Soak Up the Art and Culture of Sun Valley, Idaho

Let me tell you a little secret, there is more to Sun Valley than what meets the eye. Between the epic mountain biking, skiing and hiking lives a vibrant arts and culture scene. Read on to plan your own dose of refinement next time you’re in our mountain town.

Music

Live music is a way of life in Sun Valley. Pack a picnic, a blanket, and a bottle of wine to blend in with the enthusiastic locals.

On Tuesday nights there is no better place to be than at Ketch’em Alive in Forest Service Park. Music ranges from Americana to global to indie to bluegrass. Be prepared for a packed lawn, a packed dance floor, and a ton of fun (June – August). Catch a concert at River Run or the Sun Valley Pavilion this summer. In 2017 you can catch acts such as Lord Huron, Jamestown Revial and Lukas Nelson (July – September, 2017). Lazy Sunday afternoon are perfect for the smooth tunes of Jazz in the Park. This free concert series takes place at Rotary Park in Ketchum and is a relaxed, easy going evening of music (June – July, 2017).

The place to see, be seen, and listen to world class music is the three week long Sun Valley Summer Symphony. Settle into the lawn or auditorium at the Sun Valley Pavilion for an evening you won’t forget. The Symphony draws in the best orchestral talent in the world, placing them under the care of Music Director Alastair Neale. Check out our Insider Guide for tips on how to enjoy your symphony experience (July – August).

Performing Arts

Dance, theater, ice shows…there is plenty to see in Sun Valley. And the best news? You don’t even need to get dressed up. Around here, casual is always in style.

Ballet Sun Valley is the brainchild of American Ballet Theater principal Isabella Boylston, a Sun Valley native. Boylston has invited fellow dancers (including ballet superstar Misty Copeland) to the Sun Valley Pavilion to perform works by Balanchine, Lindberg, and a world premiere by Gemma Bond  (August 22 and 24, 2017).

Company of Fools, the valley’s award-winning theater group, calls the Liberty Theatre in Hailey home. During 2017 they will perform four Idaho premieres including Life Sucks by Aaron Posner and Bright Half Life by Tanya Barfield. Life Sucks, June 27 – July 19, 2017 Don’t miss the opportunity to check out one of Sun Valley’s world famous Ice Shows. See your favorite Olympians like Meryl Davis, Charlie White, Ashley Wagner and Johnny Weir skate outdoor performances under a starry sky (July – September).

Festivals

There’s always a party happening in Sun Valley. We cordially invite you to leapfrog from event to event with abandon (and perhaps a cocktail). Here are a few of our beloved festivities.

Get ready for some good old fashioned fun at the Hailey Days of the Old West Fourth of July Celebration. Check out the parade, live music, river festival, rodeo and fireworks (July 1–4, 2017). Stretch your brain at the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference. The agenda is packed with powerhouse writers, journalists and editors. The audience is packed with fellow book lovers and lively discourse (June 30 – July 3, 2017). Wander through booths overflowing with arts and crafts at the Ketchum Arts Festival (July 7–9, 2017) and the juried Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival (August 11–13, 2017). Live music and food vendors make it easy for you to spend a day (or two!) among the artisans.

The summer season comes to a close with Wagon Days, a festival celebrating life in Sun Valley before the automobile. If that sounds a little old-timey for you, I promise you’ll stand in awe when the “Big Hitch” appears. Watch as a 20 mule jerk line maneuvers impeccably preserved Lewis Ore Wagons past the packed sidewalks (August 31 – September 4, 2017).

Art Galleries

If you love art galleries, welcome home. Between showings of internationally recognized arts and local studio tours, there’s always something to do. Begin by checking out the galleries of the Sun Valley Gallery Association. Don’t miss the chance to join in on a free gallery walk. Follow the friendly crowds walking or biking between the nine galleries showing art ranging from Old Masters to modernists (February – December). For a more immersive experience, check out the annual Wood River Valley Studio Tour. During this valley-wide event professional artists open their studios to the public. Spend a day or two browsing the art and meeting the creators (August 19–20, 2017).

Outdoor Art

There’s a smattering of local art strewn about the town of Ketchum. From unique art installations to custom painted power boxes, you’re bound to find a piece or art around every corner. Check out extended story on the outdoor art seen here in the Valley.