For a town with a population under 7,000, it's incredible that Aspen attracts such an amazing roster of live music acts. Then again, considering the town’s culture of creativity and playing hard, maybe it is not so surprising. Snowmass Village is burnishing its concert reputation as well, particularly in summertime with a series of festivals.
Aspen Snowmass is located deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and so it is safe to say that it's not exactly a "convenient" stop on the touring circuit. And yet, they come.
Big names, too: from Big Boi to Lyle Lovett, LCD Soundsystem to the String Cheese Incident, an eclectic array of musicians continues to make playing Aspen (and the neighboring town of Snowmass Village) a priority. You can chalk it up to our renowned live music festivals—such as the Bud Light HiFi Concert Series—or to the acclaimed downtown music club called Belly Up, which has entertained major acts for decades. Either way, a visit to Aspen Snowmass, in winter or summer, isn't complete without a little live music.
Big names, too: from Big Boi to Lyle Lovett, LCD Soundsystem to the String Cheese Incident, an eclectic array of musicians continues to make playing Aspen (and the neighboring town of Snowmass Village) a priority. You can chalk it up to our renowned live music festivals—such as the Bud Light HiFi Concert Series—or to the acclaimed downtown music club called Belly Up, which has entertained major acts for decades. Either way, a visit to Aspen Snowmass, in winter or summer, isn't complete without a little live music.
Top Live Music Experiences
Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series
Each year, concerts are hosted by Aspen Snowmass throughout the ski season, offering something for everyone. Concerts are held on a rotational basis between Aspen Mountain Gondola Plaza, Snowmass Base Village and downtown Aspen. This season, as part of the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, catch live, world-class acts at the Wagner Park Festival during the Audi FIS Ski World Cup.
Belly Up
This small, intimate club with a big reputation regularly brings world-class acts to Aspen. Recent artists that have taken the stage include a range of tastes from Leon Bridges or Kacey Musgraves to Rodrigo y Gabriela or The Marcus King Band. This winter, acts will include artists like The Head & The Heart, Sofi Tukker, Cold War Kids, Diplo, Emancipator, and more. The Belly Up will be hosting the first Palm Tree outdoor music festival the weekend of February 23 and 25 and tickets are now on sale.
Wheeler Opera House
Aspen's grandest and most historic performing arts venue remains this jewel from 1889. Newly renovated but rich with history, catching a show at the Wheeler is a must. Throughout the year, the Wheeler Opera House hosts concerts, stand-up comedy, film festivals, and other events that draw an audience from far and wide.Plug In, Rock Out
Bud Light Hi-Fi downtown Aspen
Jas Café at the Little Nell
Jazz enthusiasts ought to head straight to the Little Nell Hotel where the Jas Café features local and national jazz acts in an intimate underground space beneath the hotel.
The Limelight Lounge in Aspen and Snowmass
Live music fans looking for a mellower scene—with great cocktails and a killer wine list, too—have two Limelight Hotels to choose from. The Limelight Hotel Aspen is located across from Wagner Park and was recently renovated. Meanwhile, the Limelight Hotel Snowmass anchors Snowmass Base Village, offering a community living room to anyone interested in stopping by. Local live acts bring a spark of fun every Thursday through Monday nights at both properties.Arts and Culture Guide
Arts and Culture Guide
Aspen often gets ample attention for its dynamic roster of arts-oriented events and cultural institutions, but Snowmass Village and the greater Roaring Fork Valley offer plenty of places to satisfy your curiosity as well. Discover it all with our Arts & Culture Guide.