While the marquee summer festivals and events get most of the headlines, some of the best experiences are the ones you stumble upon. An intimate pop-up concert, guided meditation in the botanic gardens, outdoor play, or a kids-only outdoor adventure competition.
These "un-events" are the under-the-radar, community-driven gatherings that offer an authentic slice of local, high-country life. Discover the “secret” summer events for all ages that will make you feel at home in our mountain towns.
This is Northwest Colorado’s only professional theatre company. Leaving behind formal indoor spaces, this company brings outdoor Shakespeare and family friendly contemporary plays to its new Branham Amphitheatre opening this summer. The highlight of the season will be a first ever co production between the Piknik Theater and Denver Theatre Ensemble for a bold, live music driven Romeo & Juliet.
Take your yoga practice to new heights this summer! Out Here Yoga conducts a weekly donation based power flow vinyasa class on Mount Werner outside Thunderhead Lodge. Hike, bike or take the gondola up.
Most visitors stroll through the gardens on their own. Few realize they can join any number of special events throughout the summer.
Family Fridays - A favorite among local families, these free weekly events offer hands-on opportunities for kids to connect with nature.
Yoga in the Gardens - Swap the studio for alpine gardens and mountain views. Enjoy a morning practice with a local instructor in one of the most peaceful setting in Vail.
Mindfulness in the Mountains - Slow down and reconnect with nature in this restorative, two-hour guided walk. Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), this experience invites you to be fully present amidst the serene beauty of the alpine gardens.
Click here for more details on all the events at the gardens.
The Kids Adventure Race is a multi-discipline outdoor adventure race for kids ages 6–14 held August 6-9 in Vail. The race combines trekking, mountain biking, and navigating water crossings. For kids 5 and under, they can compete in the Balance Bike Race on August 6 in Vail Village. And the entire family can compete in the Family Mud Run on August 8 at the base of Gondola One. The course is approximately one mile and includes mud pits and other obstacles. At the end of the race, the Vail Fire Department will be there to hose you down!
The Breckenridge Arts District Campus isn't just a collection of galleries, it's a preserved historic enclave of miners' cabins and historic barns turned into active studios. The real "un-event" magic happens during their open-studio nights and casual drop-in workshops. You can walk into a historic structure and try your hand at screen-printing, ceramic throwing, or glass-blowing alongside local artisans.
Check out all the events and activities Breck Create offers.
The first ever celebration of peak bloom season in the Rockies. From plein air painting in alpine gardens to guided meadow hikes, botanical-inspired cocktails, creative workshops, kid-friendly crafts, and sustainable nature education, this 11 day festival from July 2 to 12 invites everyone to experience and fall in love with the colors of summer.
