Summer in the Vail Valley isn't just a season—it's a celebration of adventure, art, and community. With many things to do this summer, the Vail Valley Foundation brings unforgettable events that showcase the best of summertime in the Colorado mountains. From heart-pounding outdoor competitions to mesmerizing dance performances and soul-stirring concerts, our 2025 summer guide offers something for everyone: outdoor adventure, music, and kid-friendly things to do.
1. GoPro Mountain Games | June 5-8
The GoPro Mountain Games is THE thing to do to start your 2025 summer off with adventure and excitement! This year, several thrilling new events will enhance an already action-packed weekend. As always, all events are FREE for spectators, which makes for a great weekend of fun for solo-travelers, couples, and families alike!
NEW for 2025
Olympic athletes Zach Hammer, Emma Hunt, and more will debut in this year's first speed climbing competitions, a discipline that captivated audiences at recent Olympic Games. Don't miss the inaugural Vail Ultra 50-mile ultramarathon benefiting 50 for the Fallen, challenging athletes on breathtaking mountain courses. The 2025 event will also introduce the first-ever Mountain Games Athlete Team and an exciting new Kayak Cross competition, a head-to-head race that promises edge-of-your-seat excitement. Kayaks jockey and battle for position over a course filled with river obstacles and... each other.
To enhance your experience, download the new Mountain Games mobile app to keep track of events, athlete standings, and daily schedules.
MUSIC
Beyond the competitions, FREE music will fill Vail Village during the day, and the Mountains of Music concert series will transform the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater into an outdoor celebration with performances throughout the weekend. Once the athletic events are finished, shimmy and shake to musical performances Trombone Shorty, Molly Tuttle, and more throughout the weekend.
FOR THE KIDS
The GoPro Mountain Games is a family-friendly event with enough things to do for the kids; they will be happy and tuckered out by sunset. A kid favorite event is the GoPro Kids Bike Race, with courses that vary in length by age - it's an excellent way for kids to get out and show their grit. Head over to the Bulleit Hangout at Golden Peak for some fantastic food and FREE kids' activities like a climbing wall, a kayak, and a SUP demo station. A family favorite event is the Nature Valley Mud Run, an obstacle-style course more about getting down and dirty than your time on the clock!
Athletes of all skill levels are encouraged to participate—register now at mountaingames.com/register to secure your spot in this unforgettable mountain celebration.
2. Vail Dance Festival | July 25 – August 5
The 37th annual Vail Dance Festival transforms Vail, Colorado, into the epicenter of the dance world for two magnificent weeks. The festival has plenty of things to do for the whole family. This year, one more performance has been added to the Festival for a total of 14, featuring 5 acclaimed dance companies, 8 world premieres, and over 150 artists.
MUST-SEE PERFORMANCES
A fan favorite this season is Alonzo King LINES Ballet, on July 26th at 7:30pm. If you are new to ballet or a seasoned fan this performance are sure to delight you. This evening will feature two performances by the choreographer; Ode to Alice Coltrane, honoring the legendary spiritual and jazz icon, and Mother Goose, King’s recent collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony.
If modern dance is more your style, be sure to book tickets for Paul Taylor Dance Company. This evening creates delightful storytelling through dance of the turbulent era of the Great Depression through the hit songs of the Andrews Sisters, and a 50th anniversary presentation of Taylor’s masterpiece Esplanade. A story that evokes "a mythic dimension on ordinary aspects of our daily lives,” as described by the New York Times.
A must-see at this Festival will be the debut of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham. Abraham is an American choreographer whose work displays the power of contemporary dance and is infused with Black culture. Whether you love modern dance, hip hop, or ballet, you'll be mesmerized by this performance, which is sure to be the talk of the festival.
FOR THE KIDS
Get everyone in your family dancing with our FREE Dancing in the Park event, perfect for dance lovers of all ages. There will be several other surprises and opportunities for the whole family to join in the fun!
See the full schedule of performances, events and purchase your tickets at vaildance.org.
3. Vilar Performing Arts Center | June 28 - October 9
The 2025 summer lineup sparkles with diversity, offering something for every musical taste. Rock enthusiasts can catch legendary acts like Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Elvis Costello, while country fans won't want to miss the return of Midland. The blues tradition continues with Devon Allman's Blues Summit, and families will delight in productions like The Addams Family Musical.
NEW THIS SUMMER
This summer, guests who visit the Vilar will enjoy a completely reimagined Upper Lobby bar, new coat check, and more. These enhancements are part of a $5.5 million investment plan, ensuring this intimate venue continues to provide exceptional experiences for artists and audiences for years to come.
The Vilar's summer calendar delivers unforgettable entertainment in one of Colorado's most intimate and acoustically superb venues. Stay updated on the latest announcements and buy your tickets at vilarpac.org.
4. Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater | May 25-September 13
Imagine a perfect summer evening: stars overhead, mountains all around, and world-class music filling the air. That's the magic of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.
BIG NAME BANDS IN AN INTIMATE MOUNTAIN SETTING
The Amp Summer Concert Series kicks off with soul sensation Leon Bridges on May 25! Moreover, the venue offers lawn seating, which is great for families. Our covered-pavilion seating provides excellent stage views to rock out in the Rockies. Our ever-expanding summer line-up includes:
- Michael Franti & Spearhead
- Louis CK
- Trevor Hall
- O.A.R Colorado Road Trip
- The String Cheese Incident
- Melissa Etheridge
- Wilco
- Joe Russo's Almost Dead
- Ray Lamontagne
- The Black Crowes
- Big Wild
FREE LIVE MUSIC
For those seeking FREE music, mark your Tuesday evenings! The Bulleit Hot Summer Nights FREE concert series will kick off on June 17th. Voted the #1 outdoor concert series in the country in USA Today's 2024 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards, this is a live music series you won't want to miss. Pack a picnic, bring friends and family, and create memories against Vail's stunning Gore Range.
Find the full schedules and ticket information at grfavail.com.
5. Town of Eagle ShowDown Town presented by Alpine Bank | June 26-August 14
The VVF offers things to do up and DOWN the Valley. Experience this beloved FREE concert series, hosted every Thursday at 6:30pm throughout summer at Eagle Town Park. ShowDown Town has become a vibrant gathering for families and friends to enjoy live music in our beautiful mountain setting.
In the heart of Eagle, the park offers great music and access to a playground, food trucks, and more. It's the perfect down-valley complement to our Vail events, creating a summer-long celebration of music and community throughout the valley.
Learn more about this season's lineup at vvf.org/showdown-town.
