Gunnison Valley Events Calendar
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.
Winter Grand Traverse
The Grand Traverse was conceived by Jan Runge in the 1900s. The race route was partially based on the historic mail routes that connected the Colorado mining towns of Crested Butte and Aspen in the 1880s. It also drew inspiration from the Patrouille des Glaciers, a point-to-point ski race in Switzerland. With the support of the community, Runge sent a brave field of competitors from Crested Butte over the Elk Mountains to Aspen in March of 1998, and the extraordinary Grand Traverse backcountry ski race was born. In 2012, event ownership was transferred to Crested Butte Nordic. The race is now a major fundraiser for the organization. In 2014, The Grand Traverse summer events were launched. Now, The Grand Traverse features a winter ski race, a summer mountain run, and a summer mountain bike.
Related Events
Annual events in Crested Butte and Gunnison
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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