Thursday

Gary Clark, Jr.

Sept 5, 7:30 p.m., Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Gary Clark, Jr.’s fans consider him the closest thing we have to a modern-day Hendrix—if you have the chance to see him play live, you’ll most likely come away thinking the same thing (even if you never saw Hendrix in concert). His shows are high-energy and immersive; his sound is a base of rock and soul with reggae, punk, R&B, and hip-hop influences creating something new. Don’t miss this opportunity (of the final Whistle Pig Vail concerts of the summer season) to hear an artist who not only counts Eric Clapton as a friend and mentor but also was called “the future” by Barack Obama. Los Coast opens. (Lawn seats from $69.50; reserved seats from $94) grfavail.com 

Friday

Vail Oktoberfest

Sept 6–8, Lionshead

The first of two weekend Oktoberfest celebrations in Vail debuts at noon on Friday in Lionshead, with the official opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Vail icon Helmut Fricker and his Rhinelanders band will provide the soundtrack along with other musical guests as lederhosen and dirndl-wearing guests dance, sing, and clink steins. Competitions include keg bowling, bratwurst eating, costume contests, and stein lifting. Friday and Saturday evenings feature free concerts from Dixie Leadfoot & The Chrome Struts and Rewind. Noon–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon–6 p.m. Sunday. vailoktoberfest.com

Town of Minturn First Friday

Sept 6, 5:30–8 p.m., 291 Main St, Minturn

In collaboration with the Vail Valley Art Guild, the Town of Minturn hosts a Friday night art show at a pop-up gallery in the offices of the Minturn Community Fund, showcasing the works of local artists from the valley and around Colorado. vailvalleyartguild.com

970 AvonFest

Sept 6–7, Nottingham Park, Avon

970 AvonFest promises to transform Nottingham Park into a fun-for-all on Friday and Saturday, combining endurance sports with the bells and whistles of a music festival. Attracting past and future Olympians, along with weekend warriors, the racing includes triathlons, two 5Ks (one that’s dog-friendly), a cycling event and a youth splash and dash. A post-race “Party in the Park” includes free concerts, kids’ zones, food vendors, athlete meet-and-greets, a beer and wine garden, lawn games, and more. 4:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Friday; 5 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday. 970avonfest.com

The Larry Keel Experience

Sept 6, 7 p.m., Nottingham Park, Avon

Headlining the music lineup at 970 AvonFest, flat-picking guitarist Larry Keel brings his energetic performance and skilled musicianship to the Nottingham Park stage for a free show. Keel has collaborated with a roster of bluegrass legends, including Tony Rice and John Hartford to modern rock and jam mainstays Keller Williams, Leftover Salmon, and String Cheese Incident. 970avonfest.com

Saturday

Mountain Rats 5K, Half-Marathon, Marathon, and 50K Races

Sept 7, 6 a.m., Color Coffee Roasters (start and finish, 717 Sylvan Lake Rd), Eagle

Nothing says fall like a 50K race, at least in the Vail Valley. This trail-running challenge in Eagle offers opportunities for runners to seek that endorphin high with a half-marathon, an off-road marathon, and a 50K race, all with plenty of elevation gain. If those races seem daunting, sign up for the family-friendly Eagle 5KL: a scenic fun run for all ages winding through the streets of downtown Eagle. (5K: $30; half-marathon: $80; trail marathon: $100; 50K: $105 before race weekend) geminiadventures.com

Trout Steak Revival

Sept 7, 7 p.m., Nottingham Park, Avon

Known as one of Colorado’s favorite string bands, Trout Steak Revival has been entertaining audiences with expressive songwriting and heartfelt harmonies. The band blends folk, indie, bluegrass, and roots to create their version of Americana music and will headline Saturday night’s music lineup at 970AvonFest. 970avonfest.com

Sunday

Vail Village Car Show

Sept 8, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Vail Village

Bridge Street becomes the staging area for ogling spectacular cars you won’t likely find in your carport, but might see in Jay Leno’s garage. vailautomotiveclassic.com

Monday

An Evening of Colorado Ranching—History and Art

Sept 9, 6–8:30 p.m., Colorado Mountain College, Edwards

The Vail Valley Art Guild celebrates Eagle County’s rich ranch history with more than 100 paintings and photographs. Colorado Historians Council member and Western State University professor Duane Vandenbusche and Colorado Mountain College instructor Evan Weatherbie lead a Vail Symposium lecture, with concluding remarks from former Eagle County Commissioner and State Representative Dan Williams. ($25 in advance; $35 at the door) vailsymposium.org