Specialty Shows & Events

Specialty shows and events are truly unique experiences found only at The MusicFest. These new and longstanding traditions are what make The MusicFest a one-of-a-kind festival, now in its 39th year.

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

For more details, check out the festival app, The MusicFest social media, or the welcome bag insert.

Daily Specialty Shows:

NEW – Stoker Mid-Day (Noon) Performances: Enjoy Live music on top of the mountain with lunch and a refreshing drink in hand. Whether you’re skiing down or taking the Gondola up, make your way to Thunderhead’s Stoker Bar and Grill for incredible views, delicious food, and live MusicFest tunes to kick off a great afternoon.

NEW – Gravity Haus Tavern LAST CALL: Starting at 10 PM, join fellow MusicFesters at the White Rabbit Tavern, located in the cozy Gravity Haus Hotel on the slopes, just steps from the Gondola lift. By popular demand and following the earlier Après Ski “MF Happy Hours,” this late-night “MusicFest speakeasy” will showcase The MusicFest artists in an intimate mountainside tavern, complete with a fireplace, full bar, and delicious food – the perfect way to cap off a great day.

NEW – Slopeside MusicFest Nights LATE: By popular demand, the good ole Rockin’ MusicFest Roadhouse shows will extend late into the night like never before. For those not ready to throw in the towel, these shows will provide the energy and party you’re looking for. You can sleep when you get home!

The MusicFest Open Mic (Hosted by Matt Skinner): Witness future Texas legends at The Dung Beetle Saloon, where talented musicians bare their souls. Many talents have been discovered at this iconic venue and have gone on to the national stage. MusicFesters can earn bragging rights for seeing (and supporting) them from the start.

AUSTIN-FM Stories, Music, and Then Some Hosted by Eric Raines: Join Thom Shepherd and Coley McCabe as they discuss Trop Rock and the Texas Luau Fest, Cory Morrow and his incredible influence on Texas music (and The MusicFest), The Wilder Blue’s rise to stardom, and Django Walker carrying on the Jerry Jeff Walker traditions — including the new tasty JJW Sangria Wine…. ONLY at The MusicFest Fish Camp.

Real Life, Real Music Interview and Songs: Join Kyle Hutton for in-depth conversations and performances with those making big waves in the scene. Catch up on Randall King’s sensational rise, learn about the beautiful Kat Hasty’s influencer indulgence, enjoy the creative and always funny Paul Thorn, and hear from Hope McGregor, a West Point grad, Afghan tour helicopter pilot, and musician discovered at The MusicFest Open Mic. – The MusicFest Fish Camp

Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Tune in to the new and popular podcast for insider info and candid conversation (with clothes on — most of the time). Join Bri for witty, non-traditional conversations with special guests, including Max Stalling, Sundance Head, Brendon Anthony (Big Loud Music radio executive), and Dale Brisby (cowboy influencer and personality). – The MusicFest Fish Camp

The Ranch Radio/Fort Worth Artists and Industry Interviews: Engage in Q&A sessions with radio personality Shayne Hollinger and various artists and industry experts, as they delve into current releases, industry trends, and more. – Various MusicFest Locations

Red Dirt Rebel Live Morning Show Broadcast: Grab a bloody mary and experience the popular RDR Morning Show LIVE and get a behind-the-scenes 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 Roberta, featuring special MusicFest artists and guests at The MusicFest Fish Camp.

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

Specialty Guests of the Festival: (Check the festival app for bios and appearances)

• Anne Hudson – The beautiful and talented TV, social media and radio personality, and official MusicFest emcee
• Brendon Anthony – Director of Big Loud Texas, the record label founded by Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall
• Dale Brisby – World’s #1 Cowboy, influencer, and popular podcaster
• Eric Raines – Radio personality and host of Austin’s 95.9 country radio station
• J.B. Zielke – Author of The Lost Cowboy and musician favorite
• Josh Crutchmer – The New York Times and Rolling Stone writer, well-known Texas/Red Dirt author, and author of Red Dirt Unplugged, The Motel Cowboy Show, and Red Dirt
• Kyle Hutton – Host, singer/songwriter, and founder of the acoustic series Real Life, Real Music
• JR & Roberta – Hosts of the Red Dirt Rebel Live Morning Show Broadcast and the faces of Red Dirt/Texas Country in Lubbock
• Adam Smith – KRVN-FM Rural Radio Network Program Director

January 6^th:

Annual MusicFest Poker and Silent Auction for Great Causes: It’s the Annual reunion on check-in day, where we raise a glass with old and new friends, continuing the holiday spirit while making a difference for others. Join us for a charitable evening at The Steamboat Grand Ballroom, featuring a poker tournament and silent auction with incredible items, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo/Concert Suite Package, private shows by The MusicFest artists, Charlie Robison autographed items, a Big Cabo Fest Vacation & Concert Package for Two, Luxury Sportfishing Charter, George Strait and The MusicFest artists’ autographed guitars, and much more.

