Crested Butte + Gunnison

2026 Crested Butte Arts Festival
2026-08-01 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-02 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, 81224
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.

Bill Dowell
2026-08-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Elevation Hotel and Spa, 500 Gothic Rd., Crested Butte, CO, 81224

Opera Lollipops
2026-08-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224
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, and themes that have been used to promote dozens of products in television advertising. Now is your chance to enjoy hearing them performed by some glorious Colorado singers, accompanied by a fabulous little orchestra. The concert is called “Opera Lollipops,” and you will have a unique opportunity to hear many of these familiar tunes on Saturday, August 1, at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte. If you thought you didn’t like opera, you are promised a thrilling night out listening to music you didn’t know you knew! And what aria has been used the most of all? It is the tenor hit, “La Donna e Mobile” (“the woman is fickle”) from Verdi’s Rigoletto, and that will most definitely be included in the program.

Matt & Madeline Shugert
2026-08-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Elevation Hotel and Spa, 500 Gothic Rd., Crested Butte, CO, 81224

Sundays @ 6 | Quartz Alley Combo & Kroshack
2026-08-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Legion Park, Gunnison, CO, 81230, 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 harmonies and rhythms to sometimes whimsical ends. Bass, drums, and guitar comprise the core trio, with keys and horn players rotating in when larger ensembles are called for. Kroshack: Just a lonely traveler trying to find a spot in this big and intimidating world. Talent meets wonder and creativity.

Alpenglow: Hand Turkey
2026-08-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224
Denver-based band Hand Turkey delivers high-energy, groove-driven tunes designed to keep audiences on their feet. Originally formed in 2020 as a quartet of high school and college friends, the group has since grown into a dynamic seven-piece ensemble featuring powerful lead vocals, punchy horns, and a dexterous rhythm section. Drawing from diverse musical backgrounds-from jazz composition to musical theater-Hand Turkey brings a fresh, genre-blending spin to classic funk, fusion, and pop.

Art of Alignment
2026-08-04 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-08-11 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-08-18 09:00 - 10:00 | Terrible Mountain Gallery, 409 Main St, Pitkin, CO, 81241, United States
In the heart of the Quartz Creek Valley, where the echoes of history meet the stillness of the wild, we invite you to find your center. Held within the walls of a historic 1898 saloon turned fine art gallery, The Art of Alignment is more than a yoga class-it is a weekly sanctuary for those seeking purpose, precision, and presence in this remote landscape. Every Tuesday morning Terrible Mountain Gallery transforms into a space of intentional movement. Surrounded by curated art and the rugged beauty of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness, these sessions offer a rare opportunity to practice in a setting that honors both the creative power of the human spirit and the stark beauty of the natural world. Led by Desirae Penton-Crosley, Dragon Asana is rooted in the philosophy of the I Ching, where the Dragon represents Creative Power. This method combines exact alignment with mindful inquiry, guiding you through a practice that is both disciplined and deeply attentive. Whether you are a local resident or a traveler passing through our high-country home, these classes provide the tools to cultivate resilience and lasting transformation on and off the mat.

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: Cowboy Songs
2026-08-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224
Art Song Colorado presents a new musical experience, taking classic Western songs to tell an original story inspired by Western films. With new song arrangements by Denver composer, Cherise Leiter, and classic arrangements by Oscar Fox, experience a classical music cowboy show unlike any other!

The Crane Wives
2026-08-05 17:30 - 20:00
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 live series openers are provided in partnership with the Gunnison Valley Music Association. Food and beverage will be served during the event. Grab your camp chairs and blankets and make plans to join us on the lawn for music on the mountain! Born of the 2010s folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving landscape of indie folk. Their high-energy performances have been described as “charged with emotion and technical skill” (Blurred Culture LA), while their harmony-dense melodies support deeply resonant lyrics, exploring the vulnerable and the ugly sides of the human condition. The band has amassed over 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, racking up over 150 million streams on their most popular songs and accumulating listenership from far-flung corners of the US to the UK, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, and the Philippines. https://thecranewives.com/

