This Week in Aspen

City of Aspen Open Space Birding (7:00 AM, Marolt Open Space) Offered in partnership with City of Aspen 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 ACES 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. The group will get some practice with field marks of both adult and immature plumages. *These outings will take place on terrain that is rugged in spots, including walking on and around rocks and tree roots, and on short steep sections. Trail surfaces will be natural soil, and rocky, uneven ground as well as grass and asphalt. This outing requires advance registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Participants must register by 5pm on the day prior to the outing. The meeting location will be communicated to registered participants. To register, click here.

Theatre Aspen Presents Grease (July 31 - August 29, Hurst Theatre) Grease Leather jackets, poodle skirts, and the electrifying sound of rock ’n’ roll bring Rydell High to life in Grease. This beloved musical follows the ups and downs of teenage love, friendship, and finding your place in the crowd. Bursting with unforgettable hits and infectious energy, it’s a feel-good celebration of youth, music, and the thrill of first love. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals. To purchase a ticket, click here.

Aspen's Past to Present Tour (Mondays & Thursdays, 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. Native Legend, Mining Folklore & Local Tales bring History to life on an entertaining guided walk. 90 minutes long with distance of approximately 1 mile along sidewalks, pedestrian ways and parks of mostly flat terrain. Reservations required - reserve your spot here.

Know Your Trees | Tree Identification Walk (4:00 PM, Hallam Lake) Advance registration is required. Know Your Trees will be offered weekly from Monday, June 15 through Monday, August 24, 2026. Firs and spruces, aspens and cottonwoods… how many trees do you know? Come explore the ACES backyard and discover up to a dozen species of conifers and deciduous trees. And let’s not forget about the great variety of tall shrubs that are all around us! Join the Naturalist Program Director Jim Kravitz or the Forest Program Director Adam McCurdy on this hour-long walk around the Hallam Lake neighborhood to identify local trees. Participants will walk away with The Rocky Mountain Tree Finder booklet and basic knowledge about the native trees that grow in our neighborhood. To register, click here.

Aspen’s Off the Beaten Path Tour (Tuesdays & Fridays, 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. Reservations are required. To sign up, click here.

Neighborhood History Tour: West End (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 AM, Meets Outside The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies) Step back in time through Aspen’s storied West End residential neighborhood, a quiet gem of tree-lined boulevards bordered by the Aspen Meadows, the Aspen Institute, and the Wheeler/Stallard Museum campuses. Learn little-known facts about the area, from native Ute activity to the former racetrack and rodeo, on a stroll past the neighborhood’s countless historical homes – immaculate examples of Victorian and midcentury modern architecture – with stories of the people who lived there as the town bustled and grew around them.Meets outside The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies. This walking tour takes place on the trails, sidewalks, lawns, and street-sides on the Meadows campus and in the West End neighborhood. To register, click here.

JAS Community Night – Open Mic Night (5:00 PM, Paul JAS Center) Every Tuesday, Jazz Aspen Snowmass is turning the spotlight on locals and community members! This Tuesday, bring your talent (or just come to enjoy) as they showcase music, poetry, comedy, and more! Free admission with food & drinks available for purchase. To learn more, click here.

Cooldown Aspen Group Run (6:30 PM, Aspen Tap) Cooldown is a nationwide social club disguised as a running/walking club! All paces are welcome. Cooldown’s focus is on meeting new people, making friends, and ensuring everyone stays for the post-run drinks. Join Cooldown for a 1-3 mile walk, run, or jog. Meet outside of Aspen Tap. Run starts @ 6:30pm so please arrive a few minutes early. Happy Hour priced drinks for all attendees post-run! Select evenings will also feature samples and giveaways! To learn more, click here.

Pitkin County Open Space Birding | Jaffee Park (7:30 AM, Meeting Location Communicated to Participants) In partnership with Pitkin County Open Space & Trails 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. The group 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. The 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! This class requires advanced registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Participants must register by 5pm on the day prior to the outing. Meeting location will be communicated in advance to registered participants. To register, click here.