This event is brought to you by The MusicFest first responders and front-line attendees. Over a quarter million dollars has been raised to date, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting charities supported by The MusicFest and the HUCK 501(c)(3) Foundation.

January 7^th:

• Presentation of the Colors and The National Anthem by Hope McGregor: West Point graduate, Distinguished Honor Graduate from U.S. Army Flight School, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Helicopter Pilot in Command, RC-East Afghanistan tour veteran, graduate of SERE, Air Assault, and Airborne schools, and The MusicFest artist. – The MusicFest Outdoor Stage
• Presentation of the Colors and The National Anthem by Kylie Frey – The Big Tent
• Big Loud Texas and the Texas Music Office Present the Singer/Songwriter All-Star Matinee: Moderated by Brendon Anthony, featuring the exceptional music of Bruce Robison, Jon Randall, Jack Ingram, Hayes Carll, Django Walker, Leslie Satcher and Ty Myers (What a line-up!) – The Steamboat Grand Ballroom
• Reckless Kelly: Au revoir – The Big Tent
• Hayes and The Heathens: The new supergroup collaboration featuring Hayes Carll and The Band of Heathens. – The Steamboat Grand Ballroom
• Josh Abbott, Cleto Cordero of Flatland Cavalry, William Clark Green, and John Baumann: A rare opportunity for lucky MusicFest attendees to experience this incredible lineup in the intimate and unique setting of The MusicFest Fish Camp.
• Trop Rock and The Lonestar Luau with Thom Shepherd and Coley McCabe: Stories, Music, and Then Some hosted by Eric Raines of Austin-FM – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Real Life, Real Music featuring Randall King: Interview and songs hosted by Kyle Hutton – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Interview with Max Stalling – The MusicFest Fish Camp

January 8^th:

• A Special Evening with the Traveling Red River Songwriters, plus Bruce Robison and John Fullbright: Take a scenic ride on the Gondola to the top of the mountain for an evening of storytelling and exceptional music. A set by Bruce and John, followed by the Texas singer-songwriter all-star group, consisting of Susan Gibson, Walt Wilkins, Drew Kennedy, Josh Grider, and Kelley Mickwee. (See the festival app for MusicFest-only free tickets to ensure access) – Thunderhead Stargazers Series
• Happy Birthday Elvis with Matt Hillyer and his MusicFest band: Join the multi-talented, guitar-slinging Hillyer and his star-studded band as they celebrate The King’s birthday –Timber & Torch
• Cody Canada and Mike McClure Yellow House Songwriting Session (and Songs): Let’s crack open the door to the famous Yellow House and see how some of your all-time favorite Red Dirt songs were penned. Join this stellar songwriting duo and help them write another hit – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Wade Bowen’s Song Café Matinee: Featuring Leslie Satcher, Heather Morgan, and Eric Paslay. Guaranteed to blow you away! Get up close with a center-of-the-room stage at The Steamboat Grand Ballroom.
• Ladies First: Enjoy the angelic harmonies and beautiful camaraderie of Courtney Patton, Liz Foster, Heather Stalling, Bri Bagwell, and Kelley Mickwee. A MusicFest Exclusive – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• The Reckless Kelly and Friends Matinee: A MusicFest classic and a must-see annual showcase of talent curated by the infamous (in the best way) Reckless Kelly clan. Intimate center-of-the-room stage – The Steamboat Grand Ballroom
• Cory Morrow Stories, Music, and Then Some: Hosted by Eric Raines of Austin-FM – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Real Life, Real Music featuring Kat Hasty: Interview and songs hosted by Kyle Hutton – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Interview with Brendon Anthony, Big Loud Texas executive – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Dale Brisby, Cowboy Influencer & Self-Proclaimed World-Class Top-Ranked Rodeo Legend Meet & Greet: Get an autograph and chat with Dale – The MusicFest Outdoor General Store 2:00pm-3:00pm
• Corn Hole and Washer Tournament Sign-Up: Enjoy a fun play/practice day and tourney sign up at Slopeside Sign-ups are based on availability, and the tournament will take place on the following days.

