Aspen is the place to be year-round, with a lineup of top-notch annual events that promise non-stop fun! Dive into the Aspen experience by marking your calendar for these epic gatherings that will turn your visit into a memorable adventure. From snow-filled extravaganzas to sizzling summer festivals, there's no shortage of excitement. Don't wait too long to plan, as these events are hot tickets, and accommodations disappear faster than snow in spring. So, join us for a wild ride through the top annual events that will add a splash of magic to your Aspen trip!
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Wintersköl™
When: Early January
Description: Wintersköl is Aspen's annual celebration of winter. Originating in 1951, this four-day event features on-mountain activities, snow sculptures, a torchlight descent down Aspen Mountain, fireworks, and more.
Aspen Gay Ski Week
When: Mid-January
Description: Step into a world of vibrant celebration at Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW), the nation's longest-running week-long gay ski event. This extraordinary experience unfolds in the breathtaking town of Aspen, Colorado, where you'll discover not only world-class skiing and snowboarding across four stunning mountains but also a spectrum of exhilarating activities, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to invigorating winter hikes. AGSW isn't just an event; it's a journey through the snow-covered wonderland of Aspen, where inclusivity and joy reign supreme.
ESPN Winter X Games
When: Late January
Description: Zoom over to Buttermilk in Aspen for the annual Winter X Games, a four-day thrill ride with skiing and snowboarding sensations! It's the world's ultimate action sports event, where daylights dazzle with epic competitions, and nights rock with electrifying live performances. Get ready to shred and groove – this is adrenaline-fueled entertainment at its finest!
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
JAS Aspen Snowmass June Experience
When: Late June
Description: Starting the party in 1991, the JAS Aspen Snowmass June Experience is now a multi-venue music extravaganza right in the heart of downtown Aspen. With up to eleven acts in one night, there's a little something for everyone in your group to groove to!
Aspen Music Festival & School
When: Late June - Late August
Description: The Aspen Music Festival and School is one of the top classical music festivals in the United States. Running for approximately eight weeks, it offers over 400 classical music events, including concerts by five orchestras, solo and chamber music performances, opera productions, master classes, lectures, and children's programming.
Theatre Aspen Summer Series
When: Mid-June - Mid-August
Description: Experience professional theatre under a tent by the Roaring Fork River at the Hurst Theatre. Theatre Aspen's productions feature Broadway talent and local performers, offering a diverse range of musicals, plays, and family-friendly shows.
The Annual FOOD & WINE CLASSIC in Aspen
When: Mid-June
Description: This premier culinary event gathers the world's top winemakers, celebrity chefs, and culinary experts beneath Aspen Mountain for three days of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and panel discussions, kicking off Aspen's summer season.
Aspen Ideas Festival
When: Late June
Description: Picture this: a week-long gathering where brainpower knows no bounds! The Aspen Ideas Festival unites a colorful cast of thought leaders – from public officials to artists, scientists, and innovators – for a whirlwind of talks, debates, interviews, and discussions. Dive into daring ideas, especially those about health, and rub shoulders with the sharpest minds around.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience
When: Labor Day Weekend
Description: Get ready to wrap up your summer in style at Snowmass Town Park! This three-day outdoor music fest is the ultimate celebration, with a lineup that's a musical buffet of R&B, rock, funk, blues, world, and soul. It's the season's big send-off in the best way possible!
