YOUR AD HERE »

30 festivals/events coming to Vail Valley before Opening Day 2019-20

The lifts have stopped turning for the winter, but it's going to be a busy summer around Vail

Hot Summer Nights

Hot Summer Nights is a free concert series held at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail on Tuesday evenings starting in June. (Photo by Justin Q. McCarty)
Justin Q. McCarty

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

The Vail Jazz Festival is celebrating 25 years this summer with 10 weeks of music starting in June. (Photo courtesy of Vail Jazz)

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.

Series tenure: 25th annual event

Support Local Journalism




More information: http://www.vailjazz.org

Bravo! Vail Music Festival

The Bravo! Vail Music Festival brings world-class orchestras to Vail starting in June. (Photo Special to the Daily)
Special to the Daily

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

The Vilar Performing Arts Center at Beaver Creek is an intimate 535-seat venue. The Vilar Center’s summer lineup starts in July.
Townsend Bessent | Daily file photos

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

The second annual Whistle Pig Vail will bring comedians and musicians to Vail throughout the summer. (Photo Special to the Daily)
Chris Dillmann | cdillmann@vaildaily.com

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

A two-day street party in downtown Eagle, the Bonfire Block Party returns May 31 to June 1. (Photo by John-Ryan Lockman)
John-Ryan Lockman | Special to the Daily

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

The free ShowDown Town concerts take place in Eagle Town Park Thursdays and begin in June. (Photo Special to the Daily)
Zach Mahone | Daily file photo |

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

Vail Film Festival

The Vail Film Festival brings Colorado and world premiers to Vail in August. (Photo by Anthony Thornton)
Anthony Thornton | Daily file photo

The 16th annual Vail Film Festival returns Aug. 15-18. Founded by the Cross brothers, Sean and Scott, the festival stays at the forefront of trends in film, usually focusing on women throughout the industry. The festival features some big names as well as impressive others to learn. Many films are Colorado premiers, and some are world premiers each year. Categories include features, shorts, documentaries and more.

Series tenure: 16th annual event

More information: http://www.vailfilmfestival.com

Farmers markets

Farmers markets take place across the valley during the summer, starting in June. (Photo by Zach Mahone)
Zach Mahone | Daily file photo

Entering its 18th year on East Meadow Drive, the Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show returns Sundays, June 16 to Oct. 6. Celebrating its 21st season, the Minturn Market is Saturdays, June 15 to Sept. 7. The Edwards Corner Market returns Saturdays, June 15 to Sept. 21. In 2018, both Gypsum and Avon got in on the market scene with week-day markets.

More information: Follow the farmers markets on Facebook

Vail Craft Beer Classic

The Vail Craft Beer Classic combines outdoor adventures, educational seminars as well as food and beer in June. (Photo by Steve Peterson)
Vail Craft Beer Classic

In its third year and gaining momentum, the Vail Craft Beer Classic returns June 21-23, featuring outdoor adventures, educational seminars as well as food and beer pairings. Outdoor adventures include a fly-fishing excursion with a brewer and cruising Vail Pass via bicycle with a brewer; seminars include cooking and pairing, chasing trends, tales from the taproom and more.

Festival tenure: Third annual event

More information: Visit http://www.vailcraftbeerclassic.com

Gourmet On Gore

Gourmet on Gore brings world-class wine, beer and spirits to Vail during Labor Day weekend. (Photo Special to the Daily)
Nate Day | Special to the Daily

A Labor Day weekend tradition in Vail, Gourmet on Gore brings world-class wine, beer and spirits together with culinary creations from Vail’s top chefs Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Events at Gourmet on Gore include a tasting tour; open-air tasting; kids culinary corner; and more.

Festival tenure: 12th annual event

More information: Visit http://www.gourmetongore.com

Oktoberfests

Oktoberfest in the Vail Valley starts in September with more events throughout October. (Photo Special to the Daily)
Special to the Daily

The best thing about Oktoberfests in the Vail Valley is they start in September. Across the valley, Oktoberfest celebrations are spaced out up through October, making more chances to get in on the Bavarian celebrations. Oktoberfests in the Rocky Mountains usually include stein-holding competitions, keg bowling and more.

Beaver Creek Wine & Spirits Festival

The annual Beaver Creek Wine & Spirits Festival combines Beaver Creek’s very own culinary talent, exclusive wines and outdoor venues during the Colorado summer. The event returns Aug. 8-11 and includes wine dinners, farm-to-table dinners and more.

Festival tenure: 13th annual event

More information: Visit http://www.beavercreek.com

Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival  

Blues, Brews & BBQ at Beaver Creek is May 24-26.
Daily file photo

Helping launch summertime at Beaver Creek, the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival returns the weekend of May 24-26. The event includes live music, a backyard barbecue competition and more, all with the views of Beaver Creek Mountain.

Festival tenure: 16th annual event

More information: Visit http://www.beavercreek.com

Vail Dance Festival

The Vail Dance Festival brings dancers from all backgrounds together for collaborative performances starting in July. (Photo Special to the Daily)
Special to the Daily

Returning July 26 to Aug. 10, the two-week Vail Dance Festival brings together some of the best dancers from all types of backgrounds and styles, pairing them together for some creative and memorable performances. Performances are at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, the Vilar Performing Arts Center at Beaver Creek and the Avon Performance Pavilion.

Festival tenure: 31st annual event

More information: Visit http://www.vaildance.org

Fourth of July

The Fourth of July Parade through the streets of Vail draws a good crowd each year, so get your spot on the parade route early. (Photo by Chris Dillmann)
Chris Dillmann | cdillmann@vaildaily.com

Vail America Days is the annual Fourth of July celebration in Vail, featuring a parade through town as well as fireworks. Get your spot on the parade route early. Beaver Creek also hosts an Independence Day celebration, and one of the largest fireworks shows in the state takes place at Nottingham Lake in Avon each year.

