Monday, September 9
Open Space Fall Bird Migration Field Trip I Jaffee Park (7:30 am, Jaffee Park) Join ACES for a morning of birding in the spectacular lower gorge of the Roaring Fork River at Jaffee Park! Fall migration continues as warblers, thrushes, sparrows, and others move through our valley; meanwhile, many local resident birds gather into foraging flocks that are spectacles of activity and color. Here, in the deep river corridor, warblers and other songbirds feast on insect hatches, dippers and kingfishers feed in the river, and raptors soar overhead. We will walk an out-and-back route upstream on an old trail paralleling the river with views and access to the rushing water along the way. The walking surface will be mostly smooth and generally level, with a couple of optional, short, steeper sections to access the river. Our turn-around point will be below the Shale Bluffs, where the river has carved its way dramatically through this sedimentary formation, creating pools, cobble bars, side channels, and other interesting micro-habitat nooks. Fall foliage and the wild beauty of the river compliment this birding experience!
Aspen’s Past to Present Tour (10:00 am, Downtown Aspen) This classic historical walking tour of Aspen tells it’s history from humble mining camp to world famous resort. A casual 12 block stroll through historic downtown Aspen acclimatizes you to Aspen’s energy and possibility. A great experience for both the first time visitor and the regular. This tour visits historic landmarks of Aspen including the Wheeler Opera House, the Red Onion, the Pitkin County Courthouse & the Hotel Jerome among others when accessible.
Tuesday, September 10
Ride + Dine with the Little Nell and ACES (3:00pm, meet at The Little Nell ride to Rock Bottom Ranch) A popular summer tradition with The Little Nell is their Ride + Dine Series. Cyclists are invited to take part, embarking on a journey from Aspen by e-bike to arrive at the scenic destination, Rock Bottom Ranch, for an al fresco buffet-style dinner. The ride to Rock Bottom Ranch is primarily flat though with the distance of 23 miles from Gondola Plaza to the destination, e-bikes may be preferred. Learn more here.
Plant Dyeing Workshop (5:00pm, MOLLIE Aspen) Join MOLLIE Aspen on the PM terrace for a delightful, hands-on plant dyeing experience open to both the public and hotel guests. Participants will explore the fascinating world of plant dyes and create their own unique silk handkerchief or sleep mask. This workshop is led by Kate, the owner and operator of a dye studio in Paonia, CO.
Wednesday, September 11
Paella Party Cooking Experience (5:00pm, Colorado Mountain College Aspen Morgridge Teaching Kitchen
Historical Downtown Walking Tour (10:30 am, Wheeler Opera House) A guided walking tour of historical buildings in downtown Aspen, with interesting stories around every corner. This tour meets across the street from the Wheeler Opera House and ends at the historic Hotel Jerome. Advance registration is required, please click here to register.
Historical Neighborhood Walking Tour (1:30 pm, Wheeler Stallard Museum) A newly reimagined guided walking tour through Aspen’s West End residential neighborhood, a quiet gem of tree-lined boulevards around the Wheeler/Stallard Museum. Learn little-known facts about the neighborhood’s historical homes and the people who lived in them as you explore immaculate examples of Victorian and midcentury modern architecture. The tour begins at Begins and finishes at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, 620 W. Bleeker St.
International Dinner Series at Ajax Tavern (6:00 pm, The Little Nell) Building on the success of last summer, The International Dinner Series returns to Ajax Tavern with the theme of the Summer Olympics and a range of countries’ cuisines rotating each week. Explore your culinary curiosities on Wednesday nights from 6 - 9 pm from July 3 – September 4. Venture into a culinary experience that will take your taste buds around the globe. Enjoy a three-course menu and a welcome refreshment for $75++ per person while a full bar menu is also available for purchase. Please note only the three-course menu will be available on these themed evenings, which are listed below.
Thursday, September 12
City of Aspen Birding (7:30 am, Downtown Aspen) Join ACES for four outings showcasing City of Aspen Open Space lands and the habitats they provide for birds and other wildlife. Pockets of fall migration bird activity are exciting to find in the open landscape of the Marolt Open Space, where clusters of native shrubs in perimeter areas and stands of trees provide excellent foraging and cover. Join us for a morning field trip to explore this special area that is a hotspot for mixed flocks of migrating songbirds as well as a National Historic Register site. Target birds for this outing include various warbler and sparrow species, tanagers, vireos, goldfinches, orioles, bluebirds, and more. Species occasionally seen on this trip include uncommon fall migrants such as rufous hummingbird, Cassin’s vireo, and clay-colored sparrow. We will get some practice with field marks of both adult and immature plumages.
