The Aspen Summer Arts & Culture Guide.

The best cultural events and organizations to check out while visiting Aspen and Snowmass.

Walter and Elizabeth Paepke would be proud. In 1945, the Chicago-based industrialist couple had a vision of Aspen becoming a future bastion of arts and culture in North America. Today, both are a fundamental part of our community. Whether it’s seeing young maestros at the Aspen Music School, watching some of the world’s best dancers with Dance Aspen, or simply enjoying the world-class art we put on our lift tickets, you will find a depth of expression not found in other ski towns.

Below are many of the organizations and cultural events that will help you enjoy both local and global art while in Aspen and Snowmass Village.

Wheeler Opera House

Aspen's grandest and most historic performing arts venue remains this jewel from 1889. Throughout the year, the Wheeler Opera House hosts concerts, stand-up comedy, film festivals, and other events that draw an audience from far and wide.

Visit Wheeler Opera house

Aspen Music Festival and School

Since its inception in 1949, the Aspen Music Festival and School has made our town a magnet for the world's best classically trained musicians and performers. Each summer brings some 300 individual classical music events, as well as an influx of students from ages 10 to 35, who perform throughout the town in the evenings.

Jazz Aspen Snowmass

What started as a three-day festival in 1991 has blossomed into a year-round cultural event centered on jazz performances as well as music education. In June, catch live shows in downtown Aspen, and in September, get tickets for Labor Day weekend performances in Snowmass, with big-name artists taking the stage in Town Park.

Anderson Ranch Art Center

Artists from around the globe flock to this art center off Owl Creek Road in Snowmass because of its multi-discipline, contemporary art workshops, master classes, events, artist conversation series, and more. The center recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Throughout our resort, you will find art installations that celebrate the way Aspen rejuvenates our mind, body and spirit. Whether its the colorful mural at Elk Camp Restaurant (pictured), our annual art on our lift tickets, or Walter Niedermayr’s numerous Aspen Series photographic installations, you’ll regularly discover “art in unexpected places.