Center for the Arts Crested Butte

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
2026-03-20 19:00, 2026-03-21 19:00 (America/Denver) | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 Sixth Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224, United States
doors 6pm | show 7pm | Tickets $25 | Tickets can not be purchased at the door
Presented by: Crested Butte Search and Rescue
Crested Butte Search and Rescue hosts two nights of adventure and mountain culture films presented by the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour. This is Crested Butte Search and Rescue’s 33rd consecutive annual showing and one of our team’s main fundraising events. Please join us March 20 and 21 for two nights of different mountain films that will awe and inspire your sense of adventure.

ROMP x The Center Ski Auction
2026-03-22 - 2026-04-10
Take home a piece of Crested Butte’s creative spirit.
The Send It Ski Art Auction features a limited-edition collection of artist-designed skis, created in collaboration with local builders and unveiled during the exhibition opening. Each pair is a one-of-a-kind work of art inspired by the people, landscape, and culture that define our mountain community.
Bid on your favorite pair and support something bigger. Proceeds from each ski benefit both the artist and a local nonprofit of their choosing.
How It Works

Browse the skis online or see them in person at the Kinder Padon Gallery

Place your bid on your favorite design

Auction closes: April 10 at 5:00pm

Winning bidders will be contacted directly

All skis are fully functional, rideable works of art.

Featured Artists + Nonprofits
Each artist selected a nonprofit that will receive a portion of the proceeds from their ski.

Alex Stevenson → CB Ski Patrol

Eric Phillips → CB Mountain Rescue

Jaime Thompson → CB State of Mind

Janice Stevenson → Project Hope

Kem Wimett → Living Journeys

Liv Trujillo → CB Avalanche Center

Madeleine Greeson → PAWS

Shannon Dunn → Adaptive Sports Center

Zach Bauer → CB Mountain Bike Association

Luke Schroeder → Center for the Arts Crested Butte

Check out the auction here!

Disco Inferno
2026-03-27 18:00
Presented by: KBUT
Dance the night away to the hottest disco, funk, and soul beats! Throw on your funkiest outfit, hit the dance floor, and groove with music lovers from across the Gunnison Valley as we hustle all night, get our glamour shots in the Photo Booth, watch the SOD Aerial dancers fly through the air, and crown the 2026 Disco Royalty!
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars, grab your sequins, and let’s boogie!
All Ages Disco: 6 PM – 8 PM
21+ Late Night Disco: 9 PM – 1 AM
Dance the night away to hot disco, funk, and soul beats! Dress up and get down as we crown 2026 Disco Royalty! KBUT’s Disco Inferno is a night you won’t want to miss. Let’s boogie!
Ticket Sales Information:
KBUT Members-Only discounted tickets available for $45 for the Ages 21 and Over Disco and $10 for the ALL AGES Disco.
General Ticket Sales:
$60 for the Ages 21 and Over Disco and $15 for the All Ages Disco.

Life Drawing with Magic Hour Meetups
2026-04-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00
Magic Hour Meetups Presents:

Life Drawing in the Hawk Arts Studio

$15 pay at the door cash or Venmo

Non Instructional Sketching
Bring your own materials; pencils, pens, charcoal, newprint, paper, water based paints, and pastels.

Poses start at 6pm sharp so arrive between 30-15 minutes before 6pm to set up and pay.

All Levels welcome!

Questions? Contact magichourmeetups@gmail.com

Deadhead Ed’s End of Season Party
2026-04-02 20:00
Doors 7pm | 8pm Mountain Jam | 10pm Easy Jim
Get ready to groove, because the ultimate celebration is here! Join us for Deadhead Ed’s End of Season Party, where we’re bidding farewell to the season in the most legendary way possible. Featuring the sensational tunes of the Grateful Dead by Easy Jim. This night promises to be an unforgettable journey through psychedelic sounds and soul-stirring rhythms.
Easy Jim will be taking center stage, channeling the spirit of the Grateful Dead with their electrifying performance. Get lost in timeless classics and improvisational jams that will transport you to a place where the music never ends.
Plus, don’t miss out on special guest performances by Mountain Jam. Based in Crested Butte, CO Mountain Jam, formed in the summer of 2025, the band was created to honor and celebrate the timeless music of The Allman Brothers Band. With a deep respect for the tradition of improvisation and dynamic live performance, Mountain Jam channels the essence of the originals while adding their own unique flavor and energy. Always evolving, always striving, and always learning, Mountain Jam delivers high-energy jams, soulful grooves, and a faithful yet fresh take on classic songs. Their performances capture both the spirit of the past and the excitement of the present—bringing audiences an authentic and unforgettable live music experience.
So grab your tie-dye shirts, your dancing shoes, and your adventurous spirit, because Deadhead Ed’s End of Season Party is the place to be.
All proceeds benefit the Crested Butte Community School Enrichment Program.

