Specialty Shows & Events

Specialty shows and events are truly unique experiences found only at The MusicFest. These new and longstanding traditions are what make MusicFest a one-of-a-kind festival, now celebrating its 40th year.

Here’s a peek at the special shows and events you can only find at this festival:

For more details, check out the festival app or MusicFest social media.

Daily Specialty Shows:

NEW – Stoker Mid-Day (Noon) Performances: Enjoy live music at the top of the mountain with lunch and a refreshing drink in hand. Ski down or take the gondola up to Thunderhead for incredible views, great food, and live tunes to kick off the afternoon.

NEW – Gravity Haus Tavern LAST CALL (Post Après Ski): Starting at 10 PM, join fellow MusicFesters at the White Rabbitt Tavern inside the cozy Gravity Haus Hotel, just steps from the gondola. This late-night speakeasy features intimate performances, plus a fireplace, full bar, and great food to cap off the day.

NEW – Slopeside MusicFest Nights LATE: The good ole rockin’ MusicFest roadhouse shows now run later than ever. If you’re not ready to throw in the towel, these late-night sets bring the energy and party you’re looking for. You can sleep when you get home!

The MusicFest Open Mic Hosted by Matt Skinner, Presented by Rebecca Creek: Witness future Texas legends at The Dung Beetle Saloon, where talented musicians bare their souls. Several talents discovered here have gone on to the national stage. Earn bragging rights for seeing (and supporting) them from the start.

KRLN-FM Nebraska Radio Show and Interviews: Listen in as Adam Smith interviews artists, industry voices and festival fans in the Grand Hotel Foyer. Always fun, informative, and LIVE on the air — Now that’s genuine, just like our music!

Red Dirt Rebel Live Morning Show Broadcast: Experience the behind-the-scenes of the popular RDR Morning Show LIVE and get a look at how this fun duo broadcasts to listeners on their way to work, school, and beyond (all while you’re on vacation!). Hosted by JR and DeLacey, featuring special MusicFest artists and guests. – The MusicFest Fish Camp.

Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Tune in and join the popular podcast for insider info and candid conversation. Join Bri for witty, non-traditional conversations with special guests, including Shelby Stone, Susan Gibson, Cory Morrow, and Josh Ward. – The MusicFest Fish Camp

AUSTIN-FM Stories, Music and Then Some Hosted by Eric Raines: Join Eric Raines daily for an intimate discussion and song with Dalton Domino, Stoney LaRue, Will Hoge, and Magnolia Brothers. – The MusicFest Fish Camp.

Real Life, Real Music Interview and Songs: Dedicated to preserving the art of songwriting through honest conversation and stripped-down performances. Join Kyle Hutton for in-depth interviews and songs that reveal the stories behind the music with Suzy Bogguss, Cameron Allbright, Kirk House, and Leslie Satcher. – The MusicFest Fish Camp

Specialty Guests of the Festival:

• Adam Smith – Nebraska KRVN FM Rural Radio Network Program Director and radio personality
• Anne Hudson – National iHeartRadio talent, TV personality, podcast host, and official MusicFest emcee
• Brendon Anthony – Director of Big Loud Texas, the record label founded by Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall
• Chip Adams – Texas Music Office Director, supporting and growing the Texas music industry through artist advocacy and community engagement
• Dale Brisby – World’s #1 Cowboy, influencer, and host of the Rodeo Time podcast
• Eric Raines – Radio personality and host of Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country radio station
• JR Rebel – Host of the Red Dirt Rebel Live Morning Show Broadcast and the face of Red Dirt/Texas Country in Lubbock
• Road Dog TX – Hosted by Billy Shank, a Texas Country media platform supporting the young guns of Texas Country
• Shayne Hollinger – Program Director of 95.9 The Ranch and host of the 9 The Ranch Sitdown Podcast
• Tony Gates – Showrunner and Executive Producer of The Texas Music Scene
• The Troubadour Podcast – Hosted by Jared “Pete” Gile and Carly Evans, spotlighting Texas and Red Dirt artists through interviews and storytelling
• The Watering Hole Podcast – Hosted by Rhett and Jager, delivering laid-back conversations with country, Americana, and Texas music artists about life, songwriting, and the road

January 5^th:

• Annual MusicFest Poker and Silent Auction for Great Causes: The annual reunion on check-in day brings MusicFest friends together to raise a glass, continue the holiday spirit, and give back. Join us for a charitable evening at The Grand Hotel Ballroom featuring a poker tournament and silent auction with standout items including autographed MusicFest artist guitars and merchandise, a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo suite package, a LionHeart Cabo offshore sportfishing trip, and a variety of specialty packages. Hosted by The MusicFest first responders and front-line attendees, the event benefits the Helping Underprivileged Citizens and Kids Foundation, also known as the HUCK Foundation. With support from artists, sponsors, and MusicFest participants, more than $300,000 has been raised to date, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting charities through The MusicFest and the HUCK 501 (c)(3) Foundation.

