Aspen Summer Events 2012
Aspen’s calendar is packed with events during the summer. Here is just a sampling of what’s in store during the warm weather months.
May 19 – Ride for the Pass
May 20 – Aspen Cycling Criterium
June 15-17 – Food & Wine Magazine Classic
Aspen’s annual summer kick-off event and one of the nation’s most prestigious epicurean gatherings.
June 16-October 13 – Aspen Saturday Market
June 17-22 – Aspen Writers’ Foundation Summer Words
Presenting its 35th annual Aspen Summer Words, the Writers’ Foundation continues its renowned exploration of the joys of the written word.
June 22-July 7 – Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival
The JAS June Festival offers popular artists in concerts at the Benedict Music Tent and other venues around town.
June 25-August 18 – Theatre Aspen
Aspen’s original repertory theater in the park presents engaging plays and musicals in its new tent next to Rio Grande Park.
June 27-July 3 – Aspen Ideas Festival
Presented by the Aspen Institute, the Ideas Festival presents six days of fascinating discussion, seminars and conversations with leading writers, artists, scientists, political figures, business leaders and other influential thinkers—an extraordinary opportunity for exposure to the most important issues of our day.
June 28-August 19 – Aspen Music Festival and School
More than 350 musical events are presented during this renowned eight-week classical music festival. Daily events include orchestral concerts, recital, fully-staged operas and family concerts. Programs take place in the Benedict Music Tent, Harris Concert Hall, the Wheeler Opera House and various venues throughout Aspen.
July 4 – Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
With festive small town spirit, thousands of local residents and visitors come together annually to celebrate the nation’s birthday the old-fashioned way; with a parade, picnicking and of course, fireworks.
July 6-August 31 – Aspen Santa Fe 2012 Summer Dance
The ASFB’s summer season takes place at the Aspen District Theater, and features performances by the ASFB as well as other renowned dance companies.
July 14 – Komen Aspen Race for the Cure
The 21st annual race begins at Rio Grande Park and winds through Aspen’s historic West End, down the scenic Rio Grande Trail and back to the park for a festive gathering of music, fun and fellowship.
July 28-29 – Aspen Arts Festival
Aspen’s spectacular setting and Wagner Park’s wide expanse provide a wonderful “open art gallery” to over 170 exhibitors offering jewelry, pottery, sculpture, glass, ceramics, paintings, prints and more.
August 4 – Aspen Historical Society’s Annual Ice Cream Social
A taste of old-time Aspen summer fun, on the grounds of the Wheeler-Stallard Museum in the West End.
August 11 – Aspen Rotary Club’s Ducky Derby
The Ducky Derby is Aspen Rotary’s annual benefit for local non-profits, youth groups, scholarships and Rotary International projects. It’s a full-day festival and rubber duck race that takes place in Rio Grande Park on the Roaring Fork River, with activities for the whole family.
August 18 – Komen Aspen Ride for the Cure
This 100-mile “century ride” supports the Aspen affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its promise to saves lives and end breast cancer forever.
August 22-23 – USA Pro Cycling Challenge
In the second year of this excitingly grueling road biking event, Aspen hosts Stages 3 & 4. Join the crowds cheering on the world’s great riders at the top of Independence Pass.
August 30-September 3 – Motherlode Volleyball Tournament
A Labor Day weekend tradition, the 40th annual tournament includes 700 teams from all over the country, competing in 18 different divisions of play at seven sites. Free admission, food and beverage concessions and music create a festive atmosphere all weekend long.
August 31-September 2 – Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival
Jazz Aspen returns Labor Day weekend with a musical banquet of outstanding concerts in Snowmass’s giant tent at the base of the mountain.