Summer in Aspen and Snowmass Village

The neighbouring Rocky Mountains towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village are gearing up for another action-packed summer, filled with world-class events ranging from music and literary festivals to thrilling outdoor sporting competitions. This year sees the debut of two exciting new events - the Mountainside Music Festival and The Tough Draw Tour - joining a lineup of returning favourites, from the Snowmass Rodeo and Audi Power of Four, to Aspen Art Week and the lively Snowmass Oktoberfest. With something for everyone, Aspen and Snowmass Village promise yet another unforgettable summer season.

MUSIC

NEW Mountainside Music Festival (11-13 June) - Snowmass Village

Mountainside Music Festival is a new, free, three-day festival in Snowmass Village. Taking place on the Fanny Hill Stage, which also hosts the Snowmass Free Concert Series, this new festival features three evenings of openers, headliners, vendors and stunning sunsets. Bands to be announced but expect mixed genres, including folk/pop, country and alternative.

Snowmass Free Concert Series (18 June - 20 August) - Snowmass Villages

Now in its 34th year, the Snowmass Free Concert Series returns to Fanny Hill every Thursday evening throughout the summer. A long-time local favourite, the outdoor series showcases a diverse range of live music - from rock and alternative, Latin to bluegrass, and beyond. Full line-up to be announced.

Up in the Sky Music Festival (7-8 August) - Aspen and Snowmass Village

Returning for a second year after a successful debut in 2025, Up in the Sky Music Festival is a two-day music event bringing live performances to the base of Buttermilk. Previous performers include Glass Animals, Kacey Musgraves, and Rüfüs Du Sol. Band line-up to be announced.

JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience (4-6 September) - Snowmass Village

The JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience features three days of world-class performances on multiple open-air stages in Snowmass Town Park. 2026 acts to be announced. Previous performers include Stevie Wonder, Carrie Underwood, Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons, Sting and more.

ENTERTAINMENT

Snowmass Rodeo (17 June - 19 August) - Snowmass Village

The iconic Snowmass Rodeo is a long-standing Western tradition celebrating 52 years this summer. Complete with authentic cowboys and cowgirls competing in all the rodeo classics, including barrel riding, saddle bronc, bull riding and much more, this Wednesday evening staple is not to be missed. The Snowmass Rodeo takes place on Wednesdays at 7.00pm, rain or shine. Doors open at 5.00pm for a BBQ dinner, bespoke shopping experiences and activities. 

4th of July Celebration (4 July) - Snowmass Village

Celebrate Independence Day on Saturday 4 July in Snowmass. Enjoy a festive evening with a free concert on Fanny Hill featuring the Spazmatics, returning for a third year of festive fun. Patriotic or 80s throwback attire is encouraged.

COMEDY WKND! (10-12 July) - Snowmass Village

The Collective Snowmass and Snowmass Live present the third annual COMEDY WKND!. This event brings top national comedic talent to the Roaring Fork Valley. Snowmass Live has presented national and regional comedians at The Collective Hall since 2021, while also creating a hub of comedy for aspiring local comedians. Stay tuned for the full comedy line-up. It’s COMEDY WKND! in Snowmass, where the laughter never stops.

Snowmass Balloon Festival (25-27 September) - Snowmass Village

Snowmass celebrates 51 years of the iconic Snowmass Balloon Festival with three days of hot air balloon displays at Snowmass Town Park. Friday evening features a Night Glow from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, while morning launches take place at 7.00am on Saturday and Sunday.

