It’s a mellow time of the year here in the Vail Valley as we transition from the fun-filled sunny days of September’s Indian summer into the promised snows of winter. While the larger festivals and other headlining events have gone the way of migratory birds, don’t worry. There are still plenty of great things to do in the depths of the off-season before you turn your attention to making laps in the Back Bowls.

It’s a great week for music down in Eagle, with the highlight being a Friday gig by the fun and rockin’ cover band 4AM at the Brush Creek Saloon. Playing a mix of classic rock and some not so classic tunes, 4AM rocks the house with hits from the '70s, '80s and '90s.

Also on Friday, the 47th annual Ski & Snowboard Club Vail gear swap returns. While we won’t claim that this is the largest ski and snowboard swap in the state, there’s no argument that this event is one of the most venerable gear swaps of its kind, with tons and tons and tons (literally) of used, slightly used and new and demo equipment available from local shops, independent sellers and top notch brands, all at rock-bottom prices. The sale, which takes over Dobson Ice Arena, runs from Friday at 5 p.m. through Sunday afternoon. Early bird shoppers are advised to get there first thing on Friday (yes, there will be a line to get in), where the $15 admission is easily offset by deals to be had. Don’t want to pay to do your shopping? On Saturday and Sunday admission is free and the prices will drop even more on Sunday as leftover gear is blown out the door.

On Saturday, shift gears and indulge in your creative side as the Alpine Arts Center hosts a Cocktails and Canvas event in Edwards. This social art class is the perfect way to explore your creative side in a relaxed and educational environment. Instructors lead participants through the basics of and not-so-basic techniques of painting. Materials are provided, but you'll have to bring some creative mojo to transform a blank stretched canvas into an early holiday gift to yourself, or someone special.

Finally, wrap up your weekend with a great Sunday night show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center as Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra roll into town. One of the most successful instrumental artists of the past decade, the Grammy-nominated Liebert brings his band, Luna Negra, to Beaver Creek for an evening of eclectic sounds that delight and challenge listeners.