How to Enjoy an Outdoor Concert in Aspen

After you’re done hitting the slopes in Aspen, Colorado, treat yourself to some live musical performances. It may not be the warmest place on earth, but you can enjoy an outdoor concert in Aspen in the summer or winter. Take full advantage of all the exciting entertainment that Aspen has to offer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Winter gear
• Gloves
• Cooler
• Blanket
• Hats
• Lawn chairs
• Sunglasses
• Sunbock

1. Plan your ski vacation to include outdoor musical entertainment. Check out the calendar of events at the Aspen/Snow Mass Web site to see what will be going on while you are there. You might want to adjust your visit by a couple of days in order to catch a show of interest.
2. A lot of the events during the peak weekends are free, but some special shows sell tickets beforehand. If you have the chance, buy tickets in advance before it sells out.
3. Dress appropriately. In the mountains in the winter, it's going to be cold, but check out the weather forecast to see just how cold.
4. Catch the Bud Light Spring Jam. This annual four-day festival kicks off during prime skiing and boarding season. Be in the area when the bands come to town. This usually happens around late March.
5. Attend the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concerts. This concert coincides with the Winter X-games and brings in big name bands from all over the country. If you are lucky enough to be there during the concerts, you can attend for free!
6. Check out Freestyle Fridays. From July to August in Highlands Village you can check out a free performance almost every Friday. There is a lawn for kids to play on and the Iguana’s Bar for adults to relax in. Bands start at 5:30 p.m.
7. Stick around in summer for the Snowmass Village Free Concert Series. From June to August you can catch some great local and national acts from classic jazz to laidback reggae. Music starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. and is held at the end of the Snowmass Village Mall.
8. Show up early. If a show is big, it’s going to fill up quickly, so get there as soon as possible to snag a sweet spot.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to ask for directions or check for maps when you get your tickets.
• Bring a blanket and a cooler or pull up a lawn chair and have a snack. Alcoholic beverages are usually permitted in designated areas as well.
• You can download street maps and highway maps from the Stay Aspen/Snowmass Web site.
• It’s imperative that you wear sunscreen in the mountains. The UV rays are more intense, so reapply every couple of hours.