Twenty-eight years running, this is the Saturday we all love: aspens starting to gold up, the first real chill in the morning air, and festivities to match the mood. Your ticket covers a souvenir tasting cup, dozens of chilis, regional beer, cider, and seltzer, craft spirits and wine, and live music from midday until the gates close. Gates open at 12:30 PM and close at 4:30, with VIP entry an hour early at 11:30.
Sep 8 A few more splashes of yellow are popping up across the hillsides mainly on and around the Butte. Expect to see more valleys joining the fray over the next week. We're still at least a week ahead of last year's pacing so far, but it might be limited to trees stressed out (who isn't!?) by the drought conditions.
The color has started early and the festival lands late this year, which puts gold on the ridgelines above the base area at better odds than most Septembers. Bring a jacket and a camera.
Headliner, on at 2:45 PM
A true-blue troubadour singing real songs for real, good people. Floyd Bauler's songs are true stories: his dog, his friends, his family, and his wild adventures since he left to join the traveling circus. Expect the Red Lady Stage to feel a little smaller by the second set.
with
Opening Set, on at 12:30 PM
Meg and Molly, a Crested Butte duo built on rich, dynamic harmonies. They trade off guitar and mandolin through folk and Americana, from fresh takes on songs everyone knows to the odd obscure Swedish gem.
The festival ends at 4:30. The valley does not. Book a bed within stumbling distance of the base area, line up dinner in town, and leave room in the car for whatever the shops talk you into.
Trail reports, events, and insider tips.
