World-class dance is moving through Vail, Avon and Beaver Creek through August 10. Here’s what remains, what’s free and where to find last-minute tickets.

The 2026 Vail Dance Festival is already in full flight—and if you have arrived fashionably late, this is your cue. The final five days move from a free lakeside celebration in Avon to international programs and world premieres under the lights at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

The Final Five Days

• Thursday, August 6 at 5:30 p.m. — Dancing in the Park, Avon Performance Pavilion at Nottingham Park. This performance is free and open to the public; bring a picnic, blanket or lawn chairs.
• Friday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. — International Evenings of Dance I, Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. The opening gala program features Eagle County’s Celebrate the Beat students alongside Festival stars.
• Saturday, August 8 at 5:00 p.m. — International Evenings of Dance II, Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. An earlier, streamlined 90-minute performance.
• Saturday, August 8 at 8:00 p.m. — International Evenings of Dance III, Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. A distinct late-evening program beneath the Colorado mountain sky.
• Sunday, August 9 at 6:00 p.m. — Colorado Dances, Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, featuring Colorado Ballet and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
• Monday, August 10 at 7:00 p.m. — NOW: Premieres, Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Closing night celebrates newly created works and Damian Woetzel’s 20th anniversary as Artistic Director.
  
  Master classes, Conversations on Dance and additional community events continue throughout the weekend. See the complete 2026 Festival schedule for times and locations.
  
  

Last Minute Tickets

Ticket availability can change quickly. Purchase online through the official Vail Dance ticket portal, or contact the box office at 970-845-TIXS (8497) or boxoffice@vvf.org. The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater box office is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, or from 11:00 a.m. through intermission on show days. See the Festival’s official ticket information before purchasing from any third party.

The year I moved to Vail, the Bolshoi Ballet unexpectedly came to Town

The story began in 1989, when the Vail Valley Foundation stepped in to host the Bolshoi Ballet Academy after performances in Houston were canceled. Three sold-out shows helped launch Vail’s rise as an imternational summer dance destination.

Under Woetzel’s artistic leadership, the Festival has become known for unlikely collaborations and original work created in the mountains. Since 2007, it has premiered more than 145 new works by leading choreographers and composers. You can read detailed Festival history here

A little luxe, a lot of talent and athleticism—and just another excellent reason to spend an evening beneath the mountain sky watching dance and listening to song.