Christmas In Aspen – Aspen Nightlife

Aspen, Colorado is a great place to spend your 
Christmas vacation. You can spend your days 
on the slopes, and your nights taking advantage 
of all of the planned Christmas activities, as 
well as the usual Aspen nightlife. No matter 
what your interests are, there is always 
something to do in Aspen.

During the Christmas season,
 “Its A Wonderful Life” is presented at the 
Wheeler Opera House. Santa’s Village can be
 found in Snowmass Village and you will hear 
carolers there as well. White Elephant Parties 
are common Christmas activities, and you can 
even enjoy the Aspen Film festival. 

The Holiday Torchlight Parade in Snowmass 
village is a sight to behold. Make sure that you 
don’t miss this! You can even participate in 
this parade! There are many Christmas arts 
and crafts programs offered around Aspen 
that your children will love to participate in as 
well. Make plans to attend the Winter 
Wonderland Christmas Party at the Aspen 
Recreation Center also.

For the ultimate Christmas adventure, make 
sure that you get in on the sledding and hot 
chocolate festivities and go for a sleigh ride as 
well. Christmas in Aspen is a very magical time 
of the year, and you should plan to spend at 
least one Christmas vacation here. Plan to 
stay at Snowmass. 

Aspen Nightlife – The Club Scene

After a day on the slopes in Aspen, Colorado, you 
are probably ready to do some partying. The Aspen 
club scene starts hopping shortly before the slopes 
close. Many of the clubs have planned events – and 
some are just free-for-alls with music and dancing all 
night long. No matter what kind of music you are into, 
you will find it in Aspen.

Most of the lodges and hotels in Aspen have bars or 
clubs. Some have multiple bars, clubs, or lounges – 
so start your search for Aspen nighttime 
entertainment at your lodge or hotel. You can 
usually find a friendly game of pool in almost any bar 
before the music and dancing begin. 

The easiest way to find the type of music and dancing 
that is most enjoyable to you is to pick up a copy of 
Aspen Magazine’s Traveler’s Guide. This guide will 
provide you with a list of Aspen hotspots, and let you 
know what you can expect at each club or bar. If you 
will be drinking, make sure that you don’t drive your 
car. Walk or take advantage of the public transportation 
or taxi services in the Aspen area. 

Aspen Nightlife – Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

Aspen Nightlife isn’t always about music and 
dancing. The Aspen Center for Environmental 
Studies is a great place to go at night! There 
are many planned activities related to 
environmental studies, and you shouldn’t miss 
the weekly Potbelly Perspective Series.

The Potbelly Perspective Series takes place 
one night each week, usually starting about 7pm. 
This is a lecture series presented by local 
people, as well as visiting guests. Adventures, 
pictures and stories are presented that are very 
interesting to anyone who has a love of nature 
or the environment. This series is not only 
interesting; it is also a very inexpensive way to 
spend an evening. Admission for adults is only 
$3.

Naturalist’s nights are also offered once each 
week. Here, you will learn facts about the 
natural world, and issues concerning the 
natural world. With expert speakers, many 
topics are covered, and these nights are planned 
in advance. This is a wonderful learning 
experience, and a great way to spend an evening 
in Aspen.

Many daytime programs are also offered 
through the Aspen Center for Environmental 
Studies, including ski tours and snowshoe tours. 
Call ahead to find out what events are planned, 
and to make reservations as necessary.

Aspen Nightlife – World Link Café

While on your wonderful vacation in Aspen, you will 
enjoy many of the finer things in life – including fresh 
open air and natural surroundings. It is wonderful 
and peaceful – but since we have become a 
technical society, you might start having email 
withdrawals. The World Link Café in Aspen has a 
solution.

This wonderful Internet Café is located in the heart 
of downtown Aspen on Hyman Avenue. It is open 
until 10pm each day, and serves wonderful 
cappuccinos, mochas, and lattes, as well as 
pastries, cookies, sausage rolls and meat pies. The 
Internet is also served with a bank of computers with 
Internet Access – where you can access your email.

