Big things often start small. This is the case for the WinterWonderGrass Festival, a three-day annual country and bluegrass music festival in Steamboat Springs, Colo., that debuted in Edwards, Colorado, in the parking lot of Crazy Mountain Brewery. Celebrating its 10th anniversary last year, the festival is not for the faint of heart: the unpredictable weather and the main focus on the outdoors make it a challenge even for those who don’t shy away from the wilderness. With a lineup of bluegrass artists, such as Canadian band The Death South and progressive acoustic ensemble The Infamous Stringdusters, the only way to warm yourself up is to dance to the sound of some good old banjos.
Well, we might be exaggerating. There are plenty of heated areas to relax and defrost your toes. Three of the four stages, in fact, are inside. However, you don’t want to miss the main and largest stage that will see names like Texas-native Cocaine Country Dancing singer Paul Cauthen, and Sierra Ferrell, who weaves country, jazz and folk with Latin elements – this stage will be outdoors. And unless you purchase a VIP ticket, you won’t have access to any side-stage fire pit, heat lamps or heated private bar. So dress up, and get in line at one of the three heated beer halls, the second biggest attraction of WinterWonderGrass. Sierra Nevada and Belching Beaver are just two of the favorite local and regional beers you will be able to taste.
Last year, WWG hosted a total of 15 breweries in its beer halls that brought craft brews, seltzers, ciders and wine. You can join them for their daily tastings, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., during the entire festival weekend.
The Specs
- The WinterWonderGrass Festival has a capacity of 5,000 people per day.
- General Admission three-day passes start at $259. VIP three-day passes start at $569 (now sold out, but you can join the waitlist). Single-day GA tickets are also available.
- Going to a snow-filled festival set is definitely a unique experience. Here’s our Fifty Grande round-up of some of the coolest places to see live music that you’ve probably never heard of. And here’s our guide to Colorado.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the WinterWonderGrass Festival?
The closest airport to get to the festival is the Denver International Airport. Depending on the weather, the drive from the airport to Steamboat can take up to 4 hours. If you don’t want to rent a car, Steamboat Express provides shuttle services.
Is the festival kid-friendly?
Yes – the Town Hall Kids Zone has daily activities scheduled from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. From painting to hula hooping, there is so much to have fun with.
What should I wear?
You are in the mountains and it will probably be snowing. Dress as if you were going to ski – lots of layers. Remember, the main stage is outdoors.
What is the lineup for WinterWonderGrass 2024?
The Dead South, The Infamous Stringdusters, Paul Cauthen, Sierra Ferrell, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Kitchen Dwellers, Andy Frasco and The U.N., Lindsay Lou, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Clay Street Unit, Sam Grisman Project, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Mountain Grass Unit, Shadowgrass, WinterWonderWoman, East Nash Grass, The Fretliners, Pickin’ On The Dead, The Runway Grooms, Armchair Boogie, Kind Hearted Strangers, Madeline Hawthrone, The Deer Creek Sharpshooters, RiverWonderGrass All-Stars.