September in the Rocky Mountains is when the leaves start changing, summer winds down, and the tourism rush begins to slow.
It is also when the Vail Valley Foundation (VVF) closes out its summer concert calendar. This September, the VVF is putting on two free concerts to send off the season in style: one in Eagle on Sept. 10, and one in Vail on Sept. 15.
Two opposite ends of the valley. Two different styles of music. Two free chances to gather with loved ones — all because the VVF believes world-class artistic experiences belong to everyone in our mountain community.
Carlos y Charlos in Eagle | Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026
The Vilar Performing Arts Center is taking its programming out of Beaver Creek and down valley for a free family-friendly outdoor concert on the lawn at Brush Creek Pavilion in Eagle on Thursday, September 10.
Carlos y Charlos is a Los Angeles-based trio playing polkas, waltzes, and classic Norteño repertoire. Juan Carlos Reynoso plays bajo sexto, Charles De Castro plays diatonic accordion, and Patrick Morrison plays tololoche. Their first full-length live album, En Vivo En El Eastside Luv, came out in March 2026, with more new music expected later this year.
- When: Thursday, Sept. 10, 6:00 p.m.
- Where: The lawn at Brush Creek Pavilion, 909 Capitol St., Eagle, Colorado
- Cost: Free, first-come, first-served
- Rain location: Indoors at Brush Creek Pavilion
The goal is to bring the performing arts to audiences who may not otherwise make it to a show inside the Vilar’s Eskenazi Meyers Theatre.
"The Vilar's work has never been limited to what happens inside our theater, and this performance is the perfect example of that," said Cameron Morgan, Executive Director of the Vilar Performing Arts Center. "By bringing this performance into our community, we're hoping to remove some of the biggest barriers that keep many families from experiencing live performing arts: cost, distance, and travel time. Meeting our community members where they are is one of the most important things we can do as a nonprofit arts organization."
Attendees who arrive early can enjoy roaming circus performers from Spoon Circus. A food truck will be onsite, and coolers and outside food are welcome.
VVF Community Concert in Vail | Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
The VVF Community Concert closes out the 2026 season of Bulleit Hot Summer Nights, the beloved free concert series that has been taking place at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater for nearly 40 years. Presented by Discover Vail & Donna Giordano, the show on Tuesday, September 15 features Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience.
This isn't your standard tribute show. Brothers Billy, Matthew, and Ryan McGuigan build a custom set list out of audience requests every night, so no two performances are the same. Be sure to arrive early so you can weigh in.
- When: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m. (Gates: 5:30 p.m.)
- Where: Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail, Colorado
- Cost: Free, first-come, first-served
- Presented by: Discover Vail and Donna Giordano
"I think the Tuesday night concerts are just one of the fun things that makes this the best place in the world to live and visit," said Barry Davis, Mayor of the Town of Vail.
Removing Barriers to Community Connection
The Vail Valley Foundation produces world-class entertainment, international athletic events, educational programming, and community initiatives across the entire valley. A significant number of them cost nothing to attend, and that is by design.
As a nonprofit, the VVF believes everyone in the valley should have access to these life-enriching and community-building experiences. Free concerts are just one component of the VVF's Community Arts Access (CAA) Program.
Through CAA, locals can also enter an online lottery for complimentary tickets to Amp Summer Concerts, Vail Dance Festival performances, and select shows at the Vilar. Additionally, CAA works with organizations across Eagle County to distribute free and discounted tickets valley-wide.
Whether it is on a lawn in Eagle, a picnic at The Amp, a lottery ticket to the Vail Dance Festival, or a seat at the Vilar, the VVF is committed to breaking down the barriers that keep people from accessing the performing arts.
Know Before You Go
- Both events are outdoors and open to all ages, and neither requires a ticket or advance registration.
- Guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs and picnic blankets.
- Evenings in September cool off fast once the sun drops behind the ridgeline, so bring layers.
- Alcohol is not permitted at the Carlos y Charlos performance in Eagle.
- Check grfavail.com for current policies on food, beverages, and parking for Bulleit Hot Summer Nights.