Of course, there are fees for using the computers, 
and it isn’t cheap. It costs about $10 per hour – but 
if you are having Internet or email withdrawals, it may 
be well worth it to spend twenty bucks or so for a 
couple of hours of computer time. Then, get right back 
out there and enjoy more of the fresh air and peace 
that Aspen has to offer you.

Aspen Nightlife – Winterskol

Since Aspen is a wintertime playground for so 
many people, it is only fitting that everyone in 
Aspen during the month of January participates 
in Winterskol. This is literally a celebration of 
winter, cold, and snow – which is a great deal 
of what makes Aspen, well, Aspen! Winterskol 
is the ultimate Aspen party.

Winterskol is held during the month of January 
each year, and it is the wildest winter 
celebration you will ever experience. The 
highlight of Winterskol is the Canine Fashion 
Show, where pets are dressed up in crazy 
clothing, such as miniature bridal gowns. 
Winterskol has been an Aspen tradition for 
more than fifty years – and it will continue for 
at least another fifty! The first Winterskol 
celebration was held in 1951.

During Winterskol, more than 40 events are 
scheduled in the downtown area, Aspen 
Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk 
Mountain, and Snowmass Mountain. The 
entire area gets involved in the activities. 
Winterskol is a celebration of Aspen’s Nordic 
ancestry, as well as a celebration of winter. 
While most events are scheduled in advance,
Winterskol also brings several surprises as 
well. You just never know what you will find at 
the Winterskol celebration – until you are there.

Favorite traditional activities include the Canine 
Fashion Show, Winter sculpt, the Buttermilk 
Uphill Race, and Snowmass Splash. Don’t 
miss the torchlight descent and the fireworks 
display over Aspen Mountain. Don’t miss the 
unique competitions happening all over town. 
There is constant live entertainment all around 
town as well. If you are planning a ski vacation, 
and you want to have the time of your life – 
your destination should be Aspen, and your 
arrival date should coincide with the start of 
Winterskol.

Winterskol is an ongoing week long party with 
something for everyone. Amusement, 
entertainment, parties, and celebration are top 
priorities during the week of Winterskol. You 
have to experience Winterskol at least once in 
your lifetime – and after you have been once, 
you will be back. Winterskol is a celebration 
that is comparable with Mardi Gras in New 
Orleans – but a lot safer, and in many 
opinions, more enjoyable.

As they do for Mardi Gras, people come from 
all over the world for Winterskol. Event 
packages are available, but all of the lodges, 
hotels, motels, condos, cabins, and 
campgrounds sell out early. Make sure that you 
book lodging for Winterskol well in advance, 
and take advantage of the packages that the 
various lodges offer. Packages typically 
include lodging, airfare, rental cars, and 
other things that you may require as well.

Aspen Nightlife – US Comedy Arts Festival

If you can visit Aspen in March, make sure that you 
catch the US Comedy Arts Festival that is held in 
various venues throughout Aspen. This is one of the 
major events for comedians all over the country – 
and it is some of the best entertainment you will 
ever experience. 

The US Comedy Arts Festival features every type of 
comedy you can imagine, including Stand-up 
comedy, film shorts, alternative comedy, and sketch 
comedy. Tribute is given to some of the greatest 
comedians from the past, such as Rodney 
Dangerfield, Monty Python, and George Carlin. You 
will also have the opportunity to enjoy many of 
today’s famous comedians, and hear some unknown 
or up and coming comedians as well.

Make sure that you don’t miss this festival – and 
make sure that you make your plans and reservations 
very early. The lodges and hotels will fill up fast for 
this festival, and according to locals, this is the 
hardest time of the year to find lodging in Aspen – 
which is a good indication of how good the 
entertainment is!

