Six Decades. One Extraordinary Mountain Town       

                                                                                   The Town of Vail celebrates 60 years since incorporation.Town of Vail 60th Birthday commemorative pin

 

Sixty years ago, a wild idea took root in the heart of the Rockies: create a mountain town unlike any other. Inspired by timeless Swiss architecture, and surrounded by spectacular peaks, Vail has grown into a world-renowned destination that welcomes more than 3 million visitors each year.

As Vail has flourished, its greatest success has been in its commitment to protecting the natural environment, preserving wildlife and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same beauty that has defined Vail since its incorporation.


Upcoming 60th Birthday Celebrations
Aug. 23 - Happy Birthday to the Town of Vail

Sept. 8 - Vail Social Community Potluck

 


2026 Celebrations

Annual Community Meeting

The Town of Vail Annual Community Meeting for this year took place on March 10, 2026, at the Donovan Pavilion.

The gathering served as a retrospective and look-ahead for local residents, business owners and employees. It also was the 60th Anniversary kickoff and officially marked the start of celebrations for the Town of Vail's 60th year since incorporation.

Past TOV Trailblazers flanked by TOV Councilmembers

(Above) Past Vail Trailblazers were honored at the Annual Community Meeting.
Learn more about Vail's honorees.

Community Picnic at Donovan

For the Town of Vail’s 60th birthday, Colorado-based artist Pat Milbery created a heart-shaped capsule called “Heart of the Games" as a gift to the town. Pat asked people to write love notes or memories about Vail and drop them into the capsule.

The 4-foot sculpture made its debut at the June 23 Community Picnic, where guests began filling it with their notes. 

"Love Heart" capsule by Pat Milbery for love notes to Vail

The 'Heart of the Games" can be viewed at the Gore Creek Promenade in Vail Village. Learn more about the promenade's renewal project.

Vail America Days

Vail America Days is a long-standing Vail tradition with the region's largest parade, concerts and family entertainment that thousands of locals and visitors enjoy.

This year the Fourth of July parade theme was "250-150-60, 3 Milestones, 1 Big Celebration" and celebrated the 250th birthday of the United States; the 150th birthday of Colorado; and the 60th birthday of Vail.

A giant "cake" parade float for Vail's 60th birthday

Leading the parade's floats was the Town of Vail's birthday cake honoring the three milestones.


Learn More About Vail's History

Gore Creek Valley History
In celebrating Vail's 60 years of incorporation, the Vail Public Library takes us even further back in time with its "History of the Gore Creek Valley," on display at the library now through August. 

Panel: History of Gore Creek Valley