Summer season brings several festivals and events to Vail Valley
Courtesy photo
Believe it or not, there was a time when summers in the Vail Valley were pretty quiet – that was until people realized that the Rocky Mountains in the summer are just as enticing and enjoyable as the winters, if not more. Now, the valley enjoys a plethora of signature events from June through August and into September before ramping up for another glorious snow season.
The GoPro Mountain Games, celebrating 20-plus years, are the unofficial kickoff to summer in the valley. After the snow melts and locals recover from a long winter, the world’s largest celebration of arts, athletes and music returns June 5-8. Featuring over 30 competitions – from rafting, kayaking and running to climbing, cycling, Dock Dogs and more – the GoPro Mountain Games set the tone for summer in the valley.
Music fills the mountainous air all summer long with venues big and small, indoors and outdoors, and local acts as well as international stars. The summer lineup includes Hot Summer Nights at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail on Tuesdays, Avon LIVE Concerts in the Park on Wednesdays and ShowDown Town concerts in Eagle Town Park on Thursdays.
And in between all of the regularly scheduled live music in our unique, picturesque venues is a full summer lineup at The Amp in Vail as well as the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. Chamber music fans can enjoy Bravo! Vail Music Festival, featuring residencies by some of the world’s premier chamber orchestras. The Vail Jazz Festival will feature of the top jazz musicians in the industry at the end of August.
Mountain-style farmers markets take over the streets on Sundays in Vail and on Saturdays in Minturn and Edwards – enjoy some Palisade peaches and much more!
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Did you know the Fourth of July is usually the busiest day of the whole year here? It’s because on July 3, the Town of Avon’s Salute to the USA has one of the biggest fireworks shows in the state accompanied by some top-notch live music, followed by the Town of Vail’s annual Fourth of July Parade.
The Vail Lacrosse Shootout brings in over 100 teams, men and women of all ages, to compete for pride in what has become a pilgrimage for any true lacrosse fan. It returns June 28-July 6. The Kids Adventure Games, set in an environment of healthy competition and challenging obstacles, will have hundreds of young competitors racing around Vail Aug. 7-10.
The community’s longest running event, the Eagle County Fair & Rodeo celebrates 86 years July 21-26 with a professional rodeo, events for kids, carnival, live music and more. Don’t forget your cowboy boots!
The first Vail Dance Festival took place in 1989, and Artistic Director Damian Woetzel continues to celebrate collaboration in the dance and music world year after year right here in Vail. The 2025 Vail Dance Festival is scheduled for July 25-Aug. 5 with 14 performances and over 30 events throughout the valley. Whether you know dance or not, the Vail Dance Festival is worth experiencing.
Vail Concours is a three-day car show in Vail, happening since 2009. Beer lovers rejoice at the Vail Craft Beer Classic June 13-14. Wine lovers sophisticatedly rejoice, the Vail Wine Classic is an August event. Before June, Blues, Brews & BBQ kicks off in Beaver Creek May 24-26,
Downvalley, Eagle Flight Days is an annual local’s favorite June 27-28; and Gypsum Daze brings out the locals July 17-19. And in Avon on June 14, Pride in the Park offers an opportunity to have some fun and celebrate love.
When the weather slowly starts to turn, it’s time for Oktoberfests. Beaver Creek celebrates Aug. 29-31; Lionshead Village in Vail celebrates Sept. 5-7; and Vail Village celebrates Sept. 12-14 – with surrounding towns also getting in on the Bavarian fun.
The Vail Valley isn’t so quiet anymore in the summers, and we like it that way.
