There’s a particular kind of evening that only Vail can offer: the sun dropping behind the peaks, the air turning cool, and the sound of live music filling Ford Park. At The Amp, that’s just a Tuesday.
The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater — known locally as The Amp — is Vail’s premier outdoor stage and one of the most celebrated music venues in the country. Voted the number one outdoor concert series in the country by USA Today readers, it hosts everything from intimate acoustic sets to full-scale headline shows all summer long, with genres spanning rock, bluegrass, country, pop, and classical. And from The Willows, it’s an easy stroll.
The summer programming breaks into two distinct experiences — both worth planning around.
Amp Summer Concerts — Ticketed Headline Shows
The flagship concert series brings nationally touring acts to The Amp stage throughout the summer. The 2026 season already has a strong confirmed lineup, with more shows expected to be announced:
- June 3 — An Acoustic Evening with Trey Anastasio
- June 19 — O.A.R. with Gavin DeGraw & Phantom Planet
- July 3 — Myles Smith with Hazlett
- Aug 13 — Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with St. Paul & The Broken Bones
- Aug 14 & 15 — Greensky Bluegrass
- Aug 16 — Alison Krauss & Union Station
- Aug 18 — The Australian Pink Floyd Show
- Aug 21 — Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
- Aug 26 — Ray LaMontagne
Tickets are available at grfavail.com. Popular shows sell out — book ahead.
Bulleit Hot Summer Nights — Free Every Tuesday
Every Tuesday evening throughout the summer, The Amp hosts a free concert series that has been a beloved Vail tradition since the venue opened in 1987. Gates open at 5:30pm, music starts at 6:30pm, and the lineup covers a wide range of genres each week. Bring a blanket for the lawn, grab a drink at the venue, and settle in.
It’s the kind of effortless summer evening that makes you want to stay one more night.
Good to know for Hot Summer Nights:
- Completely free, general admission
- Lawn blankets and low-profile chairs welcome
- Picnics encouraged — pack something from the Village on your way
- Concerts run rain or shine; bring a layer for after dark
- The full 2026 Tuesday lineup will be announced at grfavail.com closer to the season
Good to know — the venue: The Amp seats around 2,800 and has both covered pavilion seating and an open lawn. Arrive early for pavilion seats on busy nights. The in-town shuttle runs to and from the venue, and there’s a free bike valet at the entrance if you prefer two wheels.
