“The Super Bowl of Texas,” as it is affectionately called by attendees, does not take place in Texas at all, but rather up in the majestic Rocky Mountains of Steamboat Springs, Colo. If you want cowboys and the best of red dirt and Americana music, you’re going to have to head to the ski slopes for The MusicFest from January 6-11, 2024.
Now in its 38th year, the six-day music festival/ski outing has become a storied must in the Texas music scene, combining the Shiner-fueled two-steps of the Texan dance hall with the snow-covered views of Steamboat’s world-class ski resort. The “Tribute to a Legend” event is a highly acclaimed part of the festival where artists come together to honor the music of a legendary songwriter. Past tributes have celebrated Billy Joe Shaver, Dean Dillon, Robert Earl Keen (who doesn’t get emotional upon hearing “Sherry was a waitress at the only joint in town?”), and Lee Ann Womack. This year’s honoree is Reckless Kelly.
With over 80 bands set to perform — including Easton Corbin, Shane Smith & The Saints, William Clark Green, and Jack Ingram and the Beat-Up Ford Band — and stages scattered throughout town, fitting ski runs in requires some serious strategizing. According to the O’s, a band that performed back in 2015, the key to survival is napping. Thankfully, some of the venues are slope side, and you can ski right up to the stage.
The location of this festival shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Red dirt music, after all, was born off the beaten path and flourished in middle-of-nowhere gatherings. The genre’s birth can largely be pinpointed to “The Farm” in the 1970s, an old two-story house on the outskirts of Stillwater, Okla. Though the famous house burned down in 2003, “the magic never left; it just moved down the street,” said Steve Rice of No Justice. The magic, apparently, has also managed to make its way up to the Rocky mountains.
Specs
- Around 14,000 people attend.
- Tickets for Steamboat 2024 are not on sale yet, though their website states that package deals start from $239 per person.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Colorado here.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to The MusicFest 2024?
Yampa Valley Regional Airport is the closest at 24 miles away, but those traveling longer distances may want to go to Denver international Airport, which is about 180 miles away.
Who produces the Steamboat MusicFest?
Dickson Productions.
It’s my first time attending. What can I expect?
The festival/ski trip touts its 200+ hours of live music and a ski trip at a world-class ski resort.
Are there free live music shows at MusicFest?
The MusicFest Outdoor Stage at The MusicFest VillageWell is where you can take a break from your ski trip and watch free concerts.
Who is playing MusicFest 2024?
49 Winchester, Adam Hood, American Aquarium, Andy Hedges, Anne Hudson (emcee), Band of Heathens, BJ Barham, Braxton Keith, Bri Bagwell, Bruce Robinson, Carson Jeffrey, Chris Knight, Clayton Mullen, Cleto Cordero, Cody Canada and The Departed, Corb Lund, Cory Morrow, Courtney Patton, Dale Brisby, Dalton Domino, Danno Simpson, Doug Moreland, Easton Corbin, Eric Raines (emcee), Hayes Carll, Jack Ingram and the Beat-Up Ford Band, Jackopierce, Jacob Stelly, Jade Marie Patek, Jamie Lin Wilson, Jason Eady, Jeff Crosby, Joel Martin Project, John Baumann, Jon Wolfe, Jonathan Tyler, Jordan Nix, Josh Abbott, Josh Ward, Joshua Ray Walker, Kat Hasty, Kelley Mickwee, Kevin Fowler, Kevin Galloway, Kolby Cooper, Kyle Hutton, Kyle Park, Kylie Frey, Kym Warner, Liz Foster, Lone Star Skynyrd, Love & Chaos, Matt Hilyer, Matt Skinner, Max & Heather Stalling, Micky & The Motorcars, Midnight River Choir, Mike and The Moonpies Muzzie Braun, Ned Ledoux, Radney Foster, Randall King, Randy Rogers Band, Red Clay Strays, Rio Tripiano, Roger Creager, Scattered & Shattered, Shane Smith & The Saints, Sour Bridges, Stoney Larue, Sundance Head, Tanner Usrey, The Droptines, The Panhandlers, The Wilder Blue, Thom Shepherd & Coley McCabe, Tony Kamel, Travis Roberts, Treaty Oak Revival, Tribute Artist Reckless Kelly, Triston Marez, Tyler Halverson, Uncle Lucius, Wade Bowen, Wayne Toups, William Beckmann and William Clark Green.
Playlist
Videos
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