The music scene in Steamboat Springs is dominated by the Strings in the Mountains Music Festival, which offers a wide variety of musical events almost daily throughout the summer, and with lesser frequency at other times of the year.

The bar scene in Steamboat, while never dull, comes especially alive in winter. (Like Steamboat's restaurants, its nightlife ranges from quiet to nonexistent in spring.) One of the hottest new hangouts is Level'z Nightclub, at 1860 Ski Time Sq. (tel. 970/870-9090), with live entertainment nightly, 20 beers on tap, pool tables, and video games, and some good happy hour specials. Other popular venues include the rustic Tugboat Grill & Pub, 1860 Ski Time Sq. (tel. 970/879-7070), which attracts a noisy local crowd for a variety of live music and dancing, starting at about 9:30pm.

In downtown Steamboat, The Tap House, 729 Lincoln Ave. (tel. 970/879-2431), has dozens of TVs (including a couple of huge ones) showing just about any sporting event you'd want to see. There are 21 beers on tap, good fajitas and chicken wings, pool tables, and a video arcade. A riverside bar and grill with New Orleans roots, Sunpies, 735 Yampa St. (tel. 970/870-3360), is a hip young hangout specializing in po' boy sandwiches and potent rum "Slurricanes." Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill, 435 Lincoln Ave. (tel. 970/879-3773), brews a nice selection of handcrafted ales and a wide variety of musicians grace its stage. The Old Town Pub, 600 Lincoln St. (tel. 970/879-2101), is a local favorite, a low-key bar in a historic downtown building.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.