GoPro Mountain Games

The GoPro Mountain Games features hundreds of athletes competing in spectator-friendly sports, as well as experiences for kids to dip their toes in adventure sports. The Mountain Games are June 6-9. (Photo by Chris Dillmann)
Chris Dillmann | cdillmann@vaildaily.com

The country’s largest celebration of adventure sports, art and music returns to Vail June 6-9. One of the biggest weekends in Vail all summer, the spectator-friendly GoPro Mountain Games features hundreds of athletes competing in a variety of competitions. There’s also live music, Dock Dogs and more.

Event tenure: 19th annual event

More information: Visit http://www.mountaingames.com.

Vail Arts Festival

The Vail Arts Festival brings in a variety of artists from 22 different states in June. (Photo Special to the Daily)
Dominique Taylor | Weekly file photo

Celebrating 35 years in 2019, the Vail Arts Festival is a three-day celebration featuring over 80 artists showcasing digital art, glass, metal works, wood, mixed media, ceramics, paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more. Artists come from 22 different states showcasing their best work. The festival, held at Lionshead Mall and Arrabelle at Vail Square, returns June 21-23.

Festival tenure: 35th annual event

More information: Visit http://www.vailartsfestival.com

Beaver Creek Art Festival

The Beaver Creek Arts Festival brings in artists from 30 different states in August. (Photo Special to the Daily)
Daily file photo

The weekend of Aug. 3-4, the Beaver Creek Art Festival brings in local and national artists from 30 different states, showcasing their works including glass, paintings, jewelry, pottery and more.

Festival tenure: 32nd annual event

More information: Visit http://www.artfestival.com

Art on the Rockies

Art on the Rockies returns in July and features over 100 artists from across the nation. (Photo by Chris Dillmann)
Chris Dillmann | cdillmann@vaildaily.com

The weekend of July 12-14 brings more than 100 artists from across the nation to Art on the Rockies on the grounds of Colorado Mountain College in Edwards. The outdoor showing features a variety of art, and prices, and is free to attend. There’s also food and beverages available, a free children’s are area and silent art auction benefitting the Vail Valley Arts League.

Festival tenure: Sixth annual event

More information: Visit http://www.artontherockies.org

Vail Rotary Duck Race

The annual Vail Rotary Duck Race returns Labor Day weekend in Vail, with a chance to win $1 million. (Photo by Chris Dillmann)
Chris Dillmann | cdillmann@vaildaily.com

It’s not every day you get a chance to win $1 million. Well, each Labor Day weekend in Vail, the annual Vail Rotary Duck Race offers that chance. The No. 1 fundraiser for the Vail Rotary Club has people adopt ducks and send them down Gore Creek. The first duck across has a chance to win the million dollars, and other prizes are awarded.

Event tenure: 21st annual event

More information: Visit http://www.vailrotary.com

Beaver Creek Rodeo Series

The Beaver Creek Rodeo Series takes place on Thursday nights starting in June. (Photo by Zach Mahone)
Zach Mahone | Daily file photo

Thursday nights are rodeo nights with the Beaver Creek Rodeo Series, returning June 20 to Aug. 15 to the scenic rodeo grounds in Avon. Classic rodeo events include bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing and, of course, bull riding. Join the action yourself by signing up for the calf scramble, mutton bustin’ or burro racing.

Series tenure: 17th annual event

More information: Visit http://www.beavercreek.com

Eagle County Fair & Rodeo

The Eagle County Fair & Rodeo dates back to the 1940s and returns in July. (Photo by Townsend Bessent)
Townsend Bessent | Daily file photo

Dating back to the 1940s, the Eagle County Fair & Rodeo returns July 24-27. It’s a celebration of Eagle County’s Western heritage complete with PRCA Rodeo, concerts, exhibits and a 4-H Club livestock auction. The county rodeo takes place at the Eagle County Fairgrounds.

Event tenure: 79th annual event

More information: Visit http://www.eaglecounty.us/fairrodeo

Vail, Beaver Creek Restaurant Week

Twice is nice when it comes to Vail, Beaver Creek Restaurant Week. Taking place May 26-June 2 and again Sept. 27-Oct. 6, participating restaurants are serving a wide variety of prix fixe menus starting at $20.19. Be prepared to try a new restaurant or return to your favorite spots for a night out.

Event tenure: Seventh annual event

More information: Visit http://www.diningataltitude.com

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 June 19, 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

Man of the Cliff

Man of the Cliff competitions are adjusted for people of all ages and abilities to encourage participation.
Chris Dillmann | cdillmann@vaildaily.com

Calling all lumberjacks and jills — the 11th annual Man of the Cliff is slated for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13. A fundraiser for First Descents, Man of the Cliff is an outdoor, rugged event for all strength and ability levels. Wood chopping, keg tosses, axe throw, spear throw and more fill Nottingham Park in Avon, and all for a good cause.

Series tenure: 11th annual event

More information: Visit http://www.avon.org

Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival

Enjoy a weekend of foraging, educational seminars and food and drinks Aug. 2-4. The Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival will help attendees explore, identify and eat mushrooms.

More information: Visit http://www.eagleoutside.com

Taste of Vail’s Fall Wine & Food Classic

Taste of Vail presents the Fall Wine & Food Classic Sept. 20-21, featuring wines from the Southern Hemisphere and food from local chefs.

More information: Visit http://www.tasteofvail.com.


Support Local Journalism