Steamboat Springs comes alive when the snow arrives, not only for ski season but for WinterWonderGrass, the three-day celebration where music, community, and winter magic share the stage. For one long weekend each February, thousands gather beneath drifting flakes for an experience that feels intimate and electric. WinterWonderGrass, returning February 27, has become a ritual for many who feel that music resonates differently in the heart of winter.
Festival founder Scotty Stoughton shaped the event around the connection between nature, community, and performance. “I haven’t found another community that more passionately supports live music,” he says. “Their love of camaraderie makes Steamboat the perfect place for artists to feel nurtured.” That spirit continues to guide the festival each year.
The 2026 lineup reflects this philosophy with a mix of returning favorites and rising talent. This year features 30 bands across four stages, including beloved headliners such as Leftover Salmon and The Infamous Stringdusters. “We want to honor the bands who helped build this festival while welcoming artists who bring fresh energy,” Scotty explains.
Beyond the stages, afternoon tastings of local beer, wine, and seltzers bring artists and festival goers together in heated tents, creating the welcoming rhythm that defines WinterWonderGrass.
And when snow begins to pour over the crowd, the energy shifts. The audience looks upward, the music swells, and the elements become part of the experience. For a few unforgettable minutes, WinterWonderGrass feels like a gathering inside a snow globe, held together by music, mountains, and shared joy.
IT’S BEACHIN’ Aspen trades powder for palm trees each winter as the Palm Tree Music Festival brings global DJs with a touch of the tropics to the Rockies. Day one features high-energy sets from Calvin Harris and Sammy Virji, while day two brings grooves from Kygo and Mau P, set against the picturesque slopes. The weekend blends alpine opulence with beach-party energy. For an elevated experience, the Palm Club offers covered seating for 10, bottle service, private restrooms, and premium stage views, providing a luxurious way to enjoy the festival.
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