Summer 2022 Events Lineup

CBMR Summer Operations – June 11 – September 4 (From September 9-25, open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)

The Crested Butte Mountain Resort will be open daily all summer long, offering an open Bike Park and bike hauls on the Red Lady Express lift, scenic rides on the Silver Queen, hiking, bungee trampolines and climbing wall. 

KBUT’s 20th Anniversary Friday Night Fish Fry – June 17

“Yeah You Right Gunnison Valley!” KBUT Community Radio invites you to the 20th Anniversary Friday Night Fish Fry taking place on Friday, June 17 from 4-9 p.m. at Crank’s Plaza in downtown Crested Butte. Join us picnic style for the most delicious Cajun-style fish fry dinner served up with some hot music from Louisiana by our local DJs! Finish off the meal with our Summer Raffle full of fabulous prizes, lawn games and more! Dinner includes fried catfish, crawfish, coleslaw, cornbread, red beans and rice with Andouille sausage, Beignets and dessert! For more information and tickets visit: www.kbut.org.

Abnormal Formal – June 18

Dust off your party duds, kick up your heels and welcome summer at the Center’s Abnormal Formal, a playful twist on the proms of yore. This fancy-dress dance party features all your favorite hits (dancing, dj, punch, formal photos, best dressed comp). Get down at the party of the summer! This event is included with all Center memberships. For more info and to sign up for the Center’s membership program, or Abnormal Formal, crestedbuttearts.org. 

Juneteenth Celebration – June 19

Melanin Mountain Project and the Center invite you to join Crested Butte’s inaugural Juneteenth parade and second annual Juneteenth celebration. Engage with artists of color and in cultural discussions as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Kick off the celebration at 4 p.m. with a parade down Elk Avenue to the Center for poetry, live music with the hard-hitting NOLA brass band, Brothers of Brass, food, historical discussion, and fine art for all ages to experience and enjoy.

Wild Minds Youth Writing Camp – June 20-24

Set your wild mind free in this fun and supportive week-long creative writing workshop with the Center for the Arts! Learn how to write inspired and unique poetry, fiction, drama, and creative non-fiction while exploring the wild nooks and crannies of Crested Butte. This annual summer workshop is designed for teens to take their writing to a new level of skill, confidence, self-expression, and joy. Taught by award-winning teacher and writer Shelley Read, this is an opportunity not to be missed! Workshops will be held outdoors.

Field Trips with the Crested Butte Land Trust – June 22, August 3,
August 24, September 19

Join the Crested Butte Land Trust to visit conserved land and learn about the great work being done with partner organizations, with field trips on the last Thursday of each month. Visit Long Lake, Gunsight Bridge, the Gunsight Processing Area and Lower Loop, and chat with the Land Trust and local organizations about land conservation.

Chainless World Championship Race – June 24

The beloved Chainless Race where participants put on ridiculous costumes and remove their chains before racing 7 miles from Kebler Pass into downtown Crested Butte is scheduled to roll once again! This event has not been held officially since 2019, so dust off those costumes, tune up the townie and sign up at https://cbchamber.com/chainless-world-championships/

Black & White Ball – June 26

The Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum’s 20th annual Black & White Ball will take place the evening of June 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. This community event features live music, dancing and a raffle, everyone is welcome! The museum hopes to see you in your fun and festive black and white attire and dancing shoes. Visit crestedbuttemuseum.com or call 970-349-1880 for more information.

30th Annual Alpenglow Summer Concert Series – Mondays, June 27,
July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25, August 8, August 15

2022 marks the 30th year of Alpenglow, the Center for the Arts’ free outdoor summer concert series! Everyone is invited to gather in Town Park Mondays at 5:30 pm for live music, drinks, food trucks and fun. Bring a picnic, spread out on the lawn and enjoy some great music.

Crested Butte Public Policy Forum – Tuesdays, June 28 – August 16

The Crested Butte Public Policy Forum is a summer speaker series that promotes civic dialogue, debate and community engagement with distinguished expert speakers on issues of international, national, and local significance in the Gunnison Valley since 2003. Speakers this summer include Michael Swaine, Neil Katyal, Amy Zegart, Peter Baker, Susan Glasser, Amber McReynolds, Dr. Nicki Gonzales, General James L. Jones and Anne Castle. 

Yoga In The Garden – Wednesdays at noon, June 29 – September 28

Join us this summer for a beautiful yoga practice in the pavilion at the Wedding Garden. This free community yoga class is provided by the Crested Butte Community Yoga Co-op (CBCYC). Some materials will be provided, but utilizing your own mat is encouraged! Donations welcome—see you on the mat.

LIVE! From Mt. CB Summer Series – Wednesdays, June 29 – August 17 

Spend the summer grooving to music on the mountain every Wednesday evening! This free weekly outdoor music event is presented by the Mt. Crested Butte Town Center Association and hosted at the Red Lady Stage within Crested Butte Mountain Resort! Serving food, beverages and fun for all ages! Rain or shine.

