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Rock Out to Live Music in Vail

When the sun goes down, you’ll probably be groovin’ at one of Vail’s many live music venues. Feast your ears on everything from jazz to world-class DJ’s to local bands at some of the most popular places to take in scene in Vail. Pro tip: check out Vail’s events calendar ahead of your visit to buy tickets for any of Vail’s larger events. Use this list as a starting point, or stroll along Bridge Street and listen for whatever tickles your fancy!

 
1. Alpenrose – Listen to an eclectic array of live music (like an accordion player in lederhosen!) while feasting on authentic German food at Alpenrose. The outdoor patio is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy their entertainment well into the evening – with or without the kiddos.

 

2. Samana Lounge – Dance your heart out at Samana, a popular dance club right near the covered bridge on Bridge Street. With live music and DJs almost every night of the week, there’s always something happening at Samana. Be sure to take advantage of their daily drink specials!

 

3. The Red Lion – The Red Lion Inn opened in Vail in 1963, and it’s been entertaining locals and visitors alike ever since! A local favorite, The Red Lion has live entertainment (mostly local musicians) nearly every night and drink specials to boot. Want to live like the locals? Book a table in advance to snag the best seats in the house.

 

4. Pepi’s Bar – For a more refined, laid-back experience, head to Pepi’s in the heart of Vail Village. In the evenings, lounge under their heated awning-covered deck while listening to a variety of live entertainment.

 

5. Shakedown –  Shakedown is serious about their live music. Owner Scott Rednor plays live many nights and used to tour with the likes of Dave Matthews and Lenny Kravitz! The 160-person capacity venue is jamming most days of the week, and you can buy tickets in advance for certain shows to make sure you don’t miss out.

 

6. Loaded Joe’s – You might’ve stopped in for coffee before, but Loaded Joe’s is also a favorite local watering hole. You can be the star at Loaded Joe’s weekly karaoke night on Fridays! If you’d rather leave the talent to the pros, stop by Reggae night on Thursdays or Open Mic night on Sundays.

 

7. Bravo! Vail Music Festival – Hailed as one of the Top 10 “Can’t Miss” Classical Musical Festivals in the US by NPR, Bravo! Vail is the only Festival in North America to host four world-renowned orchestras in a single season. You’ll come for a variety of reasons, but stay for the ultimate trifecta – extraordinary music, great friends and stunning views of Vail Valley.

 

8. Hot Summer Nights – Vail’s annual free summer concert series, Hot Summer Nights, is hosted at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater every Tuesday evening starting in early June. Come to the amphitheater early and enjoy yard games, free music and beer tastings from Crazy Mountain Brewery.

 

9. Friday Afternoon Club & Saturday Sundown Series – What’s better than live music? Live music on top of the mountain, that’s what. The Friday Afternoon Club at Eagle’s Nest and the Saturday Sundown Series are both free – all you’ll need is a pass to ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola and you’re set! Enjoy the live music and food and drink specials while enjoying amazing sunsets and views of the Valley.

 

10. Vail Jazz Festival – Running from June through September, the Vail Jazz Festival is a summer-long affair that brings some of the best talent in the jazz world right here to the Rockies. The Festival features five series’ and you can buy your tickets here.

 

11. Vail Summer Bluegrass – If you’re in Vail on a Wednesday this summer, you won’t want to miss the Summer Bluegrass series. A different artist performs at The Arrabelle at Vail Square every week. The Bluegrass series also teamed up with the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to offer Bluegrass in the Gardens on Wednesdays in July.

 

12. Vail Jazz’s Summerfest – Kick off the summer season with Summerfest in Vail Village’s Mountain Plaza, featuring live jazz performances, activities, a summer events expo and some of Vail’s best food and drink vendors. You can bring your own chairs and blanket to relax while listening to the music, or peruse local vendors to learn what Vail has to offer during these beautiful summer months.