Upcoming events
Mardi Gras Prom 2026
It’s our favorite time of year.
Join the Melanin Mountain Project for our annual Mardi Gras Prom—a night of high-energy celebration, cultural connection, and community joy. This isn’t just a party; it is our primary fundraiser to support our mission of building a truly inclusive social framework in the Gunnison Valley.
To keep our community strong and our programs accessible, we are offering tickets at an encouraged donation price of $25. Your contribution directly supports the Melanin Mountain Project’s year-round initiatives —every dollar ensures we can continue creating an anti-racist ski town.
To ensure a safe and spectacular experience for everyone, only ticketed patrons will be allowed access to the Mardi Gras Prom this year. Secure your spot on the dance floor today! Don’t miss out on the music, the beads, the beats, and the magic of Mardi Gras at 9,000 ft.
Hosted by Melanin Mountain Project and Plantain Tree. Get your tickets here (all tickets include a free beer)
21+ event
Slope Session : BIPOC Winter Sports Meetup
Slope Session: BIPOC Winter Meetup
Take up space. Find your flow.
Join us for Slope Session, a community-led winter sports meetup designed to bring BIPOC riders and skiers together in the heart of Crested Butte, Colorado. This isn’t about how fast you go or how steep you play; it’s about connection, community, and the collective joy of being on the mountain.
Whether you’re a double-black-diamond local or strapping into a board for the very first time, this is your space. No pressure, no gatekeeping—just a chill day of laps and laughs with people who get it. All levels, all abilities, and all styles are welcome.
Follow us on Instagram @melaninmountainproject for event and meeting spot updates
2026 Melanin Mountain Film Festival
We’re back at the Majestic Theatre for the 4th Annual Melanin Mountain Film Fest, elevating Black voices at 9,000 feet. Join us this Black History Month as we spotlight the creators and disruptors redefining the narrative on screen.
New films. Same soul. Experience the brilliance of Black storytelling at high altitude.
2025 Melanin Mountain Film Festival
For the third year, we proudly present the Melanin Mountain Film Fest, celebrating Black stories in Crested Butte every Black History Month. Join us at the Majestic Theatre for a powerful showcase of artistry, culture, and the beauty of melanin on screen. Honoring our history. Inspiring the future. Telling our stories.
Annie | 2/23 at 4:00 p.m. | 1h 58m | Rated PG
Annie, who is taken in by wealthy businessman and mayoral candidate Will Stacks. As their relationship grows, Annie's optimism and charm begin to change Stacks' heart, leading to a heartwarming journey of love, family, and self-discovery.
Director: Will Gluck
Release Date: 2014
Sponsored By: Trailhead Children’s Museum
Click here for the official trailer
American Fiction | 2/25 at 6:30 p.m. | 1h 57m
A novelist who's fed up with the establishment profiting from Black entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of the hypocrisy and madness he claims to disdain.
Director: Cord Jefferson
Release Date: 2023
Sponsored By: Montanya Distillers
Click here for the official trailer
Black Ice | 2/26 at 7:00 p.m. | 45m
Told through the eyes of Malik Martin and Chris Dean, Black Ice follows a crew of aspiring ice climbers from the Memphis Rox gym travels to the frozen wilds of Montana, where mentors Manoah Ainuu, Conrad Anker and Fred Campbell share their love of winter adventure in the mountains.
Director: Hubert Davis
Release Date: 2020
Sponsored By: Talk of the Town
Negus in Nature | 2/26 at 7:30 p.m. | 20m
This compelling documentary, produced by Langstyn Avery Williams, founder of Negus In Nature, in collaboration with Touchstone Climbing Gym and directed by Michael Alfonso and JP of Outpost Cinema, explores the transformative power of climbing and community.
Director: Michael Alfonso
Release Date: 2025
Sponsored By: Talk of the Town
Click here for the official trailer:
Exhibiting Forgiveness | 2/27 at 6:30 p.m. | 1h 57m
A Black artist on the path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, a recovering addict desperate to reconcile. Together, they struggle and learn that forgetting might be a greater challenge than forgiving.
Director: Titus Kaphar
Release Date: 2024
Sponsored By: Crusty Butt Mutts
Click here for the official trailer
Judas and the Black Messiah | 2/28 at 6:30 p.m. | 2h 6m
2nd Annual Melanin Market
The Melanin Mountain Project invites you to Crested Butte’s second annual Melanin Market on Sunday, September 15, on 2nd Street between Elk and Maroon from 9 am to 2 pm (alongside the CB Farmer’s Market). Come support local and regional BIPOC entrepreneurs—vendors include Jitterbug Art, Kissidugu West African Performances, Plantain Tree LLC, Townie Books, J Pierre Studios, Pepita’s Colombian Food Truck, Yukihana, Freedom Acres (from Colorado Springs), Lazy J Concepts, and the Neighborhood Plant Plug from Denver.
The underwriting of the event has been provided by the Melanin Mountain Project, the Town of Crested Butte, and the Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the market or how to get involved, please visit melaninmountainproject.com
We look forward to seeing you!
We encourage you to bring your own reusable bag and BYO dishware as this is a Crested Butte Climate Responsible Special Event.
Are you interested in being a vendor? Please email : monica.tran126@gmail.com
Juneteenth Concert: Rebirth Brass Band
We are proud to be kicking off LIVE! FROM MT. CB SUMMER CONCERT SERIES with Rebirth Brass Band to celebrate Juneteenth
Openers from local sensation Nunu and friends, and poetry from Indoni and Dark Goddess Collective
Free show!
doors open at 5:30 pm
Proudly supported by the Town of Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Juneteenth Freedom Festival 2024
Crested Butte’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration - this year extended to more events across multiple days
Mardi Gras Prom - Mountain Masquerade Afterparty
Come drink, celebrate and dance with Mountain Masquerade attendees
Mountain Masquerade
Come ride, dance and mingle with fellow BIPOC skiers and snowboarders in Crested Butte for a full mountain takeover
Black History Month Trivia with Quiz Quiz Bang Bang
Come test your knowledge of BHM and enjoy some drinks, snacks and amazing prizes!
Melanin Mountain Film Festival 2024
MMP’s second annual film festival in celebration of Black History Month
Harvest Noir Fundraiser Dinner
Melanin Mountain Project invites you to celebrate the end of the season and help us fundraise for bringing more outstanding BIPOC events to the Gunnison Valley in 2024. This benefit dinner will celebrate our accomplishments and share our plans for the upcoming year.
We are partnering with The Sunflower and Montanya Distillery to bring you the most delicious eats and drinks!
Please register at https://www.greenvelope.com/event/noir; tickets are extremely limited.
$175 for cocktail party, dinner and dessert
$50 for cocktail party only
Thank you for all your support in 2023. We are looking forward to seeing you!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please email chloenicole21@me.com
Melanin Market
Vendors
Arvin Rangaloom | Townie books
C.W. and Nicole Mallery | Freedom Acre Ranch
Kelly Casey-White | Bartender @spiritiedawaytx
Amethyst Mcdowell | Artist
Erica Nelson | Brown Folks Fishing
Ruben Del Cabrera aka Rubezilla | Artist/Muralist
Donald Earl Tucker “Tuck” | Handmade leatherwork
Latisha Green | Jitterbug Art
Jermaine | Jermaine’s Sportsman’s Liquor and more!
Jessica Marie Leak | Abstract Artist
Ronaldo Jackson | Half/Full Glassware
Mami Sayon Camera | Kissidugu Foundation
Ashley “Nance” Jackson | @getbentartwork
Nunu Tillton | Nu Aura Cleans
