While Steamboat Springs is a fantastic year-round destination, there’s a unique charm to experiencing Steamboat in the early spring months of February and March. The winter snowpack is typically at its highest of the season in February and March, so it’s a perfect time to ski, especially with the longer spring days. As the temperatures begin to rise and the snow glitters under the Colorado sun, Steamboat comes alive with some really fun events, making a spring visit to Steamboat unforgettable! Here are a few great Steamboat events that occur in the spring, all of which make an excellent reason to plan a trip out here.
Steamboat Winter Carnival
The Steamboat Winter Carnival takes place in February each year (it’s planned for February 7-11 in 2024) and is a highlight of the late winter and early spring season here. This iconic event features a spectacular display of winter sports, ski jumping, and the famous “Lighted Man” skiing down Howelsen Hill with fireworks. A host of street events showcase the cowboy history of the area, with horse events and obstacle races taking place in the center of town. Visitors can also enjoy a parade, live music, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making it an exciting event for those visiting in early spring. Make sure to book your Steamboat vacation rental early, as this is a very popular time of year in Steamboat!
WinterWonderGrass
Another really popular spring event is WinterWonderGrass, which music-lovers will not want to miss! This 3-day celebration of bluegrass, craft beer and local food brings a ton of visitors to Steamboat, and our locals come out in full force as well. This annual music festival takes place in late February or early March (it’s planned for March 1-3 in 2024), turning Steamboat into a lively stage for world-class musicians to perform. Multiple stages, heated vendor tents and a Kid Zone with family-friendly activities create a vibrant ambiance with the ski area as a stunning backdrop.
Bud Light Rocks The Boat
From early March through mid-April, Bud Light Rocks The Boat is a free concert series with shows every Saturday afternoon at Steamboat. This series is scheduled for March 9 – April 14 in 2024. Bud Light Rocks The Boat includes a diverse lineup of musical acts from rock to reggae, with plenty of show dates to entice live music fans. Held on Saturday afternoons at the base of Steamboat Ski Resort, these live music performances are the perfect way to round out a day of spring skiing on the majestic slopes of Steamboat.
St. Patrick’s Day
The celebration of this boisterous Irish holiday is a unique experience in Steamboat Springs. Several pubs along Main Street have special events, with the largest affair at local favorite O’Neils Tavern & Grill. Visitors looking to kick the day off with some exercise will enjoy the Luck of the Irish 7K Race, which takes place on the Saturday of the holiday week, kicking off the Steamboat Springs Running Series for the season. Runners of all levels are welcome, as well as dogs and strollers.
Steamboat Springs comes alive in spring as the town emerges from winter with a mood of excitement and anticipation. The laid-back vibe is infused with excitement as events kick off the season and warm weather is just around the corner. The community welcomes visitors with a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the spectacular natural beauty of the area lends an overall charm to the town.
Visiting Steamboat Springs in springtime promises a unique blend of events showcasing winter sports, live music and outdoor activities. Crisp mountain air and the natural splendor of the Rocky Mountains provide the ideal setting for visitors to enjoy a refreshing escape. Book your springtime retreat in one of our Steamboat vacation rentals, and let the magic of the season unfold!
