Aspen may have a reputation for having hefty price tag, but affordable dining options and a range of free amenities and events allow you to enjoy Aspen on a budget. Discover 10 free things to take advantage of this summer in Aspen:
1. Enjoy music from the Aspen Music Festival and School students. Every summer, attendees can sit on the lawn outside the Michael Klein Music Tent and enjoy a free performance. Check out their summer event calendar here and be on the lookout for performances labeled "free". Throughout the summer season, Aspen Music Festival and School students are known to play for free around town, most famously outside of Paradise Bakery in the evenings and along the pedestrian walking malls.
2. Looking for an action-packed Sunday in Aspen? Hike to the top of Aspen Mountain and enjoy Bluegrass Sundays on top of Ajax from 12-3 pm. Ride down the Silver Queen Gondola and take in aerial views of downtown Aspen — all for free (if you're up for the challenging hike)!
3. Head to Snowmass on Thursday nights for free concerts on Fanny Hill. The 2025 summer lineup includes performances from Ozomatli, the Spazmatics, Boy Named Banjo, The Talbott Brothers, and more. Added bonus- if you’re coming from Aspen, you can hop on a RFTA bus from downtown to Snowmass for free.
4. During the summer, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) offers a variety of things to do for all ages around Aspen, including free guided nature walks. The Maroon Bells Crater Lake Hike and the Snowmass Wildflower Walk, among others, are a great way to spend time outside and explore nature.
5. If you left your pets at home but still yearn for some canine attention, visit the Aspen Animal Shelter. Spend quality time with adorable companions, and you may find yourself going home with a newly adopted friend.
6. A popular summer playground in Aspen, the Grottos are easily accessible through a series of short trails. Within a few minutes from the trailhead, you can access ice caves, view waterfalls, bask in the sun, or enjoy a picnic. This is a great area for families and those seeking a beautiful view without the long trek to get there. The Grottos are located eight miles east of Aspen towards Independence Pass. Besides the Grottos, there's lots to explore on Independence Pass, including the Ghost Town, biking, and lots of hiking trails.
7. Experience world-class arts and culture events for free! From wandering through the Aspen Art Museum to attending lectures at the Aspen Institute or Aspen Center For Physics to joining compelling history tours, there are a range of ways to enjoy Aspen's thriving arts and culture scene at no cost! Check out our events calendar and use the "free" filter to discover more.
8. Aspen’s bike-sharing system, We-cycle, allows locals and visitors to access bikes when they need them and where they need them, with more than 100 bikes and 15 stations around town. Rides of 30 minutes or less are always free. You can keep the bike for longer, but you will start to get charged overtime fees. Brought your own bike? There are a variety of rides to choose from, each offering scenic views.
9. Kick back in one of Aspen's many parks. From parks overlooking Aspen Mountain to tranquil, riverside parks, there are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy relaxation and incredible views.
10. The Aspen Farmer’s Market kicks off in June and features Colorado-grown produce, crafts, live music, and a food court every Saturday throughout the summer. The always-free event is located downtown and makes a U-shape from the corner of Galena and Hopkins to Hunter and then back again to the intersection of Hyman and Galena. Whether you buy anything or not, roaming through the market makes for a relaxing Saturday morning.
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