Aspen Nightlife – Theatre in the Park

Founded in 1983 by Kent Reed, Theatre in the Park 
has become an Aspen tradition that adds to the 
delight of Aspen nightlife. Theatre in the Park once 
actually was theatre that was performed in a tent in 
the park. Now, however, Theatre in the Park has 
changed its name to Theatre Aspen, and a new 
permanent structure is in development. This will 
allow Theatre in the Park to hold year-round 
performances, instead of summer-only performances.

Contemporary and classical plays are all presented 
by the theatre. If you are in Aspen around Christmas 
time, make sure that you see the theatre’s 
presentation of “Its A Wonderful Life.” As a summer-
only venue, sixty shows are performed each year. 
Once the company has its permanent structure, we 
can expect many more each year.

The Theatre Aspen also has many training programs 
for adults and children. Currently, performances are 
held between June and August. The Theatre in the 
Park is located in the Rio Grande Park. Heat is 
provided on chilly nights, and there is an area to enjoy 
cocktails during intermissions, as well as before and 
after performances.

Aspen Nightlife – The Wheeler Opera House

The Wheeler Opera House has been an 
integral part of Aspen nightlife, history, and 
culture since 1889 when Mr. J.B Wheeler and 
the Conried Company presented The King’s 
Fool. While the building started out as an 
Opera House, it was only used for town 
meetings and such by 1893, when the silver 
mines had played out.

The Wheeler Opera House remained open until 
1912 when it was gutted by not one, but two 
fires in one week! The Opera House did not 
open again until June of 1946 when it was 
leased by the Aspen Company. The total 
restoration went on until 1960. Between the 
years of 1912 and 1946 the Wheeler Opera 
House remained empty, and it was used as 
a playground by the local children.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s, The Wheeler 
Opera House was mainly used as a movie 
theater. However, in 1979, the city decided to 
restore the Opera House to its original 
grandeur, and this restoration was completed 
in 1984. The cost was 4.5 million dollars. 
Today, the Wheeler Opera House is on the 
National Registrar of Historical Places.

Many events, such as lectures, concerts, plays,
 films, and musicals are held at The Wheeler 
Opera House today. You can see Broadway 
shows, jazz concerts, country and rock 
concerts, and even children’s theater here. 
Any type of cultural event you can imagine 
is held here – and shows are scheduled 
throughout the year. Locals consider the 
Wheeler Opera House the ‘crown jewel of Aspen.
’ Nationwide, it is considered a world class theater 
– and with the detailed woodwork it is certainly a 
sight to behold!

The Opera House is still in its original location 
on Hyman Avenue, in the heart of downtown 
Aspen. You can call to find out what events are 
planned, and to purchase tickets. Remember 
that this is a popular place, and shows do sell 
out quickly – so purchase your tickets as early 
as possible. You should also be aware that 
children under the age of three years old are 
not permitted for live performances, unless the 
performance is for children specifically. 
Cameras and recording devices are not 
permitted for performances.

The Wheeler Opera House can also be rented 
for a variety of special occasions and events, 
such as parties, receptions, weddings, 
conferences, and seminars. Events such as 
these are usually held on the second floor, 
where guests will enjoy a breathtaking view of 
Aspen Mountain, as well as the city.

Aspen Nightlife – The Ultimate Taxi

This isn’t your ordinary taxi ride! The Ultimate Taxi 
is actually entertainment that is not to be missed. 
This is a thirty to forty minute musical ride around 
Aspen – but it’s not like any other ride you will take 
in your lifetime.

The taxi you will be riding in is a 1978 Checker cab. 
It has been greatly modified and boasts four red 
lasers, a laser projector, black light effects, light 
washers, light orbs, mini-strobes, color changing fiber 
optics, a sound system, stage lights, a mirror ball, a 
fog machine, a keyboard, digital drums, a digital 
camera, a DV cam, a notebook computer, a printer, 
and much, much more. 

