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
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.
Series tenure: 25th annual event
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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
Vail Film Festival
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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.