Cultural Events Calendar

Presented as part of the Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series.

Linguist and best-selling author Deborah Tannen joins the Aspen Institute for a keynote about the power of language in shaping our relationships, workplaces, and public life. A distinguished university professor in the linguistics department at Georgetown University and author of You Just Don’t Understand, Tannen explores how subtle differences in conversational style can lead to misunderstanding or conflict—and how awareness of these differences can strengthen relationships and help us communicate more effectively across divides.Paepcke Auditorium, doors at 5:00 pm

RegistrationThis event is free and open to the public, but registration is required, and capacity is established on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an event is at capacity, we will have an in-person waitlist at the door.

Public registration is now open for summer 2026. Please click here to register.

Linguist and best-selling author Deborah Tannen joins the Aspen Institute for a keynote about the power of language in shaping our relationships, workplaces, and public life. A distinguished university professor in the linguistics department at Georgetown University and author of You Just Don’t Understand, Tannen explores how subtle differences in conversational style can lead to misunderstanding or conflict—and how awareness of these differences can strengthen relationships and help us communicate more effectively across divides.

Join ACES for an unforgettable evening high above Aspen, where the night sky takes center stage. Stars Above Aspen invites guests of all ages to explore the wonders of the cosmos from 11,212 feet. As the sun sets over the Elk Mountains, attendees get ready for a night of discovery—where science, nature, and a sense of awe come together under the stars! Begin the evening with sunset yoga, then stay as the sky darkens and constellations come into view, guided by experts and educators who will bring the wonder of the night sky to light.

Join us for an evening of painting! We will watch a Bob Ross, The Joy of Painting video and follow along. We will use acrylics and a smaller canvas so you can take it home at the end of the event. All brushes, paints, canvas and required supplies are to be provided. Snacks and tea will be provided.

Traffic Jams in The Vault at the Wheeler is a free August concert series presented in partnership with the City of Aspen Transportation Department, intended to help shift your trip and reimagine the late‑afternoon commute. Rather than sitting in traffic on Main St, audiences are invited to step out of their ride – car, bus or bike – and into The Vault for live music, and refreshments.

Larry & Joe is a Venezuelan-Appalachian musical duo featuring Larry Bellorín and Joe Troop, formed in 2023 in North Carolina. They blend their respective folk traditions—Venezuelan música llanera and Appalachian bluegrass—to create "latingrass". The duo, featuring banjo, harp, cuatro, fiddle, and vocals, highlights their diverse backgrounds as a source of cross-cultural unity.

JAS Community Nights – Street Horns and Inspire Aspen Foundation Students

Presented as part of the Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series.

Behavioral scientist Cassie Holmes joins Carolyne Heldman, host of the “Behind the Lens” podcast, to explore one of life’s most pressing questions: how can we spend our time to experience greater happiness and meaning in our days and to look back on our years without regret? A professor at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, Holmes draws on her academic research, as well as insights from her best-selling book Happier Hour, to examine the relationship between time, attention, and well-being, and to offer practical ideas for how we can reshape our daily lives to feel less rushed and more connected to what matters most.Paepcke Auditorium, doors at 5:00 pm

RegistrationThis event is free and open to the public, but registration is required, and capacity is established on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an event is at capacity, we will have an in-person waitlist at the door.

Public registration is now open for summer 2026. Please click here to register.

ParkingParking is very limited. Please carpool, walk, bike, or ride RFTA.

Book signing will immediately follow the event. To learn more about her book or to order a copy, please click here.

Presented as part of the Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series.

Behavioral scientist Cassie Holmes joins Carolyne Heldman, host of the “Behind the Lens” podcast, to explore one of life’s most pressing questions: how can we spend our time to experience greater happiness and meaning in our days and to look back on our years without regret? A professor at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, Holmes draws on her academic research, as well as insights from her best-selling book Happier Hour, to examine the relationship between time, attention, and well-being, and to offer practical ideas for how we can reshape our daily lives to feel less rushed and more connected to what matters most.Paepcke Auditorium, doors at 5:00 pm

RegistrationThis event is free and open to the public, but registration is required, and capacity is established on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an event is at capacity, we will have an in-person waitlist at the door.

Public registration is now open for summer 2026. Please click here to register.

These lunchtime discussions features prominent performers, composers, and musicologists in lively discussions with AMFS Munroe President and CEO Alan Fletcher, joined by countenor Anthony Roth Costanzo and Rafael Payare.

Summer 2026 High Notes Dates:
- Wednesday, July 8
- Wednesday, July 15
- Wednesday, July 22
- Wednesday, July 29
- Wednesday, August 5
- Wednesday, August 12
- Wednesday, August 19

Traffic Jams in The Vault at the Wheeler is a free August concert series presented in partnership with the City of Aspen Transportation Department, intended to help shift your trip and reimagine the late‑afternoon commute. Rather than sitting in traffic on Main St, audiences are invited to step out of their ride – car, bus or bike – and into The Vault for live music, and refreshments.

Larry & Joe is a Venezuelan-Appalachian musical duo featuring Larry Bellorín and Joe Troop, formed in 2023 in North Carolina. They blend their respective folk traditions—Venezuelan música llanera and Appalachian bluegrass—to create "latingrass". The duo, featuring banjo, harp, cuatro, fiddle, and vocals, highlights their diverse backgrounds as a source of cross-cultural unity.