Vail Event and Concert Venues
Vail, Colorado’s event and concert venues range from iconic outdoor amphitheaters to historic lodges that have hosted generations of gatherings. These venues provide space for world-class music festivals, dance performances, community celebrations, and other private occasions. Whether you’re interested in classical music, jazz, dance, or celebrating with friends and family, Vail’s venues offer something for every taste and occasion.
If you’re visiting Vail and eager to explore the town’s vibrant event scene, it’s essential to know where to go and what’s happening. At Blue Sky Limo, we have over a decade of experience providing private chauffeured transportation to and from Vail’s premier event venues, and we’re excited to share our insights with you. In this guide to Vail’s top event and concert locations, we’ve highlighted what makes each venue unique, along with the standout events they regularly host. Whether you’re looking for a memorable night under the stars at a summer concert, attending a renowned jazz festival, or searching for the perfect space to host your own special occasion, this guide will help you discover exactly what you’re looking for.
Major Event and Concert Venues in Vail
| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Venue Type | Signature Events & Festivals | Typical Event Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (The Amp) | 530 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, CO | ~2,500 | Outdoor Amphitheater | Bravo! Vail, Vail Dance Festival, Hot Summer Nights, Amp Summer Concerts, Après at The Amp | Summer (June–Sept), select spring/fall |
| Manor Vail Lodge | 595 Vail Valley Dr, Vail, CO | Up to 125 (indoor), more for outdoor events | Hotel & Event Lodge | Vail Jazz Fest, and corporate gatherings | Year-round, Jazz Fest: Labor Day Weekend |
| Donovan Pavilion | 1600 S Frontage Rd W, Vail, CO | 200 | Event Pavilion | Weddings, banquets, Bravo! Vail chamber concerts, community events | Year-round, peak summer/fall |
| Dobson Ice Arena | 321 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO | 2,500 | Multi-Purpose Arena | community events | Year-round |
Vail Venue Profiles
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (The Amp)
- Background: Opened in 1987, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater is Vail’s premier outdoor performance venue, with covered seating and a large lawn, all set against a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop.
- Signature Events:
– Bravo! Vail Music Festival (late June–early August)
– Vail Dance Festival (late July–early August)
– Hot Summer Nights (free Tuesday concerts, June–August)
– Amp Summer Concerts (all summer)
– Après at The Amp (April) - What Makes It Unique: Set against the Gore Range, The Amp’s open-air design blends covered pavilion seating with a grassy hillside, offering incredible acoustics and mountain views. Guests love its intimate feel, natural stone architecture, and the way it seamlessly hosts everything from world-class concerts to local celebrations
Manor Vail Lodge
- Background: Established in 1965, Manor Vail Lodge has a storied history as a gathering place for Vail’s founders and remains a cornerstone of the community. The lodge offers nine flexible meeting and event spaces, accommodating everything from intimate board meetings to large receptions.
- Signature Events:
– Vail Jazz Festival (Labor Day Weekend)
– Bravo! Vail Chamber Concerts
– Vail Rotary Club meetings
– Private events, weddings, and corporate retreats - What Makes It Unique: Manor Vail Lodge stands out for its historic mountain lodge setting at the base of Golden Peak, expansive indoor and outdoor event spaces—including beautiful gardens and a modern ballroom—panoramic views of Vail Mountain and Gore Creek, and a legacy of hosting Vail’s most notable celebrations and community events
Donovan Pavilion
- Background: Built in 2003, Donovan Pavilion is an elegant timber and stone pavilion nestled along Gore Creek and surrounded by parkland. It’s a favorite for weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings.
- Signature Events:
– Bravo! Vail Chamber Concerts
– Signature Weddings
– Banquets, Fundraisers, and conferences - What Makes It Unique: Donovan Pavilion stands out with its modern timber-frame architecture, spacious 5,200 sq ft interior, and breathtaking panoramic mountain views. Available year-round, this versatile event space is fully customizable, supported by advanced audiovisual technology, and beautifully complemented by the peaceful setting of Donovan Park.
Dobson Ice Arena
- Background: Established in 1979, the Dobson Ice Arena stands as one of the largest multi-purpose ice facilities on Colorado’s Western Slope, offering year-round access for not only hockey and figure skating, but also concerts and major events.
