Kick off summer with an unforgettable vacation in Vail or Beaver Creek for Memorial Day! No matter how long you stretch your trip surrounding the special day, you will have plenty to see, do, and experience that everyone in your family will enjoy. Celebrate Memorial Day in Vail with the best of things; it is time we welcome the summer with this festivity and joy. Here's a guide to the amazing events to make it a happening weekend for you, your friends, and your wonderful family.
Vail, CO-All festival pass events are within walking distance of the iconic covered bridge in Vail Village, steps from the free parking at Vail Village Transportation Center. Some free family events will happen at the RocketFizz stage at Sunbird Park in Lionshead. Bus and public transportation use is encouraged. VIP event locations are only shared with VIP pass holders.
Vail Village
Vail Comedy Festival
The Vail Comedy Festival is bringing the laughs over Memorial Day Weekend and welcomes 30 comedians who are coming in from all over the country. The lineup includes comedians who have appeared on the late-night talk shows, Comedy Central, HBO, MTV, “America’s Got Talent” and countless comedy festivals. Headliners include Mike E.
More comedy events than ever before around Vail Village! Some events designated (VIP) are only for VIP passholders. The Vail Village will overflow with laughter and street magic this Memorial Day Weekend. More than 20 events means something for everyone.
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Free family friendly events including magic shows at the RocketFizz stage in Lionshead do not require a pass (tickets for Saturday and Sunday). You can buy a-la-carte tickets for the PG-13 magic on Sunday.
Comedy Shows and Special Events
- A kick-off party with comedians and VIP pass holders with beverages from 10th Mountain Whiskey plus bites from Moe’s Original BBQ, plus close-up magic!
- How funny can one comic be in seven minutes? You’ll find out in this rapid style showcase.
- At Vail Comedy Festival there are special guests at every event, you have to show up to see who drops in.
- An incredible lineup at Aviator Nation for the late night Friday show. This show has been a festival highlight in year’s past so come on out!
Magician Travis Nye will entertain kids of all ages at this free, open to the public magic show at the RocketFizz stage in Lionshead at Sunbird Park. Part of the Vail Comedy Festival. Bring your sunscreen!
Another amazing late show at Aviator Nation and shutting down Saturday night of the Vail Comedy Festival. Headliner to be announced.
Festival passes grant free entry for this magic show with Travis Nye. Individual tickets available to public. $25 GA online or at door / $50 Reserved Front Row (advance purchase online only). Younger children should attend the free family style magic shows in Lionshead.
Live Podcast Tapings and Candid Lady Chats
Live podcast tapings from Lady Journey are free and open to public. Katie Hannigan and Sarah Tollemache detail their private lives as touring stand up comedians and their latest lifestyle obsessions.
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Join us in the Aspen Room at Manor Vail with special guest Nicole Schnitzlein of Lady Jones. Called “quirky” by multiple men on instagram, this candid lady chat will have you laughing, while also feeling safe.
Film Screening
Curated questions from audience for director Wendy Lobel following the Vail, CO premier of “Anxiety Club” (2025).
DIRECTOR’S INSPIRATION I’ve struggled with anxiety for years and am familiar with the uncomfortable symptoms that can accompany an anxiety disorder, as well as the available treatments and tools.
Open Mic Nights
Inspired by all the awesome comedy you are enjoying? Get on stage and try some jokes! Bring a short set and sign up on-site. Arrive and sign up by start time to guarantee stage time. Plus watch festival comics hone their craft!
Comedy Showcases
This comedy show will feature comedians from around North America ending with a headlining set from Andy Haynes!
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Live Music and Concerts
SpringFree Bluegrass returns to Vail Village for its second year with a three day music festival for the whole family. The second annual SpringFree Bluegrass Festival brings live music, amazing vendors, a kid’s zone, food trucks and three stages to Vail Village on the main stage on One Willow Bridge Road near Solaris before a full day of music.
Some of the big names in bluegrass playing throughout the weekend include Paul Hoffman of Greensky Bluegrass, Nicki Bluhm Band, Allison Brown Band and the Terrapin Family Band featuring Grahame Lesh, Ross James, Jason Crosby and Alex Koford with Eric Krasno and Nicki Bluhm. In addition to the main stage, the side stage will be located facing El Segundo and Up the Creek restaurants. Food trucks and drinks will be available for purchase and will be near the Kid’s Zone.
The Lil' Smokies - full show 2-24-18 WinterWonderGrass Steamboat Sprgs., CO SBD 4K HD tripod
Bluegrass Music
Blues, Brews & BBQ happens this Friday through Sunday with live music, BBQ demos and competitions and great beer in Beaver Creek. The caliber of musicians is off the charts this year with award-winning and Grammy-nominated blues artists.
- On Friday, travel back in time with headliner The British Blues Invasion, led by ASIA frontman John Payne, playing music from Cream, Free, John Marshall’s Blues Band and more.
- On Saturday, Ana Popovic is the marquee act, and this guitarist has received praise from Bruce Springsteen and was the only female guitar player from 2014-2018 for Experience Hendrix, playing with all-stars like Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Leon Bridges kicks off the summer concert season at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail on Sunday. The summer concert season kicks off at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail on Sunday with headliner Leon Bridges and opening act Kashus Culpepper. Culpepper is a fast-rising newcomer on the scene. Reserved seating is available under the pavilion and at press time lawn seats were sold out.
