Summer in Aspen, Colorado is filled with live music, stunning weather, and premier culinary events. From outdoor concerts on Snowmass Mountain to classical music events to the renowned Food & Wine Classic, there are events for the whole family. Summer in Aspen highlights our small mountain town’s big heart. See a breakdown of Aspen Summer Events (2023) below:  

See Artists like the Foo Fighters Perform in a Breathtaking Setting 

JAS Aspen June 22nd -25th and September 1st– 3rd

Hosting both a June experience and Labor Day Experience this year, JAS Aspen Snowmass is sure to be a success. This year’s Labor Day artists include a spectacular lineup of the Foo Fighters, Billy Idol, and The Lumineers. 

JAS Aspen music festival
Photo by Jazz Aspen Snowmass

World-Class Theatre for the Whole Family

Theatre Aspen starting June 22nd

With a variety of summer shows planned, Theatre Aspen is sure to be a delight. The summer season kicks off on June 22nd with ‘Beautiful: A Carole King Musical’. Other events include ‘Doubt: A Parable’, a Cabaret series, and the acclaimed musical ‘Rent’.  

Aspen Theatre at dusk
Photo by Shelly Hamill

A Free Live Concert with a Sunset Backdrop 

Snowmass Free Concert Series June 15th – August 24th  

The Snowmass Summer Concert Series is a local favorite. A free concert on Fanny Hill in Snowmass with new artists performing every week. With food and drink options in the Snowmass Mall, make an evening out of this every Thursday night beginning at 5:30 pm! 

The stage at the Snowmass concert series
Photo by Jeremy Swanson

Organic Food and Handmade Colorado Goods  

Saturday Farmer’s Market beginning June 10th 

With local vendors from all around Colorado, visit the weekly farmer’s market in Downtown Aspen for delicious baking, fresh flowers, and artisan products. Open from 8:30 am – 2 pm every Saturday, look out for the local favorite kettle corn or empanadas.

Aspen Farmer's Market mid summer
Photo by Anna Stonehouse

A Historic Festival for Classical Music Lovers

Aspen Music Festival and School June 29th– August 20th

This classical music festival has been delighting Aspen since 1949. The 2023 Season includes daily music events at the Benedict Music Tent, the Wheeler Opera House, and Harris Concert Hall. Featuring talented students from across the United States, the Aspen Music School is a renowned summer event. 

The tent at Aspen Music School
Photo by Elle Logan

The Event of the Summer for Foodies and Wine Lovers  

Food and Wine Classic June 16th-18th

The Food & Wine Classic is a favorite Aspen Summer event, with guests traveling all over the world to experience it. The event includes wine & spirit tastings, renowned celebrity chef demonstrations, and panel discussions. Previous years’ featured chefs and curators have included Martha Stewart, Eva Longoria, and Guy Fieri.

Aspen Food and Wine Classic at Wagner Park
Photo by Galdones Photography/FOOD & WINE

Spark Creativity and Discussion from World-Renowned Leaders

Aspen Ideas Festival June 23rd–30th

Located at the Aspen Meadows, the Aspen Ideas Festival returns in 2023 for discussions, lectures, and debates from various world leaders. This festival is an opportunity to personally explore innovative ideas in science, politics, the environment, art, business, and foreign policy. This year’s speakers include James Ijames (Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright), Katie Couric (Journalist),  Ryan Gellert (CEO of Patagonia), Rainn Wilson (Actor), and many more!

Mt Sinai talk at Aspen Ideas Festival
Photo by Mt Sinai

Celebrate Independence Day in Aspen Style! 

4th of July Celebrations

The 4th of July is a spectacle in Downtown Aspen with a community parade, live music, street stalls, and a car show. The streets are blocked off from car traffic and filled with celebrations. Of course, the parade is one of the busiest Aspen summer events, and for good reason. This day brings together locals and visitors alike to honor Independence Day in a breathtaking setting

The summer sun shines on the 4th of July in Aspen
Photo by Jeremy Swanson

Test your Endurance in this Epic Mountain Race 

Audi Power of Four Trail Race July 15th  

An endurance race like no other, the Audi Power of Four Summer event includes 10km, 25km, and an incredible 50km ultra race across all four mountains.  An opportunity to experience the terrain of Aspen Mountain, Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass and test your limits.  

Finish line at Audi Power of Four
Photo by Austin Colbert

A Spectacular Summer Event in the Beauty of Snowmass 

Snowmass Balloon Festival September 22nd-24th

An iconic festival in Snowmass, the Balloon Festival includes three morning balloon launches from 7-9:30 am and the Friday evening Balloon Glow event. The balloons launch from Snowmass Town Park, and spectators can drive up, walk or bike to see the balloons up close.

Snowmass Balloon festival: One of the best events in Aspen this Summer
Photo by Jeremy Swanson

Support Local Businesses while Sampling Delicious Food & Wine 

Snowmass Wine Festival September 15th-16th

2023 is the 21st year of the Snowmass Wine Festival, held annually at the Snowmass Town Park. Featuring wine tastings, food samples, and live music with the backdrop of Snowmass Mountain. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village, every dollar from tickets benefits local organizations.

Tents at Snowmass Wine Festival
Photo by Snowmass Wine Festival

Enjoy Live Music and Stunning Views of Aspen Mountain all Afternoon

Bluegrass Sundays June 18th– September 3rd

Aspen Mountain’s Sundeck restaurant plays host to free weekly Bluegrass live music events. With lawn games, great food & drinks – this is an afternoon activity for the whole family. Purchase a Silver Queen Gondola ticket and head up to the top of Aspen Mountain every Sunday this Summer. 

Sitting at the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain in Summer

2023 Summer Events Calendar

Weekly Events:  

Saturday Farmer’s Market: Downtown Aspen- Every Saturday from June 10th from 8:30 am until 2 pm 

Snowmass Summer Concerts: Fanny Hill, Snowmass Mountain- Every Thursday, June 15th– August 24th, doors open at 5:30 pm, and music begins at 6:30 pm 

Bluegrass Sundays: Sundeck, Aspen Mountain – Every Sunday from June 18th– September 3rd from 12 pm to 3 pm 

Summer-Long Events: 

Theatre Aspen: Hurst Theatre, John Denver Sanctuary- starting June 22nd 

Aspen Music Festival & School: Benedict Music Tent- June 29th– August 20th  

June Events: 

Food and Wine Classic: Wagner Park- June 16th-18th  

Jas Aspen June Experience: Downtown Aspen- June 22nd -25th 

Aspen Ideas Festival: Aspen Institute – June 23rd– 30th 

July Events: 

Independence Day Parade: Downtown Aspen- July 4th  

Audi Power of Four Race: Aspen Mountain – July 15th 

Aspen Art Festival: Downtown Aspen- July 15th – 17th  

August Events: 

Audi Snowmass 50 Mountain Bike Race: Snowmass Mountain- August 5th 

September Events: 

Jas Aspen Labor Day Experience: Snowmass Town Park- September 1st-3rd

Snowmass Wine Festival: Snowmass Town Park- September 15th– 16th  

Snowmass Balloon Festival: Snowmass Town Park -September 22nd-24th

There’s always so much to do in the summer here that it can be hard to keep up with what’s happening. Read through our guide on the best things to during the sunny season in our little mountain town. On top of all of the great Aspen summer events, we cover everything you need to make the most of your vacation. Culinary tips, incredible summer activities, the great outdoors, and much more!