Explore events and things to do in Gunnison and Crested Butte, from weekend festivals and live music to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay, there’s always something happening in the Gunnison Valley. Find events happening today, this weekend, and throughout the year across every season. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in Gunnison and Crested Butte.
Looking for events this weekend? Browse upcoming happenings below.
Join us for the opening reception of the Crested Butte Community School Art Show. Led under the instruction of Nathan Motsinger, these talented students are ready and excited to show the community all the hard work they have put into their artwork over the past year. Come support these emerging artists, connect with fellow community […]
Discover the magic of making more with less at our community potluck inspired by Something from Nothing: A Cookbook by Alison Roman! This collection celebrates the art of cooking with what you have-turning pantry staples and everyday ingredients into dishes that feel abundant, satisfying, and full of flavor. Pick up a copy at Townie Books […]
The Mountain Words Festival is a multi-day literary festival featuring readings, workshops, kids' events, parties, panel discussions, and more. It offers a variety of paid and free events. Join us this Memorial Day weekend and meet some of your favorite authors!
Why do so many persistent myths, superstitions, and folk beliefs arise? Why does our social brain love stories that feel true over facts that are true? Shane's newest show explores how the weirdest, funniest misunderstandings in human history come from our very human minds. Expect to laugh and learn in equal measure as we explore: […]
In preparation for the Speed Puzzle Competition on June 19 + 20, join us for a playful, fast-paced evening of puzzles, friendly competition, and community connection. Whether youÕre a seasoned speed puzzler or just in it for the fun, this interactive event invites you to jump in, team up, and test your skills across a […]
Join filmmaker Bjarne Salen for a special evening screening of three unreleased episodes from his new series Fika With Bjarne. Filmed in a raw, cinematic style, the series follows Bjarne as he steps into the everyday lives of athletes and public figures, leading to intimate conversations over a traditional Swedish "fika": a simple coffee break […]
Crested Butte, CO based Floodgate Operators know a thing or two about getting the party started. Founded in 2018, Floodgate Operators have grown from a dive bar bluegrass act to a force of original music and showmanship which has earned them praise throughout the Rocky Mountain West. The band has released three records, Drought Driven […]
On June 19 and 20, 2026, Crested Butte will be hosting its first-ever speed puzzling competition at the Center for the Arts Crested Butte. Speed puzzling is a fast-growing competitive sport where competitors race to assemble a jigsaw puzzle the quickest. June 19 will have a tournament of Jigsaw Puzzle Chess (a quick one-on-one race), […]
At just 18, Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound is quickly turning heads across the country. Born in the mountains of North Carolina and raised along the rugged coast of Mendocino, California, she blends rock and Americana with the improvisational spirit of the jam-band tradition, creating a sound that feels […]
Seratones are a Shreveport, Louisiana-bred band led by powerhouse vocalist A.J. Haynes, known for fusing rock, soul, funk, R&B, and electronic textures into a sound that feels both fiercely modern and deeply rooted. Across their evolution, the group has built a reputation for pairing explosive musicianship with music that carries real emotional and cultural weight. […]
Formed over two decades ago, the funk six-piece The Motet have learned to work as an interlocking unit, with each member bolstering one another towards the best creative output. This symbiosis has led to a unique style and cohesive musical chemistry, as seen in the band's immaculate live performances and seamless blend of funk, soul, […]
The Fort Smith Arkansas native, JD Clayton, released his debut album Long Way From Home, early last year which has received overwhelming critical acclaim. There's no artifice surrounding the Arkansas-born singer and songwriter. No glitz. No pretension or mythology. JD Clayton's sound, and where he chooses to make it-Arkansas, the most western of the southern […]
Gunnison Valley is also host to several beloved annual events. A classic winter event is The Alley Loop, a Nordic ski race that doubles as a costume contest. In fall, Mt. Crested Butte hosts the famous Chili and Beer Festival. Every summer in Gunnison, a crowd gathers to watch America’s fourth-oldest rodeo, Cattlemen’s Days. There are also festivals in Crested Butte that celebrate local art, music, wildflowers, and more. Attending an annual event is a good way to connect with the culture of the Gunnison Valley. You might even create a new tradition for you and your family and friends!
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