Going to see the New York Philharmonic perform in Vail Village’s Ford Park is nothing like going to see Manhattan’s signature symphony at Lincoln Center. For starters, the dress code is mountain casual: sundresses trump gowns for functional style, down bests fur to chase away the evening chill, and practical flats definitely outperform stiletto heels. That’s because Bravo! Vail regulars who attend concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (a.k.a. “The Amp”) know that the best seats in the house aren’t in the house at all.

While you can purchase spendy reserved seats under the covered pavilion, Bravo! Vail’s first-come, first-served lawn seats ($34) offer a relaxed place to spread out a blanket, stretch your legs, and indulge in a BYO picnic. All the while partaking in a vibrant social scene that’s the mountain town equivalent of a refined beach party.

Here’s everything you’ll need for an unforgettable night at The Amp—from a down-to-earth camp chair (which can sit no higher than 5 inches off the ground, rentable on-site for $10) to a charcuterie box curated by a local entrepreneur who also sells a picnic basket just for the venue, to your fashionable (and sensible) ensemble. Smuggled Champagne is a no-no, but you saved big on seating, so splurge on a bottle of the concessionaire’s Taittinger La Francaise Brut and snug it into the insulated wine bag you so sagely brought along.

Your Lawn Seat Ensemble: 

•  La DoubleJ Zeta dress, $1,110, at Elleston by Perch, Vail Village

•  Marni Tropicalia purse, $995, and Clergerie Fastsr sandal, $425, at Elleston by Perch, Vail Village  
•  Norrøna Trollveggen down jacket, $399, at Ptarmigan Sports, Edwards
•  Janessa Leone hat, $287, at Hygge Life, Eagle-Vail
•  Midixathrill II sunglasses, $1,500, at Eye Pieces, Vail Village

Your Lawn Seat Kit:

•  Blanket Natuur picnic blanket, $129, Uashmama carry-all bag, $149, and insulated paper wine bag, $44, at Hygge Life 
•  Helinox Incline Festival Chair, $60, at helinox.com
•  Fox Box charcuterie (serves 2–3), $70, at The Grazing Fox, Vail Village
•  Roasted turkey & provolone focaccia, $10.95, at Foods of Vail, Avon 
•  White chocolate raspberry macarons (flavors change daily), $3 each, at Hovey & Harrison, Edwards,
•  Bowls, $11–$35; cutting board, $30; cheese knife set, $25; acrylic tumblers, $8.50; napkins, $6.50; napkin rings, $27, at Kitchen Collage, Edwards