Your driver will be Jon Barnes, and he has been 
driving tourists around Aspen since 1984. He throws 
in a pair of 3-D glasses, so you can view Aspen as 
you never have before. Featured online, in radio 
interviews, magazines, and newspapers, the Ultimate 
Taxi has become very popular. Many famous people 
have taken this cab ride as well, including Clint 
Eastwood and Jerry Seinfeld. 

Get ready for a wild ride! Jon plays the keyboard 
and the horn while driving! With your 3-D glasses 
and the other toys that are included in the ride, 
combined with the psychedelic lighting effects, this 
is one ride that you will never forget! In fact, Jon 
makes sure of it, because there will be pictures to 
help you remember the event.

Make sure you buy some souvenirs before you leave. 
The Ultimate Taxi gift store is located right outside 
the doors, in the trunk. You will also have a web page 
memory of your ride in the Ultimate Taxi hosted on 
Jon’s server for all time. Take your toys and 3-D 
glasses home with you as well.

The Ultimate Taxi is not a ‘normal’ taxi ride. You 
don’t call Jon Barnes to take you where you want to 
go. The Ultimate Taxi is more of a musical show 
and adventure. It has been called the world’s 
smallest recording studio.

Make sure that you get your Ultimate Taxi ride while 
you are in Aspen, and join the ranks of Ivana, Kevin 
Costner, George Hamilton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dudley 
Moore, the Beatles, Clint Eastwood, Jerry Seinfeld, 
and even Regis Philbin! Due to the popularity of the 
Ultimate Taxi, it is probably best to call in advance 
for a reservation. The Ultimate Taxi is in operation 
from 7pm to 10pm most nights.

Aspen Nightlife – The Sneaker Ball

You may have been to many balls in your 
lifetime, such as Christmas Balls, Spring Balls,
and even Debutante Balls – but if you haven’t 
been to the Sneaker Ball in Aspen, Colorado, 
you are missing out on all the fun! Known as 
‘Aspen’s Greatest Party,’ the Sneaker Ball is 
held annually at the St. Regis Hotel on East 
Dean Street every March.

Back in 1986, the very first Sneaker Ball was 
held by Al Gross and David Nauss of Paine 
Weber, Inc – in Boston. The party was a 
celebration of Reebok shares trading on the 
stock market for the very first time. This black 
tie event was much like other balls – but 
everyone was wearing Reeboks, and the first 
Sneaker Ball was born.

The following year, Al Gross decided that this 
was the kind of party that people really liked – 
but instead of being limited to white Reeboks, 
the idea would be for the guests to wear formal 
gowns and tuxedos, with decorated tennis 
shoes. The party was moved to Aspen, where 
people know how to party – and thousands of 
people from all over the world fly into Aspen to 
attend.

One of the nicest things guests like about the 
Sneaker Ball is that it is for a good cause. All 
of the proceeds go to Grass Roots, which is a 
program designed to help inner-city kids. These 
kids are brought to Aspen to experience what
 life outside the city is. Many of these kids don’t 
even realize that places like Aspen really exist.
 Tickets cost $125 per person, which isn’t too 
bad considering that the money is for a good 
cause. 

People from diverse backgrounds attend the 
Sneaker Ball each year. Famous people are 
there, infamous people, and people who are 
neither famous nor infamous attend – and 
every one has a fantastic time. The party gets 
started at about 9:30pm and ends around 
1:30am – followed by many ‘after parties’ in 
various locations throughout Aspen. 

If you’ve ever wanted to attend one of those 
glitzy ‘Hollywood type’ parties, here is your 
chance! You will rub elbows with the famous, 
show off your custom designed sneakers 
along with your formal wear, and dance the 
night away – and all for a very good cause.  

This is an event that sells out fast. Contact the 
Chamber of Commerce in Aspen to find out 
when the Sneaker Ball is scheduled, and 
purchase your tickets right away. Also check 
with the various hotels and lodges to inquire 
about package deals and get your 
reservations set before everything is sold out!

