Festivals & Fairs

The Vail/Beaver Creek area is known for its athletic events, open-air markets, foodie events, and cultural festivals. Food just naturally tastes better in our mountain air! Shop our farmers markets for regional food specialties and farm-fresh produce. Browse our arts festivals for one-of-a-kind treasures. Take time to visit with the artists, many of whom have travelled from afar to exhibit at our renowned fairs. Attend a concert or theatrical performance. Wear your walking shoes and bring the kids... everything in Vail and Beaver Creek is family friendly!

TEVA Mountain Games, May 31, 2012 - June 03, 2012
Now in its 11th year, the Teva Mountain Games are the nation's largest celebration of mountain sport, lifestyle and music featuring top professional and amateur athletes from around the world. The environmentally friendly adventure sporting event hosts approximately 3,000 outdoor athletes, along with an estimated 40,000 spectators. Athletes converge on Vail's mountains and rivers to compete in eight sports and 24 disciplines for over $100,000 in prize money. Events include kayaking, rafting, stand up paddling, mountain biking, road cycling, World Cup Bouldering, amateur climbing, fly-fishing, trail running and a half marathon. Additional events at the Teva Mountain Games include: a film series, Outdoor Reels; a photography competition, Mountain Click; an interactive expo area, Gear Town; DockDog canine competitions; free concerts at Mountains of Music and the Teva Mountain Ball.

Vail Jazz - all summer
From June 24, continuing every Sunday from noon to 3:00pm live music will be performed by local jazz musicians at the Vail Farmers’ Market. Also beginning July 5 Jazz at Vail Square comes to the Arrabelle every Thursday night featuring international jazz groups representing a variety of genres. The free shows include artists such as the Brubeck Brothers, Marcia Ball, Tommy Igoe Sextet and the Air Force Falconaires. New this year, guests can reserve the best seats in the tent for $20.

Bud Light Hot Summer Nights Concert Series, Tuesdays June - August 30, 2012 - FREE!
It always makes for a fun night to gather with friends and listen to a variety of music from pop to rock to classical. Bring a picnic or buy a bottle of wine and dinner at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Kick off your shoes and prepare to dance the night away!

Vail Arts Festival, June 22, 2012 - June 25, 2012
Each summer more than 70 artists from around the country converge in Lionshead for this colorful visual arts festival. With countless mediums represented, it's a unique and free opportunity to meet each exhibiting artist in person. Also, enjoy street entertainers, live performances and great food throughout the day.

Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival , June 25 to August 4, 2012
This summer, Bravo! celebrates its 25th anniversary! The New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform in Vail’s unparalleled Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, which accommodates 1,260 guests in covered seating and lawn seating for an additional 1,500. For a truly inspirational evening this is a not to be missed event for the whole family.

Vail International Dance Festival, July 29 through August 11, 2012
For dance lovers there’s nothing more spectacular than the Vail International Dance Festival, which will take place at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail and Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. People from all walks of life come to see these very moving performances by the some of the best dancers in the world.

Vail’s Soul Festival, August 17 - 19, 2012
The Vail Soul Music Festival will feature rhythm & blues, as well as alternative rock performed by some of the top musicians in the world. Come spend an evening you will not forget!

Gran Fondo Vail, August 19, 2012
Italy comes to Vail this summer with the Gran Fondo Vail, a long distance race for amateur cyclists. A popular format in Italy, Gran Fondo races usually include Italian sponsors, Ferrari cars at the start of the race, a pasta party for participants and a two-day expo. The Vail event is part of a national series that includes San Diego, Beverly Hills, Philadelphia, Reno and Miami.

Vail Jazz Festival, Labor Day Week-end, August 31 - September 3, 2012
The Festival culminates in a unique mix of world-class musicians in a one-of-a-kind format that has lived up to its title, the Labor Day Weekend Party. Whether group performances, multi-artists jam sessions or the inspiring multimedia salutes to Jazz legends, the Weekend has a unique party spirit that attracts musicians and jazz lovers from all over the world in beautiful Vail, Colorado.

Gourmet on Gore, Labor Day Weekend, September 01, 2012 - September 03, 2012
Gourmet on Gore returns to Vail Village for the seventh year over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3, 2012. An open-air gourmet food and wine festival, Gourmet on Gore takes place along Vail's Gore Creek Drive and Bridge Street showcasing the Vail Valley's premier restaurants as well as wine, beer and spirits from around the world. There is no cost for admission and guests can sample tasting-size portions of gourmet food as well as wine tastings and other beverages at very reasonable prices. Live jazz music, wine demonstrations combined with great food and drink come together to create a wonderful atmosphere in Vail Village.
 
Vail Oktoberfest, September 7-9 (in Vail's Lionshead) & 14-16 (in Vail Village), 2012 
Two full weekends of Bavarian fun! Munich comes to the streets of Vail in September for the world’s greatest celebration of beer, music and autumn: Oktoberfest! Dust off the lederhosen, throw on the dirndls and toast your steins to the world’s most popular party.