January 6^th:

• Fred Andrews at The Stoker Mid-Day Jam: I was fortunate our paths crossed in the 80s when we were both getting started. I introduced Fred to several artists backstage at a song swap I produced, and they went on to form the highly successful band Honeybrowne. Fred has recently released new work that stands on its own and shows why he continues such a successful music career. Welcome back, Fred. Let’s enjoy it like it’s the 80s again! – J.D.
• Presentation of the Colors and The National Anthem by Hope McGregor: West Point graduate, Distinguished Honor Graduate from U.S. Air Force Flight School, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Helicopter Pilot in Command, Afghanistan tour veteran, and MusicFest 21 Gun Salute by Steamboat VFW Post 4264 and American Legion Post 44, in association with Warhorse Ranch. – The MusicFest Outdoor Stage
• Paul Thorn and Josh Weathers at the Grand Ballroom Matinee: From two different worlds, they share a wealth of songwriting talent, storytelling, plus the wit and humor that is both alike and worlds apart.
• The Matinee Continues…: Don’t you always enjoy those rare moments when the moon and stars align for something positive and incredible, leaving you thinking how lucky you are to be in that place and time? Join the Ballroom matinee following Paul and Josh for Suzy Bogguss, Leslie Satcher, Bruce Robison, and Susan Gibson. An incredible gathering of talent!
• Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Interview with Shelby Stone – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Dalton Domino Stories, Music and Then Some: Hosted by Eric Raines – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Presentation of the Colors and The National Anthem by Jade Marie Patek – The MusicFest Big Tent
• Real Life, Real Music featuring Suzy Bogguss: Interview and songs hosted by Kyle Hutton – The MusicFest Fish Camp

January 7^th:

• Corn Hole and Washer Tournament Sign-Up: Enjoy a fun play/practice day and tourney sign up at Slopeside Beach. Tourney on following days, with sign-ups open while spots last. Benefiting the Steamboat Boys and Girls Club.
• Reliving the 80s and Beyond: Join Infinite Journey for an ode to old school on the Outdoor Stage. The perfect setting to sing out loud and raise a glass as we celebrate 40 years of The MusicFest, which began in the mid-80s.
• The “Classic” Matinee at The Grand Ballroom: Truly legendary, this matinee brings together two amazing Texas icons that have and continue to contribute (for a combined 6+ decades!) to the Texas music landscape with artistic depth matched by few, if any. Join these legends, Jack Ingram and Charlie Sexton, as they share stories, tunes, and so much more. The only time I’ve seen these two share their talent together was during a late night MusicFest jam… and it’s still hard to put into words. – J.D.
• And the “Classic” Matinee Continues: The Grand Ballroom welcomes two multi-award-winning gentlemen responsible for the country music soundtracks of our lives. Paul Overstreet, MusicFest Artists’ Tribute to a Legend honoree, and Dean Dillon (George Strait…) will perform hit after hit while sharing the stories and adventures behind the songs.
• Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Interview with Susan Gibson, songwriter behind “Wide Open Spaces”– The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Willie Nelson’s – Red Headed Stranger Show at Timber and Torch: How many of y’all know the impact Steamboat had on Willie writing this iconic album? Matt Hillyer leads an all-star band, along with special guests, to share this amazing work that helped change country music as we know it… and he’ll explain the Willie and Steamboat connection.
• Stoney LaRue Stories, Music and Then Some: Hosted by Eric Raines – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Cypress Valley Band Throwback Nite at Timber and Torch: From the deep southern Cajun Louisiana roots, Cypress Valley shows another side that will have you dancing and singin’ like no one’s watching. Classic to current rock songs and more, delivered with exceptional musicianship that will keep you in awe as they belt it out your favorite tunes.
• Real Life, Real Music featuring Cameron Allbright: Interview and songs hosted by Kyle Hutton – The MusicFest Fish Camp