Snowmass Oktoberfest (26-27 September) - Snowmass Village

To close the summer season, Snowmass Oktoberfest takes over the Snowmass Mall and Base Village. Festivities feature traditional German food, steins of beer, contests, live music, lederhosen and the return of Manuela, the Oktoberfest Queen. Guests must be 21+ to drink, but the festival is open to all ages.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

FOOD & WINE Classic Aspen (19-21 June) - Aspen

With one Michelin-starred and multiple Michelin-recommended restaurants, Aspen's fine dining scene rivals even its renowned mountain activities. The best way to savour its culinary excellence is at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, the ‘unofficial kick-off to summer’. This premier event – a must-visit for over four decades – offers three unforgettable days of cooking demonstrations, wine and spirit tastings, as well as expert-led panel discussions featuring world-class chefs and beverage connoisseurs.

Heritage Fire (1 August) - Snowmass Village

Heritage Fire is an outdoor feast that unites live-fire cooking, family farms and local chefs, held in Snowmass Base Village. The walk-around reception offers an all-inclusive feast featuring thoughtful bites prepared by critically acclaimed kitchens using products from locally sourced farms and sponsors. Festivities include interactive activations and the crowning of the Heritage Hero, voted for by guests.

Snowmass Wine Festival (19 September) - Snowmass Village

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village, this long-running festival features wine tastings from around the world under the tents at Snowmass Town Park. The event also includes food from local restaurants, live music and a silent auction benefiting Snowmass Rotary scholarships and grants. A Friday evening wine-paired dinner takes place at Viceroy Snowmass.

ARTS & CULTURE

Aspen Ideas Festival (25 June - 1 July) - Aspen

For travellers wanting to broaden their minds and leave a meaningful mark on their trip, the Aspen Ideas Festival brings together inspiring leaders, brilliant thinkers and curious minds. With mainstage interviews, intimate roundtables, hands-on workshops, outdoor activities and even picnic lunches, attendees will have unparalleled opportunities to connect with some of the brightest minds in the arts, science, economics, literature, academia, foreign policy and policymaking.

Aspen Music Festival and School (1 July - 23 August) - Aspen

The Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) is a renowned classical music festival attracting top musicians and talented students from around the world. Over eight weeks, the festival offers a variety of performances, including orchestral concerts, chamber music and operas, while providing intensive training and masterclasses for emerging artists. Founded in 1949, AMFS has become a vibrant hub for classical music, inspiring both performers and audiences in the stunning Rocky Mountain setting. The full festival lineup will be announced on 3 February 2026.

Ranch Week and Anderson Ranch Picnic and Auction (13-18 July) - Snowmass Village

Ranch Week gives Anderson Ranch supporters and community members a chance to come together in celebration of the Ranch and honour the recipient of the International Artist Award, which is given annually to globally recognised artists who demonstrate the highest level of artistic achievement and whose careers have fundamentally influenced the Anderson Ranch Picnic and Auction (18 July), which brings people together for an afternoon of fun and excitement. Silent auctions feature over 150 works of art by top contemporary artists and locals alike. Alongside the auction are engaging art-based activities for all ages, delicious picnic-style food, and live music. A fundraiser at heart, all proceeds from the day directly benefit Anderson Ranch educational programmes.

Aspen Art Museum AIR (27-31 July) - Aspen

AIR features a series of events, attracting top art dealers, collectors and enthusiasts to Aspen for one of the art world’s most influential weeks of the year. The annual Aspen Art Fair, held at the historic Hotel Jerome in downtown Aspen, brings together international exhibitors and specially-curated projects for art fair booths, hotel room installations and unexpected art activations. The programming also coincides with Intersect Aspen Art & Design Fair, held at the Aspen Ice Garden, where visitors encounter modern and contemporary art and design presented by galleries from around the world.

Plein Air Art Festival (8-9 August) - Snowmass Village

The Plein Air Art Festival returns to Snowmass Village for its sixth consecutive year. Twenty artists spend four days painting the natural beauty of the area. From 8-9 August, between 10.00am and 4.00pm, artwork will be judged, displayed and available for purchase in Snowmass Base Village.

