In 2026, the United States turns 250 years old! Vail Symposium joins the chorus of national programs, events, films, books and journalism celebrating the semiquincentennial of American democracy with a series of signature programs and special events. Next year, we will explore our history and look to the future.
We believe this is an important opportunity to reflect on the grand American experiment and we recognize that our community has eclectic interests so we will continue with our general programming as well.
More programs are actively being developed – the winter schedule will be announced in October and the summer schedule will be announced in March – so save the dates and stay tuned for more exciting announcements for 2026 with the Vail Symposium!
SAVE THE DATES
WINTER 2026
Jan 27 – The Maverick’s Museum: Albert Barnes and His American Dream with author Blake Gopnik interviewed by Peter Halpert
A fascinating look at philanthropist Albert Barnes, whose pioneering collection of modern art was meant to transform America’s soul.
Feb 03 – America At 250 – Is America Rome? with Ed Watts and Clay Jenkinson
The Roman Empire lasted about 500 years and is credited with 200 years of peace, elaborate architecture and infrastructure and major advances in culture. What can we learn about America’s future by studying Rome’s past?
Feb 05 – America At 250 – The Unfinished Dream: The African-American Experience: Conversations on Controversial Issues moderated by Clay Jenkinson featuring Cassandra Newby-Alexander and Julian Hayter
The African-American experience is inextricable from the American story. What is the history, how far have we come, what still needs to be done and why do we need to still talk about the African-American experience today?
Feb 12 – PUSH: Unlocking the Science of Fitness Motivation to Embrace Health & Longevity with Dr. Jordan Metzl
Unpack and destigmatize the “longevity” prescriptions through good science, practical applications and a healthy dose of the mountains. Dr. Metzl illustrates the impact of fitness motivation on long-term health with the physical and mental plan to create a sustainable blueprint and love for movement.
Feb 19 – The Global Energy Landscape with Doug Arent, Jason Bordoff, Lori Bird and special guests
Based on more than 75 years of professional experience on the global energy landscape, Arent, Bordoff and Bird lead a discussion about power around the planet as demands accelerate alongside the impacts of our changing climate.
Mar 25 – America At 250 – Education in America: Standards, Access and Outcomes – Conversations on Controversial Issues moderated by Clay Jenkinson with special guests
Thomas Jefferson expressed the sentiment that “a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.” This program explores the history, current status and future of K-12 education in America.
Mar 26 – America At 250 – What is the US Constitution? with Clay Jenkinson
The US Constitution was ratified in 1788 and is the backbone of the experiment of American democracy. How did it come to be and how is it doing after 238 years of real-world experience?
SUMMER 2026
Jun 24 – America At 250 – Modernizing the Constitution: Conversations on Controversial Issues moderated by Clay Jenkinson with special guests
The US Constitution is an imperfect document and several founders envisioned periodic transformations (beyond amendments) which have not occurred. Where are the gaps in this foundational plan for democracy and how might they be mended for the future?
Jun 29 – America At 250 – America at a Crossroads: Judy Woodruff & Clay Jenkinson
Judy Woodruff returns to Vail Symposium! She is a legend of broadcast journalism and will be joined by Clay Jenkinson to discuss their respective travels around the United States in the years leading up to the 250th birthday of this country.
July 06 – America At 250 – NASA at Work: Space Programs from the Oceans to Mars at 4 Eagle Ranch
Could the founders have imagined sending people into space? If they did, they certainly would not have imagined it happening in the United States. From Apollo to Artemis and from the deepest oceans to Gypsum, Colorado, we will explore all the aspects of NASA and their work in the “final frontier” as we learn about how they are applying research in the ocean, to space weather, to the moon, on Mars, and more.
Sep 29 & 30 – Geopolitical Alliances & the Cutting Edge of Warfare with Bruce Jones (Brookings Institution) and special guests
In two panel events, these top-level experts look at the current status of Geopolitical Alliances, as well as the technology that is changing the way in which we engage in conflict.
