The month of September has arrived and the Autumnal Equinox is just around the bend. Visitors and locals can celebrate Aspen's warm autumn hues with special events in town this month and next. Check out some of our favorite fall happenings below:
1. Mac and Cheese Fest - This delicious and free festival returns to Aspen's famed "Restaurant Row" this Saturday, Sept. 6 for the fourth year in a row. Local restaurants cook up original mac and cheese recipes, featuring variations of duck confit, lobster, truffle and more. Guests can stroll through the festival and sample each cheesy creation.
2. Ruggerfest - The 47th Annual Ruggerfest is a four-day event and the only all-ages, full-contact rugby tournament in the world. Stop by Wagner or Rio Grande Park Sept. 18 - 21 to cheer on teams from around the world, or register your own team today. (Photo by Fleming Trane)
3. Red Bull Rise - A newcomer to Aspen's fall schedule of events, the Red Bull Rise is a 12-hour endurance running event that challenges competitors to run the highest number of laps on a three-mile course on Aspen Mountain. More information about the event scheduled for Sept. 20, including registration, can be found here.
4. Aspen Filmfest - The Aspen Filmfest will take place Sept. 26 - Oct. 1, and this year's scheduled events include new release viewings, sneak previews, surprise films and favorites from the festival circuit. Other happenings include post-screening dialogues, presentations and opportunities to mingle with the filmmakers.
5. Golden Leaf Half Marathon - Recognized as one of the most beautiful running courses in the country, the Golden Leaf Half Marathon takes place Sept. 27 with a route traveling from Snowmass to Aspen. Registration is now full, but spectators can watch their friends and family speed through the scenic course and celebrate together at the finish line at Koch Park.
6. ACES Harvest Party - The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) invites families, visitors and locals to celebrate the fall harvest at Rock Bottom Ranch on Oct. 18. Lunch will be served and activities include pumpkin carving, cider pressing, face painting, ranch games, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets may be purchased here.
For more fall events and activities, click here.