Hotel Jerome History Tour (1:30 pm, Hotel Jerome) Bask in the history of Aspen as you relax in the lobby of the iconic Hotel Jerome, which has been at the center of community life since its doors opened in 1889. Includes a brief tour of the lobby and first floor area as you experience the history of Aspen as seen through the eyes of the Hotel Jerome.
An Evening of Crafts & Games (4:00pm, Pitkin County Library) Join Pitkin County Library for an early evening of games and crafts! Bring friends, family, or just yourself and come play board games or do some easy crafts. They will be showcasing a number of games available for check out through the Library Lab.
The Little Nell Jazz Nights (Thursdays & Sundays 6:30 pm, Element 47) Experience fine dining and live jazz music at Element 47 on Thursday and Sunday evenings from 6:30-9:30 pm through September. The Little Nell has banded with Jazz Aspen Snowmass to present a captivating jazz duo on the patio. Engage in the culinary delights of our Michelin-recommended restaurant, featuring creative cocktails and an award-winning wine selection perfectly complementing our seasonal dishes. Reserve your table now for an inviting summer night of delectable dining accompanied by rhythmic music in the heart of the mountains.
MOLLIE Aspen Live Music Nights (6:00pm, MOLLIE Aspen) Unwind, connect, and find your rhythm with live music in MOLLIE Aspen’s cozy lounge on Thursdays from 6:00PM – 8:00PM.
Friday, September 13
Snowmass Balloon Festival (7:30am, Snowmass Village) The iconic Snowmass Balloon Festival returns for its 49th year! The long-standing Rocky Mountain tradition features three days of 30+ festive balloons launching into the air from 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. amidst the sunrise and the stunning background of Snowmass in the fall. On Friday evening, join us back in Snowmass Town Park for a night glow, where balloons glow against the backdrop of a Snowmass sunset.
The 5th Annual Pristine Riders Fall Trash Crush (10:30am North Star Nature Preserve South Gate Parking Lot) The 5th Annual Pristine Riders Fall Trash Crush community clean-up and environmental stewardship event is being held on Friday, September 13th from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM rain or shine meeting at North Star Nature Preserve’s South Gate parking lot.
Aspen’s Off the Beaten Path Tour (Tuesday & Friday 10:00 am, Downtown Aspen) A scenic guided walking tour through Aspen's West End neighborhood and trails along the Roaring Fork River. Participants will learn the stories behind Aspen's Victorian & Modern architecture stitched together with hidden gems of nature. This tour is a healthy walk lasting approximately 90 minutes. It’s a great way to acclimatize to Aspen’s altitude during a visitors first few days in Aspen, reservations are required.
Dioriviera Garden Tours at The Little Nell (4:00 pm, The Little Nell) Join The Little Nell for a weekly garden tour every Friday from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm, led by our head gardener Arabella from Busy Beavers Gardening. The Nell Gardens are renowned for their beauty and sustainability, featuring Aspen's only living wall, an herb garden, a cutting garden, and more. During the tour, you'll learn about high-altitude gardening, gather tips on maintaining your garden at home, and enjoy refreshing homemade sorbet. This tradition is complimentary and open to all. Although reservations are not required, we request you kindly make them so we may anticipate your arrival.
LP Giobbi presents Dead House at Belly Up Aspen (9:30 pm, Belly Up Aspen) Join Belly Up Aspen for a locals night featuring LP Giobbi a multi-talented DJ, producer, jazz-trained pianist and activist who is quickly rising to superstar status.
Saturday, September 14
Aspen Saturday Market (8:30 am, Downtown Aspen) Spend your Saturday mornings at the Aspen Farmer's Market. Since 1998 it has been a local's tradition to stroll through the market buying Colorado-grown produce and Colorado-produced artisan products. The market offers Colorado-grown fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, jams, and more as well as a food court for lunch or a snack.
