Summer Art & Culture Scene in Aspen

Activities, Aspen Events, Vacation Prep

The arts and culture scene is a fundamental part of the Aspen area, with many events scheduled throughout the summer season for visitors and residents to enjoy. The 2024 summer line-up offers returning favorites like the Aspen Ideas Festival and FOOD & WINE Classic as well as the 75th Anniversary of the Aspen Music Festival and School. New events such as Summer Apres and Aspen’s awe-inspiring art galleries are sure to entice people to stay and play.

2024 Summer Events

Summer is when Aspen's vibrant arts and culture scene is at its peak. With such a diverse line-up, Aspen Snowmass offers a rich and culturally immersive experience to suit all tastes.

Music and Performing Arts


75th Anniversary of the Aspen Music Festival and School
(June 26 - August 18)

2024 marks the 75th celebration of the Aspen Music Festival and School, regarded as one of the top music festivals in the nation. Recognized for its concert programming as well as its musical training of mostly young adult students, the eight-week session typically includes more than 400 classical music events—including concerts by five orchestras, solo and chamber music performances, fully staged opera productions, master classes, lectures, and children’s programming. This summer’s celebration is not to be missed!

Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS)
JAS June Experience
(June 20-23)

The JAS June Experience is an unforgettable event for jazz enthusiasts. With more than twelve different venues featuring an incredible group of jazz artists, there’s a mix of amazing shows to be seen and heard. Because the shows are staggered, it’s possible to experience a wide range of performances throughout the event.

JAS Labor Day Experience
(August 20-September 1)

The JAS Labor Day Experience features three amazing days of world-class performances on multiple stages, plus eclectic food and beverage vendors, a kiddie corner, and more! Live music is scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Snowmass Village Town Park. 

This year’s lineup includes Brandi Carlile, Sting, Tim McGraw, Lukas Nelson, OneRepublic, The Black Crowes, Michael Marcagi & The War and Treaty!

Theatre Aspen
(June - August)

Entering its fifth decade following a record-breaking 40th season, the 41st summer season at Theatre Aspen includes Steel Magnolias (June 17-29), seven-time Tony Award®-nominated Legally Blonde The Musical (July 5-27), and Tony and Drama Desk Award winner Come from Away (August 2-24).

In addition, The Aspen Music Festival and School and Theatre Aspen announced their fifth annual co-production of the 9-time Tony Award®-winning Fiddler on the Roof in concert for a one-night-only performance on Tuesday, July 23 at 7:30 PM in the Michael Klein Music Tent. For information on the mainstage productions, summer cabarets, and exciting collaborations with Aspen Music Festival and School, check out their website.

Snowmass Free Concert Series
(June 13 - August 22)

Come enjoy a spectrum of sounds each week with the Snowmass Free Summer Concert Series on Fanny Hill every Thursday beginning at 6:30 pm. This longstanding summer tradition is a local favorite and a fabulous way to celebrate the season!

Summer Après
(June 12 - August 25)

New this summer, Snowmass Village will feature live music at Music on the Mall, plus activities, games, and other experiences throughout the village from 3-6 pm every Wednesday through Sunday. 

Festivals and Visual Arts


Aspen Ideas Festival
(June 23-29)

2024 marks 20 years of the Aspen Ideas Festival, which brings leaders and thinkers from around the globe to discuss the ideas that will shape tomorrow. Intimate panels, interviews, lectures, and interactive sessions covering everything from business and economy to arts and sports. The event includes expert-led roundtable discussions, workshops, and access to unique content sessions that are hallmarks of the event.

Snowmass Rodeo
(June 19 - August 14)

The Snowmass Rodeo is the longest-running rodeo in Colorado and a summer staple in the Aspen Snowmass area, with authentic cowboys and cowgirls competing in all the classic events. 2024 is also an exciting 50th-anniversary celebration with special features included every week! The rodeo runs every Wednesday at 7 pm, rain or shine. Doors open at 5 pm for a BBQ dinner and fun activities.

Anderson Ranch Arts Center
(July and August)

Artists worldwide head to the Anderson Ranch Arts Center because of its multi-discipline contemporary art workshops, master classes and events, and artist conversation series.

Summer features the annual Summer Series: Featured Artists and Conversations program, which includes many influential artists. The series also explores the work of highly renowned creators and curators, and it hosts conversations with significant critics and collectors.

Also featured during the summer is the center’s largest community event, the annual Art Auction and Community Picnic. This popular event features more than 100 works of art in the silent auction, as well as live music, children’s art activities, a picnic lunch, and more.

Snowmass Art Festival
(July 13-14)

The Snowmass Art Festival features original handcrafted artwork representing a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass, wood, and more. Festival entry is free, while artwork is sold individually.

Aspen Art Museum

With exhibitions of contemporary works and various installations, the Aspen Art Museum is dedicated to supporting artists in the development of bold ideas. Check out their website for information on summer exhibits.

Culinary Events


FOOD & WINE Classic
(June 14-16)
Considered by many to be the best epicurean festival in the country, the FOOD & WINE Classic is one of the most notable summer Aspen events. Attendees have the opportunity to attend seminars by accomplished chefs and sommeliers, sample a variety of food, wine, and spirits, and enjoy the good life at Aspen Mountain! This leading culinary showcase is a must-see festival of three days of cooking demos, wine tastings, and panel discussions alongside world-renowned chefs and wine experts.

Heritage Fire
(July 27)

Heritage Fire is a Snowmass favorite that brings together local chefs, family farms, and live-fire cooking. This three-hour culinary event showcases an all-star cast of more than 20 chefs specializing in whole-animal cooking. In addition to diverse cuisine, enjoy an outstanding showcase of wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries. Each chef and their team spend the morning grilling heritage-breed animals on the Base Village Events Lawn for an afternoon tasting of everything from dry-aged beef, whole pigs, lamb, goat, squab, rabbit, duck, fish, and chicken, to artisan cheeses, oysters and heirloom vegetables. 

Discover New Cultural Experiences in Aspen

Visit Aspen and experience the culture and natural beauty of the area and why it is unlike any other. As a guest of Alpine Property, you are invited to use our knowledgeable concierge for recommendations on galleries, concerts, or other special events worthy of a visit.

Browse our rentals in Aspen and Snowmass to find your perfect home away from home and ensure your vacation is unforgettable. Call 1-866-209-1540 if you have any questions or if you are ready to start planning your summer getaway.

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