Aspen Nightlife – The Crystal Palace

If you like comedy, you should visit The Crystal 
Palace. This Aspen landmark was established 
in 1957, and has been offering quality dining 
with satire comedy ever since. The interior of 
the restaurant is done in a Victorian style, with 
beautiful stained glass windows, sparkling 
chandeliers, and vintage furnishings.

If you take politics very seriously, this may not 
be the type of comedy you enjoy. The majority 
of the comedy acts and musicals have a 
political slant to them, and the staff performs 
most of the acts. The Crystal Palace is located
 in the heart of downtown Aspen, on Hyman 
Avenue.

The food is the best you can find anywhere. 
Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb, Fish, Seafood, and 
Roast Duckling are served. Don’t make the 
mistake of just showing up – call ahead for 
reservations. The Crystal Palace is open 
Tuesday through Sunday in the evening for 
dinner and a show. You should definitely make
 it a point to eat here at least once while you 
are on your Aspen vacation, as this is a 
traditional part of Aspen nightlife for locals and 
guests.

Aspen Nightlife – The Caribou Club

According to The New York Post, the Caribou 
Club is the absolute best private club in 
America. This is a member’s only private club, 
and the membership fee is quite high – but the 
ambiance is top-notch!

The Caribou Club is located in Aspen, 
Colorado on East Hopkins Avenue. The club 
is open from 6:30pm until 2am every day, and 
you can enjoy dinner and dancing, or lounge in 
the Great Room before a roaring fireplace with 
a fine cigar. The wine cellar houses over 5000 
wines from around the world. 

There is more to The Caribou Club than fine 
dining and dancing, however. When you enter 
the club, you are entering a world of elegance 
that can only be experienced here. The walls 
are covered with 19th century paintings. There 
is a coat room, where your coat will be taken 
from you, and you are made to feel like a very 
welcome houseguest. You can then go to the 
bar, the Great Room, or be seated for dinner 
– the choice is yours.

The Caribou Club has only been open for about 
ten years, but it has become an integral part of 
Aspen nightlife for the rich and famous – and 
even for those who are not famous, nor rich, 
but who can afford to pay the membership 
fees. When you enter the Great Room at The 
Caribou Club, you will probably see faces that 
you know – even if you don’t know these 
famous people on a personal level.

You don’t even have to be in Aspen to enjoy the 
cuisine offered by The Caribou Club. Your 
event can be catered by the club, no matter 
how large or small it is, or where it is located. 
You can have your event catered anywhere 
in the world! Private parties can also be held 
at The Caribou Club.

Again, the cost is fairly high. Lifetime 
membership for a couple is $10,000. Individual 
membership for two people is $3000 for the 
first year, and $1000 for each additional year, 
paid annually. Family membership for up to five 
people costs $4000 per year. A temporary 
membership is available for one week. The cost 
is $500 and covers one couple. However, during 
Holidays and President’s Weekend, the cost is 
$1000. 

As you can see, The Caribou Club is quite 
exclusive – but depending on the type of
 nightlife you enjoy, the cost of membership is 
well worth it – even if you only visit once a year.

Aspen Nightlife – Taste Festival

Winter time isn’t the only time to visit Aspen. 
There is a great deal going on each summer, 
and one of the highlights each June is the 
Taste Festival. This is also called the Food & 
Wine Magazine Classic, and people from all 
over the world arrive in droves for this three 
day event. 

Cookbook authors, wine experts, restaurateurs, 
and famous chefs can all be found here. 
Wolfgang Puck, Jacques Pepin, and Andrea 
Immer have all attended the Taste Fest in 
Aspen – because if food is your life, this is the 
place to be! Each year, there are over eighty 
cooking and food demonstrations, and visitors 
can get a taste of it all. 

There are many seminars and wine tasting 
sessions held throughout Aspen during these 
three days as well. If you want to attend this 
incredible mouth watering event, make your 
reservations months in advance – or you will 
miss out! If you don’t make your reservations 
early, try to find a hotel with space available in 
a nearby town, and drive back and forth to the 
event – check the local camp grounds as well. 
Just make sure you don’t miss this event!

