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September in Snowmass: Science & Discovery, Music, Oktoberfest, Wine & More

September in Snowmass: Science & Discovery, Music, Oktoberfest, Wine & More

From iconic Labor Day concerts and a new celebration of science and discovery to balloon-filled skies, trail races, and Oktoberfest, Snowmass offers a vibrant lineup of events to close out the summer season

Snowmass Village, Colo., (August 19, 2026) – Snowmass welcomes the arrival of September with a dynamic lineup of events, including the new Science in Snowmass weekend, live music, outdoor adventure, and community traditions. The month kicks off with the JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience, featuring three days of world-class performances in Snowmass Town Park, followed by a diverse calendar that includes the new Science in Snowmass weekend, a robust weekend focused on paleontology, climatology, and astronomy. With events taking place throughout the month and extending to the annual Snowmass Community Picnic in early October, September offers visitors and locals countless ways to experience the community, culture, and natural beauty of Snowmass. 

 

“September is a wonderful time in Snowmass, with a lineup that celebrates the best of summer, from live music and community traditions to outdoor adventure and new experiences like Science in Snowmass,” says Julia Theisen, Tourism Director, Snowmass Tourism. “As we close out the season, we’re excited to bring people together to enjoy the mountains, discover something new and celebrate what makes Snowmass special.” 

 

September 2026 Event Lineup   

JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience – September 4-6: JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience features three days of world-class performances on multiple open-air stages in Snowmass Town Park. 2026 acts include Benson Boone, Tim McGraw, Red Clay Strays, Trombone Shorty & New Orleans Avenue, Shaboozey, Bonnie Raitt, and more. www.gosnowmass.com/event/jas-labor-day-experience/2026-09-04/ 

Axes & Arms Walk – September 11: From 6:00pm to 8:00pm, join local first responders for a walk from Town Park Station to the Top of the Village, 956ft, the highest number of feet that the brave New York first responders walked inside the first tower of the World Trade Center. Following the climb, return to Town Park to enjoy food, drinks, yard games, and more, provided by Roaring Fork Fire Authority. The climb is free and open to the public; donations to the Axes and Arms Foundation are accepted and appreciated. www.gosnowmass.com/event/axes-and-arms/ 

 

*NEW – Science in Snowmass – September 11-12: Snowmass Tourism and Aspen Science Center present Science in Snowmass, a free two-day celebration of all things science and discovery in Snowmass Village. The weekend brings the community together to explore paleontology, climatology, and astronomy through a series of educational programs inspired by the 2010-2011 Snowmass Ice Age Discovery. Friday features hands-on field trips for school groups led by regional science and conservation organizations, followed by a special Ice Age Explorer Tour. Evening programming is headlined by a panel discussion featuring scientists from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science who will explore what the fossils revealed about Colorado’s Ice Age past and how the discovery continues to inform science today. The evening caps off with an astronomy session led by Astro Tours. Saturday’s activities focus on environmental stewardship and outdoor exploration, including guided nature and discovery hikes with ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) and a special tour of Ziegler Reservoir with Aspen Science Center. Saturday evening features a climate change panel featuring leading scientists and regional partners from Colorado State University, Aspen One, Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative, and ACES. The evening concludes with a second astronomy session under the stars. Together, these events offer participants of all ages unique opportunities to explore the region’s natural history, night sky, and environmental future. www.gosnowmass.com/event/science-in-snowmass/   

 

Snowmass Wine Festival – September 19: Experience an incredible afternoon of wine tasting at the Snowmass Wine Festival, hosted by the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village. A 20+ year event, this festival features 30+ tables of wine from around the world enjoyed under the tents at Snowmass Town Park on Saturday, September 19 from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. The festival also showcases food from local restaurants, music, and a silent auction to benefit the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village. All proceeds are used for scholarships, local, and international grants through Snowmass Rotary. Also be sure to check out the Friday evening dinner at Viceroy Snowmass, featuring a reception and four-course wine dinner with exclusive wine pairings. www.gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-wine-festival/ 

 

Mad Hatter Community Affair – September 19: All are cordially invited to the Mad Hatter Community Affair hosted by The Collective Snowmass on Saturday, September 19. This enchanting event, free and open to the public, promises a day of wacky fun and community spirit for all ages in Snowmass Base Village. Everyone is encouraged to embrace the Mad Hatter theme by donning the most creative and maddest costumes! Expect lively entertainment like live music, art installations, displays of magic, dancing, and that special enchanting feeling only found at the end of summer. Whether a Cheshire Cat grinning ear to ear or a White Rabbit always in a hurry, this is a party where nonsense makes perfect sense and everyone belongs! www.thecollectivesnowmass.com (Visit thecollectivesnowmass.com) 

