This Week in Aspen

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.

Valley View University - Spot It Early: Skin Cancer Prevention (12:00 PM, Virtual Event) In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, join for a free virtual discussion exploring skin cancer prevention and early detection strategies, as well as the diagnosis of skin cancer and treatment options. This 30-minute webinar, followed by open Q&A, will be led by Calaway-Young Cancer Center’s Oncologist and Hematologist Aaron Alizadeh, MD. To learn more, 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.

Aspen’s DarkSide Ghost Tour (Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays, 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. Reservations required. Purchase tickets here!

Sound Bath & Forest Bathing at Hallam Lake (5:15 PM, Hallam Lake) Join Aspen local Megan DiSabatino for a restorative sound journey and magical evening forest bathing in nature at Hallam Lake. Slow down and reconnect as you deeply relax and breathe, bathing in the healing sound frequency of the natural world and singing crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, chimes, gongs and drums, and soak up the beauty and wonder of the meadows and forests around Toklat. You’ll engage all of your senses as you explore the trees, wildflowers, meadow grasses and calming waters of Hallam Lake. Sound healing is one of the oldest forms of medicine. Sound healing can be traced back 40,000 years to indigenous Australians using ancient sounds for healing work. Sounds and vibrations synchronize our fluctuating minds by providing a stable frequency which our brains can rest on and attune to. Sound creates a pathway to a place of peace and stillness the same as mantra helps you arrive at a still point for meditation. Sound healing balances and clears the mind and leads to a renewed sense of purpose, well being, calm and pure happiness. It reduces stress, anxiety, depression and supports mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Please wear cozy clothes, bring layers, a yoga mat or blanket (or borrow one), pillow and water. Will happen rain or shine! To register, click here.

Explore the Aspen Art Museum (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Tuesday - Sunday, Aspen Art Museum) Located in the heart of downtown Aspen, the Aspen Art Museum brings the community together through art, hosting critical dialogues, exhibitions, and events. On May 20th, a new exhibition is set to make its debut at the Aspen Art Museum: Kerstin Brätsch: Fossil Psychic Stone Mimicry (Aspen), and there's still time to explore Keith Mayerson: My American Dream (Rocky Mountain High). Learn more here!

Mahjong (3:00 PM, MOLLIE Aspen) Settle in for a Mahjong gathering in the Roof Lounge & Terrace—an easygoing way to unwind while picking up a new skill or sharpening your game. The first hour features guided instruction for those learning the ropes, with tips on strategy, pacing, and tile reading in a relaxed, social setting. As the sun lowers, the session transitions into open play, where guests can join a table, practice what they’ve learned, or simply enjoy the rhythm of the game at their own pace. Mahjong sets will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase throughout—making it just as much about the atmosphere as it is the play. To register, click here.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet: Ballet Recital (6:30 PM, Wheeler Opera House) Aspen Santa Fe Ballet School students are looking forward to returning to the stage for the 2026 Spring Recital. For more than three decades, the ASFB School has nurtured young dancers across Colorado and Northern New Mexico, fostering both technical excellence and a lifelong love of dance. This annual performance highlights the progress and dedication of rising artists of all ages as they share their talents in a vibrant 90-minute program. To purchase tickets, click here.

Memorial Day Weekend (Friday - Monday, Aspen) Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of summer in Aspen. Settle into the season with scenic drives on Independence Pass, bird’s-eye views from the Silver Queen Gondola, outdoor adventures, and local events. Explore our guide to Memorial Day Weekend adventures in Aspen here.

11th Annual Pristine Riders Trash Crush (10:00 AM, Meet at North Star Nature Preserve’s South Gate Parking Lot) The 11th Annual Pristine Riders Trash Crush community clean-up and environmental stewardship event is being held Friday, May 22nd from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM rain or shine meeting at North Star Nature Preserve’s South Gate parking lot. The event is hosted by Pristine Riders, a local 501c3 non-profit combining a love for cycling and environmental stewardship and Sun Dog Athletics, celebrating their 30th Anniversary as “Aspen’s Adventure Sports School.” The volunteer litter clean-up along Hwy 82 east of Aspen, East of Aspen trail, ABC trail, Castle Creek Rd., Maroon Creek Rd., McClain Flats Rd. and Owl Creek Rd. is necessary to address our growing litter problem and an ideal way to give back, showing appreciation for our backyard in the Elk Mountains. Trash Crush is also a friend and awareness raiser for environmental stewardship, inspiring others to care for our natural environment. Partnering with CDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program, orange safety vests & trash bags will be provided. NEW state of the art litter grabbers are available. Sponsors include Pitkin County Solid Waste Center, the City of Aspen, Aspen Elks and Aspen Après Ski School. Raffle sponsors include Ute Mountaineer, Aspen Sauna Co and Aspen Emporium. The first 25 volunteers to sign up at sundog@sopris.net will receive a complimentary volunteer alfresco lunch courtesy of the NEW 520 Grill and includes a team photo, Trashy Awards and volunteer raffle with special prizes. Adults age 18 and older and kids age 7 and older accompanied by adults are invited. Sun protection, long pants, work gloves, water and extra clothing are suggested. Details and registration are available by contacting Pristine Riders Executive Director Erik Skarvan at sundog@sopris.net or (970) 925-1069. Like Pristine Riders and Sun Dog Athletics on Facebook for updates. To learn more, click here.