January 9^th:

• The MusicFest Artists’ Tribute to a Legend Honoring Charlie Robison: The music community experienced a tremendous loss last year with Charlie’s passing. This year’s tribute will celebrate his music, which shaped many styles and continues to influence the music we hear today. The show will start with a video by Tony Gates with an introduction by Josh Crutchmer (The New York Times/Rolling Stone/Journalist and Author). The MusicFest artists, along with Charlie’s siblings, will share their favorite songs and stories. Additionally, there will be a special announcement from members of the Robison family. Free tickets for The MusicFest participants are required (limited availability) – see The MusicFest social media or the welcome bag insert for details on how to claim your tickets – The Steamboat Grand Ballroom
• Pat Green and Cory Morrow Old-Time Friends’ Collaboration: Revisit the “Songs We Wish We’d Written” Album and more – Thunderhead Stargazers Series
• The Throwback Thursday Singalong: Get ready to party to the ultimate throwback tunes that’ll have you singing and dancing like you mean it! From Michael Jackson to the Doobie Brothers, and maybe even something for the Swifties too! Cypress Valley Band’s incredible instrumentals, vocals, and high-energy vibes will seal the deal for an unforgettable good time. ONLY at The MusicFest! – Slopeside MusicFest Roadhouse Nights
• The Wilder Blue Stories, Music, and Then Some: Hosted by Eric Raines of Austin-FM – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Real Life, Real Music featuring Paul Thorn: Interview and songs hosted by Kyle Hutton – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Interview with Dale Brisby, Cowboy Influencer – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Josh Crutchmer (The New York Times/Rolling Stone/Journalist and Author) Book Signing: Be the first to get a personalized copy of Crutchmer’s 2025 book release Red Dirt Unplugged on the stories and history of Red Dirt/Texas Music – The MusicFest General Store at The Steamboat Grand Hotel 4:45pm-5:45pm
• Corn Hole Tournament at Slopeside Beach: Outdoor games are our thing! Win great prizes!

January 10^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 vie for bragging rights and great prizes all at Slopeside
• Dos Borrachos Featuring Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager: Grab your friends, a cold drink, and take a trip to the beach—Cabo style! Get ready for high-energy tunes, hilarious banter, and plenty of good ol’ fashioned fun at The MusicFest Outdoor Stage, right at the base of the mountain.
• Roger Creager’s “Piano Man Show”: A crowd favorite, featuring the best hits of Texas music, along with popular sing-along covers from the ’80s, ’90s, and beyond. Throwback Fun! – Thunderhead Star Gazers Series
• Susan Gibson and Robyn Ludwick: A talented duo with a longtime friendship, sharing a special song swap that includes the writer of The Chicks hits and Charlie Robison’s sister. Join them for great stories and songs at The Stoker Sunset Shows.
• Sour Bridges followed by Uncle Lucius: An intimate, one-of-a-kind show pairing that will leave those who experience it saying, “You had to be there.” Don’t miss this unforgettable night! – Timber & Torch
• Chicken “Drop” Bingo: Support the Steamboat Springs FFA at their annual fundraiser, featuring live chickens, a bingo board, and an encouraging crowd! Complete with a Doug Moreland wood carved prize – The MusicFest Outdoor General Store/base area at 2:00pm
• The Cowboy Gathering with Andy Hedges: Intro by The Lost Cowboy author, J.B. Zielke. Join Andy Hedges, Brenn Hill and Ned LeDoux as they share authentic cowboy songs, stories, and humor from the trail, followed by the incredible Suzy Bogguss. A truly wonderful western-style matinee at The Steamboat Grand
• Django Walker Stories, Music, and Then Some: Hosted by Eric Raines of Austin-FM – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Real Life, Real Music featuring Hope MacGregor: Interview and songs hosted by Kyle Hutton – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• Only Vans Podcast Recording with your Host Bri Bagwell: Interview with Sundance Head – The MusicFest Fish Camp
• J.B. Zielke The Lost Cowboy Book Signing: Dive into firsthand stories of cowboying in far reaching places of the world (you might think he’s from another planet!). From feral bulls and outback rodeos to bank truck robberies, it’s wild, dangerous, and filled with humor – The MusicFest General Store at The Steamboat Grand Hotel 4:45pm-5:45pm
• Courtney Patton “In Concert”: Experience Courtney plugged-in, featuring The Midnight River Choir band. – The Steamboat Grand Ballroom
• Wade Bowen’s “The Finale Show”: NEW, the popular multi-decade tradition at The MusicFest moves to the Big Tent for a new style show, featuring the ultimate sing-along and a send-off until next year. It’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable show! – The Big Tent

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