Frequently Asked Questions
Concert Information
You’re in beautiful Steamboat Springs and the dress code for any event is casual. You’ll fit right in with jeans, but if you want to dress up for a night out, you won’t be the only one.
No. No cameras, flashes, or recording devices are allowed in the Strings Music Pavilion. Flashes and recording can distract musicians onstage as well as your fellow audience members. However, we would love for you to take photos of yourself with friends and family and share your experiences at the Pavilion online #StringsMusicFestival. Just do it before the concert or at intermission. We ask that you silence your cell phone during the performance. Texting and alerts can distract musicians and audience members.
Children six years and older may attend any evening performance. If children under the age of six attend these concerts, you will be asked to leave and no refunds will be given. Special Family Concerts are provided throughout the summer for our younger audience and new for 2021 children of any age may attend our free listening parties at Strings Festival Park.
Family concerts are 60 minutes. Classical concerts are 65-70 minutes. All other concerts are typically about 90 minutes.
Applause occurs at different times throughout a classical music performance.
Typically, audiences applaud after the entire piece is completed. That means that the audience is quiet during the short breaks between movements (movements are italicized under the piece title on each concert page in the program book). However, sometimes audience members applaud after the first movement, hopefully because they are enjoying the beautiful music. Because of this “clapping rule” though, they might feel strange or awkward because no one else is clapping and then spend the rest of the piece thinking about it, which certainly is not enjoyable.
Our Music Director Michael Sachs has said that he wants everyone to have a wonderful experience when listening to classical music. If you feel moved to clap, then please know the musicians are delighted to hear your enthusiasm. If you would like to wait until the end, then please do that, too. Although clapping between movements is not proper etiquette at concerts halls in large cities, it’s most important to us at Strings that you feel comfortable to express yourself in the pavilion.
If you’re at an outdoor stage concert or non-classical performances in the Pavilion, feel free to applaud after every song or solo that you enjoy.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to a concert to allow ample time for parking and seating. All concerts start promptly at the hour indicated. If arriving late, read signs and follow direction from our staff and volunteers. Those arriving late to a classical concert in the Pavilion will be admitted at the completion of the first movement. Those arriving late to outdoor stage and non-classical concerts will be admitted at the discretion of the artist.
Ticket Information
Call the box office (970-879-5056 x105) to make arrangements.
Unfortunately, we do not offer any refunds or exchanges for any reason, except a temporary ticketing policy in place as of August, 2021 (click for details). If you can’t attend, please consider turning your tickets back into the box office as a donation to Strings. Tickets must be turned in at least two hours before the concert to receive a receipt for a tax-deductible donation.
Strings will refund ticket price on canceled events. See full details in our Terms, Conditions, and Policies.
Strings will contact you with the new date and time. If you are unable to attend, you will have a limited-time opportunity to request a refund. Please see full details in our Terms, Conditions, and Policies.
Pavilion Information
STRINGS PATIO will offer full bar service and light snacks before summer performances in the Pavilion. Strings is pleased to partner with Steamboat Meat and Seafood Co. to provide light bites with wine, beer, or cocktails at the Patio before the performance.
THEMED DINNERS check back for updates
COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE TOASTS hosted by Strings follow our opening and closing performances:
- June 23: Opening Night Classical
- August 5: Orchestra Finale
The Strings Music Pavilion is access friendly. All programs, services, and activities in our Pavilion are operated in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please let us know at the time of ticket purchase about any disabilities. Contact Strings at 970-879-5056 for more information.
STARTING AUGUST 10: Free parking is available onsite. Enter Wildhorse Marketplace from Mt. Werner Road, go straight through the roundabout, then left at the T to the Strings Parking Lot. Click here to create your own Google Maps directions to the lot entrance.
Accessible parking: enter the Pavilion grounds at Strings Road from Pine Grove Road. Note this entrance is for accessible parking only and closes 30 minutes before each performance.
For certain concerts, we offer day-of, discounted, outside lawn seating tickets that may be purchased in person at the box office. Outside lawn seating is on the Section A side of the Pavilion and is separate from our Pavilion tickets. Rules and restrictions apply and can be found below:
Outside Lawn Seating
- Rain or shine, tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
- Outside lawn seating is on the Section A side of the Pavilion.
- Seating begins at 6:30 pm. Any articles placed on seats before 6:30 pm will be picked up and removed.
- Our sound system is installed outside, so you will hear the concert well.
- Chairs are provided.
- You will have a limited view of the stage.
- The doors to the Pavilion may shut at any time during the concert due to rain or temperature.
- No entry inside the Pavilion.
- Bathrooms can be accessed through the breezeway.
- Bars are located outside.
Strings Music Festival’s lodging sponsors are Elevated Properties, Holiday Inn, Resort Group, Fairfield by Marriott, Moving Mountains, and Residence Inn.