Fulfill your passions this summer in Vail with many FREE things to do and enjoy during your stay with us! These are recommendations from the Concierge at Vail – real locals who live and enjoy Vail every day!
Ride the Gondola up Vail Mountain for FREE!
Children, age 12 and under, ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola for FREE all summer (max. 3 kids with one paying adult)
The Gondola is also FREE to all 09-10 and 10-11 Pass-holders all summer long!
FREE activities at Adventure Ridge
Head to the top of the mountain for bocce ball, slackline park, horseshoes and disc golf (if you bring your own discs)! Enjoy the mountain-top fun at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead. Adventure Ridge is open from June 24 to September 6, 2010 from 10am to 4pm daily and Thursdays - Saturday from 10am to 9pm. *Lift ticket or pass required for Gondola rides
Hiking around Vail and atop Vail Mountain is always FREE!
Enjoy spectacular wildflowers and wildlife as you explore the nature and forests of Vail. Pack a picnic and your camera!
Visit the FREE Discovery Center
Located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, the Discovery Center introduces you to the environment through fun, interactive displays and guided nature hikes. Open daily from 10am to 4pm. For more information call (970) 754-4675.
Take in the FREE LionsHead Friday Family Fun Fair
Every Friday in LionsHead bring the kids for FREE activities and fun from July 2 – August 13
FREE Parking & FREE Bus Transportation all Summer
Parking in Vail Village and LionsHead parking structures are FREE all summer. The Town of Vail bus system is FREE - leave your car at home and tour Vail via its FREE bus system, the largest free transit system in the nation.
Explore the FREE Vail Recreation Path
The Vail Recreation Path is an affordable way to have fun with your entire family. Located right in the middle of town, the trail winds from West Vail to East Vail and has 1,100 acres of open space available to the public. The path stretches for 15 miles and is surrounded by 350,000 acres of national forest.
FREE Hot Summer Nights Concert Series
Every Tuesday June 15 – August 17 enjoy incredible music at the Ford Amphitheater – the social event of the summer!
Visit the Colorado Ski Museum for FREE
Located in the upper level of the Vail Village parking structure, learn about the history of Vail, skiing and the 10th Mountain Division with interactive exhibits and more!
Take in the many FREE Events & Happenings
Take a look at the incredible events happening throughout the summer (link to summer calendar), many of which are FREE to attend: Teva Mountain Games, Vail America Days, Vail Arts Festival, Vail Farmer’s Market, Vail Antique Show, Colorado Grand just to name a few!
FREE Sporting Events & Tournaments
Check out the many sports tournaments taking place at the Ford Park and Vail Athletic Fields. The majority of the events are FREE to watch and include some of the nation’s best soccer and lacrosse teams and players.
Burn off the kid’s energy at the many town Parks or stroll around town – just enjoy life for FREE!
Ford Park, Pirateship Park, Donovan Park, Bighorn Park – each is different – check them all out to bring a smile to the kiddo’s faces! There’s no better place to just relax and enjoy your surroundings than Vail – with benches and beautiful sitting areas all around to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the summer time flowers and surrounding landscapes. You may even happen upon one of our FREE street entertainers as you relax and enjoy. And be sure to take in the many fountains and water features throughout Vail Village.
Enjoy the beautiful and FREE Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Enjoy the highest botanical gardens in the world with a unique collection of alpine, sub-alpine and other mountain plants and flowers. Open daily through September 6 with FREE public tours, children’s programs and many other daily activities.
Stop by the FREE Vail Nature Center
Nestled along the banks of Gore Creek, this 7 acres forest, meadow and stream are a delight and peaceful place known by many locals and visitors as their favorite place in Vail. Explore or take in one of the educational programs offered.
Vail’s FREE Skatepark
Head to the LionsHead parking structure and check out Vail’s FREE skatepark. Open dawn to dusk daily, the FREE skatepark features a half-pipe, pyramid, multiple ramps, transitions, rails and banks, plus a street course area for younger or less experienced riders.
Play a FREE tennis match
Enjoy a FREE tennis match at the Golden Peak Tennis Courts. Tennis can be played at the courts on a first-come, first-served basis for FREE.
FREE Fly Fishing Casting Clinics!
Gore Creek Fly Fisherman is pleased to offer complimentary daily casting clinics at 10:30am in Vail Village along the Gore Creek Promenade. The clinics are perfect for those who have never fly fished before and are considering trying the sport. They are also perfect for those just wanting to brush up on their technique. One of our expert staff will lead the demonstration, and he or she will be able to answer any general fly fishing questions. For more information, please call 970-476-3296.
FREE Kayak Demo’s
May 18 – June 22nd every Tuesday at Vail’s Whitewater Park located at the International Bridge.
FREE Raptor Rendezvous
Join us from on the grassy lawn near the Eagle Bahn Gondola in LionsHead. A FREE evening of fun, featuring real live raptors that will captivate all ages. Experienced handlers from the Raptor Education Foundation will share stories of the raptors making for a unique evening of learning and exploration. Saturday afternoons July through mid-August..
