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 the Vail Valley.
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.
Bravo! Vail is one of the world's premier music festivals. It also seeks to cultivate and inspire the musician inside every child. Little Listeners @ the Library is a signature and expanding program that introduces music and instruments in an approachable, accessible way. Kids can learn and interact with the Festival musicians, participating in games to capture a few musical insights along the way.
All summer long, Creekside Park in Beaver Creek hosts complimentary live performances you can enjoy surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. Grab a blanket or pull up a camp chair. And the Birds of Play playground is next to the concert pavilion so the adults can enjoy the live music while the littles do laps on the slides.
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!
