Monday, September 18
Nature & Me: Animals in Fall (10:30 am, Hallam Lake) Explorers big and small, join us for this 7-week Nature & Me series and learn about nature’s busy time during the fall months, and how animals enjoy plentiful fruits of early fall as they get into the busy preparations for the winter slumber. The leaves are changing colors, birds are starting to migrate, bears are eating every waking hour to prepare for the colder days… must be autumn in the mountains! This beginner class will focus on sensory activities, repetition, and becoming comfortable in a group setting and at the Hallam Lake. Click here to learn more.
History in Your Backyard: Ute Cemetery (12:00 pm, Ute Cemetery) Join AHS for a walk around Aspen’s oldest cemetery, including personal histories of some of the locals who are buried there. The History in Your Backyard series features short lunch-hour tours to explore the stories of familiar places in the Aspen area. Advanced registration is required, click here to learn more.
Jon Francis: Colorado Sidelight (9:00 am, Red Brick Center for the Arts) In a world of disposable everything, Jon paints urban landscapes to record, preserve, and savor what has shaped Colorado. Old signs, and especially neon signs, are rendered with care and beauty. By the act of painting these scenes and objects, Jon strives to save them from being forgotten as forward movement scrapes them from our lives.
Tuesday, September 19
Tuesday Birding at Hallam Lake (7:30 am, Hallam Lake) Discover the diverse birdlife of the Roaring Fork Valley with ACES on Tuesday mornings. Birders of all experience levels are welcome! Outings begin with a brief orientation, followed by birding in the field. You will explore bird activity in a variety of local habitats at these ACES sites and at other nearby birding hot spots. Every outing offers rich opportunities to learn about bird behavior, identification, migration, and local habitats. To register and learn more click here.
Aspen’s Off the Beaten Path Tour (Tuesdays & Thursdays 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, click here to learn more.
Aspen Historical Society Archives Tour (11:00 am, Aspen Historical Society Archive Building) Enjoy a guided “backstage” tour of the AHS Archives and research facility! The tour includes insight into the artifact accessioning process, a viewing of the display Maps Through the Decades in the Community Gallery, access to the underground “vault” where much of the AHS Collection is stored, and close-up looks at artifacts of note. All tours require a reservation, visit aspenhistory.org for reservations and additional information.
Aspen Filmfest (Tuesday – Sunday, ISIS Theatre) Each fall, Filmfest attracts engaging and thought-provoking films from across the globe. Whether it be documentary, arthouse, foreign-language, or comedy, Filmfest is curated to highlight unique stories told through diverse lenses that explore the human condition. To view the entire film lineup and explore all the information on the Filmfest click here.
Wednesday, September 20
Midcentury Modern Walking Tour (10:30 am, Red Brick Center for the Arts) A guided walking tour through Aspen’s West End residential neighborhood exploring examples of Bauhaus influence and other modern aesthetic principles that continue to inspire local design. The tour ends on the grounds of the Aspen Institute.
Red Brick Center for the Arts: Community Conversation for Aspen Public Art (4:00 pm, Aspen Art Museum) This event will combine presentations from regional artists/experts with small table conversations to further engage the community with the public art plan. An educational, informative, and stimulating conversation will inform the vision and goals as well as build community energy around the public art plan. To learn more about creating Aspen’s first ever public art plan click here.
Authors of Aspen: Paul Anderson I Moonlight Over Pearl, Second Edition (4:00 pm, Wheeler Stallard Museum Patio) Join local author and journalist Paul Andersen for a talk, Q&A, and book signing for the second edition of his collection of short stories about Aspen. Books will be available for sale with a portion of proceeds to benefit AHS.
Foy Vance at Belly Up (7:00 pm, Belly Up Aspen) Hailing from Northern Ireland and deeply rooted in the rich musical history of the Southern United States, Foy Vance has garnered acclaim from fans and fellow musicians alike since his independent debut album release in 2007. Foy released his second LP, Joy of Nothing, in 2013 on Glassnote Records which led to further critical praise and invites on tours from Ed Sheeran, Bonnie Raitt, Marcus Foster, Snow Patrol and Sir Elton John. Additionally, Foy has headlined tours globally to sell-out crowds. Purchase tickets here.
