Stay at Ski Town Condos for Jazz Along the Arkansas 2026
If you’re planning a summer getaway to Colorado, August 1–8, 2026 is the perfect time to visit. Jazz Along the Arkansas returns for its seventh annual celebration, bringing eight days of free live jazz performances to Buena Vista and Salida before culminating with Salida Jazz Fest on Saturday, August 8, in Riverside Park.
With events taking place in both communities, Ski Town Condos in Monarch provides a convenient home base for enjoying the entire festival while escaping to the quiet beauty of the mountains each evening.
Stay Between the Music and the Mountains
Located in Monarch, Ski Town Condos is approximately 18 miles west of Salida and 35 miles south of Buena Vista, making it easy to attend performances throughout the week. After a day of music, return to the cool mountain air, peaceful surroundings, and comfortable accommodations that make Monarch a favorite destination year-round.
Reserve your stay at www.skitowncondos.com before festival week fills up.
Festival Schedule
Saturday, August 1 – Big Band Bash
The festival opens in Buena Vista with The Jazz Merchants Big Band performing at 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs ballroom of the Buena Vista Heritage Museum.
Tuesday, August 4 – Vocal Review & Showcase
Gary Johnson, music director of The Jazz Merchants Big Band, hosts an evening celebrating jazz vocalists beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event location will be announced.
Wednesday, August 5 – Jazz Musicians Wanted
Local and visiting musicians are invited to participate in an open jazz jam from 7–9 p.m. at the Salida SteamPlant Plaza.
Thursday, August 6 – Riverside Live Goes Jazz
Enjoy an evening concert in Riverside Park as Mo’Champipple and the Meso Horns perform from 6:30–8 p.m.
Friday, August 7 – Jazzy First Friday
Downtown Salida’s galleries come alive during the monthly First Friday Art Walk with live jazz performances throughout the Creative District.
Saturday, August 8 – Salida Jazz Fest
The festival concludes with a full afternoon and evening of music in Riverside Park from 1:30–8 p.m. Featured performers include:
The Jazz Merchants
Zephyr Jazz Band
The Borahm Lee Quintet
U.S. Air Force Academy Falconaires
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy outstanding live jazz in one of Colorado’s most scenic riverfront settings.
Extend Your Festival into a Mountain Vacation
A stay at Ski Town Condos lets you experience more than great music. Spend your mornings hiking nearby trails, fishing mountain streams, exploring the Arkansas River Valley, or taking a scenic drive over Monarch Pass before heading to the day’s performances in Salida or Buena Vista.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or the entire festival, Ski Town Condos offers a peaceful mountain retreat with convenient access to both festival communities.
Book your stay today and enjoy the best of Colorado’s mountain scenery and live jazz during Jazz Along the Arkansas 2026.