At A Glance: Aspen

Where to experience art, see the stars and get your body moving in the mountains this summer.
Explore the awe-inspiring beauty of Aspen’s landscape on the Audi Power of Four Trail Run.  Photography by Evan Wise

By Gabrielle Echevarrieta

July 8

Summer Series: Alexis Rockman

Artist Alexis Rockman heads to the Rockies for an in-depth art talk with Anderson Ranch Art Center curator-in-residence Helen Molesworth. Learn about Rockman’s creative journey developing the tiger sequence in Life of Pi, his major retrospective at The Smithsonian, and his exhibition of the Shipwrecks large-scale paintings. 5263 Owl Creek Rd., Snowmass Village; andersonranch.org

July 10

New Moon Stargazer Party

Look upward into the stratosphere for awe-inspiring views of constellations, nebulae and galaxies. Led by Bryan White of StarParty LLC, a powerful 22-inch telescope will give novice astronomers perfect views of Saturn’s rings, and access to some of the deepest corners of the cosmos. $25. Independence Pass, Colorado 82; Register at eventbrite.com

July 13

Ride & Dine at The Little Nell

Pedal down the winding Rio Grande Trail to a rustic alfresco dinner at Mad Dog Ranch in Old Snowmass. Starting with hors d’oeuvres and a lively musical performance in the ranch’s recording studio, guests can select one of 20,000 pairing wines to accompany the farm-fresh meal prepared by Little Nell chefs. From $300. The Little Nell, 675 E. Durant Ave., Aspen; register at eventbrite.com

July 16-18

Snowmass Rendezvous

This three-day celebration of the Aspen Valley is jam-packed with excitement. Kick off the weekend with live music and cold craft beverages, then head to Saturday’s main event featuring cockatils and cuisine, local bands and exhibitions of the latest outdoor gear technology. The festival will wrap up on Sunday with a mountainside brunch. $40. Snowmass Village; snowmassrendezvous.com

July 17-18

Downtown Aspen Art Festival

Aspen’s Downtown Art Festival returns for the 18th time this year, at Paepcke Park. Local artists and crafters exhibit multimedia art pieces, including paintings, silk textiles, sculpture and avant-garde jewels. Free. 151 Main St., Aspen; artfestival.com

July 25

The Midsummer Masquerade

Glee star Darren Criss heads to Aspen for this night of music, gourmet food and a lively auction. Benefiting Theatre Aspen, Criss will perform a selection of songs at the Hurst Theater beside the scenic Roaring Fork River, followed by a  sit-down dinner. From $600. The Hurst Theater at Rio Grande Park, Aspen; theatreaspen.org

July 28

Art, Architecture and History Tour

Explore the Bauhaus-inspired campus of the Doerr-Hosier Center on this intimate tour covering the rich history of Aspen. Visit outdoor sculptures and earthworks in a peaceful 40-acre garden surrounded by the bucolic mountain landscape. Free. 845 Meadows Rd., Aspen; aspeninstitute.org

July 31

Audi Power of Four Trail Run

This endurance race through the rugged terrain of four Aspen Snowmass mountains challenges the balance, stamina and athleticism of seasoned and recreational runners. Choose from 10K, 20K or 50K courses through Aspen’s most famous landmarks, including the summit of Aspen Mountain. From $80. Visit aspensnowmass.com for full routes.