January 8^th:

• Corn Hole Tournament at Slopeside Beach: Outdoor games are our thing! Win great prizes! Benefiting the Steamboat Boys and Girls Club.
• The MusicFest Artists’ Tribute to a Legend Honoring Paul Overstreet: This year’s tribute celebrates the extraordinary songwriting career of Paul Overstreet and the lasting impact his songs have had on country music. Emceed by Chip Adams, Director of the Texas Music Office. Join MusicFest artists as they perform many of Paul’s most iconic works while sharing the stories behind the songs that became the soundtrack of so many lives. Free tickets for MusicFest participants are required (limited availability) – see MusicFest social media or the welcome bag insert for details on how to claim your tickets. – The Grand Hotel Ballroom Matinee
• Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Interview with Cory Morrow – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Will Hoge Stories, Music and Then Some: Hosted by Eric Raines – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Get Your 80’s (Attire) ON!: The MusicFest was founded in 1986, and the music of those early years was greatly influenced by the sounds of the time… across all genres. Because we embrace all types of fun at the fest, ask anyone who experienced the wild nights at the FULL Tent with Vanilla Ice, the Beatles, Stones, tribute nights… Tonight, we’re rocking it out in the spirit of the most popular music of the 80s with professional cover bands dedicated to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mötley Crüe, and Journey, with some dressing the part. Arriving early is HIGHLY ADVISED to assure best chance to be part of this celebration.
• Real Life, Real Music featuring Kirk House: Interview and songs hosted by Kyle Hutton – The MusicFest Fish Camp

January 9^th:

• The MusicFest World Finals Washer Tournament: An outdoor mountain competition set in one of the most beautiful backyards. Enjoy food and drinks while watching competitors battle for bragging rights and great prizes at Slopeside Beach. Benefiting the Steamboat Boys and Girls Club.
• Chicken “Drop” Bingo: Support the Steamboat Springs FFA at their annual fundraiser featuring live chickens, a bingo board, and an enthusiastic crowd! Complete with a Doug Moreland wood carved prize. – The General Store Trailer/base area at 2:00 PM
• The Grand Ballroom Matinee “Elvis Stage Show”: Start the afternoon with the next generation of talented artists and earn bragging rights for seeing (and supporting) them as they hit the national scene. Performed on what we call the “Elvis Stage,” set in the center of the ballroom and surrounded by your chairs, this intimate experience is what MusicFest is known for. From the start, MusicFest has hosted breakout artists. Just look at our history, past and recent, for proof of our track record!
• Continue the Matinee “Elvis Stage” Experience: Legends of MusicFest artists come together for the Reckless Kelly and Friends show. We’d provide you a description, but every time it’s different and somehow tops the one before. Fair warning, this show always fills to capacity, so arrive before doors open.
• Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Interview with Josh Ward – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Skynyrd/Southern Rock Fans: Join Lone Star Skynyrd, the Texas based band, in the intimate yet rockin’ room of Timber and Torch. Enjoy exemplary tunes that helped shape Southern music and lifestyle. Plus, for those with a good ear, indulge in the incredible musicianship emulating each impeccable note, including the wall of guitar sound after you scream “Freeee Bird”!
• Magnolia Brothers Stories, Music and Then Some: Hosted by Eric Raines – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Outdoor Stage at Dusk: The longstanding torchlight mountain parade and fireworks show. Following Zach Top’s performance, enjoy these famous New Year’s traditions presented by Steamboat Ski Resort Corporation, specially for MusicFest in celebration of the 40th. Never before experienced at MusicFest, provided by Steamboat Ski Resort Corporation, who welcomes us to the mountain that becomes our home and place of celebration for the week.
• Real Life, Real Music featuring Leslie Satcher: Interview and songs hosted by Kyle Hutton – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• T-Head: Enjoy the spectacular views on the gondola ride up for Dalton Domino’s unique (and fun) stories, exceptional songwriting, and delivery. Followed by Matt Hillyer and Gary Braun (of Micky and The Motorcars) for a “Wrap Around Party,” joined by the beautiful talents of Liz Foster and Kelley Mickwee (both of The Trishas), along with Courtney Patton. While a “Wrap Around” doesn’t require drinking, it definitely helps!

Check the MusicFest app and MusicFest social media for schedule information, plus any additions or updates.

We encourage you to research all artists and their amazing talent, contributions to the genuine music of The MusicFest, and the impact they have worldwide.