You already know that Aspen is THE place to visit during the winter — but if you've never experienced an Aspen summer, you're missing out!
Not only is Aspen’s summer scenery stellar; the number of ongoing top-notch events is astounding for such a small mountain town. Aspen summers are packed with wonderful events that challenge your mind and body while immersing you in natural beauty.
We have to admit that we’re especially excited about Aspen’s 2019 summer event lineup. Take a look at a few of our favorites, depending on your mood:
Do you love the energy of festivals and live music gatherings?
If you love sampling new experiences (whether it’s music, food, or wine) in the company of others and are energized by collective excitement, then these four 2019 events might be for you:
Food & Wine Classic - June 14 - 16, 2019
Every summer, food and wine lovers flock to Aspen for the nation's premier culinary festival. Celebrate your senses with tastings, parties, and culinary demonstrations. Don’t miss the famous Heritage Fire feast for meat-lovers l or the 5K Celebrity Chef Charity Run.
Aspen Music Festival and School - June 27 - Aug. 18, 2019
The Aspen Music Festival and School offers a full slate of musical performances over a period of eight weeks each summer, many of them free to the public. Classical performances of all kinds complement a series of master classes and lectures to make this one of the top classical music festivals in the country.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience - Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, 2019
There's no better way to wrap up the summer by attending this three-night concert series featuring chart-topping headliners in Snowmass Town Park. This year's Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience will feature performances from high-caliber acts including Portugal The Man, Weezer, John Mayer, and Sting.
Snowmass Wine Festival - Sept. 13 - 14, 2019
Discover new wines and new friends at the Snowmass Wine Festival. Oenophiles can enjoy this year's Argentinian wine dinner. The ever-popular Grand Tasting offers samples of the world’s top wines alongside cuisine from Aspen’s favorite restaurants. A live DJ and silent auction round out the event.
Are you ready to excite and delight the whole family?
Do you want quality time with your loved ones that’s flexible and enjoyable? Are you hoping to relax while everyone’s entertained? Then these three events are definites for your calendar:
Snowmass Weekly Rodeo - Wednesdays starting June 12
The longest running rodeo in Colorado returns in June! Every Wednesday in the summer, the Snowmass Weekly Rodeo excites visitors with roping, riding, and racing competitions. Kids can take part in the exciting mutton busting event, and everyone can enjoy BBQ, live music, and a campfire sing-along in this weekly celebration of Aspen's western heritage.
Fourth of July Celebration - July 4, 2019
Aspen celebrates the 4th of July the old-fashioned way, with a parade, a carnival, and a newly designed drone and laser show over Aspen Mountain. Bring the family and feel right at home! No wonder thousands of visitors show up for this party every year.
Snowmass Balloon Festival - Sept. 6 - 8, 2019
The incredible natural beauty of Aspen Snowmass becomes even more colorful with dozens of hot air balloons scattered across the sky. Thirty hot air balloon pilots compete in three days of races and challenges. The Snowmass Balloon Festival is free to the public and includes kids' activities, a barbecue, and a free concert. Adults might enjoy pairing balloon-watching with nearby Cidermass and Septemberfest.
Are you ready for a dose of adrenaline in a glorious setting?
Whether you’re an adventure athlete yourself, or simply enjoy watching others challenge their limits, 2019 brings some inspiring events to the Aspen valley.
Audi Power of Four Trail Run - July 13, 2019
If you're a long-distance endurance runner, you’ve probably heard about the Audi Power of Four Trail Run. The 50k Ultra race covers all four Snowmass mountains along singletrack trails and dirt roads. If you’re not quite that competitive but still want some scenery with your sweat, sign up for a 25K or even the 10K (all three races end in Snowmass). You’ll experience the beauty of Aspen from a whole new perspective.
Big Mountain Enduro Finals - Aug. 17 - 19, 2019
Visit Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Bike Park to see the best professional mountain bikers push themselves to the limit over thousands of feet at the fourth and final stop of the BME tour. The Big Mountain Enduro Finals includes six stages of jaw-dropping challenges, with over 1,500 feet in climbs and 15,000 feet in descents.
Are you an avid learner whose brain craves new input?
Are you inspired by creativity or intellectual pursuits? Aspen has a summer event for you. You can engage as much or as little as you like: compete in a costume contest or listen to a lecture. You’ll be exposed to stimulating experiences at these three events, regardless:
Bauhaus 100 Ball - June 6, 2019
This free community event in celebration of the Bauhaus's 100th anniversary will bring together live music and Bauhaus-inspired art and films, culminating in the Bauhaus Ball at the Wheeler Opera House. To prepare for the juried costume contest and let your creativity really sparkle, attend one of the Bauhaus Costume Workshops at the Red Brick Center for the Arts.
Aspen Summer Words Literary Festival - June 16 - 21, 2019
Readers and aspiring writers can mingle with authors, editors, and literary agents for a week at the nation's top literary event. You’ll no doubt rub elbows with the current stars of the literary world. The Aspen Words Benefit Dinner is the highlight at the end of the Aspen Summer Words week, which also includes readings, receptions, panel discussions, and advanced writing workshops.
Aspen Ideas Festival - June 20 - 29, 2019
Over 350 presenters will challenge your mind and change the world at the annual Aspen Ideas Festival, sponsored by the Aspen Institute and The Atlantic magazine. Thought leaders in business, politics, science, the humanities, philanthropy, and the arts gather every year to share provocative ideas and solutions that inspire deep thought and collective action.
Experience the magic of an Aspen summer
If you want to make sure you don't miss a thing during Aspen's wonderful summer, check out our comprehensive events calendar. We'll be happy to connect you to more event information and help you find the perfect summer vacation rental for the most memorable experience.