From stage to screen, local organizations host a diverse range of arts and culture events, celebrating creativity and bringing the community together. Experience exceptional arts and culture in the heart of downtown Aspen all season long.
Exhibitions
The Aspen Institute celebrated its 75th anniversary this summer. Free hour-long tours of the exhibition, Sculpting the Environment (on display until April 18, 2026), are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 pm, and Saturdays at 3 pm at the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies. Tour-goers will learn more about Bayer's relationship with the landscape and his particular fondness for Aspen, where he was given free rein to sculpt the Aspen Meadows into a gesamtkunstwerk, or total work of art. This winter season, Aspen Institute will offer Sharing Shakespeare, an exploration of King Lear, along with seminars including various Youth Seminars, Great Decisions Seminar Series, and Great Books Seminar Series. To learn more and register, visit aspeninstitute.org.
Don't miss the Aspen Art Museum's upcoming winter exhibits:
- Glenn Ligon: Break It Down - November 21st, 2025 - March 15th, 2026
- Shahryar Nashat: Raw Is the Red - November 21st, 2025 - April 26th, 2026
- Jacqueline Humphries - December 12th, 2025 - April 5th, 2026
- Victoria Colmenga: Play Technique - December 12th, 2025 - March 15th, 2026
Performances
DanceAspen, a local professional dance company, has showcased international choreographers and created 30+ world premieres. This winter, DanceAspen will present A Snowy Soirée on December 22nd, featuring a festive, holiday-themed performance complete with post-show cocoa and cookies. Later in the season, DanceAspen will present re:imagine, a contemporary dance performance that challenges convention and reshapes tradition, at the Wheeler Opera House on February 21 & 22.
The historic Wheeler Opera House will kick off the winter season with a festive month of holiday performances. Throughout the winter, they will present a variety of events, ranging from live music to comedy shows (including John Mulaney!) to theater performances to screenings, and much more. The fun continues in March with the return of the Aspen Laugh Festival, bringing world-class comedians to the Rockies for 5 days of laughs.
Live Music
Aspen Music Festival and School and the Wheeler Opera House will host renowned pianist and composer, Chloe Flower for a holiday concert on December 23rd. Additionally, AMFS will present three unforgettable evenings of classic music in February and March during their annual Winter Music Recital Series.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass is set to open the Paul JAS Center, a community hub for culture, education, and special events, on December 19th. Located above the historic Red Onion, the center's opening will kick off with an unforgettable performance from Trombone Shorty and host a range of concerts throughout the season.
Belly Up Aspen is a local staple for live entertainment, hosting both today's biggest artists and up and coming local talent in an intimate setting. Belly Up Aspen offers a full season of live music, featuring artists including Diplo, Sofi Tukker, LCD Soundsystem, Alesso, Foreigner, and many more!
Palm Tree Music Festival (February 20th - 21st) - The Palm Tree Music Festival returns to the heart of Aspen for a two-day, outdoor concert produced by Belly Up Aspen, Palm Tree Crew, and C3 Presents. Headliners Calvin Harris, Sammy Virji, Kygo, and Mau P are joined by more incredible performers for an unforgettable festival experience.
Film
From April 7th - 11th, Aspen Film will present the 35th edition of Shortsfest, an annual, premier short film festival known for discovering up and coming talent. Shortsfest features a range of genres, inviting attendees to enjoy screenings, panels, workshops, and more throughout the festival. Leading up to Shortsfest, Aspen Film will host monthly Indie Showcase screenings at the Aspen Film Isis Theatre starting December 4th. Aspen Film's Science on Screen® series, kicking off in January, blends science and cinema, pairing screenings with expert guest speakers. Radical Wednesdays, a series of retro ski films, returns in February!
Learn more about Aspen's thriving arts and culture scene.
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Can't make it this winter? Watch the video below to learn about summer arts & culture event programming.
