Every winter, the mountain town of Crested Butte brings its playful spirit to life with one of the most anticipated local celebrations of the season—Sleds & Kegs. In 2026, the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, drawing locals and visitors together for a high-energy mix of sledding, music, and craft beverages in the heart of downtown. Known for its quirky charm and community-driven atmosphere, the festival perfectly captures the fun-loving culture that makes Crested Butte such a special place to visit during winter.
Event Details:
Thursday, March 5 – Welcome Party
- Where: The Talk of the Town, 230 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, Colorado
- When: Thursday, March 5, 2026
- What Time: 8:00 PM – Late
- Price: Free entry (drinks available for purchase)
Friday, March 6 – Live Music Night
- Where: Public House, 202 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, Colorado
- When: Friday, March 6, 2026
- What Time: 9:00 PM – Late
- Price: $15 – $25 depending on ticket tier
Saturday, March 7 – Main Event (Sleds & Kegs Festival)
- Where: 1 Maroon Ave, Downtown Crested Butte, Colorado
- When: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- What Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Price: $100 (21+ ticketed main event)
Sunday, March 8 – Closing Après Party
- Where: Butte 66 Patio at the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort
- When: Sunday, March 8, 2026
- What Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Price: Free entry (food & drinks available for purchase)
The main celebration takes place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, featuring a full day of entertainment, food, and drinks. Guests can enjoy unlimited access to local beers, cocktails, and food vendors while DJs keep the party going throughout the afternoon. Activities include sled competitions, a big-air ski and snowboard showcase, fire dancing performances, and vendor booths throughout the event area. The festival also serves a meaningful purpose—raising funds for local nonprofits that support mental health, environmental initiatives, scholarships, and community programs throughout the Gunnison Valley.
While the main event happens on Saturday, Sleds & Kegs is actually a full weekend celebration running from March 5–8, 2026, with welcome parties, live music shows, après events, and community gatherings happening around town. Whether you’re racing a sled, dancing to DJs, or simply enjoying a drink with friends in the snow, the festival showcases the vibrant, community-driven culture that has long defined Crested Butte.
Events like Sleds & Kegs really show why Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley are such fun, vibrant communities to be a part of. I’m Heather Woodward, a licensed real estate agent here in the area, and I love helping people discover everything this town has to offer. Whether you’re curious about the local scene, looking to rent, buy, or sell a property—whether it’s a future investment, a primary home, or a second home—let’s connect! I’d be happy to chat over coffee and share insights about living, working, and playing in this incredible corner of Colorado.