Thursday, September 21
Historical Downtown Walking Tour (10:30 am Tuesday – Friday, Wheeler Opera House) A guided walking tour of historical buildings in downtown Aspen, with interesting stories around every corner. This tour begins across the street from the Wheeler Opera House and ends at the historic Hotel Jerome. Click here to register and learn more.
Decade by Decade (11:00 am Tuesday – Saturday, Wheeler Stallard Museum) Decade by Decade: Aspen Revealed explores the stories that shaped the community’s distinct identity: from mining boom to dilapidated ranching town to today’s international recreational and cultural resort, Aspen forged a unique path. Featuring photographs and artifacts that represent Aspen’s connection to national events and trends, the exhibition reflects on the community’s place within the larger historical landscape of the nation – sometimes congruent, sometimes divergent – but always exciting.
Aspen’s DarkSide Ghost Tour (8:00 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 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. Reservations are required, click here to learn more.
Friday, September 22
Jeffrey Gibson: The Spirts are Laughing (All Day, Aspen Art Museum) Jeffrey Gibson’s practice mixes Indigenous aesthetic histories with the visual language of Modernism to explore culture, history, and identity. The artist works with garments, sculpture, performance, video, and painting to consider the complex and fluid narratives surrounding selfhood in this country. Gibson uses his surroundings as sources, mixing references from contemporary politics with pop culture and queer iconography to create unexpected connections within his world. This exhibition will be on display through November 5th.
Highlights of Aspen Tour (Friday & Saturday 1:00 pm, Downtown Aspen) 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. Reservations required click here to learn more.
Red Butte Cemetery Tour (1:30 pm, Red Butte Cemetery) A guided tour of one of Aspen’s oldest cemeteries, including insight into the lives of the locals who are buried there. Tour duration is 1 hour. Meets and ends at the Red Butte Cemetery front gate on Cemetery Lane. Click here to register and learn more about the tour.
An Evening with 40 oz to Freedom at Belly Up Aspen (9:00 pm, Belly Up) ‘40oz to Freedom’ is an accomplished and highly energetic Sublime tribute band and winner of the 2010 San Diego Music Award for Best Tribute Artist. 40oz has toured the entire US, Canada, and Mexico for more than 16 years, amassing a loyal and enthusiastic following. They are authentically the closest thing to Sublime, since Sublime. 40oz was founded in SoCal in 2007 and is currently based in Denver, CO. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more.
Saturday, September 23
Golden Leaf Half Marathon (8:00 am, Fanny Hill Snowmass Village) 13.1 mile trail race with nearly 1000 ft of elevation gain from Snowmass to Aspen. Runners from across the US will descend upon Aspen, Colorado to participate in the much anticipated Golden Leaf Half Marathon. Vote by Trail Runner Magazine as one of “America’s 14 Most Scenic Races” and Colorado Runner Magazine as the “Best Half Marathon” in 2008, the Golden Leaf is one of the most beautiful foot races in the Rockies. In the height of the picturesque fall colors of Colorado, reds, greens, and the famous gold’s of the Aspen Trees will guide runners on this challenging course from Snowmass to Aspen. The course traverses the mountains of Snowmass and Aspen at breathtaking heights with fabulous mountain views. The trail can be narrow and steep at times with elevation gains of 970 feet peaking at 9,400 feet in elevation.
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. Open on Saturdays from 8:30 AM - 2 PM, the market offers Colorado-grown fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, jams, and more as well as a food court for lunch or a snack.
Victorian West End Walking Tour (10:30 am, Wheeler Stallard Museum) A guided stroll through Aspen’s Victorian West End residential neighborhood, with a focus on history and architecture. Learn little-known facts about the neighborhood’s homes and the people who lived in them. This tour ends at the historic Hotel Jerome. Click here to register and learn more.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet: Complexions Contemporary Ballet (8:00 pm, Aspen District Theatre) The Fall in Love With Dance series concludes with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, back by popular demand! This high-octane company knocked our socks off last season with their thrilling, sold-out tribute to David Bowie. For this appearance, the music of Lenny Kravitz sets the stage for Love Rocks, a rousing spectacle that will bring you to your feet. Founded in 1994 by Ailey alums Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, this NYC-based ensemble has toured the globe several times over, and represents one of the most recognized, diverse, inclusive and respected performing arts brands in the world.
