Aspen Events and Festivals

(Aspen, Colorado - CO, USA)

Aspen's resort founders were determined to develop the town not only as a world-class ski resort, but also as a center for numerous cultural pursuits, events, festivals, outdoor activities and things to do, intellectual debates and learning.

One of the major results of this push is the town's particularly high number of cultural events and festivals that keep the Aspen calendar full throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Some of the town's best known events include the Aspen Music Festival and the ESPN Winter X Games.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Aspen Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• X Games - late January, held at Buttermilk Mountain and showcasing the world's best talent in extreme skiing and snowboarding
• Aspen Gay Ski Week - mid-January, a week-long party prompoted by the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF) with a variety of events including comedy nights, Djs, dinners and pools parties, so suitable for novice and experienced skiers
• Big Air Fridays - January to March, prepare for jaw-dropping jumps and stunts at Snowmass every Friday

February

• The Aspen Laff Fest - late February, hosted by the Wheeler Opera House with an excellent range of comedians and acts from across the country

March

• St. Patrick's Day - March 17th, celebrations including concerts and other performances
• Spring Jam - mid-March, a series of concerts and performances held at Aspen and Snowmass
• 7908 Aspen Songwriters Festival - late March / early April, a four day musical event present by John Oates from the American duo Hall and Oates

April

• No significant festivals in Aspen during April

May

• No significant festivals in Aspen during May

June

• Snowmass Village Rodeo - late June to late August, a whole range of rodeo events as well as children's activities and food stalls
• Aspen Music Festival - mid-June to late August, one of the country's premier summer music festivals since 1949, it features symphonic and chamber music, opera, choral and children's events. Concerts are performed in a variety of top locations including the summit of Aspen Mountain
• JazzAspen - late June, popular jazz festival held at Snowmass featuring nationally known performers
• Aspen Summer Words - late June, a writing retreat and literary festival organized by the Aspen Writers' Foundation

July

• Independence Day - July 4th, Aspen puts on a spectacular show including fireworks, a parade, air show and bicycle rodeo to celebrate the nation's birthday
• Michael Martin Murphy West Fest - early July, held at Snowmass and featuring concerts, art exhibits, rodeo competitions, cowboy poetry, re-enactments and various exhibitions

August

• Snowmass Village Arts and Crafts - early August, an eclectic mix of over 50 artists showcasing and selling artworks
• Blast the Mass - mid-August, top mountain bike racers compete for the title of regional champion and a chance to qualify for the national championships
• MountainSummit: Mountainfilm in Aspen - held in late August at the Wheeler Opera House, four days of film, discussions and speakers

September

• Aspen FilmFest - late September, always an exciting line up of independent films and documentaries
• JazzAspen / Snowmass Labor Day Festival - early September, more great jazz performances from well-known musicians
• The Meeting - late September, a gathering for the ski and snowboarding community with a film festival, art, fashion show, speakers and more

October

• John Denver Tribute - held at the Wheeler Opera House in mid-October, a weekend of concerts celebrating the life of John Denver

November

• Opening Day - late November, Snowmass and Aspen Mountains open for the winter season

December

• Opening Day - early December, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk celebrate opening for the winter season
• Storm the Stars - mid-December, a race up Aspen Mountain