Vail, Colorado – Fall 2024 – This fall, Vail invites travelers to experience unique, seasonal moments in its picturesque mountain villages. As the leaves change and cooler temperatures set in, Vail will be alive with music including the return of the Vail Jazz Party, celebrating 30 years of musical excellence and the family-friendly Free Fall Bluegrass Festival. Visitors looking to discover something new can enjoy new running races, redesigned spas and hotels and exciting lodging specials. Food enthusiasts can savor “The Experience Sweet Basil,” featuring a 10-course meal with personal chef presentations and expert pairings. With these exclusive events and rejuvenating experiences, Vail continues to captivate visitors seeking unforgettable autumn adventures.
Events & Activity News
Vail Jazz Celebrates 30 Years
Vail Jazz is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the return of the Vail Jazz Party. The event will offer a stellar lineup of world-class musicians at a new venue, Manor Vail Lodge. Taking place over Labor Day weekend, this iconic event will feature a dynamic mix of group performances and multi-artist jam sessions. Headliners include jazz luminaries such as John Clayton, Lewis Nash, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Dick Oatts, and many more, including the Fortitude Singers. This milestone event promises to be a highlight of the season, showcasing 30 years of musical excellence and education in the heart of Vail. Guests can stay on-site at Manor Vail Lodge and enjoy a discount on lodging by booking through the Vail Jazz website.
FreeFall Bluegrass Festival Brings Vibrant Music and Family Fun to Vail
The FreeFall Bluegrass Festival returns to Vail bringing a lively celebration of bluegrass music to the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Scheduled for Sept. 13-15, this free, family-friendly event showcases a diverse lineup of acclaimed bluegrass bands and musicians, offering attendees a weekend of vibrant performances and community spirit. The festival features multiple stages, local food vendors, craft beer and activities for all ages, including workshops and jam sessions. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vail Village, the FreeFall Bluegrass Festival provides a perfect blend of exceptional music, outdoor fun, and alpine scenery, making it a must-attend event for music lovers of all ages.
Sweet Basil Offers Exclusive Fall Culinary Event
This fall, MICHELIN-Recommended Sweet Basil is offering “The Experience Sweet Basil,” an exclusive culinary event available for just five weeks. From Sept. 25 through Oct. 19, guests can indulge in a 10-course meal featuring a thoughtfully curated menu that highlights the best of Sweet Basil’s offerings. Each course will be personally presented by the chefs, and the restaurant’s cellar master will guide guests through unique wine and cocktail pairings designed to complement each dish. With only one reservation accepted per day, “The Experience Sweet Basil” is an intimate dining opportunity not to be missed.
Discover the Evolutionary Journey of Birds at The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
The current exhibit at The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, “Dinosaurs Among Us,” explores the evolution of modern birds from their dinosaur ancestors and will continue through the fall and winter. The exhibit, which features large-scale color illustrations of familiar and newly discovered extinct dinosaur species as they would have looked in life, is spread throughout the Gardens and Education Center. Additionally, the Education Center will remain open this fall, featuring a documentary screening and a children’s coloring and play station. Looking ahead to the winter, the popular snowshoeing tours of the Gardens are set to resume with dates announced soon.
Explore The New Thursday Meadow Market Through September 19
This fall, visitors can explore the new Thursday Meadow Market, running weekly through September 19. Located on the International Bridge, this mid-week market complements the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show held on Sundays. Guests can stock-up on local produce and artisanal goods on Thursdays and return on Sunday to get ready for the week with expanded offerings including and crafts, art and food vendors.
New Cougar Ridge Classic 26K Trail Running Race
The Vail Recreation District will debut a new 26K sub-ultra running race this fall. Taking place on Saturday, Sept. 28, The Cougar Ridge Classic course will take runners from Lionshead Village up to Eagle’s Nest and across Game Creek Bowl before descending on Cougar Ridge singletrack and finishing in the Town of Minturn. In total, racers will ascend over 3,410 feet over 14.7 miles. This stand-alone race is open to a total of 175 runners. The top three men and women will be rewarded with a cash prize presented by Dynafit, and the first, second and third places in each age/gender category will receive a prize. Every racer will be eligible for raffle prizes.
