A Colorado mountain town steeped in tradition, Steamboat Springs boasts traditional fun in the summer just as it does in the winter. From reoccurring annual events to summertime must-do activities, Steamboat offers a little traditional fun for everyone.  

Steamboat Resort hosts several reoccurring events that have become tradition in the Yampa Valley. A Steamboat favorite, Coca-Cola Movies on the Mountain creates an unforgettable cinematic experience under the stars every Saturday night through mid-August in Steamboat Square. Bring your own chair and blanket, and Steamboat will provide concessions like popcorn, candy or a frosty beverage to make for a complete night at the movies. Steamboat Resort provides a family-friendly viewing experience once the sun goes down.  

Sunset Happy Hour is another popular summer tradition amongst locals and visitors alike. Most Thursdays and Sundays June through September the Steamboat Gondola whisks you to a happy hour at 9,080 feet, complete with live music. Watching the sun set over the beautiful Yampa Valley with friends and family is certainly a treat and definitely a summertime tradition not to miss in Steamboat.  

Beyond Steamboat Resort, several different events spread throughout the valley are not only tradition, but part of what makes Steamboat such a magical destination. The Steamboat Summer Free Concerts provide a true Steamboat venue at the base of the Howelsen Hill ski jumps, complete with an awesome lineup of bands such as The Wood Brothers or Yonder Mountain String Band. Nearby, the Steamboat Pro Rodeo showcases the area’s western heritage every Friday and Saturday night all summer long. And just across the babbling Yampa River, the Steamboat Farmers Market takes place every Saturday through mid-September where local farmers, ranchers and artisans come together to sell fresh produce and homemade goods. From 9 AM to 2 PM, Yampa Street is lined with a wide array of vendors selling local produce, homemade jams, handcrafted soaps, gorgeous pottery pieces, delicious baked goods and more.  

Outside of organized events, summertime traditions can be found in some of the amazing recreational opportunities Steamboat has to offer. Hiking up the mountain to Thunderhead Lodge and riding down the gondola is something not to miss, along with splashing in Burgess Creek at the base area to cool off. Another option is riding up the gondola and hiking higher up on the mountain for wildflower peeping in July and August. Wildflowers in the Rocky Mountains provide a stunning and colorful display. And if you have young children, hiking the Nature Trail and reading the various animal signs is a must. 

The so-called Yampa Valley Curse is a talking point among locals, meaning that people tend to come for the winters but stay for the summers. Perhaps less known as a summer destination, Steamboat Springs hosts a wide array of summertime events and activities showcasing the valley’s heritage and long-standing traditions. With longer days and plenty of sunshine, traditional summer fun is easy to soak up in Steamboat Springs.