Aspen Nightlife – Syzygy

Syzygy, which is located on East Hyman Avenue in 
Aspen, Colorado, has repeatedly won awards for 
being one of the best restaurants in this ski town. 
Featuring outstanding jazz music and food that is 
out of this world, Syzygy is the place to be when it 
comes to Aspen nightlife and fine dining. This is an 
Aspen landmark that is not to be missed.

The chef at Syzygy combines European and Asian 
dishes, and presents them in a modern American 
way. These combinations are what set the cuisine 
at Syzygy apart from the food you find at most 
restaurants. Along with this outstanding fare, you 
can select wine from a list of over 300 Italian, 
American, and French wines. If you aren’t sure 
which wine will work with the fine food you have 
ordered – simply ask your waiter. They always 
seem to know exactly which wine will enhance the 
flavor of the food the best.

One of the nice touches about the service at 
Syzygy’s is that the Chef likes to send gifts to the 
table, such as goat cheese, potato crisps, and 
osemary bread. Syzygy is famous for their 
atmosphere as well. The glass enclosed waterfalls 
inside the restaurant are talked about all over the 
world – and they are really something to see! Every 
part of the interior of this Aspen landmark works 
well together to create a mood that makes the 
food, the wine, the music, and the company 
absolutely enjoyable. 

You may be overwhelmed with all of the wonderful 
menu choices, and all of the delicious smells 
coming from nearby tables. You may not be able to 
make a choice! Syzygy’s has you covered. Simply 
order the Tasting Menu, and sample everything. 
Enjoy the music while you are eating – and after 
your meal as well. Some of the finest jazz artists in 
the world have performed at Syzygy’s. Call ahead 
to find out who will be performing – you will be glad 
that you did.

Syzygy’s is closed on Monday’s and Tuesdays 
during the off-season. During the season, they are 
open from 6pm to 10pm each day, and you should 
definitely call ahead for a reservation. Remember, 
this is an integral part of experiencing Aspen 
nightlife, so make sure you get by Syzygy’s at 
least once while you are in Aspen – the chances 
are very good that your first visit will not be your 
last! If possible, try to make it to the Sunday Jazz 
Brunch.

Aspen Nightlife – Music in the Mountains

There is always something of interest going on 
in Aspen, and September is no different. During 
the month of September, every year, JAS 
comes to Snowmass. JAS, or Jazz Aspen 
Snowmass, began in 1991 to honor the art of 
Jazz in the Roaring Fork Valley. It has now 
become a music attraction that lasts all 
summer long, with the biggest celebration 
coinciding with Labor Day weekend.

While this is a Jazz celebration, for all intents 
and purposes, all types of music are 
celebrated, including reggae and rock-n-roll. 
Famous musicians and singers from around 
the world attend the four day Music in the 
Mountains celebration.

All events take place in the breathtaking 
Snowmass Town Park, located on Brush 
Creek Road in Snowmass. Snowmass 
Village is one of the most beautiful places in 
the United States, and this festival is extremely 
popular. It is vital that you purchase your tickets 
well in advance, and arrange lodging well in 
advance also. Snowmass advises that if you 
do not have a ticket, to not show up for the 
festival – it will be sold out.

Aspen Nightlife – How to Find the Entertainment

No matter what time of year it is when you visit 
Aspen, there is always something going on – 
even in the off season. The town is small, but 
there are usually several types of entertainment 
offered each evening in different parts of the 
small town. Generally, you won’t have to search 
too hard to find some entertainment – but it is 
better to know exactly what is going on all over 
town, so you can choose the Aspen nightlife 
that best suits your interests.

First, call the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen 
a few months before your trip if possible. Ask 
them what events are planned for the time 
period that you will be there. Events are usually 
scheduled well in advance, and finding out 
about these events well in advance will not only 
help you to better make your plans, but it will 
also allow you to purchase needed tickets in 
advance. Nothing will be more disappointing 
than arriving in Aspen and finding out that your 
favorite band is in town for a sold out show!

