Cultural Events Calendar

Join ACES Director of Naturalist Programs, Jim Kravitz on this rare opportunity to discover the far side of the North Star Preserve, which is otherwise closed to the public. This small group experience will meander through the entire length of the preserve, traversing riparian areas and aspen fans along the flanks of Aspen Mountain. Along the way we will discover, observe, and learn about the rich animal and plant life that make North Star their home. During this one-of-a-kind walk we will observe ecological features and natural habitats of North Star and discuss the importance of land preservation in our valley.

This class requires advanced registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Participants must register by 5 pm on the day before the outing.

Meeting place and other details will be communicated with registered participants closer to the class.

Join ACES naturalist, Penelope Thornton, for an immersive four-part series in ethnobotany, exploring the edible and medicinal plants of the Aspen area. From June to September, we will follow the phenology of our local flora through monthly guided walks. Each session is timed to follow the plant’s life cycle, moving from the emergence of buds and shoots in the spring to the vibrant flowering plants of mid-summer, concluding with the harvest of seed and roots in the autumn. Participants will learn to read landscapes to engage with our local wild food plants and medicines throughout the flowering season. Whether you are a lover of the Roaring Fork Valley, a budding herbalist, or a culinary explorer, this series offers a new way to feel at home in the wild.

September 16 Roots and Seeds – Learn to identify and harvest wild foods and medicines through seeds and roots as they hunker down for winter. We will learn to identify “skeletons” of summer plants to find nutrient-dense roots and protein-rich seeds, mastering the skills of the late-season harvest.

A beloved Rocky Mountain tradition, the three-day Snowmass Balloon Festival features 20+ hot air balloons inflating with the backdrop of the mountains and skies of Snowmass Village.

Please note that early mornings in September can be very chilly, and we recommend wearing warm layers and closed-toe shoes.

There is no seating on the field, but spectators are welcome to bring blankets and chairs to sit along the perimeter of the field. Dogs are not allowed on site. There is absolutely no parking on any road shoulders within Snowmass Village due to drought conditions, including Brush Creek and Owl Creek Roads adjacent to the festival grounds. Free parking is available at Town Park Station and the Rodeo Lot, as well as the Brush Creek Park & Ride, with consistent free shuttle service to the site and around Snowmass Village.

• Sept 25-27, 2026
• Fri 6pm - 9pm
  Sat 7am - 9am
  Sun 7am - 9am