Summer in Aspen is nothing short of magical. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a (very lucky) resident, summer brings about endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. From scenic hikes and trails to amazing art exhibits and world-class festivals, there’s always something to do. WIth its unique blend of mountain charm and upscale energy, Aspen is the perfect place to make the most of your summer.
Check out some of our favorite ways to enjoy Aspen’s fun summer scene:
Aspen Summer Arts and Cultural Events
FOOD & WINE Classic (June 20-22)
Recognized as one of Colorado’s premier culinary celebrations, the 2025 FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen marks the unofficial start of summer with three unforgettable days of gourmet experiences. This signature event consists of three incredible days of cooking demonstrations, wine & spirit tastings, and panel discussions led by world-class chefs and beverage experts.
In addition to the main events, guests can immerse themselves in Aspen’s vibrant dining scene and enjoy exclusive wine dinners and interactive sessions hosted by some of the biggest names in food and beverage.
Learn more about the FOOD & WINE Classic and the schedule of events.
The Aspen Ideas Festival (June 25-July 1)
Every summer, the Aspen Institute brings some of the world’s most influential thinkers to town for the Aspen Ideas Festival, and 2025 promises another unforgettable week. From sunrise to sunset, the festival fills the campus with lively discussions, thought-provoking panels, and in-depth interviews. Topics cover subjects such as shaping AI revolution, business and economy, the role of art throughout all aspects of our lives, geopolitics, sports, leadership, and more.
Attendees also have opportunities to interact over lunch in the pavilion or coffee at the espresso bar, amongst installments in Anderson Park, in auditoriums, and in small seminar rooms. No matter the space, the festival offers rare access to big thinkers in an intimate mountain setting.
Explore the 2025 program tracks to learn more and start planning your week!
JAS June Experience (June 26-29)
The JAS June Experience with Jazz Aspen is an incredible event that can’t be missed. With more than twelve different venues and an incredible group of artists bringing the best of jazz throughout all of them, there’s a fantastic show just waiting for you.
Consisting of multiple staggered daily shows at twelve different venues, the June Experience gives attendees the chance to stroll Aspen and enjoy a full night of diverse music genres and settings. Tickets are available now.
Downtown Aspen Art Festival (July 11-13)
The 22nd Annual Downtown Aspen Art Festival features over 120 artists, including local and national talent. Browse the artwork and speak with the artists at the event, which takes place in Paepcke Park.
Aspen Art Fair (July 29-August 2)
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rockies, the Aspen Art Fair is a unique event that blends high-end art, design, travel, and hospitality in a way that only Aspen can.
Co-founded by Bob Chase of Hexton Gallery and Becca Hoffman of 74th Arts, the Aspen Art Fair is a thoughtfully curated celebration of creativity and community. With cocktail receptions, art prizes, screenings, and even early-morning river plunges, the fair offers a dynamic blend of the intellectual and the adventurous, all set perfectly within the region’s natural beauty.
AIR Festival (July 29-31)
AIR, Aspen Art Museum’s new flagship initiative, is designed to explore the role of art in addressing the questions and complexities of our time through interdisciplinary collaborations, conversations, and site-specific artworks and performances. Established as a year-round program dedicated to commissioning and artistic research, AIR culminates each summer with dedicated programming. These gatherings celebrate the ways in which artists redefine leadership and expand our consciousness.
AIR Retreat (July 26-28)
The AIR 2025 festival program will be preceded by the AIR Retreat, an artist-led gathering of thirty leading experts from the arts, humanities, sciences, industry, and policy. The retreat will focus on developing frameworks for artists and thinkers to inform the design of new technological tools. The first edition, held from July 26 to 28, 2025, was conceived by the AIR curatorial team in collaboration with artists Paul Chan and Aria Dean, poet and technology researcher Zoë Hitzig, and writer Evan Calder Williams. AIR Retreat 2025 is convened in partnership with Aspen Institute’s Arts Program, the Doris Duke Foundation’s Creative Labor, Creative Conditions initiative, and e-flux Journal, in which writings that emerge from the conversations will appear.
Intersect Aspen (July 29-August 3)
Intersect Aspen offers an intimate, curated setting for visitors to check out modern and contemporary art and design presented by galleries from around the world. This boutique fair is timed during Aspen’s peak art season, attracting top collectors to the region for one of the art world’s most influential weekends of the year.
