Let’s face it…who doesn’t like getting a free drink every now and again? Well, you’re in luck. Play your cards right, and you can sample free bevvies at a bevy of locations in town.
History Happy Hours:
Not only do you get free beer from Storm Peak and whiskey tasting from Mythology at these events put on by the Tread of Pioneers Museum, but you also get a history lesson. Running the first Tuesday of every month from October to April in Howelsen Hill’s Olympian room, last year’s topics covered everything from the Region’s Wild Horses and the History of Black Cowboys, to Tales from the 10th Mountain Division; a History of Beer in the Centennial State; Tough Women: Colorado’s Unconventional Trailblazers; and Olympic Memories with Local Olympians. “They’re super popular,” says museum director Candice Bannister. “I think the free drinks help.”
First Friday Artwalk:
Once a month, on the first Friday of every month, downtown art galleries host First Friday Artwalk, where you can go in and peruse artists’ paintings, sculptures, and more, and sample free wine and often beer to boot (along with appetizers). “It’s a great way to take in local art,” says Dancy Gold St. John of the Steamboat Art Museum. “There’s nothing better than sipping a glass of wine and enjoying art. There are a ton of great local artists in this town.” Info: www.mainstreetsteamboat.com
Friends of the Yampa Workshops:
Learn about the Yampa River and drink a craft brew or two at Friends of the Yampa’s season-long presentations at the Yampa River Center downtown at 743 Oak St. The get-togethers cover everything from permit parties and river stewards to Dinosaur science programs, invasive species, and more. And river runners being river runners, most include free drinks and snacks for attendees. Info: www.friendsoftheyampa.com
Snowbowl Free Concerts:
Hit a free concert at SnowBowl on the right day, and you might just stumble upon free samplings in a tent at the back from purveyors pimping their latest elixirs. Mythology Whiskey often hands out its wares at shows, and so does Long Drink, whose local sales representative, Maria Linna, often promotes it at concerts. “I love promoting at those shows and introducing to everyone,” she says, adding Steamboat is the state’s number two town for sales after Denver. Info: www.snowbowlsteamboat.com
Chamber Mixers:
Pay attention to the Steamboat Chamber’s calendar of events and you cab find when and where their Chamber Mixers are being held, a chance to learn about and, more importantly, sample wares from local companies, including food, beer, wine, and more. Plus, a chance to win great prizes!
Beer League Hockey:
Go in and watch a beer league hockey game at the Howlie Dome downtown, and chances are whoever you sit next to will have a coldie they’re more than willing to share if you’re rooting for their team. The games are A, B and C level, with the biggest debauchery celebrated at such rivalries as the annual Ski Patrol vs. Ski School Classic.
