The Vail Valley attracts travelers from around the globe to experience its beauty and attractions. To satiate the appetite of such a diverse audience, a healthy variety of entertainment is available year round.
Entertainment in the form of festivals, competitions, concerts, and dance are frequent in our bustling mountain towns. Many are even free to enjoy!
VENUES
Gerald R Ford Amphitheater
Located in Vail, this venue brings in world-renowned performances from talent such as the New York Philharmonic and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for its highly anticipated Bravo! Vail series.
The Ford Amphitheater also hosts the Vail Dance Festival, which attracts dancers from all genres for two weeks of shows.
Hot Summer Nights is a locally loved free concert series held on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer.
Upcoming events and performances at The Amp include Tiesto, O.A.R., Cole Swindell, Trombone Shorty and more!
The venue seats just 2,565 guests so all performances have a level of intimacy not found at larger venues. Performances take place from late spring to early fall as it is an outdoor venue. The stage and a select number of seats are covered, while the remainder of seating is located on an uncovered lawn. After all, some performances are best enjoyed in the great outdoors, with the stars overhead and a view of Vail Mountain just beyond the stage.
Bravo! Vail
Vail Dance Festival
Hot Summer Nights
Summer Concerts
Vilar Performing Arts Center
The Vilar Performing Arts Center is a premier cultural venue located in the heart of Beaver Creek Resort. Opened in 1998 and operated by the Vail Valley Foundation, the intimate theater seats about 530 guests and is known for its exceptional acoustics and unobstructed views from every seat.
Situated beneath the village’s outdoor ice rink, the state-of-the-art facility hosts more than 130 performances each year, including concerts, Broadway productions, dance, comedy, film screenings, and family programming. The venue attracts nationally and internationally recognized artists while also supporting community performances and educational programs for local students.
With its European-inspired design, welcoming atmosphere, and diverse programming, the Vilar Performing Arts Center has become a cornerstone of the arts in the Vail Valley and a unique cultural complement to Beaver Creek’s world-class mountain resort setting.
Upcoming concerts include Matisyahu, The Wallflowers, Brothers Osborne, Matteo Bocelli, Little Feat and many acts still to be announced. Bands who play at the Vilar Center range from blues to country, Latin to classical, and everything in between.
Photo Credit: VailDaily.com
Town of Vail Events
The Town of Vail hosts concerts and signature events throughout the year. Event locations vary and often take place throughout the village but most concerts are outdoors in the Solaris center. Check the town of Vail’s website for an up to date schedule.
Some notable events and festivals include:
GoPro Mountain Games
Oktoberfest
Vail Farmers Market and Art Show
Vail Wine Classic
Gourmet on Gore
Vail Film Festival
Taste of Vail
Snow Days
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek hosts a number of Signature Events and holiday celebrations including:
Oktoberfest
Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival
Beaver Creek tends to announce their events with a bit less notice than Vail does, so we recommend you check the village’s website for an up to date schedule of events.
Photo Credit: discoveravon.org
Free Summer Concerts
The Vail Valley has long been considered one of Colorado’s cultural hubs, drawing world-class jazz ensembles, ballet companies, symphonies, and acclaimed musical artists throughout the year. When summer arrives, it’s no surprise that music fills the air across the valley.
Each town hosts a weekly free concert series for more than two months, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy laid-back evenings outdoors with friends and family. The performances span a wide range of styles, from rock and country to bluegrass and Latin rhythms.
For a complete list of free summer concerts, which take place in 4 towns throughout the Vail Valley every summer, click here.
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are a cherished summer tradition in the Vail Valley, bringing together fresh flavors and a vibrant sense of community. From the bustling Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show to smaller markets in Minturn, Edwards, and Gypsum, visitors can browse Colorado-grown produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and local goods. Many markets also feature food vendors and live music, creating a relaxed outdoor gathering that’s as much about enjoying the atmosphere as it is about shopping local.
For a complete list of farmers markets in the Vail Valley each summer and fall, click here.
A Little Something for Everyone
Whether your interest is in food and wine festivals, symphony orchestras and jazz ensembles, or outdoor concerts with flair, the Vail Valley’s entertainment schedule is sure to satisfy your craving for awesome performances.