Downtown History Tour: Aspen Through the Eras (Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 10:30 AM, Across from the Wheeler Opera House) Aspen Historical Society’s cornerstone walking tour of the buildings, sites, and scenes around downtown Aspen, with interesting stories around every corner. This tour meets across from the storied Wheeler Opera House, by the iconic dancing fountain and begins with a history “primer” at the Sister Cities Plaza on Wagner Park followed by a stroll through the historical downtown core before finishing at the iconic Hotel Jerome. With a focus on historical buildings, this tour offers a broad view of Aspen’s history with many interesting tidbits at each stop. Meets across from the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave. Weather dependent. This walking tour takes place on the pedestrian malls; sidewalks; and street-sides in downtown Aspen. To learn more, click here.

Aspen Historical Society Presents: History Tours (1:30 PM, Wheeler Opera House) Enjoy a guided tour inside the center of Aspen’s arts and cultural scene since it was built in 1889. This free tour led by the Aspen Historical Society and in partnership with the City of Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House offers an insider’s look at the iconic building, including its recent renovations and storied past. Meet in the lobby. To learn more, click here.

Public Lecture - Aspen Center for Physics (5:30 pm, Flag Forum) Come see visiting physicists give public talks, exploring cutting-edge ideas in ways non-scientists can understand! Summer lectures, which run on select Wednesdays June – August at 5:30pm at the Center, are presented in memory of Heinz R. Pagels, a Rockefeller University physics professor, and a twenty-year member of the Aspen Center for Physics. A part-time Aspen resident, Professor Pagels died here in a mountaineering accident in 1988. His family and friends instituted the lecture series in his honor because he devoted much of his life to disseminating scientific knowledge. This week, Moumita Das will present "Why Your Knees Don’t Wear Out (Until They Do)". To learn more and register, click here.

North Star Birding (7:30 AM, Meets at the South Gate Parking Lot) In partnership with Pitkin County Open Space & Trails Dispersing juvenile birds and early migrants are on the move by mid-August. This special birding outing will focus on learning about bird migration patterns in the Roaring Fork Valley, the importance of protected habitats for their resting and refueling needs, and how bird migration connects us to countries, continents, and hemispheres as birds begin the sensational phenomenon of fall migration. The group will discuss the many environmental factors, internal cues, and physical adaptations birds use as they migrate between breeding and wintering ranges. This class requires advanced registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Participants must register by 5pm on the day prior to the outing. This class meets at the South Gate parking lot, 2.1 miles from the intersection of Main/Hwy 82 and Original Street (paraglider’s parking lot). There are no restroom facilities at this location. To register, click here.

Free Exhibition Tours of Double Take: Recurrent Dialogues in the Art of Herbert Bayer (Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12:30 PM, Saturdays at 3:00 PM, Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies) Free exhibition tours of “Double Take: Recurrent Dialogues in the Art of Herbert Bayer.” Learn about the evolution of key motifs in Bayer’s vast output of paintings, drawings, collages and photographs. Featuring works on loan from the Denver Art Museum, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and the George Eastman Museum in Rochester. Tours are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-1:30pm, and Saturdays, 3-4pm. To learn more, click here.

Hotel Jerome History Tour (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 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. The program includes a history primer in the lobby followed by a brief tour of the first-floor area to experience the history of Aspen as seen through the eyes of the tastefully restored historic hotel. This tour takes place indoors, throughout the first floor of the Hotel Jerome. To register, click here.

Live Music Night at MOLLIE (5:00 PM, MOLLIE Aspen) Join MOLLIE Aspen on their Roof Terrace for live music. Set against sweeping views of Aspen Mountain, settle in with a signature cocktail or a glass of wine and let the music elevate your evening. This week, enjoy live music from Penelope Thornton. Based in the Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado, singer/songwriter Penelope Thornton draws from folk, country, blues, and jazz traditions. Her music blurs the edges between genres, creating performances that are both raw and rooted. To learn more, click here.

Snowmass Free Concert Series (5:30 PM, Fanny Hill) This long-standing summer tradition and local favorite returns to Fanny Hill every Thursday evening, June 18-August 27, 2026. This may be the best way to enjoy some of the country’s best live bands in a relaxed atmosphere with a spectacular mountain backdrop. This week, Typical Ghost (Jam/Rock/Funk) performs, with James Freeborn as the opening act. Don't miss the last Thursday night concert of the summer! To learn more, click here.

