9:45 PM. Check the Steamboat Events page here to see who’s performing on an upcoming Saturday. Kicking off January’s lineup will be Al Jackson on the 3rd! Jackson is a Los Angeles-based stand-up comic, writer, and TV/radio personality. Limited seating is available, so advance purchase is highly encouraged. Comedy on the Mountain is an 18 and over event. If you’re interested in extending your night out, add on dinner before the comedy night with a pre-set menu at Hazie’s.
Happy January, Steamboat Springs!
As 2026 begins, many people experience a renewed sense of possibility and fresh momentum. Whether you’re dedicating January to resetting, refocusing or embracing new beginnings — make it a great month! Dive headfirst into new experiences or find a renewed appreciation for everyday moments and annual community affairs. Here’s to the new year and all that Steamboat Springs has in store over the next 12 months!