Top 10 Festivals In Vail, Colorado - Updated 2023

1. Vail Dance Festival

Happening in the heart of the Rocky Mountains annually, Vail Dance Festival is a fun-filled celebration that lasts for two weeks. It aims to highlight the creativity of the performing arts ever since 1989. Those who wish to present their talents come to this festival during the summer to experience a sunny day filled with gala performances from professional performers and budding talents. Musical performances, dance exhibits, comedy acts, broadway shows, and different genres are presented in Vilar Performing Arts Center and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. There are also fun games and activities that await participants. Whether you want to sign up for the program or you just want to watch the show, you are welcome to participate in the Vail Dance Festival.

Vail Dance Festival

Address: 530 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, CO 81657, United States

Website: Vail Dance Festival

Takes place: July to August

2. Vail Arts Festival

Vail Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity and talent. It is an annual event that lasts for three days every year. It showcases artists and craftsmen and gives them a venue where they can interact, learn from each other, and showcase their goods. Different mediums are presented during the event. Almost 22 states participate in this outdoor festival, with approximately 60 artists showing off their talent. These artists were screened from hundreds of interested parties. Every year, thousands of people check out the Vail Arts Festival.

Vail Arts Festival

Website: Vail Arts Festival

Takes place: June

3. Bravo! Vail Music Festival

This fun-filled festival uses the power of music to bring people closer together and develop their talents. It features dozens of performances from local and international acts. It also offers educational programs for budding talents including violin and piano lessons for young artists. Additionally, the festival hosts a summer intensive program for artists to take advantage of. It is a four-day camp that has coaching activities, lessons, meet and greets with professionals, and a recital showcasing their talent.

Bravo! Vail Music Festival

Address: 2271 N Frontage Rd W C, Vail, CO 81657, United States

Website: Bravo! Vail Music Festival

Takes place: June to August

4. Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is not only a celebration but a tradition in most cities around the world, It is a complete experience with live music, booze, bites, and lots of programs depending on the host city. Vail celebrates Oktoberfest as well. Experience partying in Munich without stepping foot out of the US. Happening during the autumn season, this festival makes participants jive to the sound of live music while chugging premium beers provided by different breweries. Restaurants participate too, providing attendees a taste of the best Vail has to offer. Expect lots of adult activities and tons of surprises.

Oktoberfest

Takes place: September

5. Hot Summer Nights

Hot Summer Nights is a yearly festival that is free for everyone who wants to experience memorable summer nights in Vail. Happening in Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater every Tuesday of the summer season, Hot Summer Nights showcases a series of entertainment-filled concerts that social butterflies, party-people, music-lovers, artists, and people that are into performing arts will love. Besides these heartwarming performances, there is an Alpine Arts Class that everyone can participate in. It is conducted in the social courtyard.

Hot Summer Nights

Address: Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, 503 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, CO 81657, United States

Website: Hot Summer Nights

Takes place: Every Tuesday from June to August

6. Vail Jazz Festival

Dive into the enchanting jazz culture of Colorado by attending the Vail Jazz Festival that adds brightness to the vibrant music and art scene of Vail. It is a 10-week event that showcases weekend live performances in Ford Park every Friday night. Everyone is welcome to join the program or just be a happy watcher and be part of the audience. Most of the time, approximately 50 acts join the cause, whether they are solo artists or a whole crew. The streets of the city are filled with food stalls, music, and festive vibes during the summer thanks to the Vail Jazz Festival.

Vail Jazz Festival

Website: Vail Jazz Festival

Takes place: July to September

7. Vail Outlier Offroad Festival [Last event in 2019]

A festival that is not for the faint of heart, Vail Outlier Offroad Festival is a gathering of adrenaline-seeking adventure lovers. Annually, this premier cycling event invites people for a series of challenging off-road competitions. If you are into enduro racing, you shouldn’t miss out on the Vail Outlier Offroad Festival. The competition showcases different difficulty levels. After the competition, attendees celebrate at a trade fair where local artisans and food and drink vendors are set everywhere. Plus, live music is present to level up the festivities.

Vail Outlier Offroad Festival

Website: Vail Outlier Offroad Festival

Takes place: September

8. Gourmet On Gore

If you are celebrating your labor day weekend in the beautiful city of Vail, be sure to attend the annual Gourmet On Gore. This festival will surely excite foodies and regular tourists who want to discover the culinary offerings of the city. Held in the heart of Vail Village in an open-air setting, food trucks scatter in the area, offering diverse gastronomic delights. Meals, snacks, drinks, and desserts are available during this festival. Adults can also enjoy beers, wines, and cocktail drinks. It is a fantastic three-day event that is filled with good food, flavorful drinks, and music in the air. There are also scheduled activities such as yoga, games, and friendly competitions.

Gourmet On Gore

Website: Gourmet On Gore

Takes place: Labor day weekend (September)

9. Taste of Vail

Taste of Vail is a premier gastronomy-centric festival in the vibrant city of Vail. It is a lively festival that has been acknowledged by several media outlets as one of the best food and wine festivals in the whole US. Taste of Vail features signature events that happen yearly. The Debut of Rosé is a tasting activity involving freshly-introduced superb roses, which gives guests a feel of France. The Taste of Vail Lamb Cook-Off, on the other hand, takes guests on an unforgettable culinary adventure with delicious lamb dishes. Mountain Top Tasting and a grand wine-tasting is also part of the yearly program.

Taste of Vail

Website: Taste of Vail

Takes place: April

10. Vail America Days Parade

Have an unforgettable fourth of July escapade in Vail by taking part in the extravagant Vail America Days Parade. Experience a celebration in the mountains with a colorful and lively parade with a modern touch. Musicians are invited to provide entertainment and attendees will be presented with exciting programs. Breeze through the streets of the town and you’ll be mesmerized by patriotic decors showcased in neighborhoods. At night, a fireworks show will commence in celebration of US Independence Day.

Vail America Days Parade

Website: Vail America Days Parade

Takes place: July 4

Fall in love with Vail

Vail is a captivating town with lots to offer to its visitors all year round. It has ski resorts, golfing sites, and a rich culture with attractive traditions. If you are a social butterfly and you wish to discover this vibrant town’s culture, come to Vail and participate in one or two of its top festivals. Refer to this list when planning a vacation itinerary in Vail, Colorado.