Live Music in Vail
The first and most common type of live music is found throughout the Vail Village most days. There are an abundance of troubadours playing at pubs, usually starting at 3pm when skiers start leaving the hill. Some favorites for this are Red Lion on Bridge Street, and Vail Ale House in West Vail. To make an evening out of it, Shakedown Bar in Vail Village has a tremendous selection of live bands on weekends playing original songs and covers.
The Vail Valley is also home to concert venues that attract a wide range of touring talent. The crown jewel of these is the Vilar Performing Arts Center. An intimate 500-seat theater with amazing acoustics, it has played host to major acts such as Alison Krauss, Huey Lewis and the News, and Trace Adkins. Agave is an even smaller venue, and serves as a stop for bands passing through Colorado. Recent performances have included Odesza and Pepper.
Finally and not to be overlooked are the two seasonal music festivals that Vail puts on each season. Each include 2 – 3 nights of free concerts, which take place in the heart of the village. Snow Daze takes place in early December to celebrate the start of the season, and past artists have included Michael Franti & Spearhead, Wilco, Rusted Root, and O.A.R. Spring Back to Vail Takes place closing weekend in April, and has included artists such as Sublime with Rome, Matisyahu, and STS9.
