Winter (December-February)
- Wintersköl: Aspen’s oldest winter tradition raises a “toast to winter” with a multi-day festival that honors the town’s lively alpine culture. Expect live music, snow sculpture contests, fireworks and community cheer in this quintessentially Aspen celebration.
- Aspen Snow Ball Week: Elegant galas, celebrity hosts and high-energy performances await at this standout charity event. Spanning five days, Aspen Snow Ball Week benefits the Children’s Oncology Support Fund and raised $3.5 million in 2025 for pediatric cancer research. It’s one of the season’s most glamorous philanthropic gatherings.
- Aspen Art Walk: Wander Aspen’s refined gallery scene during this curated cultural stroll held the last Thursday of January, February and March. With rotating exhibitions, artist talks and wine receptions, the Aspen Art Walk offers an immersive look at the town’s creative side.
Spring (March-May)
- Aspen Shortsfest: Aspen Shortsfest highlights bold, creative storytelling in short-form cinema. This Oscar-qualifying festival brings together emerging filmmakers from around the globe to screen works from comedy and drama to animation and documentary in an intimate and engaging setting.
- Ride for the Pass: This scenic, high-altitude bike ride climbs the iconic Independence Pass just before it opens to vehicle traffic for the summer. Open to both competitive cyclists and recreational riders, the ride supports the Independence Pass Foundation’s environmental restoration efforts.
Summer (June – August)
- Food & Wine Classic in Aspen: One of the most prestigious culinary festivals in the country, this decades-old event brings three indulgent days of tastings from top chefs, premium wine pairings and engaging seminars, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Aspen’s majestic peaks.
- Intersect Aspen: This contemporary art fair features 30+ international galleries, private cocktail receptions and insightful panel discussions with leading artists and collectors. Intimate, curated and global in scope, it's a can’t-miss for the culturally inclined.
- ArtCrush: The Aspen Art Museum’s signature summer gala gathers artists, collectors and philanthropists for an elegant evening of fine art, fundraising and celebration at Buttermilk Mountain.
- Art Cart Alpine Rally: This creative newcomer to Aspen’s event calendar is back by popular demand. Teams of kids and adults alike transform golf carts into works of art on wheels and parade (or race) down the slopes in this family-friendly event complete with food trucks and hot chocolate.
- Audi Snowmass 50 Mountain Bike Race: Formerly known as the Power of Four MTB Race, this challenging 25-mile loop with a 5,000 foot elevation gain is not for the faint of heart. Riders navigate some of Snowmass’ most scenic and technical trails in a high-energy race that combines athleticism and grit.
Fall (September – November)
- JAS Labor Day Experience: An energetic sendoff to summer, this outdoor music festival in Snowmass Town Park features performances by chart-topping artists, along with VIP lounges, catered meals and of course, stunning mountain views.
- Snowmass Balloon Festival: One of the most visually spectacular events of the year, the Snowmass Balloon Festival fills the skies with dozens of colorful hot air balloons for three magical mornings. Set against the stunning Elk Mountains, this event also includes live music, food and kid-friendly activities for a fun and photogenic celebration.
- Aspen Filmfest: This long-running festival gives cinephiles a first look at top independent films and international features, some of which are fresh from Sundance, SXSW, Cannes, Venice and Telluride. Celebrating over 45 years of storytelling, Aspen Filmfest offers both intimate screenings and major premieres in a relaxed, mountain-town setting.
