Posted by: Julie Block
A spectator’s guide to four days of high-energy mountain fun for everyone!
The GoPro Mountain Games returns to Vail, Colorado, June 4–7, 2026, transforming the iconic mountain town into the ultimate celebration of adventure sports, art, music, and mountain culture. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Mountain Games veteran, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
PREPARE FOR FUN
- Download the app. Now in its second year, the official Mountain Games app is the best way to navigate the weekend. Build a custom schedule, check real-time updates, and find your way between venues.
- Pack smart. Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a reusable water bottle — hydration stations are set up throughout the venues so you can refill all weekend long.
- Go early. Morning hours offer the best light, smaller crowds, and athlete warmups worth catching before the day heats up.
- Stay late. Evenings are when things really get going, with ticketed headliner concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Thursday through Saturday night.
- Getting here. The Town of Vail charges for parking in the Vail Village, Lionshead, and Red Sandstone structures, with free in-town shuttles running all weekend. Save yourself the parking headache and take the bus, carpool, or bike — the complimentary bike valet is back again this year, so you can ride right in and leave the logistics to us.
EXPLORE EVERY CORNER
- Spectating is 100% free. All 35+ athletic competitions are free to watch. You can spend four full days cheering on world-class athletes without spending a dime on admission.
- The CoLab is back. Located in Solaris Plaza, The CoLab Creator Stage brings together top names in the outdoor and creator industries for a packed daily lineup of programming. Check the schedule and plan your must-sees.
- Free daytime music. Catch live music daily at BFGoodrich Gear Town in Vail Village and The Bulleit Hangout at Golden Peak, Thursday through Sunday. No tickets, no wristbands — just show up and enjoy.
- Get Free Swag. Stroll through BFGoodrich Gear Town to browse the latest outdoor gear, snag free demos, try samples, and catch your favorite vendors throwing down some major giveaways throughout the weekend.
- NEW in 2026: Drone Show. The Mountain Games is lighting up the Vail sky with a drone show to celebrate the milestone triple anniversary of Vail’s 60th, Colorado’s 150th, and America’s 250th birthdays (also known as the ‘Sesquisemiquincentennial’). Don’t miss it at dusk on Saturday, June 6.
- More to explore. Check out all the free things to do and see at the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games.
keep the party going
The Mountains of Music concert series is back with a fresh lineup for 2026. In addition to the free daytime sets, catch three nights of ticketed headliner shows at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater:
- Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. — Mountain Grass Unit with support from Surf Hat
- Friday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. — Wilderado & Michael Marcagi with support from Steph Strings
- Saturday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. — Allman Betts Family Revival in the Rockies with support from Eric Krasno & Friends
Tickets for all three shows are on sale now at mountaingames.com/music.
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY
The GoPro Mountain Games isn’t just for elite athletes — it’s a playground for everyone of all ages, abilities and interests (including those on four legs!).
- Fun for Kids. Young adventurers can scale the Kids Climbing Wall, try kayaking or stand-up-paddleboarding, get muddy in the Nature Valley Mountain Mud Run (ages 6+), or drop in to Camp Coletrain. The opportunities are endless, and many of them are free!
- A Doggone Good Time. This is one of the most dog-friendly events you’ll find anywhere. Leashed pups are welcome throughout the festival grounds, and Pro Plan Dog Town is basically a canine paradise, featuring DockDogs competitions, the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Experience, Yappy Hours, adoptable pups looking for their forever homes, and more. Just remember that dogs are not permitted on the Vail bus system, so plan accordingly. Get the full guide to all the dog events.
GET IN ON THE ACTION
Why just watch? Athlete registration for the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games is still open across multiple disciplines — from trail running and mountain biking to climbing, disc golf, and more — with significant prize money on the line. Registration for most events closes 24 hours before the competition begins.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Plan your visit. Remember to book your lodging and transportation to Vail. Many of our hotel and transportation partners are offering special rates for the event, so make sure to check out mountaingames.com/plan-your-visit to take advantage of these discounts!
- Go with the flow. Due to low river levels, several water events have been moved to new venues this year, but the kayak hole in Vail Village will still be buzzing with excitement! The kayak freestyle action will be streamed live on the Lucid big screen, and don’t miss the bonus slackline shows all weekend.
- Protect Our Playground. Sort your waste at the Zero Hero stations (Green Team volunteers are there to help), bring a reusable water bottle, pick up after your dog, and leave the valley better than you found it. Learn more about how you can help us protect our playground.
The mountains are calling. We’ll see you in Vail, June 4–7, 2026.
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