Events can come up at the last minute as well. 
Upon your arrival to your lodge or hotel, ask the 
concierge about events that will be taking place 
during your stay. If you have already contacted 
the Chamber of Commerce, you will know most 
of what is going on around town – but there may 
be a few surprises in store for you.

Don’t forget to check with the Chamber of 
Commerce offices in nearby towns and villages! 
Snowmass is a village that almost seems to 
be a part of Aspen – but it isn’t. Contact the 
Snowmass town hall to find out what events 
are scheduled in the village during your visit.

Have a plan before you arrive in Aspen. Use 
Internet resources, as well as the information 
that you learn from the various Chambers of 
Commerce and your lodge to plan your daytime 
and night time activities while you will be in 
Aspen. Again, there is always something to do 
in Aspen, and if you don’t plan ahead, you will 
waste a lot of time trying to decide what you 
want to do. 

While you want to go in with a plan, leave a 
day or two open – with no plans. Use these 
days for shopping expeditions or simply take a 
quiet walk through the quiet Victorian 
neighborhoods. Go to a restaurant that isn’t in 
your plans, or spend some time in the Great 
Room at your lodge. There is always 
something to do…but sometimes, it is nice to 
have nothing to do as well!

Aspen Nightlife – Harris Concert Hal

There is always something going on in Aspen, 
Colorado and the Aspen nightlife is very active. 
You can find a wide variety of things to do – but 
if you want a little culture, you should definitely 
find out what events are planned at the Harris 
Concert Hall. 

At the Harris Concert Hall, you will find 
everything from Piano Recitals to Rock-n-Roll 
Concerts. Events are planned well in advance, 
so you should be able to find out what concerts 
and events are scheduled to coincide with your 
Aspen vacation. 

The Harris Concert Hall is located in the West 
end of Aspen, in a quaint residential 
neighborhood. Due to parking and traffic 
problems, you should strongly consider 
walking to the concert hall. It is a short ten 
minute walk from the downtown area. Other 
transportation options include biking or taking 
the bus. When there are events at the concert,
it is very difficult to find parking.

The Aspen Music Festival and School were 
founded in 1949 by Walter and Elizabeth 
Paepcke from Chicago. Many music 
professionals train here and all of the school 
and festival performances take place in the 
Harris Concert Hall, which seats over 2000 
people.

You should definitely try to visit Aspen during 
the Music Festival. This takes place over a nine 
week period in the summer, and there are 
usually more than 200 planned events. People 
from all over the world come to the Aspen 
Music Festival, so be sure that you make your 
plans and reservations early!

Another exciting event that takes place at the 
Harris Concert Hall is the Aspen Film Festival. 
This festival takes place three times each year. 
The Aspen Shortsfest is held in the Spring. The
 Aspen Filmfest is held during the Fall, and the 
Aspen Academy Screenings are held during the 
Winter. Again, people come from all over the 
world for these events, so make your plans 
early.

The Harris Concert Hall is full of history, even 
though the newest section of it wasn’t built 
until recently. This is a major part of Aspen’s 
history and culture, and you should try to attend 
at least one event at the Harris Concert Hall 
while you are in Aspen. Most events take place 
in the evening; however there are also events 
that take place during the day. You can check 
with your lodge or hotel to find out what events 
are planned at the Concert Hall each day. Also 
inquire about the need to purchase advance 
tickets for specific events.

Aspen Nightlife – Getting Around

After a day on the slopes, you may be 
wondering what there is to do for the rest of the 
evening. Well, don’t use up all of your energy, 
and leave the slopes early enough to get in a 
short nap – you will need all of the energy you 
can muster for the Aspen nightlife. No matter 
how much skiing you get in or how many of 
the runs you have mastered, you have not truly 
experienced Aspen until you venture out after 
dark!

