Events in Vail, year-round
There is always something happening in the Vail Valley. From World Cup ski racing and Bavarian festivals to world-class orchestras, mountain-sports competitions and Sunday farmers markets, every season brings its own signature events. Here are the ones worth planning a trip around, grouped by season.
Winter
Elite men's and women's skiers race the legendary Birds of Prey course in one of the premier stops on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup calendar.
The season kickoff celebration with free concerts, on-mountain demos and festivities as the lifts start spinning.
Torchlight ski-downs, village lights and fireworks over the mountain make the holidays in the valley unforgettable.
Spring
A premier food and wine festival, including the signature Mountain Top Picnic with tastings served at the top of the gondola.
Free concerts at Ford Park and the famous World Pond Skimming Championship, where skiers and riders try to skim across an icy pond in costume.
Independent film screenings alongside panels and workshops with visiting filmmakers.
Several days of stand-up from dozens of touring comedians across village venues.
Beaver Creek's summer kickoff pairs Colorado barbecue and craft beer with live blues, plus the Microbrew Festival tasting on the lawns.
Summer
One of the largest celebrations of adventure sports, art and music anywhere, with competitions in kayaking, climbing, trail running, biking and more.
Tastings, seminars and pairings featuring breweries from across Colorado.
World-class visiting orchestras perform in the open air at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater through the summer.
Professional bronc and bull riding, family contests and barbecue in the rodeo stadium on Thursday evenings.
Parades, live music and fireworks over the mountains in both Vail and Beaver Creek.
Free live concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on Tuesday evenings all summer.
Local produce, prepared food, and artisan goods fill Meadow Drive in Vail Village every Sunday through the warm months.
A season of performances bringing some of the world's finest dancers and companies to the valley.
Wine dinners, pairing seminars and a grand tasting with resort chefs across a long weekend.
Tastings and seminars featuring producers from wine regions around the world.
Teams of kids race a multi-mile course by bike, on foot and through water obstacles.
Fall
Two weekends of Bavarian fun in Vail Village and Lionshead: live music, brats, steins, keg bowling and traditional contests.
A Bavarian-style celebration with live music, commemorative steins, children's activities and an alpenhorn contest.
The aspens turn gold across the valley. Smaller crowds, cool days and great lodging value make autumn a quiet favorite.
Book your stay around the calendar
Event weekends fill fast across the valley. Lock in your Vail or Beaver Creek rental early and stay steps from the action.
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