Speed Puzzling Happy Hour
2026-04-22 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-29 17:00 - 19:30
Join us for a playful, fast-paced evening of puzzles, friendly competition, and community connection. Whether you’re a seasoned speed puzzler or just in it for the fun, this interactive event invites you to jump in, team up, and test your skills across a variety of puzzle challenges. We’ll have a range of puzzle difficulties available (100, 200, and 300 pieces), making this event accessible for all experience levels.

Puzzle Chess – A one-on-one challenge using 100-piece puzzles and a chess clock. Race against another puzzler, compare times, and see how you stack up. Jump in anytime—no formal start required.
Pairs Relay – A crowd favorite! Teams of two compete on two puzzles, switching every five minutes. Strategy, communication, and quick thinking are key as you tag in and out to complete your puzzles.
Team & Pairs Competitions – Depending on the crowd, we’ll also run traditional head-to-head formats with pairs (two people) or teams (four people) working together to complete puzzles as quickly as possible.

There will be two Speed Puzzle Happy Hours: April 22 and May 29. May 29 will be family-friendly, with a special welcome to youth (15 and under), though both events are open to all ages. Come solo or bring a team—either way, you’ll leave with new connections and maybe a new favorite pastime.

Cookbook Club: Mediterranea: Life-perfected Recipes from Grandmothers of the Mediterranean
2026-04-23 18:00
We’re celebrating the flavors of tradition with a community potluck inspired by Mediterranea: Life-perfected Recipes from Grandmothers of the Mediterranean by Anastasia Miari! This cookbook gathers time-honored dishes passed down through generations, bringing the warmth, wisdom, and soul of Mediterranean kitchens to our table. Pick up a copy at Townie Books or borrow ours, sign up for a dish, and share in the experience. Together, we’ll enjoy sun-soaked recipes, swap stories, and savor the joy of cooking like a nonna.
View Full Schedule

Local Wildlife & Bear Update
2026-05-07 17:30
Presented by: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Come meet your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff for a wildlife update and information on bear activity, with a focus on human-bear conflict strategies.

Community members and visitors are encouraged to attend this free event!
Location: King Room at the Center | RSVP Here
Please contact District Wildlife Manager Codi Prior with questions: codi.prior@state.co.us

Crested Butte Community School AP Art Exhibition
2026-05-08 - 2026-05-15
Opening Reception | May 8
Join us for the Crested Butte Community School AP Art Show, a vibrant celebration of student creativity and expression. Under the guidance of instructor Nathan Motsinger, these talented young artists have spent the past year exploring new techniques, developing their unique voices, and bringing their ideas to life through a wide range of mediums.
The exhibition, on view May 8–15, offers the community an opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of student work—from bold, imaginative pieces to thoughtful and finely crafted compositions. Each artwork tells a story, reflecting both individual perspective and the collective energy of a year dedicated to artistic growth.
Come support these emerging artists, connect with fellow community members, and experience the creativity thriving within our school.

Crested Butte Community School AP Art Reception
2026-05-08 17:00 - 19:00
Exhibition | May 8 – 15
Join us for the opening reception of the Crested Butte Community School AP Art Show. Led under the instruction of Nathan Motsinger, these talented students are ready and excited to show the community all the hard work they have put into their artwork over the past year.
Come support these emerging artists, connect with fellow community members, and experience the creativity thriving within our school.

Cookbook Club: Something From Nothing
2026-05-20 18:00
This month’s Cookbook Club will be held at RMBL 365!
Discover the magic of making more with less at our community potluck inspired by Something from Nothing: A Cookbook by Alison Roman! This collection celebrates the art of cooking with what you have—turning pantry staples and everyday ingredients into dishes that feel abundant, satisfying, and full of flavor. Pick up a copy at Townie Books or borrow ours, sign up for a dish, and bring your creation to share. Together, we’ll discover how a little creativity in the kitchen can turn the simplest ingredients into a feast worth remembering.

Mountain Words Literary Festival
2026-05-21 00:00 - 2026-05-24 00:00
The annual Mountain Words Literary Festival is Crested Butte’s multi-day literary celebration at nine-thousand feet, featuring workshops, panel discussions, readings, live theatre, film, children’s events, and more.
Workshops and events in fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, nature writing, playwriting, publishing, journalism, long-form, research, and more.
For tickets and information, visit mtnwords.org.