Steve Earle
2026-08-06 20:00 - 23:00 | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224
Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. A protŽgŽ of legendary writers Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he became a master storyteller in his own right, with songs recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and many others. His 1986 breakthrough album Guitar Town topped the country charts and is now considered a classic of the Americana genre. In 2023, his signature song ÒCopperhead RoadÓ was named an official state song of Tennessee. Earle is a three-time GRAMMY¨ Award winner for albums including The Revolution Starts…Now (2004), Washington Square Serenade (2007), and TOWNES (2009). His 2022 release Jerry Jeff honors mentor Jerry Jeff Walker. He is also the author of the novel IÕll Never Get Out of This World Alive and the short story collection Dog House Roses, and has produced albums for artists including Joan Baez and Lucinda Williams. Beyond music, Earle has appeared in several films and had recurring roles on HBOÕs The Wire and TremŽ. In 2020, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2025 he was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. His latest album, Alone Again (Live), was released in 2024.

Try the Wheel: Date Night / Friends Night
2026-08-07 17:30 - 20:00 | Gunnison Arts Center, 102 South Main St, Gunnison, CO, 81230, 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

Exhibit Opening Reception
2026-08-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Terrible Mountain Gallery, 409 Main St, Pitkin, CO, 81241, 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

4th Annual MTCB Pickin’ a Food Truck Competition
2026-08-08 15:00 - 20:30
Get ready for one of the tastiest events of the summer! Join the Town of Mt. Crested Butte for the 4th Annual Pickin’ a Food Truck Competition-an afternoon and evening packed with incredible food, live music, family-friendly fun, and community spirit. Sample bites from competing food trucks, cast your vote, and help crown this year’s champion! Judging punch cards and complimentary competition bites are limited and first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early if you want to participate.

Local Vocals Concert with Chris Coady
2026-08-08 19:00 - 22:00 | Gunnison Arts Center, 102 South Main St, Gunnison, CO, 81230, United States
Local Vocals Concert Saturday, August 8th | 7:00-10:00 pm. Experience a unique concert as local singer-songwriters take to the stage to combine their stories, inspiration, music, and talent, featuring 4 to 5 local songwriters including Chris Coady, Bill Dowell, Eliza Thorp, and more! Presented by Chris Coady and High Nowhere Productions, hosted by the Gunnison Arts Center. Tickets: $20 Members | $25 General

Sundays @ 6 | Opal Moon
2026-08-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Legion Park, Gunnison, CO, 81230, 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 on the story songs, although they may be backed with a genre not limited to Western or Country, while Swing, Surf, blues, and Rockabilly feed her driving beats. Live shows may include all roots genres if her audience demands one or another.

Alpenglow: Chantil and The Dukes of Art
2026-08-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224
Chantil Dukart is an award-winning contemporary jazz pianist and vocalist with roots in the Tsimshian and Sugpiaq tribes of Alaska. Dukart has performed with leading voices in contemporary music, including Esperanza Spalding, Nikki Glaspie (Beyonce, Dumpstaphunk), Michael Pilot (Hamilton) and Guggenheim fellow Nicholas Galanin, at notable venues including the Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival. SAY Magazine says, “Dukart is a powerhouse on and off stage. Most of all, she is a credit to her ancestors and an integral support to Indigenous creatives all over North America. It’s her time to soar….” She currently tours nationally and internationally with the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, Pamyua, and her own project, The Dukes of Art.

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: Junwen Liang
2026-08-11 17:30 - 19:00 | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224
Junwen Liang is a Chinese pianist celebrated for performances marked by poetic refinement, intellectual depth, and remarkable sensitivity at the keyboard. Praised by Richard Goode as a “very gifted pianist and a musician of great sensitivity,” Liang has earned growing recognition as both a soloist and collaborative artist, with appearances alongside orchestras including the Central Texas Philharmonic, Penn State Philharmonic, and Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, as well as performances in major recital series across North America and China. A recent graduate of the Peabody Institute, Liang is now based in Philadelphia, teaches at the University of Pennsylvania, and continues to build international momentum with upcoming debuts abroad and a forthcoming debut album.

