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.
The Camera Through Time: A Hands On History A lecture lead by local photographer, Kara Collin, taking a chronological look at photography's evolution from the 1800s to modern digital including a display of real cameras from different eras.
Come to the Crested Butte Museum for a lecture and slideshow by Dr. Duane Vandenbusche exploring the towns and locations that were lost to Blue Mesa Reservoir when the dam was built. View historic photos and learn about Powderhorn Pool, the Gunnison Tunnel, Gunnison River Resorts, Iola, Cimmeron the Gunnison Navy, the Moncrief Showlow story, […]
Crested Butte became a registered National Historic District in 1974 to preserve our distinctive buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Join us on an Elk Avenue Walking Tour to learn about the history of the buildings, mining history, and stories from the community. Our regularly scheduled Elk Avenue Walking Tours will resume […]
Explore the history and geology of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison with Geologist Steve Jenkins and Historian Duane Vandenbusche. We meet in Gunnison at 8am. Duane and Steve will go over their topics for the day and we will head out in the van to make stops along the way. A miner's sack lunch […]
Crested Butte became a registered National Historic District in 1974 to preserve our distinctive buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Join us on an Elk Avenue Walking Tour to learn about the history of the buildings, mining history, and stories from the community. Our regularly scheduled Elk Avenue Walking Tours will resume […]
Calling all caregivers of little ones, bring yourself and your mini crew over to the museum on Monday May 5th from 10am-11am for a free casual, unstructured play hour with other parents and their tots before regular business hours. Geared towards kids age five and younger, but all are welcome. Be sure to bring quarters […]
Join the Museum and Town of Crested Butte for a celebration of our historic places and their continued preservation! Learn about the Crested Butte Historic District and the stories local historic buildings can tell, including the ongoing work of preserving Tony's Conoco at 331 Elk. Snacks and refreshments will be served at this free community […]
Stroll down Elk Avenue with the Crested Butte Museum's staff, and learn about some of the first buildings built on the main street of Crested Butte, including discussions of form, function and architectural details of the late 1800 vernacular with a different special guest from the community joining each week. $10 for Museum Members (monthly […]
The Crested Butte Memorial Day Parade has been a community staple for well over 100 years. It is a chance for us to come together and remember those who gave their lives defending our freedoms and those who gave their lives to this valley. Families with deep roots in Crested Butte travel from across the […]
Stroll down Elk Avenue with the Crested Butte Museum's staff, and learn about some of the first buildings built on the main street of Crested Butte, including discussions of form, function and architectural details of the late 1800 vernacular with a different special guest from the community joining each week. $10 for Museum Members (monthly […]
Calling all caregivers of little ones, bring yourself and your mini crew over to the museum on Monday May 5th from 10am-11am for a free casual, unstructured play hour with other parents and their tots before regular business hours. Geared towards kids age five and younger, but all are welcome. Be sure to bring quarters […]
Stroll down Elk Avenue with the Crested Butte Museum's staff, and learn about some of the first buildings built on the main street of Crested Butte, including discussions of form, function and architectural details of the late 1800 vernacular with a different special guest from the community joining each week. $10 for Museum Members (monthly […]
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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