Aspen Entertainment

Ski towns are typically notorious as party centres and Aspen ranks among the top in the world. Home to the rich and famous, eccentric and extreme, Aspen continues to support a dedicated party scene. From après-ski cocktails on the slope-side bars to chic nightclubs and live music venues, this town has it all. Get out-and-about after dark because you never know who you’ll be sharing a bar with.

Nightlife

Most of Aspen’s nightlife happens in the town. It begins in the afternoon as skiers come down from the slopes looking to ease the aches in their legs. Many bars near the slopes have après-ski specials, including the classy Shadow Mountain Lodge at the St Regis, which sits right at the base of Aspen Mountain. There’s no better place to spot a skiing celebrity. Another quietly sophisticated bar is the historic J-Bar in the lobby of the Hotel Jerome. Those looking for high-energy live jazz can head over to Syzygy while Club Chelsea is known for its live DJ, big sound system and late night dancing. For those that fall somewhere in between, the Red Onion is a good choice. Aspen’s oldest bar, established in 1892, the Red Onion remains a noisy, fun hangout for Aspen locals.

Theatre and Music

Modern Aspen’s origins are rooted as much in an appreciation of art as the love of deep snow. The Wheeler Opera House remains the centre of the town’s art scene with more than 300 events during each year including music, theatre, dance, film and lectures. Aspen Filmfest, the Aspen Dance Company, the Broadway Players and the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival are just some of the fantastic annual events staged in the old building. Aspen’s nightclubs also host a wide range of live music throughout the season. The Red Onion, Club Chelsea and Syzygy are good choices to hear some quality music.

Festivals

Aspen has an incredibly diverse and extensive festival scene that happens throughout most of the year. Summertime is the highlight, when you will find something going on every single weekend.

• Aspen Music Festival and School is considered to be one of America’s top summer music programmes. Lasting 9 weeks, it offers over 350 events including symphonic and chamber music, opera, choral, and children’s programmes (June-August).
• Aspen Arts Festival involves 200 exhibitors gathering in Wagner Park to sell handmade jewellery, sculpture, pottery, ceramics, glass and paintings (July).
• Food and Wine Magazine ‘Classic’ assembles some of America’s top chefs and vintners to give cooking demonstrations, wine seminars and tasters (June).
• Aspen Filmfest shows the latest innovative films from directors around the world. The Wheeler Opera House is one of the main venues (Sept).
• U.S. Comedy Arts Festival is the most prestigious event of its kind in the U.S. and features both rising talents and established stars (August).
• Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival lines up some of the hottest musicians on the planet to play in downtown Aspen and in various bars (June).
• Snowmass Balloon Festival features more than 50 hot air balloons which create a sublime show against the mountain backdrop (Sept).