Monday, May 13
Teen Socrates Seminar: The Power of the Human Spirit (4:00 pm, Aspen Institute) The Aspen Institute offers its Teen Socrates Seminar to teens between the ages of 15-17 from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Students convene to take part in this transformational experience and come away with a new perspective on their lives, their futures, and society. The seminar is dedicated to enhancing leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking skills for high school students in a setting conducive to thought and fellowship. Students are challenged to think more critically and deeply about their values and ideas, and those that make the good society. The Spring virtual seminar is offered via Zoom from May 13-16.
Aspen’s Past to Present Tour (Mondays & Thursdays 1:00 pm, Downtown Aspen) This classic historical walking tour of Aspen tells it’s history from humble mining camp to world famous resort. A casual 12 block stroll through historic downtown Aspen acclimatizes you to Aspen’s energy and possibility. A great experience for both the first time visitor and the regular. This tour visits historic landmarks of Aspen including the Wheeler Opera House, the Red Onion, the Pitkin County Courthouse & the Hotel Jerome among others when accessible.
Tuesday, May 14
Pitkin County Library Baby Storytime (10:30 am, Pitkin County Library) Storytime every Tuesday for babies age 0-2.
Masterpiece Mine Painting Class - Basquiat Cat (5:30 pm, Red Brick Center for the Arts) Masterpiece Mine acrylic painting class with Lorraine Davis will recreate Jean-Michel Basquiat's Cat. No experience necessary, all supplies included, $50 per person, spaces are limited. redbrickaspen.com or call 970-429-2777 for more information.
Evening May Birding at Rock Bottom Ranch (6:00 pm, Rock Bottom Ranch) Experience the sights and sounds during the time when day shifts to dusk in the cattail marsh, pond, and sedge meadow habitats of Rock Bottom Ranch. As red-winged blackbirds and song sparrows wind down their activities and wild turkeys fly up to safe roosts in the nearby cottonwoods, the snipes begin their winnowing display flights and Virginia rails start calling. We will experience this fascinating and brief window of time with the goal of learning about crepuscular birds, those that are active at dusk and dawn. As daylight fades, our dominant sensory awareness will shift from visual to auditory and we will become immersed in a different and fascinating world.
Aspen’s DarkSide Ghost Tour (Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturday 6:00 pm, Downtown Aspen) True stories of Aspen's tarnished past of Ghosts, Murder & Mayhem from 1879 to today on an entertaining evening walk. This tour visits some of Aspen Colorado’s most haunted places and tells the stories behind them as well as some truly darker happenings. This is a great tour for the whole family or just the adults. Reservations are required, click here to learn more.
Wednesday, May 15
Watercolor Painting with Amy Beidleman (5:30 pm, Red Brick Center for the Arts) Watercolor painting class led by instructor Amy Beidleman, focusing on painting people. Amy will lead participants through the steps, demonstrating various techniques to complete the image. All abilities levels welcome, supplies are included, space is limited so please register early; $48 per person. To register: redbrickaspen.com or call 970-429-2777
Weekly Teen Events at the Library (4:30 pm, Pitkin County Library) For ages 12-18. Teen Advisory Board Meetings - Join T.A.B on the first Wednesday of the month to help decide which books, movies, and games will be added to the library and what programs will be offered. Book Thieves Book Club - Book Thieves meet on the second Wednesday of the month to discuss young adult literature. Book to Film - Meet on the third Wednesday of the month for popcorn and a movie based on a book! Other Events - On the fourth and fifth Wednesday of the month the library will be hosting game nights, crafts, trivia, murder mysteries, resume/homework help, and more!
World of Wine Wednesdays at West End Social (2:00 pm, West End Social) Join West End Social for a journey around the world’s different wine regions featuring rotating vintages not available on its daily wine offerings. Each Wednesday, the West End Social team will highlight a variety of sparkling, white, and red wines to offer at a special bottle price of $30-$40 per bottle.
Thursday, May 16
Birding by Habitat: Airport Radar Road (6:30 am, Buttermilk Parking Lot) Join ACES for this special outing along Pitkin County Airport's Radar Road* to explore the suite of birds inhabiting various mountain shrubland habitats traversed by this seldom traveled road. At the beginning, we will bird our way through stands of riparian cottonwoods and willows, an historic ranch compound, and open grassland areas. Seldom used, the road continues on through native mountain shrublands that vary according to soils, moisture, and slope aspect. The variety of birds is reflected in these subtle ecosystem changes, and offers excellent birding along the entire route. Spring is prime time in this sunny, dry landscape that is currently bursting with wildflowers and green foliage. Additional highlights include background on airport wildlife management, ranch history, geology, botany, and unique views of the valley where elk migration corridors and glacial landforms can be seen in sweeping views.
My Life: The Last Chapter - Legal and Financial Guidance (5:00 pm, Pitkin County Library) Regardless of your age, health, or lifestyle, creating a practical plan of action for the end of life will bring you peace of mind and be an invaluable gift to your loved ones. In these four workshops, we will bring light to the legal and financial tasks and compassion to the physical and emotional challenges that we all face. In these workshops, you will complete worksheets and take actionable steps toward end of life planning.
Aspen’s Past to Present Tour (Mondays & Thursdays 1:00 pm, Downtown Aspen) This classic historical walking tour of Aspen tells it’s history from humble mining camp to world famous resort. A casual 12 block stroll through historic downtown Aspen acclimatizes you to Aspen’s energy and possibility. A great experience for both the first time visitor and the regular. This tour visits historic landmarks of Aspen including the Wheeler Opera House, the Red Onion, the Pitkin County Courthouse & the Hotel Jerome among others when accessible.
