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.

  • Opera Lollipops

    Center for the Arts Crested Butte 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO

    What do Axe Body Spray, British Airways, Coca Cola, Doritos, Jean Paul Gaultier, Fiat, Milton Bradley, Nestle, Maxell, Olive Garden, Rice Krispies, Scrubbing Bubbles, Toyota, and Volvo all have in common? OPERA! Even if you think you don't know anything about opera, you have almost certainly heard many of the most famous operatic arias, duets, […]

    $35
  • 2026 Crested Butte Arts Festival

    Elk Avenue Crested Butte

    The 54th Annual, Crested Butte Arts Festival will return to historic Elk Avenue, July 31 - August 2, 2026. The outdoor event presents 150 exhibiting fine art vendors in addition to - live entertainment stage, silent art auction, food vendors and complimentary kids crafting tent throughout the weekend.

    FREE
  • Sundays @ 6 | Quartz Alley Combo & Kroshack

    Legion Park Gunnison, CO, United States

    Sundays @ 6 is a free summer concert series in Legion Park, featuring live music every Sunday evening along with food trucks, artisan booths, face painting and special VIP events. Running June 21 - August 9, 2026 August 2nd: Quartz Alley Combo: Approaches every musical opportunity with a focus on free, creative expression, stretching traditional […]

    Free
  • The Crane Wives

    The Live from Mt. Crested Butte (presented by the Mt. Crested Butte Town Center Community Association) series returns! The Crane Wives will take the stage on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Join us at the Red Lady Stage in the Crested Butte Mountain Resort Base Area for free live music. Local opener at 5:30 pm. All […]

    Free
  • Glimmer Show Opening

    Gunnison Arts Center 102 South Main St, Gunnison, CO, United States

    So often, our gaze is drawn toward what is fractured or unresolved. This work moves in the opposite direction, turning instead toward the subtle, shimmering moments that exist alongside it all. The ones that are easily overlooked, but quietly persistent. Each photograph holds a fragment of that light. A brief but mighty alignment of presence, […]

    Free to Attend!
  • Try the Wheel: Date Night / Friends Night

    Gunnison Arts Center 102 South Main St, Gunnison, CO, United States

    Join us during First Friday Art Walks for a relaxed evening of clay. Have a drink, try the wheel with friends or a partner, and enjoy a welcoming, beginner-friendly studio - no experience required. Instructor: Lauren Roullier. $42 Member | $50 Non-Member

    $50
  • Exhibit Opening Reception

    Terrible Mountain Gallery 409 Main St, Pitkin, CO, United States

    Join us for an evening celebrating the distinct visions of artists Carol Connor and Sarah Schmidt in the Ascent & Confluence Exhibit Rooms at Terrible Mountain Gallery. *Charcuterie Provided

    Free
  • Sundays @ 6 | Opal Moon

    Legion Park Gunnison, CO, United States

    Sundays @ 6 is a free summer concert series in Legion Park, featuring live music every Sunday evening along with food trucks, artisan booths, face painting and special VIP events. Running June 21 - August 9, 2026 August 9: Opal Moon Evelyn Roper is planted in roots music. Her songwriting reflects that with an emphasis […]

    Free
  • Structure + Chaos: Gallery Reception

    Center for the Arts Crested Butte 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO

    Join us for the Gallery Reception of Timothy White & Steve Belz: Structure + Chaos! Featuring new works in mixed media and ceramics by Tim White and Steve Belz, Structure + Chaos is a dual exploration of the push and pull between human systems and the natural world, and the often messy interface between our […]

    Free
  • Tunes at 10 Peaks

    Umbrella Bar Ten Peaks - Top of Painter Boy Lift

    Tunes at 10 Peaks, a Sunday afternoon Music Series presented by KBUT and CBMR. Select Sundays from 2-5pm in late Summer. August 16th is Sam Heart.

    Free
  • All About Color: Painting Workshop with Beth Zink

    Center for the Arts Crested Butte 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO

    Spend a fun day with artist and instructor Beth Zink, exploring the properties of color, and how to use color to achieve a variety of effects in your paintings. It is a hands-on "color 101" approach, with all of us mixing, and testing our own "recipes" in our individual notebooks. We will also create some […]

    $195
  • Artlaws of the Southwest Third Thursday Art Pop Up

    Hey all! We are a collective of artists in Gunnison County redefining what it means to create in community. Come have a blast with us at our Third Thursday Art Pop Up! There will be a wide variety of local artists and live musicians, including some that will be hosting interactive booths such as printmaking, […]

    Free

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!
View Annual Events

Nordic skiers race in two lines dressed in costumes on a snowy downtown street