FREE Art Walks
Wednesday walking tours of Vail’s public art collection continue this summer. The hour long tour meets at 11:00 am at the Vail Village Visitor Information Center on the top level of the parking structure. Tours begin June 30th. Visit www.artinvail.com or call 970-479-2344 for details.
Town of Vail’s free neighborhood BBQ
Mix and mingle with fellow guests and Vail locals at these FREE BBQ events: Dates and times to be announced.
FREE Jazz Music All Summer!
Jazz @ The Vail Farmers' Market - Sundays, June 27 – August 29, 2010
Jazz @ the Market presents ten free outdoor concerts featuring local and regionally-based jazz talent at the Vail Farmers’ Market, Sundays from Noon to 3:30pm. The jazz concerts are a natural complement to the fabulous shopping and wonderful food for which the casual outdoor market is known. Covered seating is available, so stop by and enjoy refreshing jazz!
Jazz @ Vail Square, Free Concerts outside the Arrabelle in Lionshead – Thursdays, Aug. 5 – Sept. 2, 2010, 6-8PM
This free concert series outside the Arrabelle Hotel in Vail Square, Lionshead offers tented seating for 250+ and plenty of additional room in Vail Square to enjoy the concert. Many concert goers enjoy browsing the shops or dining in Lionshead before, during, or after the show. Jazz @ Vail Square's third season will feature some very special performances, with audience engagement and the finest jazz West of the Mississippi!
FREE AT THE VAIL LIBRARY
Kids love story time
Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 and 11:00 am, kids of all ages enjoy story time and arts & crafts
Summer Reading Program 2010 – Also FREE at the Vail Libary
Exciting entertainers, musicians, stories, games and art projects scheduled weekly. This summer's reading program is sure to be an ocean of fun!
When: Tuesdays: June 8 – August 10 (except July 6th) from 1:00 - 3:00p.m. Ages six and up. Register at the door any Tuesday. Receive prizes for reading! All events are free. Parents are welcome. For more information call 970-479-2179 or visit www.vaillibrary.com.
June 8th - Wayne and Wingnut - ventriloquist, comedian and puppeteer
June 15th - Butterfly Pavilion - The Summer Bug Safari
June 22nd – Two guests today: Water Conservation Officer & Fly Fishing Guide.
June 29th – The Littleague – wholesome hip-hop for young people
July 6th - No Summer Reading Program – time for the annual Book Sale!
July 13th - Aeolus Quartet - from Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival
July 20th - Denver Zoo - Remarkable Reptiles plus a visit from Live @ the Library M 5 Brass!
July 27th - Eric West - musician and children’s performer
August 3rd – Erica Sodos - actress, magician and entertainer
August 10th - Ice Cream Finale!
MUSIC MATTERS FREE CHILD PROGRAMMING
Instrument Petting Zoo
Children of all ages are exposed to real instruments in this hands-on traveling exhibit. June 26 - 9 – 10 am, free of charge. Betty Ford Gardens
MUSIC MATTERS FREE ADULT PROGRAMMING
Music in the Gardens: Free musical performances in Betty Ford Gardens. Presented by BRAVO!.
June 9: Don Luizzi, Percussionist, 1:00 pm
June 15: M5 Brass Quintet, 12:30 pm
June 19: M5 Brass Quintet, 2:00 p; m
June 27: Young Artist-in-Residence - Aeolus Quartet,11 am
Performance Preludes
A Pre-Concert talk beginning at 5:00 p.m., featured speakers provide an intimate perspective to the evening’s composers and repertoire. June 30, July 9, and July 29.
FREE DANCE PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Hot Summer Nights of Dance - August 10
Colorado-based BreakEFX presents a free evening of urban-inspired dance for audiences of all ages! Presented in conjunction with the Bud Light Hot Summer Nights free concert series.
Dancing in the Streets
Back by popular demand! Dancing in the Streets returns in 2010, following the success of 2008 and 2009's free community event. This interactive evening in the Arrabelle at Vail Square will be a combination of live performance and dancing lessons. Participants enjoy instruction and demonstration from the stage, mixed with breathtaking performances. No experience or signup is required for the event; just bring your comfortable dancing shoes! Dates TBA
Village Vignettes - featuring BreakEFX – Saturday, August 7 & Sunday, August 8
Details TBA.
Celebrate the Beat -July 26 - August 31 ‘Vail Pop Hop’, FREE kids workshop
Students will work as a team to learn choreography while working with wonderful live musicians. The theme is BROADWAY, and students will explore many different styles of Broadway music and dance. The week long program culminates with a performance at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater with the Vail International Dance Festival.
