Two beloved summer series return to the Vail Valley this summer with free live music at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and Eagle Town Park
Vail, Colo., April 9, 2026 – Today, the Vail Valley Foundation announced the full lineups for two of the community’s most beloved summer traditions: Bulleit Hot Summer Nights at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, and the Town of Eagle ShowDown Town presented by Alpine Bank at Eagle Town Park in Eagle. Together, the two series deliver more than a dozen nights of free live music across the valley from June through September.
Bulleit Hot Summer Nights will return to The Amp on select Tuesday nights from June 16 through September 15. The series has been a summer staple in the Vail Valley since 1987, offering free, world-class live music against one of the most spectacular natural backdrops in the country. It has been consistently ranked among the country’s best outdoor concert series in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning the top spot in 2024 and coming in at number five in 2025.
"Hot Summer Nights has been a cornerstone of our community for almost 40 years, and we’re excited to run it back with an incredible lineup this summer,” said Dave Dressman, Vice President of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. “What I love about this series is that it's free, it’s open to everyone, and the variety of genres means there's something for every musical taste. You've got locals who've been coming for decades and visitors experiencing The Amp for the first time, all gathered together on a summer evening in the mountains. It's pretty special.”
Continuing its tradition as the heart of the down valley summer calendar, the Town of Eagle ShowDown Town presented by Alpine Bank returns to Eagle Town Park on Thursday evenings from July 2 through August 13. The free concert series transforms the park each week into a vibrant gathering space where families and friends enjoy live music alongside a playground, basketball court, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, and food trucks.
"This concert series is a reflection of what makes our town special," said Molly Furtado, Special Events Manager for the Town of Eagle. "Our community comes together in the park to celebrate great music, beautiful evenings, and the joy of being with friends and neighbors. We’re proud to partner with the Vail Valley Foundation to offer this free event each summer and to watch it continue to grow as a favorite tradition for residents and guests alike."
2026 Bulleit Hot Summer Nights lineup
Tuesday, June 16: The Main Squeeze
This high-energy funk-rock-soul quintet from Los Angeles is known for tight grooves, soulful vocals, and electrifying improvisational live performances.
Tuesday, June 23: Jammy Buffet
The Boulder-based group delivers a sun-soaked journey through Jimmy Buffett's beloved catalog, with guitarist Brendan Mayer — son of Coral Reefer Band member Peter Mayer — bringing a deep personal connection to Buffett's legacy.
Tuesday, June 30: The Long Run
Colorado's premier Eagles tribute band, The Long Run faithfully re-creates the classic '70s sound of America's best-selling rock group.
Tuesday, July 14: Wuki
This Grammy-nominated Denver-born DJ and producer has earned a devoted global following through his genre-blending style, including a viral rework of Stevie Nicks's "Edge of Seventeen" that has surpassed 40 million Spotify streams.
Tuesday, July 21: Jamestown Revival
Childhood friends Zach Chance and Jonathan Clay weave rich harmonies and narrative-driven songwriting in the tradition of Willie Nelson and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Their debut album Utah was named iTunes' Singer-Songwriter Album of the Year, and the duo most recently composed the score for the hit Broadway musical The Outsiders.
Tuesday, Sept. 1: The Wailers
Originally formed alongside Bob Marley in the 1960s, The Wailers continue to carry his message of love, unity, and justice to generations of fans around the world.
Tuesday, Sept. 15: Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience
Presented by Discover Vail & Donna Giordano
The VVF Community Concert returns to close out the summer season with the McGuigan brothers. Billy, Matthew, and Ryan build a custom set list from audience requests each night, making for an interactive Beatles experience where no two shows are ever the same. For this show, setlist requests will be taken in advance via social media. It’s the perfect way to send off summer.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for all Hot Summer Nights shows, with music beginning at 6:30 p.m. Concerts are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
For information on venue policies, parking, and other summer concerts at The Amp, visit grfavail.com/hot-summer-nights.
2026 Town of Eagle ShowDown Town lineup
Thursday, July 2: The Chaotics
An Eagle Valley classic rock staple for more than 30 years, The Chaotics deliver high-energy crowd favorites spanning the '80s and '90s through today.
Thursday, July 9: The Bright Light Social Hour
These Austin, Texas psychedelic rock veterans are six-time Austin Music Award winners who have performed at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits and opened for Aerosmith and The Flaming Lips.
Thursday, July 16: Chinaflower Suncats
Colorado's own Chinaflower Suncats keep the Grateful Dead's legendary spirit alive, delivering the psychedelic jams, cosmic country-rock, and beloved songs that have made Deadheads dance for more than half a century.
Thursday, July 23: Mammoth
Formed and fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen — son of the legendary Eddie Van Halen — Mammoth has become one of rock's most compelling acts of the last several years. The band's self-titled album debuted at #12 on the Billboard 200 and hit #1 on three Billboard charts, and the band has toured the globe with Metallica and Pantera.
Thursday, July 30: Babaux and the Peacemakers
Vail Valley dobro player and singer-songwriter Cristian Basso leads this Colorado roots-rock quartet through swampy bayou blues, Southern rock, and Americana.
Thursday, Aug. 6: The Williams Brothers Band
Brothers Phil and James “Papa Bear” Williams bring their blend of East Bay funk, outlaw country, and high desert Americana to Eagle, having worked with artists such as Little Feat, The Lumineers, and Big Head Todd.
Thursday, Aug. 13: MJT The Band
Matt, Jordan, and David Godfrey are siblings from Long Island, delivering alternative progressive soul/rock built on Matt's ambidextrous virtuosity (simultaneous keyboards and synth bass), Jordan's explosive drumming, and David's atmospheric guitar and soulful vocals.
All ShowDown Town concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at Eagle Town Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs, and picnics are welcome. For more information, visit vvf.org/showdown-town.
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater improvements
Fans attending this year’s Hot Summer Nights concerts will also get to see the results of phase one of a three-year, $19 million renovation at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater as part of the Vail Valley Foundation's Empowering Possibility Capital Campaign. New myrtle green pavilion seats were installed just days ago, featuring upholstered cushions and cup holders. The seating joins other recently completed first-phase work, including concrete repairs, fresh paint and no-slip texturing, an expanded production booth, and new hand railings.
These improvements mark the start of a comprehensive transformation planned for completion by May 2028, which will also include remodeled and expanded concessions, green room and dressing room enhancements, box office upgrades, a new multi-use studio and special event space, expanded storage, and improvements to lighting, acoustics, and office spaces. It’s all designed to elevate the iconic venue to meet the growing needs of artists and audiences.
Learn more at empower.vvf.org.
