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Lifestyle: Culture

While the great outdoors are the main draw of Steamboat Springs, the scenic resort destination is also home to a wide array of fantastic cultural destinations and events. Whether you’re into music, live performances, literary arts, films, or arts and crafts events, there’s always something new for you to discover in Steamboat.

Here are a few incredible cultural destinations and events worth checking out:

Chief Theater

813 Lincoln Ave.
Steamboat Springs, CO
(970) 871-4791

In its early days, the Chief Theater was used as a single venue theater which hosted live performances and events from the late 1920s to the late 50s. It was then remodeled during the 80s and was divided into a four-plex movie cinema which also featured two retail spaces.

Today, the historic theater is used to showcase the talents of local artists and performers and to educate the youth. Located in downtown Steamboat Springs, the theater hosts various events and performances, including film festivals, theater and dance, battle of the bands, and more.


Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp

40755 County Road 36
Steamboat Springs, CO
(970) 879-7125

Perry-Mansfield is recognized as one of the nation’s oldest performing arts schools. Created back in 1914 by Charlotte Perry and Portia Mansfield, the school started out as a summer arts camp perched high atop the mountains.

Today, the camp offers unique classes catered to young artists, dancers, actors, and actresses during the summer. Programs which range from one to six weeks are available, covering a variety of subjects including dance, equestrian, theatre and musical theatre, dramatic writing, and visual arts.

Strings Music Festival

900 Strings Road
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
(970) 879-5056

The Strings Music Festival is one of Steamboat Springs’ most anticipated cultural events, delighting audiences for nearly 30 years. The festival presents over 75 performances from different genres, including jazz, rock, classical music, bluegrass, country, world rhythms, and more. Their lineup of performers include competition winners, principal players from prestigious orchestras, Grammy-award nominees and winners, and other talented musicians.

Steamboat All Arts Festival

Various locations throughout the city

Held in August, the Annual Steamboat All Arts Festival is a fusion of music, art, culinary creations, and breathtaking mountain views. The festival is a collaborative event that celebrates the culture of Steamboat’s legendary music, visual, and performance arts together with nationally recognized artists, all in a scenic mountain setting.

Steamboat Art Museum

807 Lincoln Ave.
Steamboat Springs, CO
(970) 870-1755

The Steamboat Art Museum or SAM features a collection of fine art representing northwestern Colorado’s culture and heritage. Established in 2006, the museum is housed in the historic Rehder Building, a landmark in downtown Steamboat Springs.

SAM has presented over 30 memorable exhibitions, which include a collection of 1930s to 90s Russian artworks, a $10 million Bill Gollings exhibit, and an international exchange with Mexico. The museum also features a unique museum store which has been used as a venue for over 40 local and regional artists, authors, jewelers, and crafters. The store also carries supporting merchandise from some of the museum’s exhibits, in addition to quality art supplies.