Experience one of Vail’s most celebrated summer traditions just moments from your accommodations. Located just a 10-minute stroll from the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Ford Park, The Willows offers an ideal home base for the Vail Dance Festival. Enjoy dinner in Vail Village before the performance, experience an unforgettable evening of world-class dance, and return to your residence without the hassle of driving or parking.
2026 Vail Dance Festival
July 31 – August 10, 2026
Most evening performances take place at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Ford Park, just a 10-minute stroll from The Willows.
| Date | Performance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, July 31 | Opening Night | 7 PM |
| Saturday, August 1 | Martha Graham Dance Company | 7 PM |
| Sunday, August 2 | UpClose with Damian Woetzel | 6 PM |
| Monday, August 3 | State of Grace featuring Balanchine’s Serenade | 7 PM |
| Tuesday, August 4 | Dance for $20.26 | 6 PM |
| Wednesday, August 5 | Rennie Harris Puremovement: Nuttin’ but a Word | 6 PM |
| Thursday, August 6 | Dancing in the Park | 5:30 PM |
| Friday, August 7 | International Evenings of Dance I | 7 PM |
| Saturday, August 8 | International Evenings of Dance II | 5 PM |
| Saturday, August 8 | International Evenings of Dance III | 8 PM |
| Sunday, August 9 | Colorado Dances | 7 PM |
| Monday, August 10 | NOW: Premieres (Closing Night) | 7 PM |
Insider Tips
- The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater is just a 10-minute stroll from The Willows through scenic Ford Park.
- Opening Night and the International Evenings of Dance performances are among the festival’s most popular events and often sell out well in advance.
- Arrive early to enjoy the beautiful alpine setting and gardens before the performance begins.
- Summer evenings in Vail can cool off quickly after sunset, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended.
- In addition to evening performances, the festival offers free community events, Conversations on Dance, master classes, and family-friendly programming throughout Vail.