Your Guide to Summer Events in the Vail Valley [2024]

Welcome to the Vail Valley: a summer mountain paradise where art, cuisine, outdoor adventures, and family fun come together in perfect harmony. In the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, this vibrant region transforms into a hub of summer activities in the warmer months. As locals of this multifaceted area, we at The Inn at Riverwalk are excited to share our insider knowledge on events in the area to help you make the most of your summer visit. Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many events coming to Edwards, CO and the greater Vail Valley in the coming months. See our events page on our website for a full calendar. Let’s dive in!

Vail Valley Brew’Au

Art & Foodies

For the art lovers and foodies, the Vail Valley is like an oasis in the summertime. Outdoor patios line the villages and the historic Edwards Riverwalk, and outdoor live music brings locals and visitors together to popular venues like The Amp and the Vilar Performing Arts Center among others.

The Vail Valley is known for its excellent and wide variety of cuisine. And in the summer, the arts and foodies events are some of the best ways to get a (literal) taste of what Colorado has to offer.

• July 6 – August 17 Minturn Summer Concert Series

An 18-minute drive from Edwards, Minturn’s Summer Concert Series brings outdoor live music to the valley every Thursday evening from July 6 through August 17. This is a great event to bring your pups, families and picnic blankets to.

• July 26 – August 5 Vail Dance Festival

Supporters of the local arts scene love the Vail Dance Festival. An annual festival, dance groups from around the country will be coming to the valley this summer for 13 performances ranging in style. See which shows will be in town during your stay and how to get your ticket.

• Fridays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 | August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024Lakeside Cinema

The Town of Avon is bringing back their Lakeside Cinema this year. A bucket list item for film lovers, the Lakeside Cinema features family-friendly movies and grass seating at beautiful Nottingham Park.

• Saturday, August 10th, 2024Vail Valley Brew’Au

The Town of Avon is hosting its third annual Vail Valley Brew’Au fest in Nottingham Park this year as well. It is just what it sounds like – lots of beer and a luau outdoors. This is a great event for those wanting to sample local beers, wines, and other craft beverages. Live music, kids’ activities, and food trucks will also be at the event all day long. Get your festival ticket beforehand.

Staying Mountainside 

Getting outside is easy in the Vail Valley. The area is well renowned for its hiking, mountain biking, and white water rafting. So naturally, the adventure-centered events follow suit.

• June 1 Pride in the Park

Held at Nottingham Park in Avon, CO visitors can enjoy a full day in the park at pride-inspired events. Dress your pup up in its best attire for the “Pawshion Show” at 2 pm or center your day with Yoga in the Park at 12 pm. The day ends with a free show by pop singer Vincint at 6pm. See the event page for a full list of events.

• June 6-9 GoPro Mountain Games

This is a must-attend event for outdoor and competition lovers. From heart-pounding competitions like kayaking and rock climbing to mesmerizing art installations and live music, experience it all against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies.

With free spectating activities and art activations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As the sun sets,The Amp comes alive with live music in its ‘Mountains of Music’ series. See the full weekend of events to start planning your trip.

• May 18-Sept. 14 Dynafit Trail Running Series

Trail runners can make their trip to the Valley more their speed by signing up for one of the Dynafit trail runs. Races range in length and difficulty from 5ks to a 7,000 ft. elevation gain on trail runs like the Dynafit Hill Climb July 6th.

• Every Tuesday (May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 11) Vail Whitewater Race Series 

If you love watching a good competition the Vail Whitewater Race Series is a must-watch competition. Rafters and Kayakers compete down some of Colorado’s best and most difficult waters.

Family-Focused

There are many ways for families to get out and explore the local culture and area. This summer brings back some beloved events like “Vail America Days” and “Kids Adventure Games”. If you are wanting to build your itinerary out more, plan a family hike through the mountains, explore the area’s great parks, and read our Vail Valley Kids Summer Activity Guide.

• July 3 Avon’s Salute to the USA

Held at Nottingham Park, this Fourth of July celebration is Avon, CO’s salute to the country. Enjoy all of the Fourth of July festivities mountain stylewith inflatable jump houses, magicians, a massive turkey leg, and face painting. The night ends with performances by Grammy award-winning artists Texas Hill and Melissa Etheridge.

• July 4Vail America Days 

Continue the Fourth of July festivities on the Fourth by witnessing the Town of Vail’s parade through town, experiencing some beautiful patriotic events, and other fun surprises.

After a full day of exploring the valley and its events, you’ll want to come back to a stay that has all you need – pool time, a coffee bar, and space to unwind. Keep the family together and book a stay in the Inn’s two-bedroom condos, including all of the hotel’s amenities with the space and privacy to spread out.

• August 10-14 Kids Adventure Games

In its 14th year, this annual event brings all the great things of the area together for kids and families to enjoy! Kids can create a team of two and compete in this obstacle course kid-centered event. See registration details and event activities for more information.

Getting to Edwards, CO

In the summer months, driving to Edwards and the greater Vail Valley gives travelers some of the most beautiful views. Road trippers can enjoy the 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 ourblog about the new flightscoming 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.

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 Riverwalkoffers 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. This boutique hotel in Edwards 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.