I write a lot about the multitude of daytime activities in Aspen from pet-friendly shopping to playgrounds, and it’s hard to fit everything in. And after the sun goes down, it’s no different. My top picks for things to do in Aspen at night are as follows.
Aspen Snowmass Concert Series – Summer
My favorite nighttime activity takes place outside of Aspen in Snowmass Village. Each Thursday night of the summer season the Town of Snowmass Village puts on a concert series that is free and open to the public.
My friends and I pack up picnics, bring camping chairs and blankets, and watch the sunset over the mountains. It’s hard to find a more perfect way to kick off the weekend. The Thursday night concerts take place each week at 5:30 pm starting on June 15th running through August 17th. Other concerts also take place in Snowmass Village throughout the summer season.
Stargazing – Summer & Fall
Guests of The Little Nell and Limelight hotels have the option of going on a one of a kind stargazing adventure. You’ll be in good hands with an adventure concierge behind the wheel of one of The Nell’s 4×4 Audis as it crisscrosses to our secret stargazing locale. An astronomy expert will accompany the group to impart her wisdom and point out various constellations. Aspen’s remote location makes it the perfect spot to take in the night sky.
Screenings – Year Round
The Wheeler Opera House is one of the most historic spaces in Aspen. Every week they host a range of events from documentary screenings to concerts to stand up comedy. I’ve seen amazing acts from the Beach Boys to comic Adam Devine perform there.
Mountain Summit is a presented with the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival and returns again this summer in late August. For Wheeler events, make sure to get your tickets in advance or talk to the concierge at your hotel. It seats right around 500 people and with big name acts in a small town, the Wheeler fills up fast.
Masterpiece Mine – Year Round
The final evening event that I’m going to share is one that’s a secret amongst locals: Masterpiece Mine. Offered by Aspen’s Red Brick Center for the Arts, Masterpiece Mine is the perfect activity for a group of adults after a big day in the mountains. Lorraine Davis is a resident artist of the Red Brick and she’ll lead you in a painting class with wine and snacks provided. I’ve painted my own rendition of Monet’s Water Lilies as well as my take on Piet Mondrian.
Masterpiece Mine takes place on Tuesday nights, but groups of six or more can book a private class.
Dance – Year Round
This wouldn’t be a piece about Aspen nightlife without a nod to Belly Up. Belly Up is our own world class music venue out here in the mountains and it’s poppin at night. Start your search for tickets now!
Dine (or drink)
Most restaurants close fairly early in Aspen, but there are a few open late at night. These include:
- Red Onion- open til 2AM most nights
- Mi Chola – open til 12AM most nights
- Justice Snows – open til 2AM most nights
- Eric’s Bar (with pool) – open til 2AM most nights
- Zane’s Tavern – open til 2AM most nights
Relax by the Fire
For those who want a little night action but want to keep it chill, stop by the Limelight Lounge, open til 10 pm. You can grab a glass of wine, some pizza, or a build-your-own s’mores kit. Aspen at night is no Manhattan, but if you make the rounds around town, you’ll find plenty of action.
