The Town of Avon will host a full and exciting lineup of special events this summer. After Eagle County lifted COVID-19 restrictions May 19th, residents and visitors are itching to get out and celebrate the incomparable Rocky Mountain weather and rekindle Avon’s sense of community. With over 100 days of events from late May to early October, there is likely something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of the most anticipated events, but a full calendar can be found at Avon.org.
SunsetLIVE!
Sunday evenings from May 30th to Sept 5th, lapping waves, chirping birds and the stylings of local musicians and bands will accompany the spectacular Avon sunset. Located on the Event Terrace overlooking Harry A. Nottingham Lake, this intimate venue invites visitors to sit back and relax as the sun dips over the western mountain peaks. Bring your lawn chair or your stand-up paddleboard from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the perfect end to another perfect summer day.
AvonLIVE!
This Avon staple is back with free music from regional and national bands Wednesdays beginning June 23rd and ending September 1st. Concerts will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Performance Pavilion at Harry A. Nottingham Park and will run until around 8:45 p.m. This community classic is perfect for the whole family to come get their groove on and connect with the beating heart of Avon.
Possibilities in Avon Weekly Art Expo
Weekly from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Possibilities Plaza is the perfect place to meet new people, listen to live music and support local artists. Priming the evening’s festivities, Wednesdays also host an art market in Possibilities Plaza at the Main Street Mall. Hosted by CCM Events, the market brings together talented artists to showcase their works, including a juried selection of fine art and acoustic or lightly amplified music to create an ambiance of creativity and community.
Pop Up Music
Also taking advantage of Avon’s pedestrian and cyclist-friendly Main Street Mall, Pop Up Music is the newest of Avon’s live music programs. Designed to enhance the experience of a day out on the town, live music will accompany visitors as they stroll the Mall, taking in Avon’s sculptures and temporary art installations or dining at nearby restaurants. Make sure to catch each performance from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekly.
Salute to the USA
Avon just isn’t Avon without its signature event! Fortunately, Salute is back and better than ever in its 35th year of celebrating the United States of America. As always, there will be food, there will be games, and, of course, there will be music from the grand Pavilion stage in Harry A. Nottingham Park. And later, you won’t want to miss the most amazing fireworks display in the State. The kids will love the Family Zone, and the adults can enjoy beer and wine sold by the Town for the first time this year. If you want to know what Avon is all about, this is truly a can’t-miss event.
Lakeside Cinema
What’s better than watching a movie? Watching a movie projected in front of a shimmering lake in the cool evening grass at the end of a hot summer week. Avon will play six family-friendly films on Fridays in July, August and September. At dusk, pull up a blanket, chair or boat and enjoy classics as well as new releases you might have missed during quarantine. Dates and titles are:
- July 9 Coco (PG)
- July 16 Selena (PG)
- July 30 Book of Life (PG)
- August 20 Stand and Deliver (PG)
- August 27 Raya and the Last Dragon (PG)
- September 3 Onward (PG)
XTERRA Mountain Championships Beaver Creek
This race is not for the faint of heart, but is sure is fun (and so impressive) to watch! A qualifier of the XTERRA World Championships, winners will advance to the final event in Maui and can win some big bucks too. Beginning at 6:00 a.m. on July 17th, the race will consist of a 1-mile swim in Harry A. Nottingham Lake, a 25-km mountain bike ride up and around Beaver Creek and a 9.3-km trail run on Beaver Creek Mountain.
Avon Arts Celebration
This celebration of all things creative was so great last events season, it’s back for another go July 23, 24 and 25 in Harry A. Nottingham Park. Fine artwork in a variety of mediums will be available for sale by their talented creators.
Dancing in the Park
Once again, the Performance Pavilion will host world-renowned dancers brought to Avon by the Vail Dance Festival. Whether you’re a long-time dance enthusiast or new to the art form, you’ll be awed by the sheer talent and beauty of each performance. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on August 5th, this event is sure to be absolutely spectacular against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Avon Festival of the Arts
Formerly located in Beaver Creek, the Avon Festival of the Arts is moving to Harry A. Nottingham Park in Avon on August 7th and 8th. Among some of the top art shows in the country, this event will feature fine artists from all over, come to show their works against the equally prestigious backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The festival will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to find that perfect piece to take home.
Circus Colorado Presents: Flynn Creek Circus
The Circus is back in town with all new thrills and oddities. The whole family can enjoy rides, games and shows from parkour acrobats, aerialists, contortionists and quick-change artists. Irreverent and charming, Flynn Creek Circus offers unique attractions such as the world-class “Daredevil Chicken” act. Dates and times are still changing so keep an eye on Avon.org. for the most up-to-date information.
Vail Valley Brew-au
Is it a Brewfest? Is it a Luau? This bash on August 21st is both! Combining more than 30 breweries with Hawaiian-style food and live music, the whole day promises to be an absolute blast. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. with an (optional) 5k run, this celebration of beer and community supports the philanthropic efforts of the Vail Valley Foundation. Drinking beer for a good cause is always a good time.
Avon Art Festival
Celebrate an artful Labor Day Weekend with the Avon Art Festival September 4th, 5th and 6th. Harry A. Nottingham Park will host more than 80 juried artists from across the country representing mediums from printmaking, ceramics, wood, fiber, photography and more. Sunday night wraps up with the last SunsetLIVE! of the season on the Terrace in a spectacular summer’s-end showcase of creativity.
Community Picnic
To wrap up the event season in a homage to the Avon community, the Town will host a picnic September 16th in Harry A. Nottingham Park 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Come meet your neighbors, business owners and visitors, eat some free food (while supplies last) and enjoy live music in the ultimate Avon experience. Fall may be right around the corner, but we can still come together and celebrate another incredible summer in the Rockies. We’ll see you next year!