Aspen is a ski town of international renown, attracting visitors from the far reaches of the globe. Many come here for the world class skiing and snowboarding in the area while others are intrigued by the shopping and fine dining on the historic streets of the city.
Along with the skiing, great food and swanky night life the town offers, Aspen holds annual events that all add extra flavor to an already enchanting atmosphere. Here is a quick look at some of these yearly events that attract international attention and make Aspen an excellent place to visit during any season.
Wintersköl
Wintersköl is an annual event in Aspen that has been taking place for over 70 years. This festive yearly celebration marks the start of the winter season and brings out the spirit of the snow every January. Events take place across town and on all four resort mountains over the course of four days not long after the new year. Wintersköl is a unique and storied celebration that combines the excitement of the upcoming ski season with elements of Aspen’s historic and modern culture creating a spirit of excitement and merriment for the winter.
Across town you will see amazing snow sculptures that captivate the imagination and display creative artistic skill. Fireworks compliment the cold star-filled skies in all directions and the festivities last long into the night. The locals love the canine fashion show and visitors can take part in a variety of après-ski parties after a long day on the slopes. There are also film screenings, concerts and an assortment of other exciting events to keep you occupied and warm on a winters night. Wintersköl is an event you can't miss this time of year in Aspen.
Aspen Food and Wine Classic
The Food and Wine Classic in Aspen has world wide appeal that brings thousands to town every summer. This event is obviously centered around food and wine and if you’re a fan of either, the Food and Wine Classic is an affair to behold. Over the course of several days every June, Aspen hosts some of the world’s top winemakers, chefs, and culinary aficionados. This vibrant scene will make your mouth water and keep your belly full. This annual event not only attracts some of the most well-known personalities in the culinary and wine industries but also lures celebrities from across the globe to visit town and sample truly decadent delights.
Over the course of the event there are wine tastings, seminars from famous chefs and wine experts, and various charity events to support the community. Entrance into the event can cost a pretty penny but one taste of the delectable offerings found inside the tents that pop up all over town will make you understand why. The food and drink at this event will leave you speechless.
Aspen Arts Festival
Aspen Arts Festival is yet another opportunity to take part in a thriving scene that incorporates elements of the local community with other outside influences far and wide. 2024, marks the 21st year of the Arts Festival. An abundance of art and huge diversity of booths dot the streets, ensuring that this event will take place for years to come. This free event takes place every July and allows visitors the chance to view and purchase truly amazing art from some of the best artists in the world. Visitors can find wide-ranging artistic creations including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, photography and much more.
Creativity blows on the wind during the Arts Festival weekend and Aspen provides an amazing scene for artists of many varieties and nationalities to exhibit their inspirational works to the visitors who flock here this time of year. This event is a perfect compliment to Aspen's summer months and gives visitors an accessible look into the creative culture of the region. To complete this event, many restaurants and business host parties or offer specials during the [Arts Festival(https://www.artfestival.com/festivals/downtown-aspen-art-festival-colorado).
Each season in Aspen provides ample opportunities to enjoy a variety of world class events. All three of these annual events are well-worth experiencing and will add extra excitement to an are that's always enjoyable. The mystique and allure that comes with any trip to Aspen will be highlighted by each of these incredible events and the added attractions they provide can make for a lasting impression sure to highlight your travels.