NEW! Aspen Fashion Week (August 7-10)
Aspen Fashion Week is a highly anticipated event that promises to be more than just a series of runway shows. It is a vibrant celebration of style, design, and the rich diversity of the fashion industry. Nestled in the breathtaking Aspen landscape, this inaugural event will bring together the fashion elite, designers, influencers and enthusiasts alike. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities including runway shows that showcase the latest collections, exclusive pop-up shops featuring new and exciting designers, and curated workshops designed to foster creativity and collaboration.
NEW! Up in the Sky Festival (August 8-9)
Aspen’s newest summer music event brings two days of live performances to the base of Buttermilk this summer. The inaugural Up in the Sky Festival features headliners Rüfüs Du Sol, Kacey Musgraves, Glass Animals, SG Lewis Live, Suki Waterhouse, Role Model, Nessa Barrett, and more.
Up In the Sky combines live music with Aspen's scenic landscape for a distinctive summer event. This two-day festival offers a blend of performances in an unforgettable mountain setting. Attendees can enjoy a diverse selection of food and drinks from local favorites, along with a variety of ticketing options designed to create an experience that fits every festival goer. General Admission provides access to performances, festival vendors, and key amenities. VIP and Cabin tickets elevate the weekend with exclusive lounges, premium seating, and curated dining, all set against one of Aspen’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Aspen Film
During the Summer, Aspen Film partners with local organizations and nonprofits to deliver unique film experiences to the Aspen community. From curated film series to film camps, summer offers a variety of programming designed to get people jazzed about film!
Aspen Saturday Market (mid June - early October)
A diverse marketplace that offers Colorado-grown produce and artisanal products, the Aspen Farmers’ Market runs seasonally from June to October. The market runs on Saturdays from 8:30 AM - 2 PM and sells Colorado-grown fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, cheeses, flowers, and homemade crafts from local artisans. The market also offers live music, food trucks, and other activities.
For more information, check out the market’s website.
Aspen Music Festival
The Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) celebrates 76 years of performance and mentorship this summer, when more than 450 young artists from around the world come together with artist-faculty and guests from the foremost orchestras and music schools nationwide, for almost 200 public events.
The 2025 Aspen Music Festival, themed “Concerning the Spiritual in Art,” invites audiences on a powerful journey through music that explores deeper meaning and transcendence. Highlights include the world premiere of She, a new immersive music drama by Christopher Theofanidis and Melissa Studdard, conducted by Music Director Robert Spano.
Opera lovers can look forward to Mozart’s Così fan tutte in a fully staged production that marks Co-Artistic Director Renée Fleming’s directorial debut. The season also features the U.S. premiere of Thomas Adès’s The Origin of the Harp,and an Opera Benefit starring mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard.
New works take center stage with world premieres from Samuel Adams, Christopher Stark, and Max Vinetz, plus performances of recent AMFS commissions by Jasmine Barnes, Anna Clyne, Edgar Meyer, and others. The festival also honors the 100th anniversary of Pierre Boulez with conductor David Robertson leading a special tribute.
John Denver Sanctuary
The sprawling gardens of the John Denver Sanctuary offer a chance to enjoy breathtaking natural beauty while listening to recordings of John Denver’s music. Several monuments dedicated to his life and work overlook the meadow, while the nature trail features educational signs of local flora, fauna, and ecology.
Learn more about the sanctuary along with John Denver’s legacy and connection with Aspen.
Bluegrass Sundays
Every Sunday during the summer, locals and tourists alike have the opportunity to experience live Bluegrass music at its finest on top of Aspen Mountain.
Held from 2-5 pm on the lawn of Wagner Park, visitors can enjoy the scenic Elk Mountain Range while listening to live music and enjoying food and drink on the Sundeck.
Click here to learn more about this summer’s line-up as well as information on gondola rides to the top of the mountain.
Make the Most of Summer 2025 in Aspen
Aspen comes alive in the summer, with its bright blue skies, crisp mountain air, and vibrant calendar of events. Whether you are here for the festivals, outdoor adventures, or simply to relax and unwind in the beautiful alpine air, Aspen is the ultimate summer destination.
Stay at Aspen Square condominium lodging and enjoy the best of both worlds: hotel services combined with the comfort of home. Located in the heart of downtown, Aspen Square puts you steps away from hiking trails, world-class dining, live music, art shows, and more. To book call 1-800-862-7736.
Our condominium hotel includes luxury features such as well-equipped kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, and private balconies with the convenience of hotel services such as a front desk, concierge, bell staff, and daily housekeeping.
Contact the concierge at Aspen Square to plan your family vacation this summer in Aspen. Call (970) 925-1000 and let us assist you!