ChalkWalk – July 2

ChalkWalk, Crested Butte’s community art making event is open to everyone! Join us on the sidewalks surrounding Town Park, just outside the Center, to create your own work of art with high-quality chalk pastel. All ages are welcome, and this year’s theme is OUTER SPACE! Rain delay date is July 3.

Fourth of July Parade – July 4

Watch the country’s biggest small town parade march down our main street! Parade starts at 11, then be on the lookout for our Crested Butte Fire Department rearing up the end and follow them down to our new route off of Belleview Ave for an epic family water fight! Stick around for the 3rd and Elk Vendor Village, where you can listen to live music, grab some light fare, get your face painted, and be sure to stop by our non-profit booths to learn more about the amazing community of Crested Butte!

Fourth of July Laser Show & Live DJ – July 4 

This year the Town of Mt. Crested Butte is celebrating Independence Day with an environmentally conscious and sustainable laser light show! Celebrate with us from 7 to 10 p.m. with the laser show beginning at 9 p.m. Catch it all at the Red Lady Stage at Crested Butte Mountain Resort! This is an all-ages event and alcohol will be available for those 21+. This show will not be visible from town. Best viewing will be from the Red Lady Stage at the CBMR Base Area.

Pinkapalooza – July 4

Join Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink for their Pinkapalooza concert at the I-Bar Ranch in Gunnison featuring Kendell Marvel & Band, local songwriters and surprise guests. The night will close out with fireworks. 

Tough Enough to Wear Pink Songwriter Shuffle – July 7

Enjoy an outdoor evening of live music and friendship in the majestic mountains of Crested Butte. The Songwriter Shuffle features Nashville Singer Songwriters performing at the beautiful Double Top Ranch. Appetizers, dinner, dessert, and cocktails will be provided from local chefs.  This is a fundraiser for Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough To Wear Pink to continue our efforts to support cancer prevention, detection, and individual support for those diagnosed in our community.

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival – July 8-17

The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival is ready to celebrate the return of summer and our spectacular wildflowers! The Festival will be offering 150 events, including a few special Member’s only workshops. The schedule includes many art and culinary events in addition to the traditional and amazing hikes among the wildflowers. Learn about geology, birding, butterflies, history and photography! Events are generally limited to 12 participants this year and we are selling out fast. View our event calendar and register at crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org.

Crested Butte Music Festival – July 8 – September 5

For 26 years, this iconic Crested Butte festival has been bringing unparalleled music to the mountains. Enjoy all types of performances, from classical and bluegrass to indie and Gypsy Jazz. Not to be missed by music lovers or adventure seekers!

Starry Evening Gala – July 9

This fundraising event to benefit the Crested Butte Land Trust is full of delicious food and mingling with friends who support conservation in the Gunnison Valley. There will be live music and cocktails along with a silent and live auction.

122st Annual Cattlemen’s Days and Rodeo – July 14-16

Since 1900, the people of the Gunnison Valley have celebrated the western way of life with the “Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos.” Cattlemen’s Days is the oldest continuous ProRodeo in the state that attracts the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls, the best livestock from across the country and more. Cattlemen’s Days events span from June 30 to July 17 with the rodeo dates on July 14-16 with most events taking place at Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center and other venues in Gunnison. 

Annual Caddis Cup Fly-Fishing Tournament – July 15-16

Fish the award-winning waters of Gunnison County during this signature event of the Crested Butte Land Trust. The fun kicks off with a party on Friday, July 16 and a fly fishing tournament on Saturday, July 17, followed by an awards dinner. Supports the Land Trust’s efforts to preserve the incredible lands and waters surrounding Crested Butte.

Grin & Bear it Trail Run – July 16

This classic Crested Butte event offers a 25k Loop course, as well as the traditional 15k out-and-back competition. Hosted by the Crested Butte Nordic, the races start and finish in town at Big Mine Park. Runners are treated to a post-race brunch.

Bon Appétit! A Julia Child Operetta – July 16

Elizabeth Bond returns to present a delicious operetta at the Center for the Arts that will tantalize your taste buds! Start with an amuse-bouche of dulcet ditties before the main course: Julia Child sings us through the creation of her signature chocolate cake. Light and full of delight, your evening ends with a slice of Julia’s cake to savor as the melodies carry you home.

The Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival – July 20-23

In its twelfth year, the 2022 Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival celebrates the theme of “Home” to honor the Center’s new home in our beautiful state-of-the-art building. Contemplate different expressions of Home at intimate winemaker’s dinners, educational seminars, the Vintner Gala, and the Grand Tasting, which includes a VIP lounge featuring the best wines of the festival. A fundraiser for the Center for the Arts.

