Even if the Aspen area were much more populated than it is, the wealth of cultural offerings here during warm-weather months would be astonishing. Consider just some of the options: eight weeks of programming from the Aspen Music Festival and School; a summer-long repertoire from Theatre Aspen; nightly concerts at one of the best club venues in any mountain town; and Aspen Words’ weeklong literary festival. Add in art exhibitions, film fests, ballet, and the 10-day Aspen Ideas Festival, and the possibilities may seem overwhelming.

To help you sift through the options, we highlight our top picks from June through September. Take these as your starting point, then round out your schedule and prepare to immerse yourself in the sort of up-close encounters that the valley's small venues provide. Where else can you, say, ask a question of artist Ai Weiwei or sit so close to Dianne Reeves that you see every facial expression as she sings? That unmatched access is just one more amazing aspect of the local culture scene. Here's to a summer's worth of incomparable experiences.

In This Feature:

The June 2018 Guide to Aspen's Cultural Calendar

The season kicks off with the Flaming Lips, Aspen Fringe Fest, Summer Words, JAS June Experience, and more.

06/05/2018 By Andrew Travers

The July 2018 Guide to Aspen's Cultural Calendar

The summer heats up with Snowmass concerts, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet premiere, Ai Weiwei at Anderson Ranch, Harris Hall's 25th anniversary, and more.

06/05/2018 By Andrew Travers

The August 2018 Guide to Aspen's Cultural Calendar

This month's highlights include the ballet with pianist Joyce Yang, Seraphic Fire choral ensemble, Mountainfilm, and the JAS Labor Day Experience.

06/05/2018 By Andrew Travers

The September 2018 Guide to Aspen's Cultural Calendar

The season closes out with Gary Clark, Jr., at the JAS Labor Day Experience, an Art Base exhibit, and Aspen Filmfest.

06/05/2018 By Andrew Travers

Wine Expert Mark Oldman's Perfect Pairings for Sunday Concerts at the Tent

What to drink while you're listening to Beethoven, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, and more.

06/06/2018 By Mark Oldman

Six Cultural Newsmakers to Keep an Eye On

New on the scene—or, in one case, wrapping up her tenure—these arts leaders have quickly enhanced the local entertainment landscape.

06/06/2018 By Andrew Travers Illustrations by Matty Newton