Sounds of summer in Steamboat include the swish of flyfishing rods being cast, clomp of horse’s hooves on a trail ride, rush of water down the Yampa River, along with music drifting from the numerous concert venues around the valley.
Forego the big indoor concert venues in the city and head to the mountains. Pack a picnic and blanket, spread out under the starry summer nights, breathe in the crisp clean air and enjoy everything from jazz to bluegrass, reggae to classical.
Here's our guide to enjoying live music this summer in Steamboat Springs:
Strings Music Festival features classical musicians from the nation's top orchestras and chart-topping popular contemporary artists. All performing in an an intimate pavilion. The summer 2026 concert lineup includes The Wallflowers on their 30th anniversary tour for Bringing Down the Horse, the Robert Cray Band, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Herbie Hancock. On the evenings of the classical concerts, there are twilight yoga concerts in the park outside the pavilion where you can hear the concert.
One of Steamboat's signature family events of the summer, everyone flocks to the base of Howelsen Hill in town for 5 free concerts throughout the summer. The series features nationally recognized artists across genres including reggae, bluegrass, rock, and funk. Lettuce kicks off the summer season on June 19. The concerts run through September 6, ending with the End of the Summer Jam with Anders Osborne. Read the full lineup here.
Take a mid-week, mid-morning break and walk or bike along the Core Trail to the Yampa River Botanic Park on Wednesday mornings for a free concert. Leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens listening to the music, or set up your camp chair on the lawn.