CRESCENDO: The Wheeler Opera House Presents DanceAspen (Thursday & Friday, 7:30 PM, Wheeler Opera House) Experience an electrifying evening of dance that builds in rhythm, energy, and emotion.CRESCENDO brings together DanceAspen’s acclaimed artists for a dynamic program featuring bold contemporary works, live music, and a world premiere inspired by the music and spirit of John Denver. At the heart of the evening is the North American premiere of Samantha Lynch’s powerful interpretation of Ravel’s iconic Boléro—a mesmerizing duet that steadily intensifies to a thrilling finale. The program also features Alejandro Cerrudo’s cheeky tribute to the smooth sounds of Dean Martin, audience favorite Cayetano Soto’s captivating choreography, and the world premiere excerpt of Take Me Home, a Wheeler Opera House commission choreographed by Penny Saunders, Jonah Delgado, and Matthew Gilmore and performed with a live band. From sweeping music to breathtaking athleticism, CRESCENDO celebrates the artistry, passion, and innovation that define DanceAspen. Join DanceAspen for an unforgettable summer evening and be among the first audiences to experience the world premiere preview of Take Me Home, Dances to John Denver. This performance includes revealing costuming. Parental discretion is advised. To purchase tickets, click here.

Monster Rally (7:30 PM, Belly Up Aspen) Ted Feighan has never been interested in staying in one lane for too long — even if that means forging a new lane of his own. When the producer, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist better known as Monster Rally began work on his tenth full-length record Echoes of the Emerald Sands, out Spring 2026 via Flowering Jungle / SoundOn, he gave himself a straightforward set of criteria: Make something unlike anything he’d made before. For someone with tastes and an artistic history as eclectic as Feighan’s, that’s easier said than done. With Echoes of the Emerald Sands, Feighan decided to recruit a whole fleet of artists and industry friends to sing over his recordings. The list of collaborators includes TV Girl, Jordana, Toledo, Mei Semones, X-Cetra, Leisure, Sessa, Nella, Miles Michaud (Allah-Las), Benét, Jordann, Munya, and more. “After I get vocals back from an artist, the track takes on a whole new life and I get into it all over again,” Feighan says. With Echoes of the Emerald Sands, he also ditched the tropical, sample-based plunderphonics that had defined his work since Monster Rally’s 2010 inception, instead recording everything from scratch at his Cleveland home studio. “This record is important to me mostly because I think I’ve proven to myself that I can create a body of work that I’m proud of without using samples or doing things in the ways I have done them in the past. I wasn’t sure that I was going to be able to do it and I had a lot of self doubt, but ultimately it’s been a lesson in pushing through my own discomfort to find new ways of working and a different mindset. I think Echoes of the Emerald Sands shows a different side of me as an artist.” The album isn’t a total left turn; Feighan’s Latin inspirations still poke through on moments like the serene “Blue Bunny,” and his love of hip-hop remains evident through the boom-bap drums of “Sock Hop.” But here, Feighan also incorporates various vintage guitars, a Mellotron, and a collection of Latin hand percussion instruments — just to name a few — resulting in some of the liveliest, most vivid music in Monster Rally history. To read more or purchase a ticket, click here.

Lunchtime Auctionette (11:45 AM, Anderson Ranch Arts Center) Lunchtime Auctionettes are fun, high-energy affairs offering a wonderful opportunity to buy original artwork by Anderson Ranch faculty, Visiting Artists, students and staff, while supporting the Ranch’s educational programs! Lunch will be served from 11:45AM – 12:15PM and can be purchased for $25 upon arrival. The Auctionette will be held from 12:15 – 1PM and is free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated. Lunchtime Auctionettes take place on Fridays from June through September. To learn more and register, click here.

