With summer just around the corner, May is a great time to enjoy the warmer temps in Steamboat while still enjoying the remainder of the spring season. Luckily, this month features a few fan favorites — such as the First Friday Artwalk, as well as returning annual events like the Routt County Economic Summit and the Yampa River Festival! Whether you want to play Music Bingo at The Press or dive into a Bee Guardianship Workshop at Elkstone Farm, you can do it all this May and pick up a new skill or two along the way!
Steamboat Writers Group Gatherings
Where? 1001 13th Street
When? May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th
The Steamboat Writers Group meets weekly year-round at the Depot Art Center. In the summer, the group gets together at the Steamboat Art Museum. The group gathers on Thursdays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and welcomes writers of all genres and levels of experience to read their unpublished works. The group isn’t intended to critique content and instead, it’s to offer positive advice on whether the writing is effective. All participants are welcome to read for approximately 10 minutes and then receive a few minutes of group feedback. Times will vary depending on how many readers are in attendance that week. The purpose of meeting weekly versus monthly like other writing groups is to keep up the momentum when working through longer pieces of writing. The Steamboat Writers Group also hosts an annual writers conference in the fall, so keep an eye out!
First Friday Artwalk
Where? Downtown Steamboat
When? May 2nd
Steamboat’s monthly art walk is held on first Fridays. This is a free self-guided tour around the town’s downtown area, spanning several local art galleries, museums, and venues. These select businesses stay open later during art walks and many even offer rotating exhibits to keep visitors coming back each month. The First Friday Artwalk is held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and participants are welcome to drop by anytime for refreshments, light bites, and great conversation! Participating venues include the Brinkman Collaborative Space, which is situated in the old Masonic Lodge and features an array of creative photographers and artists, and the Pine Moon Fine Art Gallery, which features a diverse range of work by 14 local artists. Artwalk attendees can also visit Roots & Roost, Co., Rumor Design & Redesign, Schoonover Gallery Fine Art, Slifer, Smith & Frampton, and many more spots. Whether you’re a loyal attendee or May will be your first art walk, come on out and enjoy a great time in Steamboat with locals and visitors alike!
Indie Lens Pop-Up
Where? 1289 Lincoln Avenue
When? May 6th
On Tuesday, May 6th, take a syncopated voyage through the fascinating history of funk music. The journey spans from African, soul, and early jazz roots and features James Brown’s dynamism and the positively extraterrestrial funk of George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic. Meet in the Library Hall at the Bud Werner Memorial Library from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM for this month’s Indie Lens Pop-Up, which is a neighborhood series dedicated to bringing people together for film screenings and community conversations. The pop-up features documentaries as seen on PBS’s Independent Lens and invites local residents, community leaders, and organizations together to discuss what matters, all the way from newsworthy topics, social issues, family and community initiatives. This is a great opportunity to make new friends, share stories that are important to you, and join in on a larger conversation.
Singo! Music Bingo
Where? 1009 Lincoln Avenue
When? May 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
Join The Press for their weekly Singo! Music Bingo night from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesdays. Whenever you’re in need of a midweek pick-me-up, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a lively game of Music Bingo while you sip on your favorite cocktails, dance to classic tunes, and enjoy an abundance of good vibes and good folks. And who knows, you may even walk away with some totally awesome prizes! Aside from Singo Night, The Press also hosts a Tuesday Night Free Trivia game at 7:00 PM if you’d rather test your knowledge rather than your voice. The live music bar also hosts regular live music events and serves up delicious craft beers. Outside food is permitted, so bring some snacks and enjoy your evening!
2nd Annual Early Childhood Teacher Appreciation Dinner
Where? 811 Yampa Street
When? May 9th
2025 marks the second year for this Early Childhood Teacher Appreciation Dinner, a special evening dedicated to recognizing the incredible work of early childhood teachers and child care providers in Routt County. This private event brings together educators, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the invaluable impact these teachers have on students and families alike. The evening includes a plated dinner, an award ceremony, and networking opportunities for attendees. This heartfelt gathering is specially organized to honor early childhood teachers and child care providers in our community. While this isn’t a fundraiser, it’s made possible through the generous support of sponsors. If you’d like to contribute and help make this celebration even more special, you can visit First Impressions’ website to learn more about supporting the event.
Do you know an amazing teacher who’s making a difference in the lives of young students? Show your appreciation by nominating them for the 2025 Routt County Early Childhood Provider Appreciation Award. Nominations can be submitted here.
2025 Economic Summit
Where? 1275 Crawford Avenue
When? May 9th
The 31st Annual Routt County Economic Summit will be hosted at the Colorado Mountain College on May 9th, starting at 8:00 AM. This is a pivotal community event that brings together students, businesses, elected officials, and community members to gather crucial insights into the regional and national economy. The Economic Summit is a landmark occasion in the region, providing a resource and platform to understand and dissect the factors that influence financial positions and quality of life in the area while also uncovering untapped opportunities for both economic success and community achievement. Pricing for the Economic Summit is set at $90 for Chamber Members and $140 for non-members through May 2nd, at which point tickets increase to $110 and $160, respectively. Coffee and lunch are included with your ticket! Speakers at the 2025 summit will include Jennifer Cassell, Brian Lewandowski, Adonna Allen, Wade Gebhardt, and more. The agenda will include welcome remarks, a legislative update on key policies and economic impacts, Transportation: Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Lessons from Aspen, and more.
