Folk Alley Festival Feature: WinterWonderGrass
If you think festival season ends when the leaves fall, think again. WinterWonderGrass Steamboat, happening February 28 – March 2, 2025, is here to prove that live music and community are just as powerful in the snow as they are in the summer sun. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, this festival is where bluegrass, roots, and Americana music meet ski-town adventure in an unforgettable winter wonderland.
What makes WinterWonderGrass stand out? Festival founder Scotty Stoughton puts it best: “We don’t know of other similar festivals, as no one is as crazy as us. Building a festival village in the middle of winter in a world-renowned ski town is challenging and wildly rewarding. The community and collective energy surrounding WWG are heightened due to the hearty fans and unique mountainside location.”
This isn’t just a music festival—it’s a full mountain-town experience, spilling over from the festival grounds to the ski slopes, the town’s cozy coffee shops, and even its legendary hot springs. Snow sports enthusiasts, locals, and world-class musicians come together in a unique setting where there are no barriers, and no one gets left behind.
While the main stage is a highlight, Stoughton shares that some of the most magical moments happen in the festival’s heated side-stage tents—each packed with unforgettable, high-energy performances.
“One of the hidden gems of this festival is the steamy side-stage tents—especially the walk-out sets that close the festival down each night. We call these sets the ‘tent bangers,’ and some of the most memorable music nights come from these heated beer tents, which offer complimentary beer, wine, and spirit tastings daily.”
The idea of festivals within a festival…well, it’s pretty compelling, right? In addition to the side-stage tents, there are other experiences for music lovers, too. For example, WinterWonderGrass is again partnering with Coletrain Music Academy (CMA) to offer Camp Coletrain acoustic music workshops for kids and adults before the festival gates open. Founded by Coleman Smith (Yonder Mountain String Band), CMA is dedicated to making high-quality music education accessible. Attendees can participate in workshops and public jam sessions, adding another layer to this festival’s deep connection to music and community.
With over thirty bands across four stages, the 2025 lineup is stacked. Expect legends like Trampled By Turtles, Leftover Salmon, Kitchen Dwellers, and Yonder Mountain String Band alongside stars like Sister Sadie, Mountain Grass Unit, The Langan Band, and Cousin Curtiss. The combination of outdoor performances and heated tents ensures there’s always something new to discover.
Of course, travelling to a winter festival — just like travelling to a summer festival — takes some preparation and planning. So why should you make the effort to attend WinterWonderGrass Steamboat Springs this year? Stoughton sums it up perfectly: “Here, we drop the tech, lift our heads, put out our tongues, and taste sweet snowflakes while dancing with a few thousand of our new friends!”
So bundle up, hit the slopes, and get ready to experience a festival like no other. WinterWonderGrass isn’t just about the music—it’s about the adventure, the camaraderie, and the magic of making memories in a snowy, bluegrass-filled paradise.
For tickets and more information, visit winterwondergrass.com/steamboat.