Duke and DeFeo: The Long Road of Two Painters
2026-05-22 - 2026-07-16
May 22 – July 16 | Closing Reception July 16
Patrick Duke and Johnny DeFeo met while studying Art at Western State in 2005 and became fast friends. From there they studied together in Florence, Italy, and in the 20 years since they have both grown their individual art careers, maintaining a focus on the landscapes that inspire them. Duke lives in Crested Butte and maintains a studio gallery called Studio One Eleven, at 111 Elk Ave. DeFeo now lives and works in Taos, New Mexico. The two get together every year to paint en plein air, out in the inspiring lands around Crested Butte. This exhibition is a survey of recent plein air landscape paintings as well as the studio paintings which the region inspires.

Myth Understandings: An Evening of Comedy with Shane Mauss
2026-05-22 19:00
Doors 6:00pm | Show 7:00pm
Why do so many persistent myths, superstitions, and folk beliefs arise? Why does our social brain love stories that feel true over facts that are true? Shane’s newest show explores how the weirdest, funniest misunderstandings in human history come from our very human minds.
Expect to laugh and learn in equal measure as we explore:

Cartoonishly bad ideas that stuck around for centuries
How cognitive biases and social instincts drive our love of myth and lore
Why modern misinformation feels so compelling

It’s part aha, part haha, and all about celebrating curiosity and the pursuit of understanding.
Purchase Tickets

Fika with Bjarne
2026-05-29 19:00 - 21:00
Doors 6pm | screening 7pm
Presented in partnership with Center for the Arts + Crested Butte Film Festival + Bjarne Salén | Benefitting Crested Butte State of Mind
Join Crested Butte filmmaker and professional athlete Bjarne Salén for a special community screening of Fika With Bjarne, a new cinematic series where athletes, creators, and public figures slow down and share untold stories, honest conversations, and the human side of adventure over a traditional Swedish “Fika,” the simple ritual of taking time to connect over coffee.
The evening will feature three unreleased episodes shown publicly for the very first time, followed by a live Q&A with Bjarne about filmmaking, storytelling, and the inspiration behind the series. Fika With Bjarne is more than an interview series. It’s a day in their life, raw, personal, and unscripted, revealing the human side behind the people we think we know. Through humor, vulnerability, and everyday moments, the series explores not just achievements, but the struggles, relationships, mindset, and experiences that shape people behind the scenes.
Based in Crested Butte, Bjarne Salén is a cinematographer, director, and founder of Endlessflow Films. His work blends adventure filmmaking with intimate storytelling, capturing authentic moments from the mountains and beyond. With Fika With Bjarne, he brings a more personal and human approach to outdoor storytelling, creating space for meaningful conversations and genuine connection.
The evening will also include giveaways from COROS, YETI, UTU, FOLKRM, and IBEX, with proceeds benefiting CB State of Mind.
View the Trailer

The String Cheese Incident
2026-06-03 19:15
Night one of String Cheese in Crested Butte | SOLD OUT
Doors at 6:oopm
The past three decades have written a story packed with surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement, and huge accomplishments. The String Cheese Incident has been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, their strong community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and their innovative approach to the business of music.
When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first began gaining momentum in the 1990s, as the internet was taking hold and the major-label business model was beginning to fail, the band decided to make music on their own terms.
Since then, The String Cheese Incident has carved out a completely unique approach to the business of music and have become pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” Using the internet as a tool, SCI was among the first artists to share tour dates, release information, and news directly with their growing fan base. Rather than focusing on the bottom line, the band put their music and fans first, launching their own ticketing company, merchandise company, and fan travel agency to better serve their community.
Their record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing through the band’s On The Road series, making every live show available for download online. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development, an approach now used by hundreds of bands to build their brands.
The String Cheese Incident’s commitment extends far beyond their immediate fan base and the music community itself. Early in their career, the band became deeply invested in giving back to the communities they visited and were among the first performers to promote green shows and tours. Their support has helped launch nonprofit organizations such as Conscious Alliance and HeadCount.
Throughout it all, The String Cheese Incident has remained dedicated to music as a creative endeavor, both in the studio and on stage. Their long and diverse list of collaborators, along with signature events like Electric Forest and Hulaween and holiday shows such as New Year’s Eve, has helped redefine the concert experience and earned the band a reputation as innovators of live music culture.

