Aspen Issues Summer Arts & Culture Guide
Aspen and Snowmass Village in Colorado are well known for their long history as vibrant arts and culture communities, and especially during the summer months, when a host of internationally acclaimed events take place across both mountain towns. Aspen Art Museum is a must for any art lover, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass is a great place to visit for a series of summer events. Discover eight of the best arts and culture venues, tours and experiences this summer in Aspen and Snowmass Village.
Aspen
Preserving and passionately presenting the fascinating history of Aspen, Snowmass and beyond, Aspen Historical Society (AHS) offers several guided tours of historical sites around Aspen. Join a walking tour of downtown Aspen, as well as its iconic landmarks including the Wheeler Opera House, Hotel Jerome and Red Butte Cemetery, or explore the bauhaus-influenced architecture of Aspen’s West End residential neighbourhood. Several tours are offered for free
A non-collecting institution, Aspen Art Museum hosts some of the newest and most important artworks from around the world, with free admission Tuesday-Sunday all year long. Located in downtown Aspen, the 30,000-square-foot museum designed by Japanese architect and humanitarian Shigeru Ban, features innovative and timely exhibitions, educational programmes, immersive activities and community events that actively engage audiences in thought-provoking experiences of art, culture and society. The museum also has a bookstore and shop, as well as a new rooftop cafe with views of Aspen Mountain and Independence Pass. This summer’s major exhibition is showcasing works by Florian Krewer ‘Everybody rise’ (25 May - 24 September). It is the German painter’s first-ever solo museum exhibition and critical survey in the United States, comprising more than twenty paintings displayed throughout two of the museum’s galleries.
An icon in the live music industry, Belly Up Aspen is a small music venue in downtown Aspen hosting over 300 live concerts a year. Whilst holding just 450 people, Belly Up Aspen has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry including Snoop Dog, Wiz Khalifa, John Legend and The Chainsmokers. This summer will be no different with an epic lineup expected including Pink Martini, Train and The Wallflowers.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, nationally acclaimed Theatre Aspen hosts a rotating schedule of productions suitable for adults and families. Performed under a tent during the summer in Rio Grande Park, 2023 mainstage productions include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (22 June - 08 July), Doubt, a Parable (14 - 29 July), and Rent (04 - 26 August). These productions are complemented by an assortment of community events, including late-night cabarets, educational programmes and performances as well as collaborations with other Aspen arts organisations.
Snowmass Village
An internationally renowned destination for art making, Anderson Ranch Arts Center has announced its summer series, with a schedule of free programmes discussing contemporary art topics through lectures, conversations and panels. Enjoy stimulating conversations with today’s most influential critics and collectors, or visit during Recognition Week (10-15 July), a week-long celebration of the International Artist Honoree, with special events, lectures and opportunities to purchase outstanding artworks. The event culminates with the Anderson Ranch Annual Art Auction & Community Picnic on 15 July.
A long-standing summer tradition, the Snowmass Free Concert Series returns for its 31st year this summer to Fanny Hill, a popular amphitheatre venue in Snowmass, every Thursday evening at 6:30pm from 15 June to 24 August. The weekly outdoor series will feature music genres to suit all tastes including soul, pop, funk, rock & roll, country, bluegrass and more. Additionally, there will be many free live music events throughout the season at various restaurants and venues around Snowmass Village.
The Snowmass Art Festival (24-25 June) is a juried art show featuring original handcrafted artwork. This free two-day event showcases local Colorado and national artists, representing a wide array of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass and wood. Taking place on the Snowmass Mall, this outdoor festival is surrounded by a world-class resort, beautiful mountains, countless recreational activities and outstanding shops, restaurants and hotels. Entry to the festival is free, while artwork is individually priced.
Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival
The 2023 Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival (7-9 July) in Snowmass Village explores the symbiotic connection between music, yoga and the outdoors. Relax and nurture your wellbeing by attending each carefully selected yoga class. The three-day festival features yoga classes, lectures and a live music lineup highlighting some of the top artists of downtempo electronic chill and house music.
For more information please visit www.aspenchamber.org / www.gosnowmass.com; High-res images are available to download here.
