Did you know there are many events in Crested Butte and Gunnison? See live music, take an art class, volunteer, play trivia, watch (or participate in) a ski or bike race, and more! Check this calendar to see what’s going on.
Join us for a collaboration with the Crested Butte Center for the ArtsÕ Mountain Words Festival with a free author talk at the Gunnison Library on Friday, May 23th at 6pm. Author Kevin Grange will discuss his latest book, Grizzly Confidential: An Astounding Journey into the Secret Life of North AmericaÕs Most Fearsome Predator. About the book: His quest takes him from his home in the Tetons to an eerie, mist-shrouded island of gigantic bruins; from the Bear Center at Washington State UniversityÑwhere scientists believe the secrets of hibernation might help treat diabetes, heart disease, and obesity in humansÑto the dark underbelly of for-profit wildlife parks, illegal animal trade and black markets hawking bear bile. Along the way, he meets fascinating biologists and activists and discovers that everything he knew about grizzlies was wrong. Ultimately, his odyssey leads him to find answers on a remote corner of the Alaskan Peninsula where, for the last fifty years, humans have coexisted peacefully alongside the largest gathering of brown bears on the planet. Grizzly Confidential is about bears but also the inspiring people who look after them. This is a fast-paced, gripping story that educates, entertains, and gives a sneak peek into the secret life of a well-known species. Part science, part travelogue, and a passionate plea for bear conservation, Grizzly Confidential is a lively account for anyone who loves the outdoors and learning about the natural world. About the author: Kevin Grange is a former National Park Ranger and the award-winning author of Wild Rescues: A ParamedicÕs Extreme Adventures in Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton, along with Beneath Blossom Rain: Discovering Bhutan on the Toughest Trek in the World. His newest book, Grizzly Confidential: An Astounding Journey into the Secret Life of North AmericaÕs Most Fearsome Predator was published in September 2024 by Harper Horizon. Aside from writing, Kevin works as a firefighter paramedic with Jackson Hole Fire/EMS, lectures frequently at writing and wilderness medical conferences, and enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and trail running with his wife and golden retriever in the Tetons. Visit him at: www.kevingrange.com
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!