Spritz Fridays (3:00 PM, MOLLIE Aspen) Kick off the weekend at MOLLIE Aspen with a little sparkle at Spritz Fridays, sponsored by Bom Dia Bubbles. Sip your way through a bright, spring-forward cocktail menu while rotating DJs set the vibe with live, feel-good beats all afternoon into evening. The hot tub is open to the public, so bring your suit and soak it all in—literally—while taking in unbeatable views of Aspen Mountain. Bubbly drinks, sunshine energy, music, and mountain views… Fridays don’t get better than this. Come early, stay late, and spritz responsibly. DJs will set the vibes from 5:00pm–8:00pm, with the spa pool & bar open from 3:00pm–8:00pm. This week features DJ Takki; no tickets required. To learn more, click here.

Summer Reading Kickoff Party (3:00 PM, Pitkin County Library) Join Pitkin County Library for their annual Summer Reading Kickoff Party to celebrate the start of their Summer Reading Program, which runs from May 22 to August 7, 2026. Expect free food, games, and fun with their community partners to celebrate the start of a beautiful summer season while you pick up your Summer Reading Program booklet! Booklets are available for all-ages and the Library offers Summer Reading Prizes for participation throughout the duration of the program! Learn more at sign-up. For more information, click here.

Vision Board Workshop (6:00 PM, MOLLIE Aspen) Join MOLLIE Aspen for a Vision Board Workshop and create a visual reflection of your goals during this relaxed, creative hour designed to inspire clarity and intention. MOLLIE Aspen will provide all the collage materials — you bring the inspiration and ideas you’d like to explore. Settle into a cozy atmosphere, sip on a drink, and enjoy a snack from the Wine Bar menu as you create at your own pace. Complimentary to MOLLIE hotel guests. $20 per person for the public. Advance registration is recommended as space is limited. To purchase tickets, click here.

Roaring Fork Rising (Saturday & Sunday - Select Dates Throughout May, The Vault at the Wheeler) Roaring Fork Rising was launched in 2025 as a new initiative designed to celebrate and support local talent in the Roaring Fork Valley. Hosted in The Vault, this program offers artists from Aspen to New Castle the opportunity to perform original work and connect with the community through live events at the historic Wheeler Opera House. This weekend features Emery Major with Hannah Koivu (May 22, 2026) and Alya Howe, WRIT LARGE presents Women's Voices (May 23, 2026). To purchase tickets, click here.

An Evening With Dreams Unwind (8:30 PM, Belly Up Aspen) Dreams Unwind is a Fleetwood Mac Experience born in Northern Colorado in 2025. Delivering an immersive journey and capturing the ethereal mysticism of Stevie Nicks, the driving rhythms of Lindsey Buckingham, and the soulful melodies of Christine McVie that defined a generation. The band’s singular vision has been dedicated to reviving the timeless sound and spirit of the legendary band. Fleetwood Mac with authenticity, precision, and heart. Dreams Unwind brings world-class musicianship, powerful vocals, and an infectious energy to every performance—inviting audiences to let the music take them back to rock’s golden age. To purchase tickets, 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 learn more, click 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.

O’Connor Brothers Band (7:30 PM, Belly Up Aspen) Some might say O’Connor Brothers Band is just a Rock Band at heart…. Others claim them to be something more…. Born in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, these boys combine that laid back mountain town vibe with a defiant pursuit of a sonic identity all their own. The band has spent the last decade traveling far and wide with one sole purpose: to prove to the people that there is, in fact, something new to be discovered in the world of music. Playing a rebellious strain of Rock, Blues, Folk, Soul, and Jazz infused music, every show this band plays will musically ride that sweet line between driving real damn fast, and crashing the car into a bridge embankment… and they haven’t crashed yet. To purchase tickets, 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!

W Aspen’s Splash Into Summer Memorial Day Weekend Pool Party (2:00 PM, W Aspen) Splash into summer with a vibrant rooftop afternoon of poolside music, mountain air, and a grill-out that sets the tone for the warm months. 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.