WinterWonderGrass is back in Steamboat — and if you’ve never experienced it with kids, this might be the year to change that.
From February 27 through March 1, Steamboat Mountain turns into something special: part bluegrass festival, part après-ski gathering, part craft beer celebration — and very much a family reunion for mountain towns and visiting families alike.
At Town Hall, WinterWonderGrass isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s a weekend where music, creativity, and community come together in the same snowy space kids already love to play.
Here’s what families can expect in 2026 — and how to make the most of it.
What Makes WinterWonderGrass Different
Yes, there are incredible bands.
Yes, there’s amazing food and Colorado craft beverages.
But what makes WinterWonderGrass unique is how welcoming it feels for families.
Heated music tents keep the cold out while the energy stays high, free on-mountain shows happen during ski hours, and the entire weekend leans into connection — not just concerts.
Kids aren’t an afterthought here.
They’re part of the experience. And we live for that.
The Kids Zone (Don’t Skip This)
If you’re bringing kids, the Kids Zone should be one of your first stops.
Open daily from 2:00–9:00 pm inside a heated tent, the Kids Zone is sponsored by Town Hall, run by Steamboat Creates and filled with hands-on creativity all weekend long...including jacket raffles every day of the festival from yours truly!
Expect:
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rotating craft projects led by professional art instructors
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face painting
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music activities
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hula hooping
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open creative play.
It’s the perfect reset when little legs need a break from dancing in snow boots — or when parents want to catch a set nearby.
Town Hall will also be hanging out in the Kids Zone throughout the festival, raffling off jackets each day and cheering on the next generation of mountain kids.
(Pro tip: kids often end up staying longer than planned.)
Camp Coletrain: Music Before the Music
One of the most inspiring experiences of the weekend actually happens before the festival gates open.
Camp Coletrain returns for 2026 as a two-day immersive acoustic music workshop hosted at the Steamboat Grand Hotel on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Led by an all-star lineup including Coleman Smith of Yonder Mountain String Band alongside Thom LaFond and Jason Bertone of Banshee Tree and Kay McKenzie of Little Moon Travelers, the workshops welcome beginners and aspiring musicians alike.
Kids ages 6–12 can explore instruments like guitar, fiddle, bass, or ukulele — learning directly from professional musicians in a supportive, jam-session environment.
For the second year in a row, Town Hall is proud to provide a limited number of youth scholarships to help more local kids participate. (Sign Up Here and use code THWWG25)
Because sometimes confidence starts with trying something new.
And sometimes it starts with a fiddle and a lyric sheet.
What the Weather Feels Like (And How to Dress Kids)
Steamboat winters don’t mess around. But, we have had a, ahem, light winter this year. Nonetheless, be prepared!
February and early March can mean:
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powder snow.
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sunshine.
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wind.
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dancing in heated tents.
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sledding between sets.
Often all in the same afternoon.
You’ll move between outdoor stages, heated music tents, gondola rides, and snowy walkways throughout the day.
Families who enjoy the weekend most tend to bring:
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waterproof layers.
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warm boots.
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extra gloves.
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dry socks (seriously).
- Town Hall Jackets and Hats!! If you are already part of our Town Hall community and own some of our gear, please wear it! We will have a photographer there capturing all of the fun and you can be featured in future posts.
Comfortable kids stay longer — which means more music and fewer early exits.
Don’t Miss These Family Moments
If it’s your first WinterWonderGrass, keep an eye out for:
Tent “Tweener” Sets
Surprise collaborations between musicians inside heated tents often become the weekend’s most memorable moments.
Free On-Mountain Shows
Ride the gondola for mid-day performances at Thunderhead Lodge while skiing or riding.
Grass After Dark
Older kids and teens love the buzz downtown as music spills into local venues after hours.
Taste of WonderGrass
Afternoon tastings and gathering spaces keep the festival social and relaxed for parents while kids explore nearby activities.
Why Town Hall Shows Up
WinterWonderGrass celebrates the same things we believe in:
community, creativity, sustainability, and raising kids who feel confident trying new things outside.
Whether they’re skiing, painting, dancing, or learning their first song in a jam circle — these are the moments kids remember long after winter ends — and the ones we’re proud to support.
If you’re heading to the festival this year:
Wear your Town Hall gear, stop by the Kids Zone, and come say hello.
We can’t wait to see you out there.