Opening Night
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
The Vail Valley is conveniently located adjacent to Interstate-70 in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Easy access to Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs to the east and Aspen and Grand Junction to the west make getting here as easy as jumping on the highway. Vail Dance Festival performances take place at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, as well as a free performance at the Avon Performance Pavilion at Nottingham Park.
Looking for things to do while you are in Vail? Visit discovervail.com to find out where to go, what to do, and more!
ABOUT VAIL
Vail visitors and residents share and value a lifestyle that combines one of the best alpine resorts in the world with a friendly, small-town feel. From hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter, there’s always something to do in Vail. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the 1,100 acres of open space; 350,000 surrounding acres of national forest, crowned by 5,289 skiable acres on one of the largest and best ski mountains in the world; 17 miles of recreation paths; countless special events, the highest botanical gardens in the world, and an award winning amphitheater.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO VENUES
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (Vail, CO)
Take exit 176 off I-70. Head south toward the ski mountain, into the main Vail roundabout. Exit the roundabout so you are heading east on South Frontage Road. The Vail Parking structure will be a short distance up on the right, where summer parking is free. Alternatively, you can continue on to the Ford Park parking lot, where attendants will collect cash for paid parking.
From the structure, exit to the east. Walk northeast toward the softball fields until you see the paved walkway into the park on your right. Follow that path straight down to the Amphitheater. Golf carts run frequently between the top of the path and the venue prior to and following shows. You can also take the Gore Creek Trail directly to the venue. See maps below.
From Ford Park parking lot, look for the bike path at the southeast end of the tennis courts. Follow this directly downhill to the Amphitheater.
Vilar Performing Arts Center (Beaver Creek, CO)
Exit I-70 at 167, go southbound on Avon Road and pass two roundabouts. Turn slightly right onto Village Road and go 2.2 miles. Turn left onto Avondale Lane. The Vilar Performing Arts Center is on the right-hand side.
Avon Performance Pavilion at Nottingham Park (Avon, CO)
Exit I-70 at 167, go southbound on Avon Road, head west (right) at West Benchmark Blvd (third roundabout). You can utilize public parking surrounding Nottingham Lake.
TRAVELING BY AIR?
Eagle County Airport is located just 30 minutes to the west of Vail, while Denver International Airport resides two hours to the east via Interstate-70 (I-70). Both airports offer services from most major rental car agencies
EAGLE COUNTY AIRPORT DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Epic Mountain Express offers shuttles between Denver International Airport and Vail hotels. Rates from DIA start at $75. Please reserve in advance for best availability.
PARKING AT THE VENUES
GERALD R. FORD AMPHITHEATER
Single-day parking is free this summer at Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures. However, you will need to take a ticket to help the Town of Vail collect information about parking use. Please remember to KEEP YOUR TICKET, you will need it to exit the structure. There will be a $25 overnight fee for vehicles parked in the structures between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Details HERE.
Paid parking is available farther east on S. Frontage Road at Ford Park. Free public bus transit to and from parking areas is also provided by the Town of Vail.
Overflow parking on the north side of the South Frontage Road will be allowed once both parking structures are full. No parking will be allowed on the south side of the Frontage Road at any time. For up-to-date parking information, please visit vaileventparking.com or download the free Vail app.
VILAR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Free parking is available in both the Villa Montane and Ford Hall parking lots in Beaver Creek Village with a valid VPAC ticket on the correlating show night. Parking is subject to availability.
If you do not have tickets to a show, Beaver Creek Village parking states: Villa Montane and Ford Hall garages are free for one hour, $15 for 1-2 hours, $25 for 2-3 hours, with 3 free hours after 3PM. $10 for the lower base lots and free after 1PM in the lower base lots.
AVON PERFORMANCE PAVILION AT NOTTINGHAM PARK
Parking is available at the west end of the old Avon Municipal Building at 1 Lake Street; on Lake Street; on West Beaver Creek Boulevard on the north end of the lake; and at the Avon Recreation Center.
Dining Recommendations
Bully Ranch
Bully Ranch provides a warm respite after a day of mountain adventure. Warm-up with their famous mudslide, or feast on their renowned burgers and sandwiches. Bully offers a beautiful patio in the summer! Round-up friends for lunch or dinner and enjoy their Southwestern and American menu.
Fall Line
Located on Bridge Street, Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails offers fresh, contemporary cuisine with a hint of Asian influence and in a retro 60’s “après” inspired decor accented with large format Slim Aarons photographs. Their inventive craft cocktail menu has something for everyone!
The Fitz
Located in Manor Vail Lodge, The Fitz Bar is the perfect place to pick up a quick bite to eat and drink while in town or heading over to Ford Park. Simply walk-in and order directly from our bar or pre-order by contacting us directly. If dining-in on our outdoor patio, all ordered items will be delivered to your table. If you wish to take your order to-go, everything will be packaged safely for you to take with you.
Sweet Basil
Sweet Basil is a creative, modern American restaurant located in the heart of Vail. The menu features seasonal imaginative cuisine with an innovative array of diverse influences. Serving Lunch and Dinner daily. Voted Colorado’s Most Popular Restaurant by the Zagat survey.
Open for lunch (noon – 3pm) and dinner (5pm – 9pm) daily, dine-in and carry out.
