Excited for the new year in Steamboat Springs? So are we! That’s why we’ve put together some of the best events happening around town this January. Kick 2025 off with a bang by checking out the annual bull riding event or check out the First Friday Artwalk. Whatever you do, make sure to get out and about, catch up with old friends, and make new ones along the way!
Riding in the Rockies Bullriding
Where? Romick Arena
When? January 1st
It’s no secret that bull riding is one of the most exhilarating events around! Grab your best cowboy hat and your favorite pair of cowboy boots and check out the Riding in the Rockies event. Hailing as everybody’s favorite rodeo event, watch as 35 bull riders take on some of the most energetic bulls in town. This bull riding event is sure to be fun for the whole family. Tickets will be on sale for $5 on the day of the event and can be purchased at the gate of the Romick Arena as well. The event is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Children ages 5 and under are free and don’t require a ticket of their own.
First Friday Artwalk
Where? Various Locations
When? January 3rd
Steamboat’s First Friday Artwalk is organized by Steamboat Creates. This self-guided tour of local art galleries, museums, and alternative venues is hosted monthly in downtown Steamboat Springs. Businesses remain open on the first Friday of every month to allow locals and visitors alike the chance to check out changing exhibits, meet new faces and explore new places. The art walk is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and participating venues include the Brinkman Collaborative Space, the Jace Romick Gallery, Ohana, Roots & Roost, Co., the Steamboat Art Museum, Steamboat Creates, and many more. Refreshments will be served at select locations, so get out and see what’s new this month! Participation is completely free to the public, so invite your friends and family to join in on the downtown exploration.
The MusicFest 2025
Where? 2300 Mount Werner Circle
When? January 6th-11th
This year’s MusicFest is sure to be one of Steamboat’s biggest events and is scheduled from January 6th through the 11th. Across the five-day event, there will be endless live music performances. MusicFest is known to draw in visitors from across the state and beyond, which means packages often sell out. Even if you’re just visiting Steamboat for a quick ski trip or you couldn’t secure tickets to the event, there are typically a handful of free concerts for the public. This allows everyone the opportunity to get a taste of what MusicFest is all about. This year’s lineup includes 200+ hours of live music and a stunning roster with both legends and rising talent alike. The 39-year-old tradition provides the best of the best in both Texas and Americana music, all with the stunning backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains. A few of this year’s performers include Brendon Anthony, Braxton Keith, Django Walker, Jake Worthington, Liz Foster, Shelby Stone, The Lowdown Drifters, and many, many more.
$20 Vaccination Saturday
Where? 760 Critter Court
When? January 11th
The Routt County Humane Society (RCHS) is excited to announce its upcoming January Wellness Clinic. This recurring monthly clinic is hosted on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the RCHS shelter. Vaccinations are priced at $20 and $25 microchips will also be available. No appointment is required. Owners should bring their pets on a leash or in a carrier for everybody’s safety. Pets will be vaccinated and cared for on a first come, first served basis — so make sure to arrive early to avoid a longer wait time. The revenue generated by the RCHS Wellness Clinic goes toward directly supporting the mission of the society by funding health care for homeless and abused animals. Full payment is required at the time of the service rendered. Cash, major credit cards, and CARE credit are accepted.
Snowshoe Through History
Where? 35435 Highway 40
When? January 15th
If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to get outside more this year, check out the Snowshoe Through History happy hour this January 15th from 3:45 PM to 5:30 PM at the Yampatika’s Environmental Learning Center at the Hutchinson/Legacy Ranch. Join Yampatika and the Tread of Pioneers Museum as participants explore the ranch on snowshoes and the inside of the cozy historic Ranch House. Snowshoes are included on site or you can bring your own if you have them available. The 45-minute snowshoe tour will focus on the geology of the Yampa Valley. The tour will then head indoors to warm up with tea or hot happy hour drinks while a guest speaker presents “Women in Ranching.” The ranch has limited parking, so carpooling is encouraged whenever possible. Due to the presence of alcohol at the happy hour, this event is only for people ages 21 and up. In total, the snowshoe tour will cover less than a mile of flat meadow terrain. Registration is required and a $10 refundable deposit will be requested.