Sunday, September 24
The Aspen Institute presents Walter Isaacson (11:00 am, Paepcke Auditorium) Featuring Walter Isaacson, bestselling biographer, Professor of History at Tulane University, and former President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, on his newest book Elon Musk (September 2023). Isaacson will delve into the life and story of one of today’s most intriguing and controversial figures. How did Musk become a leader in such diverse industries, from electric vehicles to space exploration to Twitter? We have designed the event and reception to take place in the morning, acknowledging the Jewish holiday, and we wish all those observing Yom Kippur an easy fast. While attendance at the events is free and open to everyone, registration is required, and capacity is established on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Inaugural Aspen Croquet Cup (11:30 am, Aspen Meadows) Presented by The Aspen Meadows, Hotel Jerome, and The Little Nell. Join at The Aspen Meadows Marble Garden on Sunday, September 24, from 11:30 am to 4 pm for the Inaugural Aspen Croquet Cup and take part in a fun afternoon of fundraising, food, drinks, live music, croquet play, and more. Spectator tickets are available, as well as a limited number of team registrations and an array of sponsorship options. The Inaugural Aspen Croquet Cup serves as a benefit for local non-profits chosen by the teams and sponsors. Please Note: Croquet play is from 12 - 3 pm, participants must be 21+, click here for more information,
An Evening with Daniel Donato at Belly Up Aspen (7:00 pm, Belly Up Aspen) There might be no other band that was able to channel the generational anxiety in those early millennial years and turn it into such powerful and inclusive art quite like Band of Horses. Band of Horses fashioned gorgeously ragged epics, Ben Bridwell’s high-flying vocals and eccentric enunciation floating like a specter that felt like a prelude to a dream. Full of profundity, truth, and sometimes just homespun advice on how to live, Band of Horses songs have become anthems and touchstones for fans. Purchase tickets and learn more here.
Monday, September 25
Aspen’s Past to Present Tour (10:00 am Mondays & Wednesday, 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. Click here to register.
Nature & Me: Animals in Fall (10:30 am, Hallam Lake) Explorers big and small, join us for this 7-week Nature & Me series and learn about nature’s busy time during the fall months, and how animals enjoy plentiful fruits of early fall as they get into the busy preparations for the winter slumber. The leaves are changing colors, birds are starting to migrate, bears are eating every waking hour to prepare for the colder days… must be autumn in the mountains! This beginner class will focus on sensory activities, repetition, and becoming comfortable in a group setting and at the Hallam Lake. Click here to learn more.
Jon Francis: Colorado Sidelight (9:00 am, Red Brick Center for the Arts) In a world of disposable everything, Jon paints urban landscapes to record, preserve, and savor what has shaped Colorado. Old signs, and especially neon signs, are rendered with care and beauty. By the act of painting these scenes and objects, Jon strives to save them from being forgotten as forward movement scrapes them from our lives.
Experience Aspen Virtually with these Ongoing Online Events!
Learn about the history of Aspen with Aspen Historical Society. They post daily images to social media from their archive of more than 12,000 historical images. Visit archiveaspen.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for a daily dose of Aspen history.
Each week Aspen Institute curates timely conversations from across Aspen Institute programming. They seek to elevate formidable leaders, inspiring thinkers, and remarkable stories. Listen to their weekly podcast, “Aspen Ideas To Go” which gives listeners front-row access to events presented at the Aspen Institute including the Aspen Ideas Festival. New episodes come out every Tuesday.
If you missed Aspen Center for Environmental Studies' Naturalist Nights, you can watch videos of previous presentations available online here.
The Red Brick Center for the Arts is offering virtual adult and kids online arts classes; Check out their blog, Creative Connections, for updates on current offerings.
Bring Aspen to life with our coloring book pages, download them here.
Connect with Aspen Chamber Resort Association on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.