Aspen has three basic areas: downtown, the 
West end, and the East end. The town is 
remarkably small, considering how many 
people venture here each season – but 
surprisingly, everyone and everything just fits. 
The town is actually small enough to leave 
your car parked at your lodge or hotel and walk 
anywhere that you want to go. In fact, this is 
recommended. 

Not everyone pays heed to this advice, which 
can make driving around and parking very 
difficult. You can also take a free shuttle from 
one mountain to another, take the Roaring Fork 
Transit Authority Bus, or go to the Rubey Park 
Transportation Center to get a ride anywhere in 
the valley. 

Don’t worry about getting lost. The town is well 
laid out. Starting on the West end, you will find 
a quiet Victorian neighborhood. While this is a 
residential district, where locals live, you will 
also find many hotels and condos on the West 
end, particularly on Main Street. You will also 
find the Aspen Meadows Conference Center 
and Hotel. This is a 40-acre area where you 
will also find the Aspen Institute, the Music Tent, 
the Harris Concert Hall, the Paepcke Auditorium, 
the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, 
the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, and the 
Aspen Center for Physics. 

In the East end of Aspen you will find another 
residential area, as well as the Roaring Fork 
River and the Aspen Club and Spa. The East 
end features more forests than the West end, 
which has been developed a great deal more. 
Between the West End and the East End, you 
will find downtown Aspen. Downtown is where 
most of the action is. Featuring old Victorian 
buildings, downtown Aspen boasts pubs, 
restaurants, shops, and everything else you 
could ever possibly need – all housed in 
beautiful historical landmark buildings. 

Down the valley a ways, you will find Snowmass 
Village. To the west, you will also find Roaring 
Fork Valley. These two villages are 
compliments of Aspen, and you should take 
the time to visit them as well.

Aspen Nightlife – Country & Western Dancing

Believe it or not, there is only one place in 
Aspen where you can scoot a boot across the 
dance floor to the sounds of George Strait, and 
other Country & Western favorites – Shooter’s 
Salon. Shooter’s Salon is located on South 
Galena Street, and they are open from 6:30pm 
to 2am every day, and again, this club has the 
distinction of being the only Country & Western 
club in the whole town of Aspen, Colorado.

Here, cowboy hats, creased jeans, and boots 
are the expected attire. During the week, the 
music is provided by a DJ, and on weekends 
live bands provide the tunes. If you don’t know 
how to do the Texas Two-Step, you can learn 
how on any Thursday night which is when 
Shooter’s offers free Country dance lessons. 

Good beer, good music, great dancing, friendly 
games of pool or darts – Shooter’s is a place 
where all cowboy’s and cowgirl’s will feel right 
at home. If you want to let your hair down, 
without having to worry about breaking any of
the rules set by ‘polite society’ in the other fine 
establishments located in Aspen, Shooter’s is 
the place to do it!

Aspen Nightlife – Club Chelsea

The Club Chelsea is a fashionable club that is 
a traditional part of the Aspen nightlife social 
scene. Featuring a piano bar, a dining area, a 
dance floor, and a private smoking room, this 
is high-toned entertainment at its very best. 

The Club Chelsea bar offers single malts, 
cognacs, martinis, and ports, and in the 
smoking room, you will find Havana and A. 
Fuente cigars. The club is open from 8pm to 
2am daily, and is located on East Hyman 
Avenue. A light menu is offered, featuring 
gourmet dishes such as pastas, tenderloins,
and tamales. Everything about Club Chelsea 
screams elegance. 

The chances are good that you will not run into 
the college crowd here. The majority of the 
patrons seem to be older – starting with the 30 
and 40 year old crowds, with some seniors 
thrown in for good measure. This is elegant 
‘grown up’ entertainment, where you won’t find 
a lot of noise or people who have had too much 
to drink. 

So, if you are past the college drinking contests 
and wet T-shirt competition age, you will find 
Club Chelsea a delightful and elegant place 
where you can while away the evening with 
great food, fabulous drinks, wonderful piano 
music, and outstanding cigars.