Steamboat's Creative Side
06/02/2026 01:36PM ● By Ski Town Media Staff
The mural in the alley off Eighth Street in downtown Steamboat Springs was painted by Dan Toro. Photo by Ben Duke.
While summer in Steamboat Springs is renowned for outdoor adventure and mountain scenery, the town's thriving art scene offers another way to experience the culture of the Yampa Valley.
Museums and Galleries
A highlight of the season is Steamboat Art Museum’s summer exhibition featuring the national exhibition of the Oil Painters of America. The nationally respected organization promotes excellence in traditional oil painting, and the exhibition brings together works from some of the country’s leading representational artists. The exhibit runs Friday, May 29, through Saturday, Aug. 29.
At the Jace Romick Gallery, find distinctive Western and contemporary works, as well as a large collection of historic Western photographer Roland Reed’s prints and artifacts.
Wild Horse Gallery showcases fine Western art and sculpture from both local and nationally acclaimed artists.
Stop by the historic Depot Art Center, a space that serves as a hub for the local arts community, hosting rotating exhibitions, workshops, classes and events throughout the year. It’s a welcoming place to experience the many forms of creativity that continue to shape Steamboat’s cultural landscape.
First Friday ArtWalk
Experience Steamboat’s art scene during First Friday ArtWalk, held monthly throughout the summer. Galleries and other creative venues open their doors for extended evening hours (5-8 p.m.), inviting locals and visitors alike to stroll downtown, explore new exhibitions, and often meet the artists behind the work.
Live Music
Steamboat’s summer soundtrack comes alive with music throughout the season, from the nationally renowned Strings Music Festival to the Steamboat Free Summer Concert Series at Howelsen Hill. With a variety of performances in classical, jazz, rock, bluegrass and folk, visitors can enjoy music under the open sky in one of Colorado’s most scenic mountain settings.
Whether visiting a museum, browsing downtown galleries or joining in on the live music, Steamboat’s art scene offers a welcoming way to experience the creativity that continues to shape the community.
While summer in Steamboat Springs is renowned for outdoor adventure and mountain scenery, the town's thriving art scene offers another way to experience the culture of the Yampa Valley.
Museums and Galleries
A highlight of the season is Steamboat Art Museum’s summer exhibition featuring the national exhibition of the Oil Painters of America. The nationally respected organization promotes excellence in traditional oil painting, and the exhibition brings together works from some of the country’s leading representational artists. The exhibit runs Friday, May 29, through Saturday, Aug. 29.
At the Jace Romick Gallery, find distinctive Western and contemporary works, as well as a large collection of historic Western photographer Roland Reed’s prints and artifacts.
Wild Horse Gallery showcases fine Western art and sculpture from both local and nationally acclaimed artists.
Stop by the historic Depot Art Center, a space that serves as a hub for the local arts community, hosting rotating exhibitions, workshops, classes and events throughout the year. It’s a welcoming place to experience the many forms of creativity that continue to shape Steamboat’s cultural landscape.
First Friday ArtWalk
Experience Steamboat’s art scene during First Friday ArtWalk, held monthly throughout the summer. Galleries and other creative venues open their doors for extended evening hours (5-8 p.m.), inviting locals and visitors alike to stroll downtown, explore new exhibitions, and often meet the artists behind the work.
Live Music
Steamboat’s summer soundtrack comes alive with music throughout the season, from the nationally renowned Strings Music Festival to the Steamboat Free Summer Concert Series at Howelsen Hill. With a variety of performances in classical, jazz, rock, bluegrass and folk, visitors can enjoy music under the open sky in one of Colorado’s most scenic mountain settings.
Whether visiting a museum, browsing downtown galleries or joining in on the live music, Steamboat’s art scene offers a welcoming way to experience the creativity that continues to shape the community.