Aspen Words Literary Festival (25-27 September) - Aspen

Aspen Words, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, offers bookworms a unique opportunity to engage with over 40 renowned authors – both established and emerging – in an inspiring literary setting. Whether you’re passionate about books, writing or simply love engaging conversation, the festival offers a rich programme of discussions, book signings and cultural activities. The event also features a bookstore, art activations, food trucks and exciting parties. Lineup details to be announced soon. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Audi Power of Four Trail Run (18 July) - Aspen and Snowmass Village

The Audi Power of Four Trail Run is a premier endurance race series utilising the unique terrain of each of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains. Each race is designed to test the limits and skills of both elite and recreational athletes. The event’s signature race is a challenging 50K Ultra that covers all four Aspen Snowmass mountains, utilising a mix of singletrack and dirt road. The event also offers a 25K race along the famed Government Trail covering Buttermilk and Snowmass mountains, as well as a 10K race starting at Elk Camp Restaurant and traversing across Snowmass down to Fanny Hill.

Audi Snowmass 50 Mountain Bike Race (25 July) - Snowmass Village

The Audi Snowmass 50 Mountain Bike Race features 25 miles of some of the best singletrack mountain bike trails in Colorado. Divisions include a 50-mile solo race (two loops), 25-mile solo race (one loop) and 50-mile teams of two, with each rider completing one 25-mile lap. The course covers 25 miles with 5,000ft of ascent across a diverse range of Snowmass Village’s best trails, from high desert sage meadows to dark, loamy forest.

Snowmass Tree-O (7-8 August) - Snowmass Village

The Colorado Brewery Running Series returns to Snowmass with a route commemorating the 150th anniversary of Colorado. In honour of this milestone, Snowmass Tree-O features 3.76k, 5k, and 10k trail runs starting and ending on the Snowmass Mall, totalling 18.76k in tribute to 1876. Runners can compete on Friday evening or Saturday morning, or both. Each runner receives a race bib, finisher medal and finisher beer, with a bonus 18.76k Challenge medal for completing all distances.

NEW The Tough Draw Tour (21-22 August) - Snowmass Village

The Tough Draw Tour brings a rider-first, bull riding-only event to Snowmass during its inaugural season. Featuring elite professional bull riders, the Snowmass stop serves as the final regular season event before the Tour Championship, with athletes competing for buckles, standings and a share of the $50,000 purse. Hosted at the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds, the event delivers premier competition and an authentic Western experience.

Golden Leaf Half Marathon (26 September) - Aspen and Snowmass Village

Recognised by Trail Runner magazine as one of “America’s 14 Most Scenic Races”, this iconic trail race from Snowmass to Aspen spans 13.1 miles with a 980ft climb and a 1,712ft descent. The event sells out annually.

ON-GOING EVENTS

The Collective Snowmass - Daily (June–September) - Snowmass Village

The Collective Snowmass, the cultural and community hub of Snowmass Base Village, offers a packed summer programme including Community Bingo, Chess Club, Fitness on the Rink, Movies Under the Stars, Jazz Summer Club and the Snowmass Live Comedy Series. The venue also hosts wellness workshops, open mics, dance sessions and pop-up events. Yard games, splash pads, fountains and playgrounds are available throughout Base Village. The Game Lounge and Selfie Den are open daily from 2.00pm-8.00pm. Free for children five and under; £7 for ages six and over.

ACES Guided Hikes - Daily, (June–August; weekends only in September) - Snowmass Village

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) leads twice-daily guided hikes throughout the summer. The Snowmass Wildflower Walk begins at 10.00am, while the Ice Age Discovery Walk starts at 1.00pm. Hikes depart from the Snowmass Mall Ticket Pavilion.

Ice Age Explorer Tours - Fridays (June–September) - Snowmass Village

Learn about Snowmass’ world-renowned Ice Age fossil discoveries with an Aspen Science Center educator. Every Friday at 3.30pm, guests meet at the Limelight Snowmass lobby before joining a guided Ice Age Passport Walk through Base Village and Snowmass Mall. Suitable for all ages.