All Your Favorite Music Venues on One Mountain
What’s your style? Chances are, however and wherever you like to take in your favorite music, we’ve got a venue to suit you. Kick up your heels in Colorado’s largest dancehall (only at The MusicFest) or in a luxury ballroom. Experience rockin’ Texas sounds while taking in the nostalgia of an old theater or a classical music hall. Or soak up the music in a variety of other comfortable, intimate, seated settings—we’ve got you covered. The beauty and magic of The MusicFest is that you can drift easily from one venue to the next, or sit back and enjoy that one special place that suits your style. It’s all part of MusicFest’s truly exceptional sporting and musical experience! Enjoy good people, great music and the best of times.
MOUNTAIN-SIZED BONUS CONCERT SERIES
One of the few venues open to the public at MusicFest, the one-of-a-kind Outdoor Mountain-Sized Bonus Concert Series has become a favorite tradition for festival-goers and locals alike. Located at the base of the slopes, with the majestic Rockies as a backdrop to your favorite bands, it’s a concert setting unlike any other. In the early days of MusicFest, a trailer with a small stage was rolled in each January. The locals may have thought the Texans were crazy to watch a live show under softly falling snow, but it wasn’t long before this venue became one of the most popular spots for the entire Steamboat community. After a few years of outstanding performances by snow-clad musicians on that portable stage, Steamboat built a permanent stage now hosting exceptional MusicFest performances that you can ski right up to!
The MusicFest Dancehall
One of the most iconic venues at the MusicFest, The Big MusicFest Tent is hard to miss. Known for being “the largest dance hall in the Rockies” this massive, climate-controlled tent hosts some of the most high-energy full band shows seen anywhere. With a state-of-the-art sound and lights system and some of the best touring acts in Texas country and Red Dirt Music on the bill, this venue is the place to be each evening.
“There’s enough music, to where, if you do miss a couple of your favorite band, man, you’ll still get 25 more favorites.”
Roger Creager
Named for the original “Dung Beetle Saloon” at an old convenience store in Hallettsville, Texas, this MusicFest venue keeps the good times rollin’. Featuring over twelve hours a day of intimate, acoustic music, this popular venue is the definition of what MusicFest is all about – good times, good music and cold drinks with like-minded friends. From hosting up-close and personal performances by such high-caliber artists Randy Rogers, William Clark Green, and Shane Smith to the welcoming and supportive daily open mic – this venue offers exclusive acoustic music experiences not found anywhere else in the world.
TURN THE PAGE: BEAR RIVER BECOMES THE TIMBER & TORCH
The MusicFest hosts shows in many venues over the years, but the “Bear River” is where the magic began. A cozy bar nestled at the foot of Mt. Werner, the Bear River is a haven for skiers and boarders to warm up, enjoy après-ski options and share their stories of thrills and spills on the slopes. In the 1980s, while the festival was “trying out” various ski resorts, founder of the trip John Dickson produced the first live music in the cozy après ski bar “Buddy’s Run” which then became known as “Bear River.” It was the quintessential “After the Slopes” party kicking off a full evening of more music at the two other available “venues.”
“I’ve seen minimal cosmetic changes to this room over the years, but nothing like what is being done today. Timber and Torch provides an exceptional new music experience like no other at the same amazing location” says Dickson.
In the decades since those fateful shows, the Bear River stage has hosted hundreds of hours of top-notch music for not only powder-dusted skiers, but for the most avid music fans around. The stage has hosted legendary songwriters, and new up-and-comers alike, and the walls still reverberate with the energy of past performances like a well-worn acoustic guitar.
Torch & Timber holds all the charm and history of our beloved Bear River, while offering a much more comfortable listening experience.
“Don’t know how you do it, but each year just gets better than the last. Can’t wait to see what next year brings.”
Daniel S.
Located at the heart of the mountain-base in the luxurious Steamboat Grand Ballroom, this venue has hosted many of MusicFest’s most popular shows. Home to the esteemed MusicFest Artists’ Tribute to a Legend each year, this venue has seen some of the rarest performances on the mountain – including tributes to living legends Robert Earl Keen, Gary P. Nunn, Doug Sahm, Guy Clark, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and many more!
This legendary spot on the slopes is known for its happy hour. Now MusicFest guests can experience a rotating lineup of stripped down happy hour performances. A cozy bar and restaurant vibe welcomes festival-goers back from a long day on the slopes. Grab a drink, sit down, and swap stories-right up until one of The MusicFest’s vaunted songwriters plugs in and serenades you with acoustic renditions of some of the best Red Dirt and Texas Country has to offer. The music at PTom’s MF Happy Hour officially means The MusicFest has the whole mountain surrounded with music!
“The MusicFest never disappoints”
Stephanie W.
After the sun goes down, the popular pub and eatery turns into a tuned-in and turned-up indoor venue. It’s the classic festival tavern, but plugged in. Join the party to enjoy great food and drinks while three different performers put on a rockin’ shows each night.
One of the most popular restaurants in Steamboat Springs, Slopeside Grill is now one of the newest MusicFest venues. The family friendly, ski-in affair at the base of Mount Werner will host an ice bar outdoors and daily acoustic concert for hungry festival-goers. This is also the new location of the much loved Washer & Cornhole Tournaments. Ski up, grab lunch and a drink with tunes and some of the best views.
Information Coming Soon
Get up-close and personal with your favorite artists in our all new Media Lounge open to the public. See artist interviews by a variety of media outlets including national and international radio hosts, television hosts, and social media personalities. With behind-the-scenes experiences like this, it remains a true testament there’s no other festival like The MusicFest.
“MusicFest is probably the coolest music festival out there. The atmosphere, artists and just the all around vibe is unmatched by any other festival I’ve been to!”
Rylee F.
Stargazer Series
This lofty listening room is one of the festival’s signature venues. Only at MusicFest can you take a picturesque gondola ride up 3,000 feet for a high-altitude music experience like no other. These rare mountaintop concerts are a truly uplifting experience, both musically and in reaching the Thunderhead destination!
Introducing
For 35 years, The MusicFest has made it our mission to provide guests with great music, in a wide variety of terrific and exclusive venues for the best festival experience possible. In keeping with that spirit, we’re proud to welcome you to The MusicFest Stoker Sunset Shows! Steamboat’s bigger, better, faster world-class gondola will whisk you to the top of the mountain for spectacular sunsets and Rocky Mountain views as you enjoy your favorite entertainment among friends. Welcome to The Musicfest on top, grab some grub and tasty beverages, and nestle into a comfy chair—you’re about to experience some of the best performances and most beautiful views MusicFest has to offer!