What to Do This Summer: Fresh Adventures in Aspen Snowmass
Curious about what’s new in Aspen in Summer 2025?
Get ready for an adventure-packed season! From thrilling outdoor activities to vibrant new dining spots, Aspen is buzzing with fresh experiences. This summer promises captivating cultural events, immersive science programs, stylish hotel openings, and a host of new restaurants and cafes.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a returning local, there’s something new for everyone to enjoy.
Ready to try out Aspen’s latest gems?
Here are some brand-new activities and events happening in Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado, in the summer of 2025:
Let’s dive right in!
Delve into Arts, Culture, & Science
cc: Boneyard Alaska – Mastodon
Sculpting the Environment: The Three-Dimensional Art of Herbert Bayer – June 10, 2025 – April 18, 2026
This exhibition, presented at the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies, commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Aspen Institute. It offers the most comprehensive exploration to date of Bayer’s environmental and sculptural work, featuring over 100 pieces including rarely seen drawings, models, and photographs. Co-curated by Koko Bayer and Adam Thomas, PhD, the exhibit highlights Bayer’s deep connection to Aspen and his visionary approach to shaping physical space as a total work of art.
Ice Age Explorer Tours: – June 27, 2025 – September 26, 2025
Every Friday at 3:30 PM, gather at the Limelight Snowmass lobby for a captivating 90-minute guided tour led by an Aspen Science Center educator. Explore Snowmass’s prehistoric past—learn about mammoths, mastodons, and other ancient Ice Age creatures using engaging fossil replicas. After the talk, enjoy the Ice Age Passport Walk through Base Village and Snowmass Mall, featuring art installations inspired by the fossils—and receive a special Ice Age keepsake prize. Free, family-friendly, and no registration required.
Attend New Outdoor Programs and Offerings
cc: Tamara Susa
New summer programs at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) in 2025
Nature Explorers Family Class: Weekly nature-based class at the Hallam Lake campus that features:
- storytelling, songs, and sensory exploration
- guided walks to investigate seasonal nature themes
- playful learning experiences for children ages 0–4 and their caregivers
The program encourages curiosity and connection with the natural world, all in a welcoming outdoor setting led by an experienced ACES educator, Denali Barron.
Stars Above Aspen: This family-friendly astronomy night takes place on August 12 atop Aspen Mountain. Explore the night sky from 11,212 feet with sunset yoga, hands-on activities, telescope stations, crafts, and a pop-up STARLAB planetarium. It’s an out-of-this-world evening perfect for all ages.
Registration opens in July. Tickets are $25 per person; children 10 and under are free.
Savor the Flavors: New Restaurants in Aspen, Snowmass (and Beyond) in 2025
Aspen’s culinary scene is brimming with fresh energy—this summer showcases a flavorful mix of brand-new 2025 openings and 2024 arrivals that continue to captivate locals and visitors alike.
cc: Rich Pearce
Sant Ambroeus: A stylish Milanese café-restaurant launched earlier this year in the former Main Street Bakery space. It offers classic Northern Italian dishes, expertly crafted espresso, and stylish Alpine-inspired surroundings.
Hai Si: Aspen’s newest underground izakaya, now open on Restaurant Row. Expect a sultry, velvet-draped atmosphere with Japanese-Spanish small plates, sushi, and standout cocktails.
Wayan Aspen: A French‑Indonesian collaboration by Cédric & Ochi Vongerichten, featuring standout dishes like lobster noodles and satays served in an elegant, tropical-themed space.
ZigZag: A cozy French-American bistro located in the former Mezzaluna location. Revel in wood-fired creations, natural wine choices, and a warm, lodge-like atmosphere.
Rock Island Oyster Bar & Grill: Newly opened in the former Big Hoss Grill spot in Snowmass Village, offering seafood favorites and grilled classics in a relaxed setting ideal for après-ski gatherings.
New Down Valley Dining:
- The Wild Fig Willits (Basalt): Aspen’s iconic Mediterranean brasserie expands to Basalt, offering grilled specialties, seafood, and a curated wine list in a refined new setting.
Don’t Miss These Exciting New Events
cc: Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Fashion Week: A stylish new addition to Aspen’s summer calendar! From August 7–10, downtown Aspen will transform into a mountain-chic runway with the debut of Aspen Fashion Week. Expect designer showcases, exclusive pop-up shops, panel discussions, and après-fashion soirées set against stunning alpine backdrops. It’s Aspen glam at its finest!
Up In The Sky Festival (Presented by Belly Up Aspen): A music festival like no other, Up In The Sky lands August 8–9 with an epic high-altitude lineup at Buttermilk. This inaugural two-day event will feature performances by major acts including Kacey Musgraves, Glass Animals, and RÜFÜS DU SOL. Whether you’re dancing under the stars or chilling in the art garden, this is one summer festival you won’t want to miss.
Aspen Literary Festival: Book lovers, rejoice! From September 26–28, Aspen launches the Aspen Literary Festival, a brand-new celebration of storytelling. The event will feature acclaimed authors, journalists, panel discussions, book signings, and kid-friendly activities. Hosted by Aspen Words in honor of its 50th anniversary, this festival brings fresh energy to Aspen’s rich literary tradition.
Rediscover These Time-honored Favorites
- Visit the Aspen Art Museum
- Take in a show at Theatre Aspen
- Book a reservation at the Conundrum Hot Springs
- Discover the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Roaring Fork River
- Check out the Anderson Ranch Arts Center Summer Series featuring renowned artists, curators, critics
- Attend the Summer Words Writers’ conference from June 22-27 (panels, craft talks, social events)
Check out our blog post: “15 of the Best Things to do In Aspen in the Summer (2025 Guide)” for a more complete list.
Celebrate Major Milestone Anniversaries
cc: Rich Pearce
- 21st Edition of the Aspen Ideas Festival from June 25–July 1, with guest curator Fareed Zakaria
- 51st Anniversary of the Snowmass Rodeo running from June 18–August 20
- 76th Anniversary of the Aspen Music Festival and School from July 2–August 24 with nearly 200 public events and over 450 young artists from around the world
- Theatre Aspen’s 42nd season, featuring Driving Miss Daisy (June 12–28), MAMMA MIA! (July 5–August 2), and Million Dollar Quartet (August 8–23), with a special one-night-only concert presentation of My Fair Lady on July 15
Get Excited for Aspen’s New Summer Adventures!
Now that you know what’s new in Aspen this summer, get ready for an adventure-packed season!
Imagine the joy of exploring new vibrant cultural events, savoring new culinary delights, and trying out new thrilling outdoor activities. Aspen is buzzing with fresh experiences just waiting for you.
Start planning your 5-star summer today and create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact our luxury concierge for more information or personalized recommendations: 970-205-9960 | Info@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com.
Don’t wait—let the fun begin!
