Your Guide to Memorial Day in the Vail Valley [2024]

It’s true, we can’t think of a better place to spend Memorial Day than in the Vail Valley. We have gathered all of the best activities and events coming to the area for this perfect kickoff to summer in the scenic Colorado mountains. This is a weekend that comes quickly and flies by. So whether you are looking to get away with a few friends and your pup or are looking to bring the whole family, we have got your plans covered. Let us be your digital concierge to help with your trip planning!

Events Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-27, 2024)

• SunsetLIVE! I Nottingham Park I Avon, CO

• SpringFree Bluegrass Festival I Vail Village

• Art in the Park I Eagle, CO

• Vail Comedy Festival I Vail, CO

• Vail Whitewater Race Series I Vail Village

Eagle River I The Inn at Riverwalk

Getting Out

If there is one thing the Vail Valley is known for (outside of great skiing in the winter), are some pretty awesome mountain activities. Locals and visitors alike love the area for its great hiking and biking trails. Some notable hiking trails include Piney River Trails, or Berry Creek Trail.

1. Biking & Hiking

Being right in the mountains there are endless trails to escape the crowds and head to the trees. Bike the paved Eagle Valley Trail or hit the trails on your mountain bike at Golden Peak.

2. Raft the Eagle River

The Vail Valley has some of the best rafting in Colorado. For the adventurer, Memorial Day Weekend kicks off rafting season! Check out our guide to rafting in the area.

3. Enjoy Live Music

It’s hard to avoid live music in the Valley, especially in the summer months. Attend Springfree Bluegrass Festival or see our blog on outdoor patios, many have local singer/songwriters join them on the weekends.

4. Attend the Vail Comedy Festival

This annual event has grown to be a Vail Summer staple. Passes are required to attend. Make sure you grab yours ahead of time.

Vail Valley Hiking I Holly Mandarich

The Family-Friendly Guide

Don’t worry there is plenty to do in the Valley with the whole family. Heck, you can even bring the dogs too, the Vail Valley has some of the most dog-friendly spots in Colorado.

1. Easy Hikes

Hiking is easy to come by in the Valley. Bring the kids along on a light hike to kick off the summer together. See our full guide to easy hikes to fill your itinerary.

2. Attend Vail Comedy Festival’s Magic Show for Kids

Vail Comedy Festival is hosting a kids magic show Saturday, May 25, 2024. The event is free to attend and a great way to experience a few events of the festival with your kiddos.

3. Stroll through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

4. Visit the Walking Mountains Science Center

This Center offers a great walk through experience both inside and out enjoyable for both kids and adults.

See our full summer activity guide for family-friendly activities for more activity ideas.

Staying “Inn”

It’s not hard to stay close to the Memorial Day events staying in Edwards, CO. Guests of The Inn at Riverwalk are centrally located to the towns and events in the Valley. Staying at an “Inn” doesn’t have to look like staying in your hotel all weekend. Visitors can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool or hot tub. The boutique hotel’s outdoor fire pit brings your favorite summertime memories alive to a hotel stay.

If the weather decides to take a turn, the Valley has great museums and art galleries that would make for a fun day of exploring indoors. The Colorado Snowsports Museum in Vail, and the ART SPaCE Workshop & Gallery in Eagle, CO are must stop spots to add to your list.

Getting to the Vail Valley

In the summer months, driving to Edwards and the greater Vail Valley gives travelers some of the most beautiful views. Road trippers can enjoy mountain scenery and lush green landscapes that Colorado is famous for. A trip along I-70 brings visitors into the Valley from both East and West.

For those traveling from out-of-state, or those just wanting to make their travel experience more streamlined, flying is a great option. The Eagle County Regional Airport is the Vail Valley’s home airport and just a 25-minute drive from Edwards, CO. See our blog about the new flights coming to the area in the Summer of 2024. If you are traveling from a bit further away, it may be more cost and time efficient to fly into the Denver International Airport. From there you can take the beautiful drive into the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s Vail Valley.

The Inn at Riverwalk Entrance I Edwards, CO

Where to Stay

For some, the first step to the planning process isn’t making the itinerary, but booking where they will lay their head at night. Whether you are ready to go out and explore, or are prioritizing taking time to “Stay Inn,” The Inn at Riverwalk offers guests a spot to do it all.

With so much to see and do in the Vail Valley, make The Inn at Riverwalk your home base for adventure. Nestled in the heart of Edwards, this boutique hotel offers modern comforts and easy access to all the Vail Valley has to offer. Plus,exclusive discountsawait guests at nearby shops and restaurants, ensuring a memorable stay whether you’re exploring it all or simply savoring the tranquility.

Do it all or do nothing at all. Book your summer stay at The Inn and immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of the Vail Valley.