To register, please call or email Heather Kratz: phone: 970-275-2672 or email: littlemountainheather@yahoo.com
9:30-12:30pm at Avon Elementary School
FREE ART IN NATURE / NATURE IN ART and Art in Public Places
Enjoy a variety of art courses taught outdoors with the Town of Vail's Art in Public Places. In collaboration with the Vail Recreation Nature Center and the new Art Center in Gypsum, classes for adults and children will be held on site throughout the summer at the Nature Center adjacent to Ford Park. For a schedule of classes visit www.vailrec.com.
Art in the Gardens: Wednesdays, 10am – 3pm, FREE of charge.
June 2 - Mio Cirkovic Art Demonstration: A member of The Art Center (in Gypsum), Mio will demonstrate oil painting techniques. Artist’s website: theartctr.com.
June 9 - Patrick Espy Art Demonstration. A member of The Art Center (in Gypsum), Patrick will demonstrate watercolor painting techniques. Artist’s website: theartctr.com.
June 16 - Photography Workshop and Demonstration. Instructed by Jon Sheppard. This workshop is designed for the amateur to experienced photographers who want to use our Gardens in capturing original images of nature and flowers. The class will emphasize creativity through composition, the use of light and background control, close-up photography, and photo enhancement software. Class time will include instruction, instructor critiques, and shooting time in the Gardens. Artist’s website: jonsheppardphotography.com
June 23 - Amy Dose Art Demonstration. A member of The Art Center (in Gypsum), Amy will demonstrate acrylic painting techniques. Artist’s website: theartctr.com.
July 7 - Joan Norris Art Demonstration. Joan will demonstrate oil painting techniques utilizing her expressive naturalism style. Artist’s website: morrislamontgallery.com.
July 14 - Photography Workshop and Demonstration. Instructed by Jon Sheppard. This workshop is designed for the amateur to experienced photographers who want to use our Gardens in capturing original images of nature and flowers. The class will emphasize creativity through composition, the use of light and background control, close-up photography, and photo enhancement software. Class time will include instruction, instructor critiques, and shooting time in the Gardens. Artist’s website: jonsheppardphotography.com
July 21 - Plein Air Watercolor Workshop
July 28 - Elaine Kuntz Art Demonstration. Elaine’s art has a realistic approach to location and feeling atmosphere. She will demonstrate watercolor technique and make note cards. Artist’s website: elainekuntz.com.
Aug 4 - Elaine Kuntz Art Demonstration Elaine’s art has a realistic approach to location and feeling atmosphere. She will demonstrate watercolor technique and make note cards. Artist’s website: elainekuntz.com.
Aug 11 - Photography Workshop and Demonstration. Instructed by Jon Sheppard. This workshop is designed for the amateur to experienced photographers who want to use our Gardens in capturing original images of nature and flowers. The class will emphasize creativity through composition, the use oflight and background control, close-up photography, and photo enhancement software. Class time will include instruction, instructor critiques, and shooting time in the Gardens. Artist’s website: jonsheppardphotography.com
Aug 25 - Joan Norris Art Demonstration. Joan will demonstrate oil painting techniques utilizing her expressive naturalism style. Artist's website: morrislamontgallery.com.
Sept. 1 - Featuring local painting artist Nancy Rondeau
Sept. 8 - Featuring local oil painting artist Lynn Cohagen. Artist’s website: cohaganart.com.
FREE Chefs in the Garden at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Noon, free of charge.
June 14: Lord Gore Restaurant Live cooking demonstration by Lord Gore Restaurant, featuring Colorado cuisine showcasing locally grown and produced ingredients. Presented by Executive Chef Richard A. Bailey. The Lord Gore is located in Manor Vail Lodge near Vail Mountain's Golden Peak. Mastering his craft via stops around the globe, Chef Richard is at home crafting everything from "sushi to schnitzel". Learn how to create delicious items from this diverse and contemporary chef. Website: ManorVail.com.
July 1: Restaurant Avondale Live cooking demonstration by Restaurant Avondale, featuring Colorado cuisine showcasing locally grown and produced ingredients. Presented by owner, Chef Thomas Salamunovich. Restaurant Avondale is located at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain in the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, Colorado. The restaurant features a West Coast inspired, seasonal menu and utilizes time honored cooking methods, such as slow roasting and braising, to create simple dishes rich in flavor. Website: Avondalerestaurant.com.
July 22: Larkspur Live cooking demonstration by Larkspur, featuring Colorado cuisine showcasing locally grown and produced ingredients. Presented by owner, Chef Thomas Salamunovich. Larkspur is located at the base of Vail Mountain and features a contemporary American cuisine that begins with premium products and culinary imagination. Website: larkspurvail.com.
August 26: Lord Gore Restaurant Live cooking demonstration by Lord Gore Restaurant, featuring Colorado cuisine showcasing locally grown and produced ingredients Presented by Executive Chef Richard A. Bailey. The Lord Gore is located in Manor Vail Lodge near Vail Mountain's Golden Peak. Mastering his craft via stops around the globe, Chef Richard is at home crafting everything from "sushi to schnitzel". Website: manorvail.com.