As summer winds down and we start dreaming of golden aspens and the first snow, the Vail Valley Foundation is gearing up for an incredible fall and winter season filled with opportunities to connect, discover, and celebrate right here in our mountain community. Whether you're a longtime local or new to the valley, we've got something special waiting for you. Read on for a guide to the events and opportunities that await you this fall:
Introducing Love for the Locals: Music Worth Unearthing
Get ready for something completely new at the Vilar Performing Arts Center! We're thrilled to announce Love for the Locals, our brand-new year-round programming that replaces Underground Sound. These affordable, welcoming shows feature exceptional artists you may not have heard yet but definitely won't forget. Each performer has been handpicked for the hometown crowd, and every ticket includes a free drink!
The inaugural Love for the Locals shows include Devon Allman's Blues Summit on Sept. 10, Keller Williams' Grateful Grass on Sept. 18, and comedian Hannibal Buress on Nov. 6. Additional Love for the Locals performances will be announced throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled for more incredible artists coming your way.
All Love for the Locals shows are part of the new "Pick 3" and "Pick 5" bundles, which offer 10-15% savings when purchasing tickets for multiple shows at once.
VVF Community Concert
Before we fully embrace fall, don't miss the grand finale of our 2025 Bulleit Hot Summer Nights series! The VVF Community Concert, presented by Discover Vail, features Denver's six-piece band Clay Street Unit on Tuesday, September 16. They'll be closing out the season with their energetic blend of American Roots music at the iconic Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.
Gates open at 5:30, music starts at 6:30, and as always, it's completely free. Bring a picnic for the lawn or grab something from our concessions. It's the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and hello to an incredible fall season.
Volunteer for Stifel Birds of Prey
Want something incredible to look forward to this winter? Volunteer registration is now open for the Stifel Birds of Prey December 4-7, and we're looking for amazing locals to join our volunteer crews! This is your chance to experience one of the world's most prestigious ski racing events from a unique perspective while connecting with like-minded individuals and giving back to the community.
We have several exciting volunteer opportunities:
Talon Crew (on-course): Our dedicated team of experienced on-hill volunteers get up close and personal with the legendary Birds of Prey race course. Talon Crew volunteers help with building fence and installing safety devices, watering, preparing race-ready surfaces, and providing course maintenance on the icy slopes where the world's best athletes will compete. Register for the Talon Crew.
Raptor Crew (off-course): These volunteers are the backbone of this world-class event, supporting departments that make everything run smoothly: Food & Beverage, Green Team, Product, Registration, Race Finish Venue Support, Spectator Services, Transportation, Venue Security, VIP Hospitality, VIP Security, and Volunteer HQ. Register for the Raptor Crew.
Plus, new this year, we are launching a NextGen Raptor Volunteer Crew! Designed specifically for 14-18-year-olds, this brand-new opportunity allows young students to experience the Birds of Prey magic from a whole new perspective. Participants will be exposed to a variety of volunteer roles and operational components, giving high schoolers the chance learn about the importance of volunteerism while making a meaningful impact and gaining valuable skills for their future. More details on registration for the NextGen Raptor Volunteer Crew will be available soon.
Secure your spot now and have something amazing to anticipate as winter approaches. There's nothing quite like being part of the team that brings world-class ski racing to our backyard!
The Vail Valley Foundation has always been about bringing our community together through arts, athletics, education, and community support services. This fall and winter, we're taking that mission to the next level with programming and opportunities designed specifically for you: our neighbors, our locals, our mountain family.
