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Aspen is home to an exceptional live music scene, drawing top-notch artists from all over the world. From classical music and jazz to electronic, rock, country, and everything in between, Aspen offers a range of genres and venues, bringing people of all ages together.
Whether you are looking for intimate jazz performances to warm your soul during our cold winter months, relaxing Bluegrass at the top of Aspen Mountain during summer, or world-class classical music at the Michael Klein Music Tent, experience live music in the mountains.
The Aspen Music Festival & School (AMFS) was founded in 1949, as part of Aspen's cultural renaissance following WWII. It is among the top classical music festivals in the United States, renowned for its concert programming and musical training. While the Michael Klein Music Tent on the Aspen Institute Campus is its primary summer venue, AMFS hosts events throughout the Aspen area. Its signature eight-week summer season includes hundreds of classical music events ranging from orchestra and chamber music performances to family activities and lectures. A favorite summer pastime is packing a picnic and enjoying the 4pm Sunday afternoon concert for free on the listening lawn outside the tent. You are also likely to see the music students playing on the walking mall in the summer evenings. In the winter, AMFS presents the beloved Winter Music Series at a beautiful venue, the Harris Concert Hall.
Belly Up Aspen is a 450-person music venue that hosts top-notch live music year-round, featuring both local talent and today's biggest artists. On August 7th and 8th, Belly Up Aspen's Up in the Sky Music Festival returns to Buttermilk Mountain for an epic weekend of outdoor music in a beautiful mountain setting. This year's headliners are John Summit and Dom Dolla.
Free performances are held on Saturdays and Sundays atop Aspen Mountain. On Saturdays, enjoy classical music on the mountain in the concert meadow performed by the talented students of the Aspen Music Festival & School. Located just a short walk from the top of the gondola.
On Sundays, you can see a variety of bluegrass musicians from around Colorado. Bluegrass Sunday concerts are located just outside of the Sundeck. Purchase of gondola ticket required for both events.
Paul JAS Center
The Paul JAS Center opened in December 2025 and serves as a permanent home for Jazz Aspen Snowmass and a community hub for concerts, education, and special events. Located in the heart of downtown Aspen (above the historic Red Onion), the Paul JAS Center hosts premier live performances year-round.
Summer Events
Jazz Aspen Snowmass is set to host its annual summer music festivals, JAS June Experience and JAS Labor Day Experience. The JAS June Experience is a multi-day summer festival featuring jazz, soul, blues, and world music performances in a variety of venues in downtown Aspen. JAS Labor Day Experience is hosted in Snowmass Town Park and offers a range of genres. This year's headliners are Benson Boone, Tim McGraw, and Red Clay Strays.
Since 1889, the Wheeler Opera House has been a community staple for live, year-round entertainment. From speakers and film screenings to comedy festivals and live music, plus more, this historic venue brings a range of performances to downtown Aspen; be sure to catch a show!
Live music is also available at the Aspen Saturday Market and many restaurants and hotels around town. Here are a few suggestions to check out: Limelight Hotel, St. Regis Aspen, and Living Room Bar at the Hotel Jerome.