Aspen’s DarkSide Ghost Tour (Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturday 6:00 pm, Downtown Aspen) True stories of Aspen's tarnished past of Ghosts, Murder & Mayhem from 1879 to today on an entertaining evening walk. This tour visits some of Aspen Colorado’s most haunted places and tells the stories behind them as well as some truly darker happenings. This is a great tour for the whole family or just the adults. Reservations are required, click here to learn more.
Friday, May 17
Theatre Aspen Education Presents: Matilda The Musical, Jr. (7:00 pm, Theatre Aspen Education) Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
Aspen’s Off the Beaten Path Tour (Tuesdays & Fridays 10:00 am, Aspen Walking Tours) A scenic guided walking tour through Aspen's West End neighborhood and trails along the Roaring Fork River. Participants will learn the stories behind Aspen's Victorian & Modern architecture stitched together with hidden gems of nature. This tour is a healthy walk lasting approximately 90 minutes. It’s a great way to acclimatize to Aspen’s altitude during a visitors first few days in Aspen. Reservations required. Call (970) 948-4349 or visit AspenWalkingTours.com
Saturday, May 18
Local Natives at Belly Up Aspen (8:30 pm, Belly Up Aspen) Based in Los Angeles, the group progressed their sound over the course of five full-length albums, Gorilla Manor [2009], Hummingbird [2013], Sunlit Youth [2016] Violet Street [2019] and Time Will Wait For No One [2023]. In the span of one year, the band performed twice on Jimmy Kimmel Live! For the first performance they were accompanied by Sharon Van Etten playing “Lemon feat. Sharon Van Etten” off the Sour Lemon EP. They closed out 2021 with a performance of Roxy Music’s “More Than This” from Music From The Pen Gala 1983, an EP coinciding with their appearance in the Apple Original Series The Shrink Next Door starring Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell. Local Natives have received praise from Pitchfork, Consequence of Sound, The Guardian and many more. In between countless sold out shows and festival appearances – including a standout Coachella 2017 set – they’ve graced the stages of Austin City Limits, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show With David Letterman, The Late Late Show With James Corden, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and more.
Susan Aposhyan Presents “Heart Open - Body Awake” (9:00 am, Aspen Chapel) This will be a day of embodiment practice. A day-long retreat to let our minds rest. Susan’s book “Heart Open-Body Awake” is the best preparation for this weekend. Students and clients comment that Susan “really walks her talk.” She is fundamentally committed to the human struggle and to living on this planet respectfully and sustainably. $80 In person / $65 Live streaming or Recording Get tix: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/pbHycQ?vid=126qt1
Ride for the Pass (10:30 am, Independence Pass Winter Gate) The annual Ride for the Pass start is at the Winter Gate 5 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82. If you enter Aspen from the west and stay on Highway 82, you can’t miss it. The Ride has two finish lines: The first at Weller Lake turnout, just over two miles from the starting line for families and recreational riders, and the second at the traditional Independence ghost town site ten miles from the start (climbing approximately 2,300 feet, ending at an elevation of 10,800 feet). Join this "car free" ride to support the Independence Pass Foundation and ride this iconic Colorado road before it opens to vehicle traffic for the season.
25th Anniversary Party Like it’s 1999 (4:00 pm, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park) Join us on Saturday, May 18th for our 25th Anniversary celebration! 4pm Flashback $10 gondola ride 5-7pm, Kick the party off with BJ the DJ, 7-9pm Rock out with Price tribute band, Paizley Park. Special Offers include Purple Rain drinks, Let's go Crazy Loaded Fries and spin the wheel prizes! #GetUpHere
Sunday, May 19
Theatre Aspen Education Presents: Matilda The Musical, Jr. (7:00 pm, Theatre Aspen Education) Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
Leisure Hike - East Aspen Hunter Creek (Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 am, East Aspen Hunter Creek Trail) This light hike connects trails, hidden neighborhoods and nature paths east of town along tranquil flowing bodies of water like the Roaring Fork River and the Hunter Creek. 2 miles | 2 hours | $55 per person
Highlights of Aspen Tour (Saturdays & Sundays 12:00 pm, Aspen Walking Tours) Embark on a leisurely stroll through town, where intriguing historical narratives, enchanting storytelling, and fascinating tidbits effortlessly blend together. This 60 minute scenic walk not only acquaints you with the local heritage but also grants you a genuine sense of belonging, acting as a splendid springboard to fully indulge in the abundant wonders that Aspen has to offer. Reservations required by calling 970-948-4349 or visiting www.AspenWalkingTours.com.
Monday, May 20
Teen Socrates Seminar: The Power of the Human Spirit (4:00 pm, Aspen Institute) The Aspen Institute offers its Teen Socrates Seminar to teens between the ages of 15-17 from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Students convene to take part in this transformational experience and come away with a new perspective on their lives, their futures, and society. The seminar is dedicated to enhancing leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking skills for high school students in a setting conducive to thought and fellowship. Students are challenged to think more critically and deeply about their values and ideas, and those that make the good society. The Spring virtual seminar is offered via Zoom from May 13-16.
Aspen’s Past to Present Tour (Mondays & Thursdays 1:00 pm, Downtown Aspen) This classic historical walking tour of Aspen tells it’s history from humble mining camp to world famous resort. A casual 12 block stroll through historic downtown Aspen acclimatizes you to Aspen’s energy and possibility. A great experience for both the first time visitor and the regular. This tour visits historic landmarks of Aspen including the Wheeler Opera House, the Red Onion, the Pitkin County Courthouse & the Hotel Jerome among others when accessible.
Connect with Aspen Chamber Resort Association on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.