May in Crested Butte and Gunnison brings a refreshing mix of local culture, creativity, and community as the valley transitions from winter to summer. While it’s considered “shoulder season,” there’s still plenty to enjoy—from First Friday Art Walks and gallery receptions to live performances, comedy nights, and interactive events at the Center for the Arts. Highlights like the Mountain Words Literary Festival, along with theater productions and pop-up gatherings, give the month a lively yet laid-back feel. It’s the perfect time to experience the area like a local, with smaller crowds, unique events, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere that showcases the heart of the Gunnison Valley.
Celebrate local creativity at the Sunni Gunni Art Market, a vibrant pop-up hosted by the Gunnison Arts Center and curated by local artists!
Sip on your favorite drink, enjoy live music, and browse a dynamic mix of art from up to 20 talented makers—including paintings, ceramics, prints, jewelry, and more. Click here to learn more.
Gas Cafe’s Turkey Mojo hot turkey sandwich, fries and a soda, just $14…..all day long !
Gas Cafe was voted Crested Butte’s Best Hangover Cure!!! Click here to learn more.
Gas Cafe’s chef’s choice Whacky Burger, fries, soda, just $14…..all day
Come hamburgering: Workin’ Man, Spicy Cowboy, Euro and Pizza Burgers
Gas Cafe was voted Crested Butte’s Best Hangover Cure!!! Click here to learn more.
Director: Amy Heckerling Run Time: 97 min. Rating: PG-13 Release Year: 1995
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Brittany Murphy, Donald Faison, Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash
Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school’s pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating each other. Click here to learn more.
$14.00 Kaiser roll, burger, bacon, custom toppings, fries, soda. Click here to learn more.
Join the winemaking crew for a behind-the-scenes look at how the Sparkling Rosé comes to life.
You’ll learn the ins and outs of the sparkling process and even help in the final stages of disgorging (aka the messy part!). Click here to learn more.
Discover what’s ahead for summer in Gunnison. Connect with local businesses and organizations, explore opportunities, and get involved in your community at this fun and free season kick off! Click here to learn more.
The Black Canyon Ascent 6-mile Run and Challenge Walk features a tough, scenic course starting at an elevation of 6500′ and climbing almost 2,000′ to the rim of the Black Canyon National Park. Click here to learn more.
Put a delicious Italian spin on the start of the week with a special deal on two house favorites.
Enjoy $10 off everyone’s favorite Filetto con Pepe and Filetto di Lombardia — perfectly prepared, Italian-style filet dishes that Garlic Mike’s is known for. Click here to learn more.
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. Click here to learn more.
Unleash your inner artist (no experience required!) at Buckel Family Wine’s Milagros Painting with Rain Bodine. Click here to learn more.
In the postmodern world, is there such a thing as an original idea? How do you determine what is right, and what is wrong? Click here to learn more.
The Original Growler is a legendary endurance mountain bike race held each year in Gunnison, Colorado, featuring challenging singletrack and rugged terrain at Hartman Rocks. Click here to learn more.
Get ready for an unforgettable night under the Colorado sky as Michael Franti & Spearhead bring their signature blend of soul, reggae, hip-hop, and feel-good energy to the legendary I Bar Ranch on May 30, 2026. Click here to learn more.
Join the combat cheatgrass invasion in the Basin by pulling this invasive grass across Gunnison City limits. Click here to learn more.
Join in kicking off the 2026 fishing season with a friendly fishing competition at Harmels – Fishing, live music, prizes, food & drinks!
Welcome to Harmels’ Spring Fly Fishing Tournament at Harmels on the Taylor! Click here to learn more.
As we wrap up another exciting month of Crested Butte & Gunnison happenings, I hope you’ve found plenty of inspiration to get out and enjoy all that our vibrant valley has to offer—from art walks and community markets to music, theater, outdoor challenges, and more. May truly brings the community together in so many fun and memorable ways.
If you love discovering local events like these and feel connected to life in the Gunnison Valley, you might just fall in love with it here year‑round. And whether you’re thinking about making this amazing region your home—or planning to sell your current property—I’m here to help every step of the way. As a local real estate broker, I’d love to guide you through the market, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward your goals. Let’s find your place in this incredible community!