Updated August 2019
Labor Day Weekend typically signals the end of summer, with school back in session and vacation days over. But in Aspen, this family-friendly, long weekend signals the start to Aspen's most spectacular season (fall) and a final flurry of summer events and festivals. Town is abuzz with early leaf-peepers, live music, spectator sports, and outdoor activities that keep locals and visitors very entertained!
Music in Aspen over Labor Day Weekend
The granddaddy of all live music events in all of Colorado takes place on Labor Day Weekend. The Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival has featured the likes of BB King, Bob Dylan, Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr., Kanye West, Keith Urban, Kid Rock, Louie Armstrong, Santana, Sheryl Crow, Will Nelson, and many more. This year the headliners include Weezer, Luke Combs, John Mayer, and Sting. The concerts take place at the gorgeous Snowmass Town Park with stunning sunsets and fast new friends gathered all around. More information, including ticket purchasing info, can be found at jazzaspensnowmass.org.
The final Bluegrass Sunday atop Aspen Mountain is held over Labor Day Weekend, with the Smuggler Mountain Boys taking the stage at 3 p.m. Don't miss this low-key event if you love beautiful settings and spirited, live music!
Spectator Sports in Aspen over Labor Day
The 47th annual Motherlode Volleyball Classic descends upon Aspen's grassy parks and sand volleyball courts. While Aspen might not seem like a likely location for a beach volleyball tournament, the Motherlode is one of North American's most popular beach volleyball tournaments. The show gets underway on Wednesday, Aug. 28 with the senior matches and finishes with the professional finals on Monday, Sept. 2. This event provides great spectating with multiple food and product vendors at Koch Park.
The Grand Traverse has its grand weekend over Labor Day with the 40-mile run from Crested Butte to Aspen on Saturday. On Sunday, mountain bikers take over the course with a 40-mile mountain bike race from Aspen to Crested Butte. Competitors often compete in both races making for a grueling weekend. For spectators, watch racers love pass through the final aid station at the top of Aspen Mountain, or cheer them on as they cross the finish line at Ajax Park. The bikers start at Ajax Park - the Ajax and Ute Trailhead - the following morning and appreciate a good send off as well.
Outdoor Activities to Enjoy over Labor Day
With the leaves starting to turn their famous golden hue, September is a perfect time for hiking. Depending on weather, the seasonal shift may start earlier or later. Colors first start to change at higher elevations, so it's possible to find golden groves somewhere in the area. Over Labor Day, we recommend our guests head toward hikes up Independence Pass, including Lost Man, the Grottos, and trails around Lincoln Creek.
The Aspen Mountain Gondola is still operating with its summer schedule during Labor Day, and there are both strenuous hikes up Aspen Mountain or more mellow ones at the top, heading out Richmond Ridge. The Maroon Bells offer some of the most stunning views anywhere in the world, and fall is their highlight. The trails in the Maroon Bells Wilderness offer everything from easy to strenuous hiking, but you can always just sit on a bench and take in the sights in stillness and silence.
Road biking is also glorious in the fall. The ride to the Pine Creek Cookhouse up Castle Creek Road is one of the prettiest rides in the valley any time of the year, but fall again is when it shines. If you’re not up for the leg burn, consider renting an E-Bike! These motorized bicycles allow visitors from sea-level to keep up with their altitude-adjusted Aspen friends.
Are you inspired to visit Aspen over Labor Day? Start planning your trip by searching our Aspen vacation rentals online. Or get condo and home recommendations by contacting our Reservations Specialists.