The String Cheese Incident
2026-06-04 19:15
Night two of String Cheese in Crested Butte | SOLD OUT
Doors at 6:00pm
The past three decades have written a story packed with surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement, and huge accomplishments. The String Cheese Incident has been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, their strong community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and their innovative approach to the business of music.
When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first began gaining momentum in the 1990s, as the internet was taking hold and the major-label business model was beginning to fail, the band decided to make music on their own terms.
Since then, The String Cheese Incident has carved out a completely unique approach to the business of music and have become pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” Using the internet as a tool, SCI was among the first artists to share tour dates, release information, and news directly with their growing fan base. Rather than focusing on the bottom line, the band put their music and fans first, launching their own ticketing company, merchandise company, and fan travel agency to better serve their community.
Their record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing through the band’s On The Road series, making every live show available for download online. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development, an approach now used by hundreds of bands to build their brands.
The String Cheese Incident’s commitment extends far beyond their immediate fan base and the music community itself. Early in their career, the band became deeply invested in giving back to the communities they visited and were among the first performers to promote green shows and tours. Their support has helped launch nonprofit organizations such as Conscious Alliance and HeadCount.
Throughout it all, The String Cheese Incident has remained dedicated to music as a creative endeavor, both in the studio and on stage. Their long and diverse list of collaborators, along with signature events like Electric Forest and Hulaween and holiday shows such as New Year’s Eve, has helped redefine the concert experience and earned the band a reputation as innovators of live music culture.

Alpenglow: Floodgate Operators
2026-06-15 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
The Center for the Arts presents Alpenglow, a tradition for over 30 years. This free outdoor concert series takes place Monday evenings at 5:30pm from mid-June through mid-August in the Crested Butte Town Park next door to the Center for the Arts.
With Crested Butte Mountain and Paradise Divide as the backdrop, it’s the perfect respite to enjoy the sounds of a variety of music, surrounded by family and friends. Guests are welcome to bring along low-profile lawn chairs, snacks (or a complete picnic) and non-alcoholic beverages. Join friends and family as we enjoy the best that summer in Crested Butte has to offer.
Floodgate Operators
Crested Butte, CO based Floodgate Operators know a thing or two about getting the party started. Founded in 2018, Floodgate Operators have grown from a dive bar bluegrass act to a force of original music and showmanship which has earned them praise throughout the Rocky Mountain West.
The band has released three records, Drought Driven Days (2020), Flood the World (2022), and After the Flood (2025) with each effort building on the collaborative nature of the band. The latest effort, After the Flood, highlights the growth in storytelling and songwriting prowess. From ‘Montana Drive-by’ – a fast paced number draped traditional bluegrass about an unfortunate bear-mace incident on the road, to ‘I Saw the Bird First (Not You), an 8-minute jam-epic that rounds off the record, one thing is certain – Floodgate Operators can take you on a cross country, genre blending journey.
Listen to Floodgate Operators’ newest record, ‘After the Flood’ on all streaming platforms!

Cookbook Club: The Book of Pintxos: Discover the Legendary Small Bites of Basque Country
2026-06-18 18:00
Take a culinary trip to northern Spain with a community potluck inspired by The Book of Pintxos: Discover the Legendary Small Bites of Basque Country by Marti Buckley! This cookbook celebrates the vibrant tradition of pintxos—those irresistible little bites that bring people together in the bars and kitchens of the Basque region—and offers plenty of inspiration for creating the perfect summer snacks. Pick up a copy at Townie Books or borrow ours, sign up for a dish, and bring your own pintxo-inspired creation to share. Together, we’ll savor bold flavors, swap stories, and enjoy the spirit of Basque hospitality, one small plate at a time.

Speed Puzzle Competition
2026-06-19 17:15 - 20:45, 2026-06-20 08:30 - 20:00
Presented by ICE Lab
Speed puzzling is a competitive sport where individuals, pairs, or teams race to assemble jigsaw puzzles. Each competitor receives the same jigsaw puzzle in an opaque package. At “go!”, the competitors start the puzzle and the first one done wins! Unlike the leisurely, meditative approach many puzzlers take, speed puzzling is all about completing puzzles as quickly and efficiently as possible—whether solo or in teams. It combines time pressure, strategy, spatial awareness, and a bit of adrenaline to transform puzzling into a competitive, goal-oriented pursuit.
Schedule of Events
Friday (6/19) 5:15-6:15pm: Self-massage for Puzzlers with Mel Peddle, LMT and speed puzzler
Friday (6/19) 6:15-8:45pm: Puzzle Chess competition, double elimination rounds to crown the champion. Win prizes!
Saturday (6/20) 8:30-9:30am: Yoga for Puzzlers taught by Katy Mooney, RYT200 and puzzle enthusiast
Saturday (6/20) 10:45am: Check-in for 11:00am start of Solo (Race, Casual, and Youth)
Saturday (6/20) 12:15pm: Check-in for 12:30pm start of Pairs Relay
Saturday (6/20) 1:45pm: Check-in for 2:00pm start of Pairs (Race, Casual, and Youth)
Saturday (6/20) 3:15pm: Check-in for 3:30pm start of Teams (Race, Casual, Sponsors, and Youth)
Saturday (6/20) 6-8pm: Puzzle Trivia Night at A Bar Above, Mt. Crested Butte
Buy Tickets Now