Living Journeys Half Marathon & Summit Hike – July 23

Join us for the annual Living Journeys Half Marathon and Summit Hike to support people diagnosed with cancer in the Gunnison Valley. This is a ticketed event that acts as the largest fundraiser of the year for Living Journeys. Come out, show your support and send loving vibes to those in our community who need it most.

Crested Butte Mountain Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Gala – August 4

Born in 1972, the Crested Butte Mountain Theatre stands as the longest running community theatre in Colorado history. Join the Mountain Theatre as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Enjoy a magical evening of live entertainment, catered dining, special guests, and much more at the state of the art outdoor venue. 

Crested Butte Arts Festival – August 5-7

The Crested Butte Arts Festival’s 50th anniversary celebration will happen August 5-7 and invites you to come and enjoy the weekend’s festivities. Patrons can expect 100+ world class fine artists, delicious food trucks, music and dance, and family friendly activities. Located only a few short blocks from downtown, patrons will enjoy sweeping views of the Crested Butte landscape and an exhilarating creative experience for any level of art enthusiast. More info at crestedbutteartsfestival.com. Don’t forget the CB Rotary’s annual Rubber Ducky Race on Sunday, August 7.

Crested Butte Music Festival Red Lady Stage – August 6

Enjoy a dual headliner concert on a beautiful summer night with your family and friends. Presented by CBMF, this free concert event will be a night to remember and fun for all ages! Hosted at the Red Lady Stage within Crested Butte Mountain Resort—rain or shine.

Feast in the Field – August 6

This annual farm-to-table event hosted by Mountain Roots Food Project is an opportunity to celebrate the flavors of the season. Hosted at Red Dog Ranch, chef Dana Zobs will prepare a six-course meal showcasing locally raised meat, vegetables, and fruits. www.mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Crested Butte Open – August 7-8

The Adaptive Sports Center hosts this annual two-day event to help make life-enhancing adventures possible for people with disabilities. The fundraiser starts with an evening Gala Dinner on Sunday, August 7 and a Golf Tournament on August 8 at the Club at Crested Butte. The silent auction is open to everyone. adaptivesports.org/cbo

KBUT’s Kampout with Leftover Salmon – August 12-13

Join KBUT this summer for the Kampout, a two-night music festival featuring Leftover Salmon, at the I Bar Ranch in Gunnison on August 12 and 13.

Enjoy music from bands Leftover Salmon, Easy Jim, Neighbor and more, as well as dancing, food, fun activities and camping under the stars in the Rocky Mountains! For more information and tickets visit www.kbut.org.

Adaptive Mountain Biking World Championships – August 19-21

Adaptive mountain bikers from around the country gather in beautiful Crested Butte, Colorado for a multi-stage, multi-discipline race with advanced to recreational categories.

Montane Grand Traverse Run & Bike – September 3-4

The Summer Grand Traverse, presented by Crested Butte Nordic, is scheduled for September 3-4, with a trail run from Mt. Crested Butte to Aspen on Saturday, September 3, and a mountain bike race from Aspen to Mt. Crested Butte on Sunday, September 4.

People’s Fair – September 3-4

The Paragon People’s Fair is a non-juried arts and crafts festival that helps regional Colorado artists showcase their artwork. It is a two-day event held down the middle of Elk Avenue on Labor Day weekend.

Harvest Hoedown – September 9 

This popular community event celebration is hosted by Mountain Roots Food Project and includes a full harvest buffet, drinks, music, and square dancing on South Main in Gunnison. www.mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Mt. Crested Butte Chili and Beer Festival – September 10

Kick off fall with the 24th Annual Mt. Crested Butte Chili & Beer Fest. Enjoy the best of Colorado craft beers, ciders and seltzers alongside homemade chili from top local cookers and live music on the mountain. It’s the perfect weekend to enjoy what fall in the Rockies is all about: crisp air, warm sun, good beer and no shortage of fun.

Bridges of the Butte – September 11

The 18th annual Bridges of Butte starts on August 28 with two weeks of bike challenges designed to bring our ASC community together, across the nation, and raise funds for the Adaptive Sports Center. The event culminates in a Townie Tour on September 11 on Elk Avenue. adaptivesports.org/bridges

Crested Butte Film Festival – September 21-25, Virtual Festival September 21 – October 9

The Crested Butte Film Festival was named “One of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine. Every year, the last weekend in September, Crested Butte Film Festival screens over 75 international films complete with hikes, bikes, and magical mountain scenery. You’ll be sure to discover inspiring film screenings, stimulating discussions, and authentic connections during this five-day experience. Additional programming sprinkled throughout the festival includes free visiting director talks, panel discussions, lively parties and other social events. Full film and event schedule released online September 1. For more information, to become a volunteer, or to purchase your pass visit www.cbfilmfest.org.