events in Aspen as viewed from the gondolas
April 4, 2024

From Film Festivals to Art Shows: Events in Aspen 2024

4 min read

Summary

Events in Aspen for 2024 include Artist-In-Residence Slide Night at Anderson Ranch, many exhibitions at the Aspen Art Museum, and several film festivals.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which event in Aspen’s 2024 calendar are you most excited about, and why?
  2. How do the seasonal changes in Aspen influence the types of events and activities available?
  3. Reflect on a past experience in Aspen or another mountain town. How did the natural surroundings and local events shape your memories?

Journal Prompt

Imagine yourself strolling through Aspen during your favorite season. Describe the sights, sounds, and sensations you encounter as you explore the town’s events and natural wonders. How does this experience make you feel?

Write Journal

Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, Aspen uniquely pairs cultural richness and natural beauty, captivating visitors year-round with its array of vibrant events and breathtaking scenery. With its world-class festivals, outdoor adventures, and artistic endeavors, the incredible events in Aspen are endless. From the exhilarating slopes of winter to the blooming trails of spring, the lively concerts of summer, and the stunning foliage of fall, Aspen promises an unforgettable journey through the seasons, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its eclectic experiences. Join us as we explore the highlights of Aspen’s event calendar for 2024!

Must-Attend Events in Aspen Snowmass This Year

21st Annual Downtown Aspen Art Festival

The 21st Annual Downtown Aspen Art Festival is set to take place from July 19th to July 21st, 2024, offering a vibrant display of artistic talents in Paepcke Park, situated directly on Main Street. This three-day event will feature national and local artists showcasing a wide range of artworks in an idyllic setting. Admission is free, making it an accessible celebration of creativity for everyone. For more details, you can visit the festival’s website at ArtFestival.com and Colorado Artist Tour.

Aspen Ideas Festival

Aspen Colorado mountains during the summer when the slopes of each mountain are covered in flowers. We encourage you to take a tour beyond the town, even if you miss skiing.

The Aspen Ideas Festival is a premier event that brings together leaders and innovators from various fields to discuss and share ideas that shape our world. This festival typically occurs in late June to early July. This year, dates are Sun, Jun 23, 2024 – Sat, Jun 29, 2024. For the most accurate and updated information on the event schedule and how to participate, it’s best to check the official Aspen Ideas Festival website.

Richard Carter’s Observable Universe Exhibition

Hosted at the Paepcke Gallery in Snowmass Village, Richard Carter’s Observable Universe Exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of the artist’s expansive career, showcasing his significant contributions to the Aspen art scene over the last five decades. The exhibition features a selection of mixed media pieces that span from 2002 to 2021, marking a departure from Carter’s signature geometric and constructivist paintings to focus on his interests in Earth sciences and astronomical phenomena.

This exhibition is on view from October 2, 2023, through April 12, 2024, at the Paepcke Gallery located at 1000 North 3rd Street on the Aspen Institute Campus. The gallery is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with Carter’s work, which weaves together elements of art, science, and exploration. For more information, check out this article in The Aspen Times.

Featured Events at the Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum hosts various events throughout the year, including exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, showcasing contemporary art across diverse mediums. The Aspen Art Museum is hosting several notable exhibitions this year, including “John Chamberlain: THE TIGHTER THEY’RE WOUND, THE HARDER THEY UNRAVEL” through April 7, “Lena Henke: You and your vim” until September 29, “Cauleen Smith: Mines to Caves” also through April 7, and “A Lover’s Discourse,” running until April 7. Additionally, there’s an upcoming exhibition, “In the House of the Trembling Eye: an exhibition staged by Allison Katz,” scheduled from May 29 to September 29​.

For the latest on featured events in 2024, including dates and exhibition details, the Aspen Art Museum’s official website is the best resource. Visit Aspen Art Museum for more information.

Aspen Music Festival and School’s Summer Festival

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, the Aspen Music Festival and School will offer over two months of classical music performances, including more than 400 events. The festival is known for its extensive program that encompasses opera, chamber music, and more, making it a highlight of Aspen’s cultural calendar. For dates and detailed event schedules, refer to the festival’s official website.

Aspen Filmfest

Aspen Filmfest is an anticipated annual film festival that showcases a curated selection of films ranging from independent gems telling true stories to international highlights. This year, the film festival will occur from April 1 through 7, 2024. For the most accurate and updated festival information, including screening schedules, ticketing, and other events in Aspen, visiting Aspen Film’s official website is recommended.

Shortsfest Hosted by Aspen Film

Shortsfest, presented by Aspen Film, is a celebrated short film festival known for its high-quality programming and as a qualifying event for the Academy Awards. To discover more about the 2024 short films festival dates, submission guidelines, and viewing opportunities, check out the organization’s website.

Creative Reuse Workshop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center

The Creative Reuse Workshop, led by Jean Shin from July 29th to August 2nd, 2024, at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, encourages participants to transform everyday objects into meaningful artworks through creative reuse strategies. This workshop is part of Anderson Ranch’s diverse program of artistic development and exploration. For more information on this and other workshops, visit Anderson Ranch Arts Center’s website.

Artist-In-Residence Slide Night at Anderson Ranch

Scheduled for March 15th, 2024, the Artist-In-Residence Slide Night offers an opportunity to engage with Spring Artists-in-Residence, showcasing their creative journey and works in progress. This event is available in person and virtually, emphasizing community engagement and artistic exchange. Details and registration can be found on Anderson Ranch Arts Center’s event page.

What to Do In Aspen Snowmass After Attending These Events

Little Nell

Aspen offers a rich tapestry of activities through all four seasons. In winter, the world-class ski slopes beckon, with iconic stays like The Little Nell and The Limelight Hotel offering ski-in, ski-out access. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and perfect conditions for hiking and biking trails. Summer is ideal for outdoor concerts, rafting, and exploring the Maroon Bells. As the leaves change in autumn, the scenic drives and wine tasting events provide a picturesque way to enjoy the season’s beauty. Regardless of the season, enjoy top-tier dining (whether with family or on a date), incredible shopping, beautiful views of the country, and so much more. Each season in Aspen is a distinct invitation to explore its natural and crafted luxuries.