Steamboat Springs Boasts Big-city Entertainment 

Steamboat Springs' roots are deeply embedded in ranching and Western traditions, but with a multitude of art galleries, a variety of musical entertainment and an extraordinarily large number of artists living in the area, Steamboat is rich with culture.

The Emerald City Opera
The Emerald City Opera produces professional-caliber, classical opera in the heart of the Yampa Valley. Combining world-class artists from the esteemed opera houses of the world with local professionals, The Emerald City Opera promotes the vocal and performance arts at the highest level. The Emerald City Opera offers two separate concert series throughout the year and mounts a full-scale, complete opera production each August.

First Friday Artwalk
The vision of the Steamboat Springs First Friday Artwalk is to foster appreciation of the visual arts in Steamboat Springs and support the growth of the local arts community. Twenty four galleries and alternative art venues remain open for this self-guided tour and refreshments are served. Many offer changing exhibits, so there is something new to see each month.

The Great American Laughing Stock Company 
The Great American Laughing Stock Company (GALSCO) produces the Picnic Theatre Festival in Spring Creek Park, along with a children's theatre workshop, during the month of July. Local actors as well as graduates and students of the New Zealand finest dramatic conservatories join forces to take theatre into the great outdoors, build international cultural exchange, and enhance the level of the performing arts in the Steamboat Springs community. Summer repertory performances include a classical Shakespeare work, a musical theatre piece, and an original play developed specifically for the Festival. Other GALSCO events include acting classes and theatre workshops offered throughout the year.

Literary Sojourn
Each year, 500 readers from all over the country gather in Steamboat Springs to meet and listen to the creators of their favorite books in the premier literary festival of the Rocky Mountain West. The 17th Annual Literary Sojourn Festival of Authors is Saturday, October 10, 2009. For additional information contact the Bud Werner Memorial Library at 970-879-0240.

Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp
In 1914, Charlotte Perry and Portia Mansfield fulfilled their dreams of creating a summer arts camp in the mountains. Now, Perry-Mansfield is recognized as the oldest and most unique performing arts school and camp in the nation. The camp offers classes each summer from mid-June to mid-August to young dancers, actors and actresses.
Throughout the years, a number of distinguished alumni, faculty and guest artists have passed through the doors of Perry-Mansfield. The list includes: Dustin Hoffman, Joan Van Ark, Lee Remick, Agnes de Mille, José Limon, John Cage, Merce Cunningham and Julie Harris. Perry-Mansfield continues to prepare emerging young artists for the stage.

Steamboat Art Museum
"The mission of the Steamboat Art Museum is to collect, preserve, and present fine art to the public, with a primary focus on the culture and heritage of Northwestern Colorado." Steamboat Art Museum was formed in December of 2005. In 2006 the City of Steamboat Springs was given the historic First National Bank building located in downtown Steamboat Springs. The gift was from the estate of Helen Rehder, a long-time area rancher and artist, who stipulated that the building be used as a museum. The museum hosts various artists' collections and shows throughout the year. 970-870-1755

Steamboat Community Players
Steamboat Community Players presents a varying number of popular community theater productions annually. Formed in 1972 under the auspices of the Arts Council, Steamboat Community Players is now an independent nonprofit organization. This active group of local actors and technicians attracts enthusiastic audiences to their productions. They have recently collaborated with CMC for new performance space, and several members will be teaching theatre classes as part of the CMC curriculum.

Steamboat Dance Theater
Formed in 1975, the Steamboat Dance Theater includes 80 local dancers, choreographers and dance teachers. The Steamboat Dance Theater sponsors classes and appearances by guest artists and master teachers, as well as an annual dance concert to sell-out audiences.

Steamboat Springs Arts Depot - Eleanor Bliss Center for the Arts
The Steamboat Springs Art Depot, the historic train depot along the Yampa River at the west end of town, is home to the Steamboat Springs Arts Council, a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to art and cultural programming, and an advisor and advocate for over 30 affiliate local arts organizations. The council also manages The Eleanor Bliss Center for the Arts at the Depot with two visual arts galleries and a community arts & culture Resource Center. The Depot and the Steamboat Springs Arts Council also host several art shows, musical guests, community programs and special events throughout the year.

Steamboat Springs Chamber Orchestra
Established in 1991, the mission of The Steamboat Springs Chamber Orchestra is to perform music for the residents and visitors of Northwest Colorado with an emphasis on community outreach, musician development, and music education for youth.

Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series
The mission of the Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series is to plan and produce an annual summer music series that is free to the public and provides enjoyment for both local residents and visitors. The SSFSCS began in 1990/91 and has grown from its start of several hundred attendees to 3,000 to 6,000 attendees.  The concerts take place at Howelsen Hill Amphitheatre or the Steamboat Ski Area, both outdoor venues. The SSFSCS offers a wide variety of acts in a family friendly environment.  For a complete 2009 schedule, click here. 

Strings Music Festival
Strings Music Festival, a nationally recognized music festival, presents over 70 performances of chamber music, jazz, rock, country, bluegrass, world rhythms, and many other genres every summer since 1988. Artists include Grammy winners and nominees, major competition winners and principal players from the most renowned orchestras. Throughout the summer, enjoy chamber music concerts every Wednesday and Saturday evenings, the Different Tempo Series on Fridays, Youth and Family Concerts every Tuesday and free Music on the Green performances at the Yampa River Botanic Park every Thursday. With beautiful new facility, the intimate 540-seat Pavilion overlooks breathtaking vistas of Mt. Werner, Emerald Mountain and the beautiful Yampa Valley making it an ideal venue to hear world-class music.

Tread of Pioneers Museum
The Tread of Pioneers Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and exhibiting the material relative to the history of Routt County and promoting an appreciation for the area's rich historic heritage. Displays include a 1908 Queen Anne-style Victorian home with Routt County artifacts, a Native American exhibit, a display of western life memorabilia and a history of skiing exhibit.