Alpenglow: Bella Rayne
2026-06-22 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
The Center for the Arts presents Alpenglow, a tradition for over 30 years. This free outdoor concert series takes place Monday evenings at 5:30pm from mid-June through mid-August in the Crested Butte Town Park next door to the Center for the Arts.
With Crested Butte Mountain and Paradise Divide as the backdrop, it’s the perfect respite to enjoy the sounds of a variety of music, surrounded by family and friends. Guests are welcome to bring along low-profile lawn chairs, snacks (or a complete picnic) and non-alcoholic beverages. Join friends and family as we enjoy the best that summer in Crested Butte has to offer.
Bella Rayne
At just 18, Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound is quickly turning heads across the country. Born in the mountains of North Carolina and raised along the rugged coast of Mendocino, California, she blends rock and Americana with the improvisational spirit of the jam-band tradition, creating a sound that feels both timeless and strikingly new, bridging generations of listeners. Her journey began during the pandemic, when she pulled an old Stratocaster from her garage, fixed it up, and taught herself to play by ear, unlocking a voice and style entirely her own.
She has since formed Bella Rayne Band, a high-energy, guitar-driven ensemble that has quickly become one of the most talked-about rising acts on the live circuit. Led by a young lineup of seasoned musicians, the band has surged from small rooms to coast-to-coast stages and festival lineups in a remarkably short time, with crowds growing at every stop. Their sets are explosive and ever-evolving, blending soulful Southern rock, modern Americana, and improvisational jam with bold reinterpretations of Grateful Dead classics alongside Bella’s own originals. The result is a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably new, often described as the next generation of Tedeschi Trucks Band with an alternative edge and a 70s vibe. With demand building nationwide, the band recently completed recording singles for an upcoming EP slated for release in 2026, marking the next step in a trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite her young age, Bella has already shared the stage with seasoned artists and respected bands. Appearances alongside Allman Betts Family Revival, Melvin Seals & JGB, ALO, Jackie Greene, Oteil Burbridge, and members of Terrapin Family have all added to her early résumé, and she was touted as “one to watch” by her idol, Susan Tedeschi, in a 2025 Guitar World Magazine interview. In addition, she has been invited to iconic stages nationwide, including The Fillmore SF, The Orpheum LA, Sweetwater Music Hall, and The Hamilton, and even celebrated her 18th birthday with a set on the Prudential Stage at Bottlerock Napa Festival.
One of the most iconic moments of her rising career came when she was entrusted to play the legendary guitar known as “Alligator,” once wielded by Jerry Garcia. That honor, courtesy of the Grateful Guitars Foundation, has become a defining chapter in Bella’s journey. Guitar Player magazine recently recognized her as one of the players “keeping the Dead alive,” alongside Jeff Mason (Dark Star Orchestra) and Tom Hamilton (JRAD), in an article from May 2025.

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: The Devil’s Horn
2026-06-23 17:30 - 19:00
Outdoors | Seating Provided | Rain or shine
Join us every Tuesday for a live music happy hour in the Feldberg East Courtyard! From classical, to jazz and world music, we hope you enjoy these intimate live performances over cocktails from the Black Dragon Bar, with stunning summer views.
Join Madeline and Matt Shugert for an evening exploring the many voices of the saxophone, one of music’s most versatile and historically polarizing instruments. Though often associated with jazz, the saxophone has a rich place in classical music and traditions around the world. Through a program spanning Baroque transcriptions, French Impressionist works, and classic and modern jazz, Madeline and Matt highlight the instrument’s remarkable range and dual identity.
Based in Crested Butte, Colorado, Madeline Shugert is a saxophonist, educator, and adjunct lecturer of woodwinds at Western Colorado University, with degrees from Indiana University and the University of Colorado and extensive teaching experience in Shanghai. Matt Shugert is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, and composer whose work spans jazz performance, composition, and saxophone ensemble writing, with music premiered internationally and recognized by the Jazz Education Network. Together, they bring deep artistry, scholarship, and a shared passion for the saxophone’s expressive possibilities.