Enjoy live acoustic rock, blues, reggae, country, and pop music at the best hotel in Avon. The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, is located in the town of Avon, Colorado, on a 19-acre site in the magnificent Vail Valley, providing convenient access to Beaver Creek Mountain and the Eagle River.
Come join the party at The Riverwalk Theater in Edwards for a fun and exciting start to the summer. Barbecue, live music by The Evolution, and dancing in the streets. The Evolution will bring the party, blocking First Street next to The Riverwalk Theater. The stage will be facing Juniper and Main St.
SunsetLIVE! Concert Series
SunsetLIVE! Stop by The Terrace at the Avon Performance Pavilion on Sunday nights for casual musical performances by local Eagle County musicians from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm. The SunsetLIVE! concert series returns this Sunday with free, live music at Nottingham Park. SunsetLIVE! returns to Avon’s Harry A. Nottingham Park this summer and it’s the perfect way to wind down the holiday weekend. This series, which is held on Sundays runs Memorial Day through Labor Day holidays.
These casual shows are at The Terrace, which is on the back side of the performance pavilion, allowing great views of the sunset. Enjoy a seat on the back deck, the lawn or even from your paddle board or kayak. There is no charge for this and feel free to bring your own beverages of choice.
Outdoor Activities
A free nature walk is the perfect introduction to Colorado’s natural world. Join a Naturalist for a free, gentle educational hike through aspen and riparian communities at the Avon location. Learn about the ecology and animal adaptations of this mountain environment. Come prepared to spend an hour outside with appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, and water. Most ages and abilities. Each Nature Walk has a maximum of 10 participants. Registration Required. Register Here.
Memorial Day Ceremony
A Memorial Day public ceremony will be held at Freedom Park in Edwards. On Memorial Day, the Freedom Park Memorial Committee and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10721 will conduct the annual public ceremony in memory of all veterans of the armed forces and emergency response agencies from Eagle County who have died in the line of duty.
The Freedom Park Memorial Committee and VFW Post 10721 will be conducting its 19th annual ceremony in memory of all Veterans of the armed forces and emergency response agencies who have served our country, especially those from Eagle County who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and safety. The program includes recognizing the fragment of limestone from the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, the dedication of the new Memorial Wall containing plaques donated by local citizens to support the memorial, and formal military honors for William M. Hammon, MD, Col US Army Medical Corps. at the Freedom Park Memorial in Edwards on the west side of the pond.
Highlights of the ceremony include a color guard composed of local veterans, keynote address by Marine Corps veteran Bill Welch, Michelle Cohn Levy will sing the National Anthem and other patriotic songs and Rabbi Joel Newman of B’nai Vail will lead the prayer.
Memorial Day Ceremony
Additional Events and Activities
- Tales of the 10th: On Saturday, come to the Colorado Snowsports Museum for Tales of the 10th with author and historian Flint Whitlock. Whitlock will share his knowledge of Camp Hale, the military training facility where the 10th Mountain Division trained during World War II. His book, “10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale” details the difficult training in the mountain environment, the camaraderie of the soldiers and the camp’s lasting impact on military and ski history.
- Bindu Sky Pomeroy Event: Bindu Sky Pomeroy was a beloved teacher at the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy in Minturn. Bindu died in a snowboarding accident, but his memory lives on in what started out as a 5k, but has now grown into a full day that adds yoga after the run, DJ, tunes, a sauna and cold plunge therapy, food from Ekahi Grill, wine and beer and a concert by the Runaway Grooms. The proceeds from the event held in Minturn at Maloit Park go to the Bindu Sky Memorial Fund and help the student athletes at Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy.
- Bonfire Brewery: If you love local food and brews, head to Bonfire Brewery in Edwards, CO. Choose any of their in-house-made brews and pair them with a delicious dinner.
Transportation Options
Check your options for Public Transportation, Shared Shuttles, Private Car Service, & Parking options at the park. Public transportation is encouraged, as well as walking or riding a bike to the park.
- Blue Sky Limo: Travel to Vail conveniently and in style with Blue Sky Limo’s Denver to Vail Car Service. Our skilled and experienced chauffeurs will accommodate your schedule while providing a smooth and safe journey through the picturesque Rockies. Enjoy top-notch amenities such as WiFi, entertainment, and refreshments while traveling in luxurious, well-maintained vehicles designed for comfort and reliability.
- Airport Shuttle: Looking for a comfortable airport transfer service between Denver and Vail? Look no further than Blue Sky Limo’s premium Denver-to-Vail Airport Shuttle. Our professional drivers will transport you seamlessly from DEN to Vail in our fleet of luxury SUVs. Avoid the hassle of driving on steep mountain roads and relax during the scenic trip. Our skilled drivers know the safest and most efficient routes. Enjoy the serene views of the majestic Rocky Mountains from the comfort of our high-end shuttle vehicles. With Blue Sky Limo, your airport connection couldn’t be smoother.
Lodging Options
If you’re looking for lodging options in Vail Valley for Memorial Day Weekend - rest assured that the area offers a variety of charming and intimate hotels that cater to those looking for a unique and personalized experience. There are plenty of options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to upscale boutique hotels.
Alternative Vail Valley Activities
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Vail for Memorial Day - Vail Valley offers plenty of events, sights, and activities regardless of the season! During the fall season in Vail Valley, there are still plenty of things to do. You can enjoy scenic gondola rides, breathtaking fall foliage, and outdoor concerts. Vail’s activities and events cater to the changing seasons, offering a unique experience for visitors no matter the time of year.