Hospitality News & Offers
Enjoy the Newly Redesigned Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail recently unveiled its newly redesigned spa, a state-of-the-art wellness sanctuary developed by the renowned Rose Ink Workshop. The extensive renovation features13 upgraded treatment rooms, modernized lounges, and enhanced relaxation facilities, including a refreshed hot tub, sauna and steam room. The spa now offers a comprehensive wellness program centered around Rest, Recovery, Sleep, Slowing Down, and Meditation, with exclusive treatments developed in partnership with leading wellness brands. New collaborations with EviDenS, Ground Wellbeing, Comfort Zone and Back Label, along with Therabody’s advanced recovery tools, provide a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa’s design incorporates natural elements inspired by the Rocky Mountains, creating a serene and inviting environment. Notable treatments include the Signature Extreme 360° Beauty Ceremony and the Revitalizing Mineral Mud Wrap.
New Stizmark Vail Offers Boutique Lodging in Historic Location
Vail’s iconic Sitzmark Lodge has reopened as Sitzmark Vail, a mountain modern boutique hotel with European influences, following a multi-million-dollar two-year renovation. The transformation elevates the hotel’s 36 guest rooms, suites, and spacious penthouse while honoring its history. The redesigned interior, featuring vaulted ceilings, open living spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing the beauty of Vail Village and the surrounding mountains. Noteworthy amenities include private balconies with mountain or creek views, a heated rooftop pool, a fitness room and a unique après bar, SitzBar, with wine, craft cocktails and beer as well as an oxygen bar to aid guests acclimating to the altitude. Three large bells, installed on the exterior of Stizmark Vail, will ring daily at 3 p.m. to signal the start of hotel’s après celebration. Located in the heart of Vail Village, Sitzmark Vail is just steps from Gondola One and offers an intimate retreat with a strong commitment to guest service and hospitality.
Oktoberfest Savings at The Antlers
It may date back to 1800s Germany, but Vail’s Oktoberfest has become its own cherished tradition, honoring the town’s Bavarian influences. Whether partaking in the Lionshead Village festivities, September 6-8, or those in Vail Village, Sept. 13-15, from authentic German cuisine and lederhosen to bratwurst-eating competitions and keg bowling, Oktoberfest in Vail is family-friendly and fun for all. In celebration, Antlers at Vail hotel is making September a special Oktoberfest Savings month, offering a 20% lodging discount, with room rates starting from $279 per night for a studio condominium with parking included and no resort fees ever.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Exclusive Perks at Four Seasons Vail Resort & Residences
This Thanksgiving, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail offers a memorable family escape in Vail Village with its special Thanksgiving package. Guests who book a private residence for four nights or more between Nov. 22 and Dec. 7, will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits. The package includes a specially curated Thanksgiving feast delivered to the residence, an intimate Haute Chocolate-making lesson and a cookie baking experience led by the resort’s talented pastry team. Additional amenities include a credit for a wellness experience in the newly renovated spa, private check-in, a bespoke arrival amenity, complimentary laundry service and a fridge stocked with non-alcoholic beverages. Guests also receive preferential use of the complimentary Polestar house car and priority access to the resort’s shuttle, ensuring easy exploration of Vail Village.
For more information on Vail’s year-round visitor experience, lodging and more, please visit DiscoverVail.com.
There’s no place like Vail for year-round recreation, outdoor pursuits and cultural experiences in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Nestled at the foot of Vail Mountain just two hours west of Denver, Vail’s fresh air, rugged beauty and charming pedestrian villages await visitors. Discover quaint Bavarian villages where outdoor activities abound and the performing arts flourish. Matching the incredible winter mountain experience, Vail from May through October is characterized by a rich culinary scene, family activities, world-class events and everything in between.
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Media Contacts: Kristin Yantis or Amanda McNally, Malen Yantis Public Relations,
[email protected], (970) 949-7919