10 summer music festivals coming to Vail Valley in 2019
From free concerts to ticketed headliners, there will be music in the mountains this summer
When it comes to music in the mountains, the Vail Valley has plenty to offer. From free concerts to ticketed headliners, here’s a look at 10 summer music festivals coming to the area.
Hot Summer Nights
Held on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, the free Hot Summer Nights concert series is perfect for a picnic on the lawn. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the concerts start at 6:30 each Tuesday starting in June.
Series tenure: Started in 1987
More information: Visit http://www.grfavail.com
Vail Jazz Festival
Going big and celebrating 25 years this summer, the Vail Jazz Festival is a 10-week program featuring the best in jazz music from around the world. The Vail Jazz Festival consists of six distinctive series that run from June through September, including Vail Jazz at Vail Square; Vail Jazz Club Series; Vail Jazz Party during Labor Day weekend; Vail Jazz at The Market; Vail Jazz at The Remedy; and Vail Jazz at The Riverwalk.
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Series tenure: 25th annual event
More information: http://www.vailjazz.org
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
Held June 20 to Aug. 4, the Bravo! Vail Music Festival features four of the world’s greatest orchestra returning to Vail to take up residence. These internationally renowned musicians and acclaimed soloists perform powerful classical masterworks and other programs in the Rocky Mountain setting.
Festival tenure: 31st annual event
More information: Visit http://www.bravovail.org
Vail Summer Bluegrass Series
In June and July, the Vail Summer Bluegrass Series brings free performances to Solaris in Vail, featuring headliners Trout Steak Revival (June 26); Jeremy Garrett, of the Infamous Stringdusters (July 3); Hackensaw Boys (July 10); and The Lonesome Days (July 17). Shows are from 6 to 9 p.m.
Series tenure: Sixth annual event
More information: http://www.vailbluegrass.com.
Vilar Performing Arts Center Summer Series
Located underneath the ice rink in Beaver Creek Village with no bad seats in the 535-seat venue, the Vilar Performing Arts Center has a summer schedule filled with Grammy winners, acrobats and more. The series kicks off July 2 and runs through Aug. 24, featuring The Mavericks (July 7); Toots & The Maytals (July 26); Buddy Guy (July 30); and more.
More information: Visit http://www.vilarpac.org
Whistle Pig Vail
After a successful inaugural year bringing high-profile performers to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, Whistle Pig Vail returns with another impressive lineup for summer of 2019. Whistle Pig Vail kicks off with comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short (July 14); followed by the Trey Anastasio Band (Aug. 12-13); Steve Miller Band & Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives (Aug. 14); Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (Aug. 19); before concluding with Gary Clark Jr. (Sept. 5).
Series tenure: 2nd annual event
More information: http://www.grfavail.com
Bonfire Block Party
The Bonfire Block Party features three stages on the streets of downtown Eagle for the two-day festival, Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1. When the music stops in the streets, late-night shows will go down at Bonfire Brewing in Eagle featuring local bands. The lineup includes Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Railroad Earth, North Mississippi Allstars; The Lil Smokies; and more. On Sunday, June 2, there’s also a closing concert and brunch at the Sunday Sayonara event.
Series tenure: Fifth annual event
More information: Visit http://www.bonfireblockparty.com
ShowDown Town
For seven weeks on Thursdays from June 27 to Aug. 15, ShowDown Town is a free concert series in Eagle Town Park during the summer. Picnics are welcome for these laid-back community events.
Series tenure: 22nd annual event
More information: Visit http://www.vvf.org/showdown-town
Minturn Concert Series
Returning to Little Beach Park and Amphitheatre in Minturn on Thursdays starting July 11, the Minturn Concert Series presents free family-friendly shows. Performances are from 6 to 8 p.m. outside at the amphitheater.
More information: Visit http://www.gominturn.com
Avon Live Free Concert Series
On Wednesdays starting July 10, Avon Live Free Concerts in the Park return to Nottingham Park & Pavilion in Avon. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. and takes place rain or shine. Food trucks are also available.
More information: Visit http://www.avon.org
Looking for more things to do around the valley this summer?