Family Fridays at Holden/Marolt Museum (12:00 PM, Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum) New this summer, enjoy special offerings for all ages on Friday afternoons at Aspen’s only trailside museum! Head to the Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum for an insider’s look at the exhibitions, steam engines and mining machinery, plus guided tours of the restored McMurchy/Zupancis cabin and barn, with life-sized farm animal replicas including the demonstration milking cow! Kids can earn a sticker prize for completing an interactive scavenger hunt, and all guests who bike or walk to the museum will also get stickers. Bring a picnic and enjoy complimentary lemonade on the lawn for a family-friendly afternoon at the museum. Free admission is generously underwritten by Carl’s Pharmacy and Miners’ Building Hardware. Learn more here!

Meet the Artist: Gallery Conversations with Louis Carreon (4:00 PM, M.S. Rau) Spend an afternoon immersed in contemporary art and storytelling at M.S. Rau Aspen. Visitors are invited to view a select showcase of featured works, meet the artist and enjoy a glass of wine. To learn more, click here.

Garden Tours at The Little Nell (4:00 PM, The Little Nell) Experience the tranquility of summer at The Little Nell’s weekly complimentary garden tours, guided by thier passionate resident gardener, Arabella. Join The Little Nell every Friday starting June 26, from 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm. The Nell Gardens celebrate beauty and sustainability, featuring Aspen's only living wall, an herb garden, and more. Discover the secrets of high-altitude gardening and gain valuable tips for your own garden. This cherished tradition is complimentary and open to all. While reservations aren’t required, The Little Nell invites you to register in advance so they can anticipate your attendance. To register, click here.

7908 Reasons to Spend Local Extended Hours (5:00 PM, Downtown Aspen) Aspen stays open a little later this summer. As part of the 7908 Reasons to Spend Local campaign, participating retailers in Aspen's core are extending their hours until 7 p.m. on the last Friday of each month through September. Wander downtown, shop your favorite stores, and discover something new. Remaining extended hours dates: August 28 & September 25. See the full list of participating retailers at https://aspenchamber.org/7908-... To learn more, click here.

The Knocks (8:30 PM, Belly Up Aspen) The prolific multi-GRAMMY-nominated and multi-platinum selling NYC dance music luminaries deliver a carefree electronic sound that draws from disco, house, hip-hop, soul, funk, indie, and pop. Comprised of James Patterson and Ben Ruttner, the duo produce a dizzying array of danceable, New York inspired music, bringing their DJ sets and live electronic performances around the world. With more than 3 billion streams and consistent chart success, they have released 4 full length albums, 5 EP’s, and performed their hit singles on US late night TV shows including Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers. Known for their collaborative prowess, The Knocks have worked with artists across the musical spectrum, ranging from indie [Foster The People, MGMT, MUNA], hip-hop [Cam’ron, Wyclef, Young Thug], dance [Purple Disco Machine, ODESZA, Kungs], and pop [Billie Eilish, Carly Rae Jepsen, Charli XCX]. To purchase a ticket, click here.

Aspen Saturday Market (8:30 AM, Between South Hunter Street, East Hopkins Ave & East Hyman Ave.) Since 1998 this local farmer’s market has been a summer staple in the downtown core. The market features Colorado-produced offerings such as fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, jams, artisan products, sculptures, paintings, and so much more. There is also a food court for lunch or snack provisions. To learn more, click here.

Aspen Parkrun (9:00 AM, Herron Park) Aspen Parkrun is a free community 5k, part of hundreds of Parkrun events taking place every Saturday morning across the U.S and around the world! All levels welcome - run it, walk it, bring the family.... Parkrun is powered by volunteers - no experience needed! Every week participants grab a post parkrun coffee at Swedish Hill at the Aspen Art Museum, 637 East Hyman, Aspen (approx. 800 yards from the finish) - please come and join! To register, click here.

The Five States of Colorado (2023) Documentary Screening (4:00 PM, Pitkin County Library - Dunaway Community Room) The Five States of Colorado: A Revealing Paradigm Showing the Historic Development of a Population as Diverse as the Land Itself (2023)Discover the Many Faces of Colorado! From the towering Rockies to the Eastern Plains, every part of Colorado has its own story. Join the Pitkin County Library for a special documentary screening celebrating America 250–Colorado 150. The film explores the five distinct regions of Colorado separated by geography, culture, history, and economy. Residents of each region are loyal to their part of the state and tend to view other Coloradoans "with a degree of caution." The five "states" are: 1) Southern Colorado, including the San Luis Valley and the plains south of the Arkansas River 2) Western Colorado, encompassing most of the Rocky Mountains, including North, Middle and South Park 3) The eastern plains, north of the Arkansas River from the Front Range 4) The Front Range, consisting of all of the cities and suburbs from Ft. Collins to Pueblo 5) The Denver metropolitan region. Whether you are a lifelong Coloradan or new to the Centennial State, this program offers a deeper look at the people, places, and traditions that continue to define Colorado. To learn more, click here.

