Things to do in Aspen this September
September is festival season in the Roaring Fork Valley, and if you are mapping out things to do in Aspen, the calendar lines up beautifully. Start with sunrise balloons in Snowmass, add a refined tasting afternoon, and close with film premieres in town. With a Pacaso home as your base, your days flow from early launches to evening screenings without cross-town hassles, and your downtime is truly yours.Snowmass Balloon Festival highlights
Celebrating its 50th year, the Snowmass Balloon Festival runs September 12 to 14, 2025, with over 40 hot air balloons, making it the largest mountain balloon festival in Colorado. Friday’s Night Glow lets you walk among illuminated balloons with music and concessions, and sunrise launches on Saturday and Sunday pair with breakfast vendors and morning beverage bars. See details at Go Snowmass. For travelers curating things to do in Aspen in September, this is a signature experience.Alpine Ridge places you near Snowmass Town Park, so you can catch the pre-dawn glow on the field, walk to coffee, and be back home quickly between launches. The ski-in and ski-out setting becomes a front-row seat to fall foliage and festival energy.Sip and stroll at Snowmass Wine Festival
On Saturday, September 13, the Snowmass Wine Festival pours from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm at Snowmass Town Park, hosted by the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village. Expect over 30 tables of wines from around the world, a lively silent auction, and a relaxed mountain setting. Proceeds support local and global charitable causes. Full details at Go Snowmass.Aspen Filmfest evenings in town
Mid to late September brings Aspen Film fest to the Aspen Film Isis Theatre, showcasing standout films with pedigrees from Cannes, Sundance, Telluride, Toronto, and Venice. It is an easy shift from daytime mountain scenes to an intimate night at the cinema, with screening schedules typically released closer to the event. It also ranks high among things to do in Aspen for culture lovers. Read more via this overview of the season’s lineup timing at Christie’s Aspen.
Plan a seamless festival itinerary
Use your Pacaso home as a flexible command center and set a rhythm that moves smoothly from sunrise to after-dark. If you want more alpine inspiration beyond Aspen, browse the full range on our Aspen listings.What to expect over a long weekend- Friday: Arrive in the afternoon and head to the Night Glow to walk among illuminated balloons.
- Saturday: Early coffee, then sunrise launches. Midday reset at home, followed by the Snowmass Wine Festival tasting from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
- Sunday: One more dawn launch, then a scenic drive or gallery visit before dinner in town.
- Midweek option: Slot in Aspen Film fest screenings for an elegant evening cap.
- Art and architecture: Visit the Aspen Art Museum, a contemporary museum designed by 2014 Pritzker Prize winner Shigeru Ban, for rotating exhibitions.
- Scenic foliage: Drive Independence Pass, Castle Creek to Ashcroft, Maroon Creek to the Maroon Bells, or Owl Creek Road for peak color.
- Saturday flavor: Stop by the Aspen Saturday Farmer’s Market at Galena and Hopkins for Colorado-made goods and live music.
