Vail offers something every weekend, especially during ski season. Expect prime conditions on Vail Mountain, vibrant après-ski scenes in Vail Village and Lionshead, and a steady rotation of live performances and seasonal activities.
Last Updated: 1/28/26
Live DJ & Music at Chasing Rabbits (Jan 31)
Ice Skating Around Town
Enjoy public skating at Vail Village’s Solaris Ice Rink or Alderhof Ice Rink in Lionshead throughout the weekend. Skate rental and open sessions provide fun for families and groups (check local hours).
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Winter Experience
Explore one of North America’s highest botanical gardens with snowshoe tours and self-guided outdoor exhibits open daily.
Late Night Sets & DJs (Jan 30–31)
Vail’s nightlife scene, especially around Chasing Rabbits and other lounges, hosts DJs and live music on Friday and Saturday nights, a good pick for après-ski fun.
Magic in the Moon Rabbit (Feb 1)
Attend an evening performance blending illusion and entertainment at Chasing Rabbits, a fun adult-oriented event for Sunday night.
Scenic Village Walks & Public Art
Enjoy Vail Village’s winter scenery and public art displays with relaxed strolls between shops, galleries, and cafés, a great low-key outdoor activity with mountain views.
Nature Discovery & Snowshoe Tours
Head out on snowshoe tours via Eagle Bahn Gondola for family-friendly outdoor exploration and wildlife exhibits (lift ticket required).
Vail Winterfest celebrates the heart of ski season with winter-themed activities, village events, and family-friendly experiences throughout town. The festival highlights Vail’s alpine culture with seasonal entertainment, outdoor gatherings, and activities designed for both visitors and locals. It’s a great way to experience the energy of Vail during peak winter without committing to a single ticketed event.
Mid to late January
Vail Village and Lionshead
https://www.vail.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/5152/1111
The 10th Mountain Legacy Events honor the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, whose soldiers trained in the Colorado Rockies and played a major role in the history of American skiing. Events often include torchlight ski downs, historical presentations, and community gatherings that pay tribute to the division’s service and legacy. This meaningful winter tradition connects Vail’s modern ski culture with its military and mountain roots.
January (often around mid-month)
Vail Mountain, Vail Village, and surrounding community venues
https://www.vail.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/signature-events.aspx
The GoPro Mountain Games is one of Vail’s biggest summer events, combining elite outdoor sports competitions with live music, brand activations, and family-friendly activities. Athletes compete in trail running, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, slacklining, and more, turning Vail Village into a multi-day outdoor festival. Even non-athletes can enjoy concerts, demos, and interactive experiences throughout town.
Early to mid-June
Vail Village, Lionshead, Gore Creek, and surrounding trails
https://mountaingames.com/
10th Mountain Legacy celebrations
Peak ski season events and après-ski
Live music and winter performances
Community and family-friendly winter activities
Avon winter fireworks
Beaver Creek winter events
Valentine’s Day dining and experiences
Mid-winter concerts and shows
Après-ski parties
Family-friendly winter activities
Beaver Creek event weekends
Avon community events
Spring skiing celebrations and on-mountain events
Live music and après-ski parties
Late-season winter performances
Family-friendly village activities
Beaver Creek spring events
Avon community celebrations
End-of-season ski events and closing weekend parties
Spring après-ski celebrations
Live music and dining specials
Scenic village strolls as snow melts
Beaver Creek closing events
Edwards spring community gatherings
Memorial Day weekend activities
Early summer outdoor events
Trail openings and outdoor recreation
Community and wellness events
Avon and Eagle spring festivals
Beaver Creek village events
GoPro Mountain Games
Early summer festivals and concerts
Farmers markets and outdoor pop-ups
Hiking, biking, and trail events
Beaver Creek summer concerts
Avon outdoor community events
Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks
Summer concerts and festivals
Weekly farmers markets
Outdoor recreation events and races
Avon Independence Day events
Eagle and Edwards summer festivals
Peak summer concerts and festivals
Cultural and outdoor events
Farmers markets and artisan fairs
Family-friendly outdoor programming
Beaver Creek cultural events
Avon summer music series
Oktoberfest celebrations
Fall festivals and food events
Art walks and cultural showcases
Scenic hiking and outdoor activities
Beaver Creek Oktoberfest
Eagle and Edwards fall festivals
Fall arts and cultural events
Seasonal community celebrations
Film screenings and gallery events
Outdoor recreation before winter
Vail Valley cultural events
Edwards fall community gatherings
Early ski season openings
Thanksgiving holiday events
Pre-holiday shopping and dining events
Community gatherings and celebrations
Beaver Creek opening-season events
Avon holiday kickoffs
Holiday celebrations and tree lightings
Torchlight ski downs and festive events
Live holiday music and performances
Family-friendly winter activities
Beaver Creek holiday events
Avon winter celebrations
Winter holidays in Vail feature tree lightings, festive village décor, and torchlight ski downs on Vail Mountain. These events blend holiday tradition with mountain culture and are highlights for families and winter visitors.
Après-ski is a cornerstone of winter in Vail, with live music, DJs, and lively mountain bars filling the village each afternoon and evening. From casual acoustic sets to high-energy après parties, entertainment continues long after the lifts close.
Vail’s summer concert series brings live music to outdoor stages and village plazas, often at no cost to attend. These events are popular with families and make for an easy evening outing after a day on the trails.
Summer markets showcase local artisans, fresh food, and regional products throughout Vail and nearby towns. Weekly farmers markets and pop-ups add a lively, walkable atmosphere to summer weekends.
Outdoor movie nights are a summer favorite in Vail, offering family-friendly films in scenic alpine settings. Bring a blanket, arrive early, and enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars.
Shoulder seasons highlight Vail’s creative side with film screenings, gallery events, and cultural festivals. These quieter months are ideal for enjoying arts-focused programming without peak-season crowds.
Fall brings harvest celebrations, Oktoberfest events, and seasonal food and drink festivals throughout the Vail Valley. Expect traditional music, local brews, and mountain-town charm during crisp autumn weekends.
Skip mountain driving and winter road stress by booking a Peak 1 Express door-to-door shuttle to Vail. Reliable shuttle service makes it easy to reach your hotel, condo, or event venue.
Book your Vail shuttle in advance for peak weekends and festivals.
Vail is pedestrian-friendly, and once you arrive, walking and free local buses make it easy to get around. Winter weather and event weekends can impact parking availability, so planning ahead is key.
Staying in Vail Village or Lionshead keeps you close to major event locations, ski lifts, dining, and nightlife, ideal for event-focused trips.