Golden 150 Cross-Colorado Bike Ride
2026-08-14 17:00 - 21:00
The Golden 150 is passing through Crested Butte, CO! The Golden 150 is a three-week bike ride across Colorado from border to border, east to west, in honor of our Centennial State’s 150th birthday! The route follows the Colorado section (Section 3) of the Adventure Cycling Association’s newly-launched Golden Gravel Trail. I’ll be cycling this itinerary solo and self-supported from Aug 1-21, 2026. I’m inviting other Colorado-loving bikepackers to join me on a drop-in basis (i.e. you are also self-supporting and not reliant on a guide or vehicle support). The trip spans three distinctive regions of Colorado over three weeks: Week 1 (Aug 1-Aug 7) crosses the Eastern Plains, from the border to Pueblo. Week 2 (Aug 8-15) crosses the heights of the Rocky Mountains, from Pueblo to Crested Butte. Week 3 (Aug 15-21) crosses the Western Slope’s mesas and valleys, from Crested Butte to Moab, UT. Join for all or any of the ride segments. There will be a rest day in Pueblo, Salida, and Crested Butte to facilitate joining and leaving from bus-transit-served communities.

Bull Fest
2026-08-15 16:00 - 22:00 | Gunnison County Fairgrounds, 275 S Spruce St, Gunnison, CO, 81230, United States
Gunnison Tough Bull Fest Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds. Join us for a Rip Roaring time! Bull Riding, American Bull Fighting, Latigos Up Drill Team, Live Music, Country Dancing, Food Trucks, & Youth Rodeo Ranch Games! Don’t miss this event!

Tunes at 10 Peaks
2026-08-16 14:00 - 22:00 | 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.

Little Feat
2026-08-16 19:30 - 22:00 | I Bar Ranch, 850 Co Rd 49, Gunnison, CO, 81230, United States
Big sound. Long roads. One last run. Little Feat brings The Last Farewell Tour to I Bar Ranch on August 16. A band that helped shape American rock, New Orleans grooves, and generations of live music lovers – under the open sky where it belongs. This isn’t just a concert. It’s a night of dust, dancing, long songs, and the kind of moments that stay with you.

All About Color: Painting Workshop with Beth Zink
2026-08-17 09:30 - 16:00 | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224
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 small “test” paintings. It’s a fun and educational experience. Beginners welcome! All acrylic painting supplies are included. Bring your own apron and lunch.

CB Southpenglow: Steely Dead
2026-08-17 17:00 - 19:30 | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224
Free | Hosted in CB South at Red Mountain Park CB Southplenglow is back with SteelyDead, plus Drew and Eli Emmitt opening up the night. Join us in CB South for one more great outdoor show to close out the summer. Steely Dead brings together the precision and jazz-rock sophistication of Steely Dan with the free-flowing improvisation of the Grateful Dead, creating a unique live show built on deep grooves, creative segues, and two iconic songbooks. The evening kicks off with Drew Emmitt, co-founder of Leftover Salmon, joined by Eli Emmitt for a special opening set.

Mountains and Wildflowers: Painting Workshop
2026-08-19 09:30 - 16:00 | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 6th Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224
Spend a fun day with artist and instructor Beth Zink, learning how to paint a landscape with mountains and wildflowers. Beth takes you step by step through her painting process, teaching you tips, tricks and shortcuts throughout the day. Instruction is for beginners, but everyone is welcome. You will take home a completed 11×14 masterpiece, ready to hang! All acrylic painting supplies are included. Bring your own apron and lunch.

Artlaws of the Southwest Third Thursday Art Pop Up
2026-08-20 17:00 - 21:00
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, sewing, and painting. We can’t wait to see you there!

Sculpt Big Bugs with Mud - Friday Clay Day
2026-08-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Gunnison Arts Center, 102 South Main St, Gunnison, CO, 81230, United States
Friday Clay Day | Ages 7+ Get your hands dirty at Friday Clay Day, a fun and exploratory class where each session brings a brand-new project! From functional pieces to creative sculptures, participants will experiment with different techniques and ideas while building confidence working with clay. Perfect for all levels, this class is all about play, creativity, and discovering what you can make each week. Instructor: Kit Wijkowski $45 Non-Member | $38 Member Per Each Workshop Drop-off or parent sign-up and join in creating!

CBMBA Work Weekend Overnight
2026-08-22 10:00 - 16:00
Join a fun weekend of trail building and comradery with loads of good food, beverage and good times while camping at a beautiful CB location.