Free Community Shred Day
Where? 1901 Pine Grove Road, Suite 101
When? May 17th
Do you want to shred any unwanted documents with personal information? Steamboat has an upcoming Free Community Shred Day at Alpine Bank this May! From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, head to the Steamboat branch and shred that pesky paperwork that’s been taking up space in the corner of your office for ages. Some commonly shredded paper includes canceled or blank checks, credit card statements, old medical records, old bank statements, tax documents (7 years or older), and personal bills. Staples and paperclips don’t need to be removed and there is a maximum of four boxes per household and business at May’s event. All shredded paper is recycled. Tell your coworkers and neighbors and kick that old paperwork to the curb this May!
Bee Guardianship Workshop
Where? 40345 Virtus Way
When? May 17th & 18th
Elkstone Farm is hosting a Bee Guardianship Workshop on May 17th and 18th with Alex DeCesaro. If you’re interested in learning more about how to care for bees, Alex has been teaching beekeeping with a bee-centric approach to those wanting to learn. She has studied under Backyard Hive’s Corwin Bell and works with Michael Thiele to bring natural nesting sites to areas across the Front Range. The Bee Guardianship Workshop is open to folks new to beekeeping, as well as those just curious about the practice, and beekeepers who are looking for a holistic approach to understanding how to be holistic bee stewards. Session 1 will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday and will cover more than just bee basics but bee genetics, different hive styles, and various management practices that can be used to create a sustainable habitat. In Sunday’s Session 2, attendees will explore step-by-step management practices for all seasons of the hive and how to “read” combs to assess condition, health, and other factors. The workshop is priced at $240 and spaces are limited, so secure your spot early!
Ute Indian Pow-Wow Dance Performance & Presentation
Where? Steamboat Springs High School Auditorium, 45 East Maple, Steamboat Springs, CO
When? May 19th, from 6:00-7:00 PM
The annual Ute Indian Pow-Wow is presented by the Tread of Pioneers Museum. On Monday, May 19th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the dance performance and presentation will feature members of the Ute Tribe as they share their traditional dances, music, and regalia in a special event and cultural program. This is a free event and no RSVP or tickets are required. Monday’s event will take place in the Steamboat Springs High School Auditorium and is slated to last approximately one hour. The Ute Indians were the original inhabitants of the Yampa Valley and the museum is excited and honored to host these performers as they showcase their beautiful, historic culture and welcome them to their ancestral lands. In addition to the public dance and presentation, the Tread of Pioneers Museum and the Ute tribe will also be hosting events at local elementary schools.
Yampa River Festival
Where? 743 Oak Street
When? May 29th-June 1st
The Yampa River Festival is held each spring and offers a premier opportunity for the community to show their respect for the great river while providing all of the exciting recreation that it offers. The Festival is hosted by Friends of the Yampa and the main event will be held on Saturday, May 31st. 2025 marks the 45th annual celebration and organizers are keeping a careful eye on water levels to ensure that the festival is safe and fun for all! This year’s Fish Creek Kayak Race is held in the spirit of a previous board member, Adam Mayo, and the Downriver Raft Race will be held in honor of Drew Hyde. On May 29th, the State of the Yampa Address will be held at 6:30 PM and the following day, there will be a gear swap, as well as the Fish Creek Race. Saturday’s festivities will kick off at 10:00 AM and feature the Pack Raft Race, the SUP Downriver Race, the Raft Rodeo, the Crazy River Dog, and more. Awards will be handed out at 6:30 PM and Sunday will wrap up the fun with the Kayak Slalom from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Patti Fiasco
Where? 821 Lincoln Avenue
When? May 31st
Patti Fiasco is coming to Schmiggity’s Live Music & Dance Bar at the end of May! Say goodbye to the month and hello to June at this May 31st concert, kicking off at 7:00 PM. Patti Fiasco is known for riding the edge of emotions and delivering a fiercely soulful brand of rock and roll that has roots in both Americana and Alternative genres. At times raw and volatile, the music can also shift towards sweet and lifting. Patti Fiasco has earned a wide array of critical acclaim, as well as a devout fan base that spans the West and Midwest. The band has even shared a stage with iconic legends like Bon Jovi and Blondie, as well as renowned acts like Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Catch the act at Schmiggity’s, which is a conveniently located venue on the main street in downtown Steamboat.
Happy May, Steamboat Springs!
May is gearing up to be a great month in Steamboat, with plenty of activities and events to look forward to. Celebrate the great and mighty Yampa River at the annual Yampa River Festival or shred those documents that are piling up next to your desk at Alpine Bank’s Community Shred event!