A Season of Excitement!
Steamboat Springs is a vibrant mountain community that thrives year-round thanks to its rich calendar of local events, world-class festivals, and the passionate support of residents and visitors who embrace the town's unique Western heritage and artistic spirit. By attending these celebrations and supporting local businesses, you're not just enjoying unforgettable experiences - you're helping sustain the authentic culture and tight-knit community that makes Steamboat Springs truly special. By staying at The Nordic Lodge, you'll be in close proximity to the downtown area of Steamboat Springs, enjoy comfortable accommodations while also having the ability to take a short walk to surrounding events, dining, and activities.
Local Events & Happenings
- OktoberWest - September 11-12, 2026
Want craft beer, Colorado cuisine, and live entertainment?
Look no further than downtown Steamboat, who will be hosting OktoberWest this September. Full of family friendly fun, wandering between vendor tents, and sampling local brews - it's the perfect excuse to extend your stay before the snow flies.
- Steamboat Food & Wine Festival and Restaurant Week - October 2026
Steamboat Food & Wine Festival - October 1-4, 2026
Steamboat Restaurant Week - October 3-10, 2026The Food & Wine Festival kicks off the season of culinary excitement, and ends on a sweet note with Restaurant Week. Fall in Steamboat Springs is a food lover's season, and this stretch of October delivers two reasons to book your table. Together, these two events make for a food focused getaway timed perfectly with fall colors and crisp mountain air - reason enough to plan an escape.
- Steamboat Resort Opening Day - November 20, 2026
The lifts start spinning and the season officially begins on Winter Opening Day at Steamboat Resort.
Start blocking your schedules for weekends at the nearby Steamboat Ski Resort, with its Winter Opening Day scheduled for November 20th. Afterall, there's nothing like the first day of ski season where the resort will kick off winter with fresh snow, festive energy, and a mountain full of skiers and riders.
- Holiday Tree Lighting and Small Business Saturday - November 27-28, 2026
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - November 27, 2026 at 6PM
Small Business Saturday - November 28, 2026
Santa Visits in his Study - every December Saturday leading to Christmas (December 5, 12, and 19)Kick off the holidays downtown with the annual tree lighting at Civic Plaza, then keep the festive spirit going with Small Business Saturday shopping along Lincoln Avenue. The Tree Lighting is an annual event that turns the night into a holiday village full of cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa! The next morning, the celebration continues with Small Business Saturday, the chance to shop local boutiques and galleries along Lincoln Avenue. Together, they mark the perfect start to a Steamboat holiday getaway.
- Throughout the Winter Season - November & December 2026
There's plenty to love on the off-weekends where there aren't huge crowds and events in Steamboat Springs.
- Holiday Decor and Atmosphere - once the tree lighting kicks off, downtown stays dressed for the season through the New Year. Wreaths and garland galore, string lights along Lincoln Avenue, and a general 'holiday village' feel that lasts well past the lighting ceremony itself.
- Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides - a signature Western-winter experience, offered by local ranches nearby. Options range from scenic afternoon rides through the snowy meadows to full dinner sleigh rides where you pickup from town, ride out tot he ranch, and enjoy a meal and live entertainment.
- Ice Skating - Howelsen Ice Arena offers an indoor Olympic-size ice rink, with open skate and lessons all winter. The outdoor rinks at Howelsen Hill turns the volleyball courts into a free, public outdoor ice rink for the season.
- Hot Springs Soaking - while we have an indoor hot tub at The Nordic Lodge for your convenience, there's hot springs aplenty in Steamboat and we highly recommend visiting them for a full day of relaxation and warmth.
- Snowmobiling, snow tubing, and of course, skiing - all are available throughout Steamboat Springs, allowing for an adventurous winter day!
Fall Is On Sale!