A year to celebrate in Aspen and Snowmass Village

With the arrival of summer, Aspen and Snowmass Village both come alive with sunny skies and a vibrant line-up of cultural, artistic and outdoor experiences.

This year brings even more reason to celebrate, as seven institutions and events mark major milestones.

From the breathtaking spectacle of hot air balloons over the Rocky Mountains to world-class dance performances and live music, these anniversaries highlight the rich living history of the region.

Outdoors & Nature

30 Years – Challenge Aspen

For three decades, Challenge Aspen has been making outdoor adventure accessible to individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. Since its founding, this non-profit organization has redefined possibilities for participants of all ages, offering over 24 activities throughout the year that are adapted, including customized ski lessons, horseback riding, biking and specialized camps designed to empower and inspire. The Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities (CAMO) program also provides free or subsidized retreats for veterans.

75 Years – ACES Toklat 

The Catto Center at Toklat, a wilderness center that reopened in 2024 following a restoration, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025. Nestled in the upper Castle Creek Valley, the center offers a unique “window into the wilderness” allowing visitors to experience the area’s extraordinary natural beauty and wildlife. It encourages guests to explore the scientific, historical, and spiritual roots of the natural world by providing an inviting, comfortable and stimulating learning environment. Visitors can take a guided hike or join an ACES naturalist-led workshop.

Iconic Events & Venues 

50 Years – Snowmass Balloon Festival

The iconic Snowmass Balloon Festival will mark its 50th anniversary from 12-14 September by filling the skies over the Rocky Mountains with 40 hot air balloons – more than ever before – making it the biggest mountain balloon festival in the state. This milestone year promises a weekend of entertainment, kicking off with the Friday Night Glow under the stars with music and concessions. The morning launches will begin at sunrise on Saturday and Sunday, with Bloody Mary and Mimosa bars and breakfast vendors on site. The Snowmass Balloon Festival is the perfect end of summer experience for adventurers, families and photography buffs.

20 Years – Belly Up Aspen

Belly Up Aspen is celebrating 20 years as the heart of live music in the Rockies. Since opening in 2005, this intimate venue has welcomed legendary artists and rising stars to its stage Recognized by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the “Best Clubs in America”, Belly Up has become a must-visit destination for both fans and performers. As this milestone is marked, the venue looks back on two decades of epic shows and forward to many more. Artists playing this summer include Bombargo, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Ben Kweller and Mountain Grass Unit.

Arts & Cultural Institutions & Organisations

75 Years – The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute celebrates 75 years of inspiring change. Founded in 1949 by Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke, the Institute began as a bold experiment in leadership, bringing global thinkers to Aspen to explore ideas that could shape a better future. Today, with more than 60 programs, including the Aspen Ideas Festival and Aspen Words, and 13 international partners, it continues to foster collaboration on critical global issues, from economic opportunity to climate solutions. 75th anniversary celebrations will include a free Community Celebration on 26 July, bringing people together for engaging panel discussions, guided campus tours, a special exhibition at the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies, and more.

50 Years – Aspen Words

Aspen Words marks half a century of championing literature’s power to inspire, connect and create change. Founded in 1976 and now a program of the Aspen Institute, Aspen Words has become a leading literary center, hosting acclaimed programs such as Summer Words, Winter Words and the Aspen Words Literary Prize – one of North America’s largest awards for fiction with social impact. Summer Words will take place in Snowmass Village from 22-27 June, with inspiring workshops, craft talks and readings.

35 Years – Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

For 35 years, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has been enriching communities through dance. What started as a single ballet studio founded by Aspenite Bebe Schweppe has evolved into a renowned arts organization spanning Aspen, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico. With a commitment to education and cultural engagement, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet nurtures dancers of all levels, presents world-class touring companies and offers dance programs. Stay tuned for its summer 2025 season announcement with all performances in Aspen taking place at the Aspen District Theater.

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