FESTIVALS
THE ASPEN INSTITUTE
This global institution’s summer programming includes the Walter Isaacson-founded Aspen Ideas Festival (June 22 through July 1), now in its 12th year, and the AspenBrainLab (August 10), a cosponsored event in which 15 leading experts will speak to brain health, impairment, creativity, and more. 1000 N. Third St., 970925-7010; aspeninstitute.org
ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL
With hundreds of classical music events taking place over the course of eight weeks, this festival counts as one of the country’s largest. June 29– August 20, 970-925-9042; aspenmusicfestival.com
FOOD & WINE CLASSIC
The ne plus ultra of food and wine festivals in the country, this weekend fête (the official kick-off to the summer season) features celebrity chefs, cooking seminars, grand tastings, and nighttime soirées in venues all over town. June 16–18; foodandwine.com/classic
JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS JUNE EXPERIENCE
The whole city transforms into a music venue for this four-day festival (June 23 through July 1), which will see headliners like Jon Batiste, Michael McDonald, and Earth, Wind & Fire perform at the Benedict Music Tent, and smaller acts at the Aspen Art Museum and The Little Nell. 960 N. Third St., 970-9204996; jazzaspensnowmass.org
JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS LABOR DAY EXPERIENCE
JAS toasts the end of summer with a big-ticket blow-out (September 1 through 3) at Snowmass Town Park, featuring acts like Lake Street Dive, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Keith Urban, Maroon 5, The Roots, and more. Town Park, Snowmass Village, 970-920-4996; jazzaspensnowmass.org
SNOWMASS FREE CONCERT SERIES
Returning for its 26th summer season, the Snowmass Free Concert Series invites guests to 11 outdoor, free-ofcharge concerts at the Fanny Hill ampitheater, through September 9. The festivities kick off with Hot Buttered Rum on June 10. Fanny Hill, Snowmass Village, 970-922-2233; gosnowmass.com/summer-music-series
SNOWMASS RODEO
The Snowmass Rodeo celebrates 44 years this summer with 10 weeks of saddle bronc, bull riding, roping, and racing. June 14 through August 23, 2735 Brush Creek Road, Snowmass Village, 970-923-8898; snowmassrodeo.org