After much anticipation, the Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series (SSFSCS) is back in action. Summer 2021 held a shortened event only over Labor Day Weekend, as opposed to the multiple concerts over the course of the summer that our community is used to. Of course there were no concerts during the summer of 2020 as we battled the beginning of the pandemic. Steamboat Springs locals and visitors alike are thrilled to flock the base of Howelsen Hill this summer for some needed live music and outdoor gathering with friends and family.
Many may not realize this year represents the organization’s 30th season – what began in 1993 as a small concert series on the lawn of the Routt County Court House presented by a small record shop owner has grown to a Series and organization that features 5 concerts per year with an average attendance of 3,500-7,000 people. The Series brings nationally recognized musicians across several genres including pop-rock, reggae, bluegrass, and funk.
The Summer 2022 lineup includes:
- Jesse Royal – Friday, June 24th
- Big Something – Friday, July 15th
- Sam Bush – Friday, July 29th
- Neal Francis – Friday, August 5th
- Devon Allman Project with special guests – Sunday, September 4th
The concerts welcome attendees of all ages for a true family event. There’s even a kid’s play area and space for families to spread out picnic blankets while the little ones run around with friends. Food, drinks, and alcohol are available for purchase, but keep your pets at home as dogs aren’t allowed inside the concert grounds. Most concerts start around 5:30 and end between 9 and 9:15pm.
The pandemic was especially challenging for nonprofits as well as the live music industry, and the SSFSCS relies heavily on drink sales, sponsorships and donations in order to keep these amazing events free to the public. If you’d like to donate to SSFSCS to “keep it free,” you can find out more information on their website, keepinitfree.com.
More information about the concert grounds and policies, the artists in the lineup, and how to get involved can be found on their website. //keepinitfree.com