- Signature Events:
– Concerts (rock, pop, reggae)
– Vail Invitational Skating Championships
– Vail Yeti semi-pro hockey games
– Ski and Snowboard Club Vail annual equipment swap (late October) - What Makes It Unique: Dobson Ice Arena stands out for its versatility as both a world-class ice facility and multi-purpose event venue, featuring a professional-grade ice surface maintained by NHL-certified technicians. Its year-round operation offers winter sports throughout the year, with unique activities like ice bumper cars alongside traditional skating.
Major Annual Events & Festivals in Vail
| Event Name | Venue(s) | Dates (Typical) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bravo! Vail Music Festival | Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Donovan Pavilion, Manor Vail Lodge | Late June–Early August | Orchestral and chamber music by world-class ensembles |
| Vail Dance Festival | Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater | Late July–Early August | International dance companies, unique collaborations |
| Hot Summer Nights | Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater | Tuesdays, June–August | Free weekly concerts, diverse genres |
| Amp Summer Concert Series | Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater | Summer | Headliner concerts, major touring acts |
| Après at The Amp | Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater | April | Spring concert series |
| Vail Jazz Festival | Manor Vail Lodge | Labor Day Weekend (late August–early September) | Multi-day jazz performances, jam sessions, and workshops |
Spotlight: Vail Jazz Festival
- Dates: Late August (Labor Day Weekend)
- Venue: Manor Vail Lodge
- Format:
– Evening concerts in the Jazz Tent
– Multi-artist jam sessions and group performances
– Free club series at Tavern on the Square
– Features world-renowned jazz musicians and up-and-coming artists - Legacy: Founded by Howard Stone, the festival is recognized for its educational outreach, including the Vail Jazz Workshop for high school students, as well as its commitment to introducing jazz to new audiences.
The Vail Jazz Festival, now in its 31st year, is a cornerstone of Vail’s cultural calendar. Originally founded in 1995, the festival has grown into a nine-week summer celebration of jazz, culminating in the Vail Jazz Party over Labor Day weekend. In 2024 and 2025, the festival’s main events are held at Manor Vail Lodge, with performances in a dedicated jazz tent and additional club-style sessions at nearby venues.
Spotlight: Bravo! Vail Music Festival
The Bravo! Vail Music Festival is one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in North America. Since its inception in 1987, Vail has attracted internationally acclaimed orchestras, soloists, and ensembles. The heart of the festival takes place at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, where audiences enjoy symphonic concerts under the stars, surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies.
- Dates: Late June–Early August
- Venue: Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (with select chamber concerts at Donovan Pavilion and Manor Vail Lodge)
- Format:
- Performances by top-tier orchestras (recently including the New York Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and The Philadelphia Orchestra)
- Chamber music concerts and special events
- Family concerts and educational outreach
- Experience: The amphitheater’s blend of covered seating and open lawn creates a magical setting for both casual listeners and dedicated music lovers.
Spotlight: Vail Dance Festival at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
The Vail Dance Festival is a world-renowned celebration of dance, drawing elite performers and innovative choreographers from around the globe. Hosted primarily at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the festival is renowned for its innovative collaborations, world premieres, and the participation of some of the most celebrated names in ballet, modern dance, and contemporary dance.
- Dates: Late July–Early August (2025: July 25–August 4)
- Venue: Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
- Format:
- Gala opening night, mixed-repertoire evenings, and special “Dance for $20.25” performances for accessibility
- Collaborations between stars of major dance companies and emerging artists
- Community events, masterclasses, and workshops
- Reputation: The festival is a must-see for dance enthusiasts and offers an inspiring introduction for newcomers, all in an unforgettable mountain setting.
Getting to/from Vail Event Venues
Thanks to the town’s in-town bus system, getting to and from Vail’s event venues is usually pretty easy. However, during popular shows, these buses can become super packed, with long waits and crowded rides. While taxis and ride-shares are available, they’re often booked well before the biggest concerts and gatherings, making last-minute transportation stressful and unpredictable.
For a seamless, comfortable, and stress-free experience, Blue Sky Limo’s private car service is the best choice for going to and from a special event in Vail. Whether you’re staying in town or flying in from Eagle or Denver Airport, our Vail event transportation service guarantees on-time arrival and direct access, with drop-off right at the entrance of your chosen venue. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your luxury SUV and professional chauffeur are dedicated exclusively to you. No crowded buses, no parking hassles, and no waiting for a ride. Blue Sky Limo delivers comfort and reliability, ensuring you arrive relaxed, refreshed, and ready to enjoy every moment of your special Vail event.