Cowboy Up Drone Show
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? January 19th
Get ready for one of the best nights of the year at the Steamboat Resort! The Cowboy Up Drone Show will kick off as the sun sets. Around 5:30 PM, look up and enjoy the jaw-dropping drone show that both captures the Steamboat spirit and celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Bud Light Cowboy Downhill scheduled for the following day. The dazzling display will leave audience members in awe as the sky is painted with unforgettable visuals. This must-see celebration combines cutting-edge tech with that iconic Western flair that Steamboat Springs is known for. All drone shows and events are weather-dependent, meaning they may be canceled in the event of heavy snowfall and/or wind. This is a free show to view, lasting approximately an hour. Bring the kids out for a spectacular performance and make sure to check out the Bud Light Cowboy Downhill on the 20th!
50th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? January 20th
The 50th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is one of January’s most anticipated events! Dating back five decades ago when Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s director of skiing, and Larry Mahan, six-time all-around World Champion cowboy, decided to invite a few Pro Rodeo stars out to Steamboat for a day of skiing the hill. The cowboys had such a great time, that the downhill became the most popular event of the season with over 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing in the most unique rodeo in the country. The race kicks off at 1:00 PM as cowboys and cowgirls ski down a dual slalom course, go over a jump, lasso a person, saddle a horse, and then make their way across the finish line. The dual slalom will be followed by the Stampede Event, which is a mass start! The first cowboy or cowgirl to the bottom wins. There will be Western festivities in Gondola Square from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in anticipation of the event, with food and refreshments at Timber & Torch Grill, a learn-to-rope clinic, and appearances by the Denver Broncos cheerleaders. Visitors can also meet and greet with some 4-H farm animals and snag commemorative souvenirs with the exclusive 50th-anniversary logo. At 2:30 PM, there will be a Bud Light free concert by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe on the Steamboat Stage.
Onyx Storm Midnight Release Party
Where? 68 9th Street
When? January 20th
Off the Beaten Path Bookstore and Café will be hosting a midnight release party for the latest book in the widely successful Empyrean series. Onyx Storm is a highly anticipated read, so come on out and walk the Parapet, bond with your dragon, play games, enjoy treats, sip on a cocktail or two, and get your copy at midnight! You can even get your very own hand-crocheted dragon in the add-on screen. Costumes are encouraged. Doors open at 10:00 PM and books will go on sale two hours later. Snag your admission for $10 or the Onyx Storm Book Bundle for $40. The full-service independent bookstore also features an extensive collection of new fiction, literature, history, memoirs, and young adult books. Browse the carefully curated inventory of books, as well as greeting cards, games, puzzles, art supplies, and more.
Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour
Where? 950 Strings Road
When? January 30th
Tom Papa is a comedian with 6 highly rated stand-up specials, including his most recent addition on Netflix: Home Free. Tom holds nothing back and has seen a lot over the years, from close calls with a pachinko ball to late-night 7-Eleven runs. He delights audiences by sharing all his thoughts as he parties into the next stage of his life. Tom also hosts a weekly podcast titled, Breaking Bread with Tom Papa, which features Tom and his guests eating, drinking, and celebrating the true meaning of breaking bread with insightful conversations. No children under the age of 6 will be permitted at this show. The performance kicks off at 7:00 PM at the Strings Music Pavilion. Free parking is available onsite.
1964 The Tribute
Where? 950 Strings Road
When? January 31st
1964 The Tribute has been thrilling audiences since the early 80s. Catch them as they pay a visit to the Strings Music Pavilion this January and take visitors on a journey through a quintessential moment in music history. The cover band is hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute, which has even earned them the distinction as the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth” by Rolling Stone. 1964 The Tribute recreates the early ’60s live Beatles concert complete with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles, and onstage banter with unmatched accuracy. The concert kicks off at 7:00 PM, so get your tickets now to see what has fans raving.
Wake Up and Live — A Bob Marley Tribute
Where? 821 Lincoln Avenue
When? January 31st
Wake Up and Live will mark the 13th annual Bob Marley Birthday Celebration at Schmiggity’s. General admission tickets are priced at $15.96, which is the all-in price after taxes and fees. Catch Denver guitarist and vocalist Dave Halchak as he puts together a group of musicians to celebrate the timeless music of Bob Marley while throwing a party that everyone in attendance can enjoy. Wake Up and Live pushes the boundaries of the typical “tribute” band experience by taking the music into uncharted improvisational moments. This year, the band will be playing the “Exodus” album in its entirety to celebrate the birthday.
Happy January, Steamboat!
We hope that your new year is off to a fantastic start! Whether you made a resolution for 2025 or you’re simply entering into the new year with a newfound zest for life — there is plenty to do around town this January. Check out tribute cover bands, drone shows, art walks and so much more!