EVENTS & FESTIVALS

The Aspen Institute gathers diverse thought leaders to address some of the world’s most complex problems. Seminars, programs, events and talks are held at the Aspen Meadows Conference Center.

The Aspen Food & Wine Classic is a premier summer culinary event consisting of three days of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and panel discussions by world-class chefs and wine experts.

The newly completed Aspen Valley Polo Club (AVPC) in Carbondale is one of the nation's fastest growing USPA Member Clubs. Attracting some of the world’s top pro and amateur players, everyone is invited to come and watch one of America’s most thrilling spectator sports. Polo camps and lessons are available to adults and juniors as well.

The 47-year-old Carbondale Mountain Fair, the youth driven Cirque D’Sopris Talent Show, and the dynamic and thought-provoking Green Is The New Black Fashion Extravaganza are just a few of the premier events sponsored by Carbondale Arts.

Year-round, Aspen celebrates like no other ski town! Extreme snow sports, music and a festive atmosphere take center stage at January’s renowned XGames. You’ll find holiday activities and visits from Santa throughout downtown during December’s 12 Days of Aspen. Enjoy a slice of Americana with a parade, live music, kids carnival and more at the annual Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration. All of these events are free. Check the Aspen Chamber Resort Association web site for a complete calendar.

Two adventure film festivals that are quickly gaining renown are 5Point and Winter Stoke. The 5point Adventure Film Festival showcases curated, soulful outdoor films, art and performances. Carbondale hosts the annual event and shares award winners with more hosts all over the world. The Sunlight Winter Stoke Adventure Film Fest is a partnership of Sunlight Mountain Resort and the True Media Foundation. A fall festival designed to get people stoked for ski season, it was recently named as a finalist for Best Use of Video by the National Ski Areas Association.

Glenwood Springs' Strawberry Days is the longest-running festival west of the Mississippi. Held the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of June for the past 122 years, the event provides continuous entertainment, arts and crafts booths, festival food and kids' activities. Free strawberries and ice cream are served up after the Saturday parade - just as they did in pioneer days to celebrate the strawberry harvest.

The JAS Aspen Labor Day Experience has been called the hottest 72 hours of music on the planet. It’s 3 days of world-class music with crowds of up to 11,000 per day: headline performances on the main stage, two side stages for up and coming artists, a JAS Village for shopping, eclectic food and beverages, a kids corner and more. Held at Snowmass Town Park.