The Wailers (7:30 PM, Belly Up Aspen) In 2026, The Wailers celebrate 50 years of Rastaman Vibration, marking a defining moment in reggae history and honoring one of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ most influential albums. This special tour, 50 Years of Positive Vibrations, highlights select cuts from Rastaman Vibration alongside the timeless classics that continue to unite audiences across generations. Released in 1976, Rastaman Vibration was a pivotal album that carried reggae’s message of resistance, spirituality, and hope onto the global stage. Songs like “Positive Vibration,” “Roots, Rock, Reggae,” and “War” remain as relevant today as ever — powerful expressions of music as both a cultural force and a call for unity. Under the leadership of Aston Barrett Jr., son of legendary bassist Aston “Familyman” Barrett, The Wailers continue to honor their roots while carrying the music forward with purpose and authenticity. Joined by Mitchell Brunings, whose soulful vocals and commanding stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide, the band delivers performances that embody the enduring spirit of reggae — uplifting, conscious, and deeply human. In a unique crossover into film, Aston Barrett Jr. portrayed his father in the 2024 biopic Bob Marley: One Love, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir. His portrayal added rare authenticity, grounded in lived experience and a deep personal connection to the legacy. Alongside honoring the past, The Wailers remain firmly rooted in the present. Their recent albums One World and Evolution — both Grammy-nominated — reaffirm the band’s creative vitality. Evolution, produced by Grammy Award-winner Emilio Estefan Jr. on Crescent Moon Records, blends classic roots reggae with contemporary global influences, with songs like “Love Should Be Free” resonating worldwide for their positive and socially conscious message. Audiences can expect a soul-stirring setlist that weaves together the revolutionary spirit of Rastaman Vibration, the band’s classic anthems, and select modern highlights — all delivered with the same authenticity, musicianship, and heart that made The Wailers a cornerstone of global music. 50 Years of Positive Vibrations is more than a tour — it’s a celebration of music with meaning, a living connection between reggae’s golden era and its continuing power to inspire unity, resilience, and hope. To purchase a ticket, click here.

Leisure Hike (Saturdays & Sundays, 10:00 AM, East Aspen Hunter Creek) This light hike connects trails, hidden neighborhoods and nature paths east of town along the Roaring Fork River and the Hunter Creek. The majority of the hike is adjacent to tranquil flowing bodies of water. A great beginner to intermediate hike full of scenic views. Register here!

Highlights of Aspen Tour (Saturdays & Sundays, 12:00 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. To reserve a spot, click here.

Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, & 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. To purchase tickets, click here.

Aspen's Past to Present Tour (Mondays & Thursdays, 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. Native Legend, Mining Folklore & Local Tales bring History to life on an entertaining guided walk. 90 minutes long with distance of approximately 1 mile along sidewalks, pedestrian ways and parks of mostly flat terrain. Reservations required - reserve your spot here.

Downtown History Tour: Aspen Through the Eras (Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 10:30 AM, Across from the Wheeler Opera House) Aspen Historical Society’s cornerstone walking tour of the buildings, sites, and scenes around downtown Aspen, with interesting stories around every corner. This tour meets across from the storied Wheeler Opera House, by the iconic dancing fountain and begins with a history “primer” at the Sister Cities Plaza on Wagner Park followed by a stroll through the historical downtown core before finishing at the iconic Hotel Jerome. With a focus on historical buildings, this tour offers a broad view of Aspen’s history with many interesting tidbits at each stop. Meets across from the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave. Weather dependent. This walking tour takes place on the pedestrian malls; sidewalks; and street-sides in downtown Aspen. To learn more, click here.

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