Snowmass Balloon Festival (7:30am, Snowmass Village) The iconic Snowmass Balloon Festival returns for its 49th year! The long-standing Rocky Mountain tradition features three days of 30+ festive balloons launching into the air from 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. amidst the sunrise and the stunning background of Snowmass in the fall. On Friday evening, join us back in Snowmass Town Park for a night glow, where balloons glow against the backdrop of a Snowmass sunset.
Mactoberfest (Downtown Aspen) Get ready to indulge in the cheesiest extravaganza of the year! Mac and Cheese Fest is back, and this time, we’re taking it to a whole new level with Mactoberfest! Best of all, Mactoberfest is free for the masses with beverages available for purchase.
Leisure Hike – East Aspen Hunter Creek (10:00 am, East Aspen Hunter Creek Trail) This light hike connects trails, hidden neighborhoods and nature paths east of town along tranquil flowing bodies of water like the Roaring Fork River and the Hunter Creek.
Highlights of Aspen Tour (12:00 pm, Aspen Walking Tours) Embark on a leisurely stroll through town, where intriguing historical narratives, enchanting storytelling, and fascinating tidbits effortlessly blend together. This 60 minute scenic walk not only acquaints you with the local heritage but also grants you a genuine sense of belonging, acting as a splendid springboard to fully indulge in the abundant wonders that Aspen has to offer.
Two Feeet at Belly Up Aspen (9:00pm, Belly Up) Two Feet, also known as Bill Dess, is a New York-based artist who rose to fame after his song unexpectedly went viral on SoundCloud, leading to his debut EP "First Steps" which features a blend of blues, indie, and R&B influences. Initially producing electronic music, he incorporated his background in blues guitar into his work, resulting in a distinctive sound that has captivated listeners and attracted attention from major music tastemakers and artists.
Sunday, September 15
Snowmass Balloon Festival (7:30am, Snowmass Village) The iconic Snowmass Balloon Festival returns for its 49th year! The long-standing Rocky Mountain tradition features three days of 30+ festive balloons launching into the air from 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. amidst the sunrise and the stunning background of Snowmass in the fall. On Friday evening, join us back in Snowmass Town Park for a night glow, where balloons glow against the backdrop of a Snowmass sunset.
The Little Nell Jazz Nights (Thursdays & Sundays 6:30 pm, Element 47) Experience fine dining and live jazz music at Element 47 on Thursday and Sunday evenings from 6:30-9:30 pm through September. The Little Nell has banded with Jazz Aspen Snowmass to present a captivating jazz duo on the patio. Engage in the culinary delights of our Michelin-recommended restaurant, featuring creative cocktails and an award-winning wine selection perfectly complementing our seasonal dishes. Reserve your table now for an inviting summer night of delectable dining accompanied by rhythmic music in the heart of the mountains.
Aspen’s DarkSide Ghost Tour (Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays, Saturday, Sundays 8:00 pm, Downtown Aspen) True stories of Aspen's tarnished past of Ghosts, Murder & Mayhem from 1879 to today on an entertaining evening walk. This tour visits some of Aspen Colorado’s most haunted places and tells the stories behind them as well as some truly darker happenings. This is a great tour for the whole family or just the adults. Advance reservations required.
Anderson Ranch Guest Faculty Lectures (7:00pm, Anderson Ranch Arts Center) Sunday and Tuesday evenings, June through September, the Ranch features a 60-minute presentation by distinguished faculty members and Visiting Artists. These insightful talks dive into inspiration, the creative process and more.
Lucinda Williams and her band at Belly Up Aspen (8:00pm, Belly Up Aspen) Dance the night away with Grammy winning songwriter Lucinda Williams.
Monday, September 16
Aspen Filmfest (through September 22, ISIS Theatre) Internationally recognized Aspen Film organizes a major film event every season, along with an extensive education program: Aspen Filmfest, Academy Screenings, Aspen Shortsfest, Summer of Cinema, and FilmEducates. With a mission to enlighten, enrich, educate, and entertain through film, Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue, and broadens our understanding of our world and selves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide.
Aspen’s Past to Present Tour (10:00 am, Downtown Aspen) This classic historical walking tour of Aspen tells it’s history from humble mining camp to world famous resort. A casual 12 block stroll through historic downtown Aspen acclimatizes you to Aspen’s energy and possibility. A great experience for both the first time visitor and the regular. This tour visits historic landmarks of Aspen including the Wheeler Opera House, the Red Onion, the Pitkin County Courthouse & the Hotel Jerome among others when accessible.
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