Aspen is all about enjoying life outside. There’s no better way to experience live music than at an outdoor venue with a scenic mountain backdrop. From classical music to today’s biggest artists, there are a range of genres for a variety of listeners. Check out our top picks for attending outdoor music this summer:
Top of Aspen Mountain
Every Saturday at 1 p.m. until August 9th, enjoy classical music performed by students from the world-renowned Aspen Music Festival & School at Music on the Mountains. At over 11,000 feet, bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to sit back, take in the panoramic mountain views, and enjoy the relaxing melodies performed by these talented musicians. Looking for more mountaintop music? Ride up the Silver Queen Gondola on Sundays to catch midday (12 p.m.) Bluegrass performances outside the Sundeck restaurant. Both concerts are free with your purchase of a gondola ticket.
Aspen Music Festival and School
The Aspen Music Festival and School is known as one of the top classical music festivals in the nation. The eight-week summer season features a range of performances and programs: chamber music, classes, community events, lectures, opera, recitals, and more. While attendees can experience performances in different venues around Aspen, the Michael Klein Music Tent is an open-air tent with acoustics of a concert hall, creating an outdoor feel with the features of an indoor venue. There is additional seating on the lawn outside of the tent, where listeners can enjoy the music while picnicking or basking in the sun. Bonus! After an evening out or while strolling through the walking mall, look for Aspen Music Festival and School students performing around town.
Snowmass Free Summer Concert Series
This free outdoor music series is a community favorite, bringing exceptional musicians to a relaxing, family-friendly setting. Located on Snowmass Mountain’s Fanny Hill, the venue sits on a ski run while overlooking mountain peaks. Every Thursday evening, kick back on a picnic blanket or lawn chair as acclaimed musicians perform while the sun sets behind the mountain backdrop. Bring a picnic or grab some food at one of the local, nearby restaurants.
Up In The Sky Festival
Belly Up presents a new, two-day outdoor music festival hosting some of today’s biggest names in our mountain town. Kacey Musgraves, Rüfüs Du Sol, Glass Animals, Suki Waterhouse, Role Model, and other talented musicians will take the stage. Set at the base of Buttermilk, the festival gives attendees the chance to experience their favorite artists in a beautiful mountain setting.
JAS Labor Day Experience
The three-day JAS Labor Day Experience returns from August 29th-31st. At up to 10,000 attendees, concert goers can experience big name musicians in a lively outdoor setting. The weekend features performances from Imagine Dragons, Lenny Kravitz, Luke Combs, and many more, along with gourmet food and merch from local vendors. Located in the Snowmass Town Park, the concert grounds have spectacular views of the Elk Mountain Range.
Searching for more? Check out the entire summer lineup of events in Aspen.
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