Bud Light’s ‘Whatever, USA’ Crested Butte Rollout Info
By now you’ve probably heard the worldwide news of the town takeover. From September 5 though the 7th, Crested Butte, CO will be know as Whatever, USA. Well, at least for the 1,000+ guests being flown in by Bud Light. While half the town gets painted blue, ordinary folks just want to know what this means for them. Here’s what you need to know:
Restrictions Apply
ID will be required after the start of the event on the 5th and no one under 21 will be allowed in the sectioned off areas. A family friendly section of the event called ‘Familypalooza’ has been created to accommodate guests with children.
UPDATE 9/5, Town of Crested Butte Facebook Post
“Due to a high volume of turnout for passes yesterday to the Whatever USA event, the venue is now unfortunately at capacity, and wristbands will no longer be distributed via the Chamber. If you reside within the Town of Crested Butte and have not received a wristband, please email cbinfo@cbchamber.com with your name and contact information. If you are an employer or employee at an Elk Avenue business within the event, please come to Town Hall Council Chambers from 9:00am to 11:00 am today.Elk will be closed from noon today from 4th to 1st throughout the event. People without event wristbands will be asked to leave the event footprint by 2:00 this afternoon in preparation for the event.”Town of Crested Butte
UPDATE 9/5, Statement from Mayor Huckstep
“The town of Crested Butte is thrilled for this weekend’s events at Whatever, USA. However, due to us extending the invitation to the local community, we’ve reached capacity and will no longer be issuing guest credentials. The safety of our guests and our town is of the upmost importance, so those who have previously received credentials or live in the town of Crested Butte will still be allowed access. The Town of Crested Butte looks forward to a great event this weekend that will be fun and exciting for everyone.”Mayor Huckstep
UPDATE 9/3, Town of CB Press Release
In order to attend the event you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Be a full-time, year round resident of Gunnison County
- Be a full-time or part-time resident of the Crested Butte Fire Protection District, which includes areas of Crested Butte South to Mt. Crested Butte
- Guests who made lodging arrangements for Crested Butte for the weekend of September 5 and September 6,prior to the announcement of the event. A receipt or some form of proof of stay that is dated with the date the arrangement was made needs to be provided to gain entrance to the venue.
- Students from Western State Colorado University who have completed credential requirements through the college.
Those attending the event are encouraged to get their credentials prior to the event. There will be two locations to obtain your credentials. One location will be next to the museum at 4th and Elk. This location will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM. The second location will be the Chamber Visitor’s Center at 6th and Elk, Thursday from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
Chief Marshal Tom Martin recognizes that this may be an inconvenience for some who had wished to attend this event. We take pride in how we welcome visitors to Crested Butte, but due to issues with space, these criteria must be put into place. If you do not meet any of the above criteria, you will not be allowed into the event.Town of Crested Butte
Click photos to view gallery
| Dates | Location | Closures |
| Through 9/12 | Big Mine Arena | Parking Lot access will be closed except for Nordic businesses/employees |
| 9/2 - 9/8 | Elk Ave 4th to 3rd; 3rd St. North/South sides to alley ways | Wooden barricades set up/removed by Public Works; Vehicles will have no access and street should be cleared of any vehicles on curb; Pedestrians will have access |
| 9/3 - 9/8 | Elk Ave 3rd to 1st; 2nd St. North/South sides to alley ways | See above |
| 9/5 | Elk Ave 6th to 4th | Temporary closure 4 - 6pm from 4 way to 4th minimizing congestion during the unload of the guests |
Open to the Public
Everything east of 4th St. on Elk Ave will remain unaffected and open to the public including the Clark’s shopping center on Belleview and all of Mt. Crested Butte businesses. If you’re looking for family-friendly restaurants (or places serving alcohol other than Bud Light from the 5th – 7th), check these out:
In town:
Ginger Cafe
Rumors Coffee Shop
Le Bosquet
Paradise Cafe
Third Bowl Ice Cream
The Guild (1st & Elk)
Gas Cafe
Dogwood Cocktail Cabin
Mt. CB area:
Django’s (the D is silent)
Iron Horse Tap
9380 Prime
Camp 4 Coffee
Treasury Liquors
Check back for more updates and photos. Feel free to email news@travelcrestedbutte.com with questions or comments.
