Downtown Glenwood Springs is seeing winter momentum with progress at North Landing, record growth for Market on 7th, and a 14% jump in January tourism. Vendor applications are now open as the city prepares for a busy 2026 season.
Snow has finally arrived in Glenwood Springs, and downtown is leaning into winter with new public spaces, growing event momentum, and strong visitation numbers to start 2026.
The Glenwood Springs Downtown Development Authority released its February update highlighting improvements to public gathering areas, preparation for the return of Market on 7th, and encouraging tourism data heading into spring.
One of the most visible changes downtown is the transformation of North Landing, the area where the old Grand Avenue Bridge once began. The site has been redeveloped into a new community gathering space featuring:
Additional upgrades are planned this spring, including a new restroom, drinking fountain, and shade sails ahead of warmer weather.
The Downtown Development Authority also noted a recent refresh of public seating under the bridge. The Glenwood Springs Kiwanis Club helped repaint green tables and chairs to match new furniture installed at North Landing, creating a more cohesive look across downtown gathering areas.
Market on 7th will return for the 2026 season starting June 23. The weekly market will run Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on 7th Street and in Bethel Plaza under the bridge through September 8.
Vendor applications are open through April 1, with a 20 percent booth discount available for produce and hot food vendors.
The market continues to grow. Attendance in 2025 increased 44 percent over 2024, marking the highest participation on record. Organizers are now seeking sponsors for the upcoming season, offering marketing opportunities tied to what they describe as Glenwood’s fastest growing downtown event.
Residents and visitors can also participate in the Two Rivers Connect Winter Challenge, running February 13 through March 30.
Participants can log trips made by biking, walking, carpooling, or riding transit to earn prizes. The program encourages alternatives to driving and aims to reduce congestion and parking pressure downtown during the winter season.
Downtown visitation in 2025 remained steady compared to the previous year. From October through December, visitation increased 3.6 percent over 2024.
January 2026 showed stronger growth, with a 14 percent increase in overall tourist visitation citywide and a similar rise in overnight stays.
According to the Downtown Development Authority, mild weather and low snowpack in higher elevation resort areas may have encouraged more visitors to explore Glenwood Springs for off-mountain recreation, dining, and entertainment.
An interactive downtown visitation dashboard is now available through the City of Glenwood Springs for residents and business owners who want to explore tourism trends in more detail.
With North Landing nearing completion, Market on 7th preparations underway, and winter visitation trending upward, downtown Glenwood Springs enters 2026 with steady momentum.
As snow settles across the valley and twinkle lights reflect off the sidewalks, city leaders are betting that continued investment in public space, events, and business support will keep downtown a year-round gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