Visit the link below to view menus, place a carryout order and make reservations (reservations recommended).
Pepi’s
Pepi’s is an intimate, family-owned restaurant and bar located in Vail Village. They offer live entertainment seven days a week and serve dinner nightly. Lunch is available daily on Vail’s largest and sunniest deck.
Lodging Partners
The Landmark Vail
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your Vail Dance Festival experience with exclusive savings on lodging. Availability is limited, so secure your lodging today by visiting our website and using the code VVF20 or calling our reservations team at 855-703-1108. Remember to mention the “Vail Dance Festival Discount” when booking.
Sonnenalp Hotel
Through five generations of family ownership the Sonnenalp Hotel remains one of Vail’s most iconic luxury, boutique hotels. Consistently named among America’s top hotels and resorts, the Sonnenalp epitomizes the mix of alpine adventure and timeless European elegance that sets Vail apart. The property features 112 suites and 15 hotel rooms, a world-class European spa with grand fireplace, steam rooms, tranquility pool and oxygen bar, three on-site restaurants and a bar with nightly live music.
Manor Vail Lodge
Enjoy a stay at Manor Vail Lodge, the closest lodging property to the Ford Amphitheater, host of Vail Dance. Manor Vail Lodge offers spacious studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums, as well as luxury penthouse accommodations. Enjoy world-class amenities such as two outdoor pools, four outdoor hot tubs, concierge services, and an on-site bar and restaurant.
The Tivoli Lodge at Vail
Tivoli Lodge offers 65 spacious new Vail Village hotel rooms offering a choice of either mountain or Vail Village views. Most rooms at this luxury hotel in Vail Village come equipped with a fireplace and serve up stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. But the difference is in the details: Tivoli Lodge hotel amenities include the finest linens, mini-refrigerators, and high quality wood finishes.
Christiania Vail
Located within steps to Gondola One, Christiania at Vail is a European-style boutique hotel in the heart of Vail Village. Christiania Vail is walking distance to all the world-class dining and renowned shopping in Vail. The adjacent Christiania at Vail Condominiums offer a luxurious getaway for your home away from home stay in Vail. Along with unparalleled comfort and amenities, Christiania at Vail is the ideal home base to explore Vail’s Rocky Mountain splendor.
Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort
The best choice for those with active lifestyles! 20-acre, all condo property in East Vail. Guests have full access to the private health club facility with free tennis court time, 3 hot tubs, pool, sauna, steam, and full work out facility. Enjoy direct access to the bike trail to Vail and Ford Park. The resort has 2 stops on Vail’s free town bus route for easy access to and from the village and Ford Park.
Free parking for all resort guests and 8 Electric Charging stations on site! Book Direct on our site and opt into the CASH BACK REWARDS!
Ritz Carlton Residences Vail
Situated at the base of Vail Mountain within walking distance of exceptional shopping, restaurants and the Eagle Bahn Gondola.
One-night minimum length of stay weekday and two-night weekend. Book online or call Group Reservations at 855‐332‐1601 and follow the prompts to your chosen resort.
Arrabelle at Vail Square
The Arrabelle at Vail Square is a sumptuous ultra-luxury hotel capturing the romance of Vail’s alpine legacy.
One-night minimum length of stay weekday and two-night weekend. Book online or call Group Reservations at 855‐332‐1601 and follow the prompts to your chosen resort.
Lodge at Vail
Welcome to Vail’s most iconic hotel. The Lodge at Vail is Vail’s first hotel, and remains the cornerstone of Vail Village, located just steps from Gondola One.
One-night minimum length of stay weekday and two-night weekend. Book online or to reserve rooms at the group rate call, Group Reservations at 855‐332‐1601 and follow the prompts to your chosen resort.
Vail Spa
Vail Spa Condominiums feature luxurious amenities, a convenient Lionshead location and spacious two- to four- bedroom condo rentals.
Play in our indoor and outdoor pools, relax in our hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas. Allow our concierge to arrange dining, activities, or an on-site massage. Free covered parking, high-speed WiFi and complimentary housekeeping are included with every stay. Each home includes a full kitchen, gas fireplace, and private laundry.
Our world-class vacation rentals are a short walk to Vail Mountain, Lionshead Village and the Eagle Bahn Gondola, and located directly on the free in-town bus route for convenient access to Vail Village.
Christie Lodge
Feel at home in welcoming accommodations that offer resort-style conveniences coupled with residential comfort. The Christie Lodge – All Suite Property, Vail Valley/Beaver Creek delivers unique hotel lodging with spacious one- and three-bedroom suites, each featuring fully-equipped kitchenettes and furnished balconies promising spectacular views of Avon and Vail Valley. Free high-speed Wi-Fi keeps you connected while air conditioning units help keep your accommodations cooler during the hotter days of the summer.
or call 888-325-6343 to confirm your stay.
Montaneros
Experience the magic of the Vail Dance Festival in style and comfort with our exclusive limited-time offer. Make a reservation today by visiting our website or calling our reservations team at 855-943-0709.
Austria Haus
Enjoy lodging in Vail Village when you book with Austria Haus Vail. Indulge in luxurious accommodations that provide the perfect retreat after the breathtaking performances. Make a reservation today by visiting our website or calling our reservations team at 844-607-0428. Breakfast included.