WHERE TO FIND LOCAL ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

One more reason to visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, is the strong creative community. Care to kick back after a long day on the trails? Jam to some live music! Love the local history? See a play in historic venues. For a relaxing afternoon, pick up a book by a local author. And bring home the best souvenirs ever with handmade goods from local artists.



Here’s a guide to finding arts and entertainment in Leadville and Twin Lakes!

: Jim Evans


PERFORMING ARTS

For live music, theater, storytelling, and more, check these fun venues.


TABOR OPERA HOUSE

The Tabor Opera House has announced an exciting 2023 summer season! Live music, theater, comedy, community events, and cowboy poetry are all on tap at this elegant opera house. You can enjoy live entertainment in a unique historic setting. The Tabor is also proud to be part of the Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit. If you’re touring Colorado, be sure to visit our sister opera houses too!


FREIGHT

A beautifully restored historic train depot, FREIGHT offers a wide variety of arts and community events. Join “The Yak” storytelling sessions, plays, live music, family festivals, and more.


LOCAL SALOONS AND RESTAURANTS

You’ll find live music at many venues around town. The Manhattan BarPastime Saloon, and Scarlet Tavern often have bands and/or karaoke. Before and After Leadville and Treeline Kitchen may have live music. Check our calendar for live music at other venues too!


Festivals


Join us for Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend for live music and dances, the first weekend of March. Come for Leadville Boom Days, our mining heritage festival, the first weekend of August for more of the same!


LITERARY ARTS

For books by local authors, a wide array of Leadville history books, novels, poetry, and more, check out Two Dog Market at 603 Harrison Ave.


MAKER SPACES & VISUAL ARTISTS

Local businesses in Leadville and Twin Lakes share many kinds of artistic endeavors!


City on a Hill Leadville sells topograhic carvings of local mountains, paintings, mugs, and more.


Elevation Goods carries all made-in-Colorado and eco-friendly products—housewares, clothing, and much more.


Come to Fire on the Mountain for fiber arts and pottery! Bring home a soft sweater or a mug, or find the yarns and classes to make your own.


At Galena, find exquisite photographs of local landscapes by local artist and shop owner Justin Talbot, as well as locally made clothing.


Gigi’s General stocks gobsmacking maker goods from around the state. Think adorable children’s clothes, stunning photography, gourmet snacks, and more.


Harperrose Studios is a local artists’ collective chock-full of mountain creativity. So full, in fact, that it recently expanded into adjacent space!


Melanzana is legendary for long-lasting, comfortable “Mellys” and other outdoor gear. Make an appointment to shop when you’re in town!


Nourish Leadville offers for purchase a full array of handmade soaks, salts, and scrubs to melt your stress away.


The walls at the Silver Llama Market and Eatery are lined with colorful, creative art, and they host occasional artist receptions.


The new Sweeter than Honey Boutique, brought to you from the creative mind behind Blue Vessel Florista, offers magical artistic flower arrangements (dried and fresh flowers), along with jewelry, bath and body products, and more.


Tenderfoot at Twin Lakes opened in the heart of Twin Lakes Village in late 2022, with teas, jams and jellies, gifts, and even locally raised meat and eggs.


Zero Day Coffee features and sells works from local artists.


Last but not least, keep your eyes peeled for murals in downtown Leadville! You’ll find many painted on the sides of historic buildings, one at a playground, and one with inset tiles showing the area’s geology on West 5th Street just off Harrison Avenue by the courthouse.


Cover : @thundermountainworks

February 20, 2025
No matter when you visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, you’ll find yourself two miles above sea level (ok, technically 1.9 miles, but who’s counting?). When you visit in March, you’ll be even closer to the glorious Colorado sun because by this time of year, Leadville and Twin Lakes have typically received around two meters of snow! Yes, meters. Here are some great ways you can enjoy the abundant snow and sun! 1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER Like to ski or ride? Check out Ski Cooper for affordable access to uncrowded slopes. Cooper is open seven days a week through Sunday, April 13, 2025. To learn to ski or board or to improve your skills, sign up for lessons for the whole family. 2) RIDE THE TRAIN Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express for a 2-hour train ride through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. The Winter Express runs until April 13th, departing Thursdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m plus daily at 1:00pm during spring break from March 9th through March 29th. This is a popular attraction and reservations are required! Book your seats here . 3) GO SNOWMOBILING Snowmobile and ATV tours are a great way to explore Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the surrounding hills. A variety of tour styles are available with options for experienced adventure seekers to beginners and families. Vroom, vroom! 4) GO DOGSLEDDING Want a spring break story that’ll make your friends jealous? Hop on a sled and let a team of energetic, tail-wagging huskies whisk you across the snow! You'll glide through stunning mountain scenery with your new four-legged crew leading the way. Dogsledding is a thrilling, unforgettable adventure—and fun for the whole family! 5) GO SNOW ZIPPING Have you ever wanted to zipline in the winter? Now’s your chance! Experience the thrill of our 2-hour Winter Mountain Zip Line Tour , where you’ll descend not one but six exhilarating zip lines, spanning over 8,000 feet of fun. Extend your adventure with the Zip Line and Snowmobile Combo Tour . Get the full scoop on rates, reservations, and restrictions here !
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