Guide to Summer Performing Arts in Vail: Must-See Shows and Festivals

When the snow melts in Vail, something magical happens. The mountains don’t go quiet—they sing. They dance. They fill the air with symphonies, jazz riffs, and standing ovations. Summer in Vail isn't just about hiking and patio dining—though there’s plenty of that, too. It’s also peak season for world-class performing arts, with a packed calendar of music, dance, and culture that brings some serious star power to this alpine paradise. 

If you're thinking about trading your sandals for a seat at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater or want to spice up your mountain getaway with a little creative flair, this guide will help you find the must-see performances and festivals happening in Vail this summer. 

Bravo! Vail Music Festival 

June 19 – July 31, 2025 | Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and various venues 

Seven weeks. Four world-renowned orchestras. Endless goosebumps. 

The Bravo! Vail Music Festival returns for its 38th season, and this year’s lineup is a showstopper. The festival kicks off with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe—finally making its long-anticipated Bravo! debut after a decade in the works. This elite ensemble is known for its breathtaking, no-two-performances-the-same style and includes some of the finest musicians from across the EU. They’ll take the stage June 19, 21, and 22 with powerhouse soloists like pianist Yefim Bronfman, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, and violinist Blake Pouliot. 

Not into classical? Don’t worry. Bravo! Vail doesn’t just cater to the tuxedo crowd. The festival features open-air performances, family-friendly programming, and small ensemble concerts that make symphonic music feel wonderfully intimate. 

Vail Dance Festival 

July 25 – August 5, 2025 | Various venues throughout the Vail Valley 

Forget everything you think you know about ballet. 

The Vail Dance Festival is a two-week celebration of movement, rhythm, and innovation. You’ll see stars from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, and more. This year’s lineup features a stunning mix of classical masterpieces and daring new works—from Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet to a world premiere by Dorrance Dance titled The Center Will Not Hold. 

There’s also a Balanchine Celebration with performances by Colorado Ballet and festival favorites, plus the return of Paul Taylor Dance Company and debut of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, which blends contemporary dance with raw emotional storytelling. 
Keep your eyes on VailDance.org for tickets and event announcements. 

Vail Jazz Festival 

August 29 – 31, 2025 | Various venues, Vail Village 

Three days. One big jam session. 

Since 1994, the Vail Jazz Festival has kept things cool in the mountains with a long weekend of rhythm, soul, and improvisation. This Labor Day weekend celebration pays homage to the festival’s roots by spotlighting Workshop alumni—up-and-coming artists who’ve grown into some of jazz’s brightest stars. 

You can grab a weekend pass, pick up a day ticket, or even drop in for a single session. Want the best seats? Go for Premium Admission and arrive early—it’s open seating, and the best spots go fast. 

This festival feels like a front-row seat to a living room jam—just with a backdrop of pine trees and peaks. 

Hot Summer Nights 

Select Tuesdays, June 17 – September 16, 2025 | Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater 

Here’s the secret to leveling up your Tuesday nights: free live music, mountain air, and a crowd that knows how to dance. 

The Hot Summer Nights concert series was voted the #1 outdoor concert series in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. Held under the stars at the Ford Amphitheater, this series brings a bold mix of genres—Americana, jam bands, tribute acts, and experimental sounds. 

Highlights this summer include: 

• June 17: BERTHA: Grateful Drag – Yes, you read that right. Grateful Dead meets high-energy drag. 
• July 8: Those Crazy Nights – A throwback Journey tribute that’ll have you singing along. 
• August 19: The Man in Black – A pitch-perfect homage to Johnny Cash. 
• September 9: Andy Frasco & the U.N. – Blues-rock energy with wild audience antics. 

Check the full lineup here.

Ready to Book Your Culture-Soaked Summer in Vail? 

Whether you're into Brahms or ballet, bebop or barefoot dancing in the grass, Vail's summer performing arts scene has something to make your heart sing. These festivals aren’t just performances—they’re invitations to connect, reflect, and experience the mountains in a whole new way. 

So grab your calendar, rally your artsy crew, and book your Vail summer getaway now—because tickets and seats won’t last forever, but the memories? Those will stick with you long after the curtain falls.