 

Snowmass Balloon Festival – September 25-27: Snowmass celebrates 51 years of the iconic Snowmass Ballon Festival in September 2026. A beloved Snowmass tradition, the event features three days of hot air balloon beauty at Snowmass Town Park. Friday features a Night Glow under the stars from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, where guests can walk among tethered balloons, while enjoying music and concessions. The iconic morning launches begin at 7:00am on Saturday and Sunday. www.gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-balloon-festival/2026-09-25/ 

 

Golden Leaf Half Marathon – September 26: Recognized by Trail Runner magazine as one of “America’s 14 Most Scenic Races,” this iconic trail race from Snowmass to Aspen is a must-do event that sells out every year. Spanning 13.1 miles, the course features a 980-foot elevation gain and a thrilling 1,712-foot descent, offering runners an unforgettable challenge amidst breathtaking mountain views. www.gosnowmass.com/event/golden-leaf-half-marathon/  

 

Snowmass Oktoberfest – September 26-27: To cap off Snowmass’ summer season, come out for Snowmass Oktoberfest! Join in the fun on Saturday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm with festivities taking place in Snowmass Base Village. This lively German-inspired festival features all the traditional Oktoberfest classics and the return of Manuela, the Oktoberfest Queen. Enjoy steins of beer, contests, food specials, live music, joyous jigs on tabletops, lederhosen, and much more. Must be 21+ to drink, but the festival is open to all ages. www.gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-oktoberfest/2026-09-26/ 

 

Snowmass Community Picnic – October 3: Join Snowmass neighbors and friends from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on October 3 for the annual Snowmass Community Picnic at the Gazebo in Snowmass Town Park. Enjoy a community fair vibe, with complimentary burgers, hot dogs, or vegetarian lunch, live music, a bounce house, baking contest, and Kidtoons, as well as free, all-day access to the Snowmass Recreation Center. www.gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-community-picnic/ 

 

Summer 2026 On-going Events 

ACES Guided Hikes – Daily through September 7; Saturday & Sundays through October 4: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) returns to Snowmass this summer to lead twice daily hikes. The Snowmass Wildflower Walk begins at 10:00am, on the Nature Trail, while the Ice Age Discovery Walk starts at 1:00pm on the Discovery Trail. Hikes are led by a knowledgeable ACES Naturalist guide and feature natural history, facts about local flora and fauna, possible wildlife sightings, and species identification. Hikes leave from the Snowmass Mall Ticket Pavilion. www.gosnowmass.com/activity/aces/ 

 

Ice Age Explorer Tours – Fridays through October 2: Did you know Snowmass is the site of the finest ice age fossil discovery in the world? Learn the full story of this remarkable discovery from an Aspen Science Center educator. Every Friday at 3:30pm, meet in the Limelight Snowmass lobby to learn about the mammoths and mastodons who used to live in Snowmass, and see replicas of Ice Age animal bones, teeth, tusks, and more. Then, follow along on a guided Ice Age Passport Walk through Base Village and the Snowmass Mall to see art inspired by the discovery and earn an Ice Age prize! Appropriate for adults and children of all ages (adult supervision required for kids under 12). www.gosnowmass.com/activity/snowmass-ice-age-discovery/ 

 

The Collective Snowmass – Daily: The Collective Snowmass, the hub for culture and community activity in Snowmass Base Village, has a jam-packed calendar for Summer 2026. Returning favorites include Community Bingo, Chess Club, Fitness on the Rink, Movies Under the Stars, Snowmass Live Comedy Series, and Comedy WKND!. Check the calendar for new events like, Two-Step Tuesday, musical open mics, art & wellness workshops, ecstatic dance sessions, and other pop-up activities. The Collective also features yard games, splash pads, fountains, and playground throughout Snowmass Base Village. The Game Lounge and Selfie Den are open daily, 2:00pm-8:00pm; free for children 5 and under, $10 for everyone 6 and over. For a full calendar, please visit www.thecollectivesnowmass.com (Visit thecollectivesnowmass.com).    

 

For the full Summer 2026 Event Calendar, please visit www.gosnowmass.com/events. For access to the Snowmass Tourism photo library, please email sstookey@gosnowmass.com.   

 

About Snowmass Village, Colorado – A renowned winter playground and vibrant summer community just 9 miles from Aspen, Snowmass consistently ranks as one of the best winter ski areas and summer mountain biking destinations in the world. Surrounded by breathtaking peaks and adjacent to 2.8 million acres of wilderness, the Village offers 95% slopeside lodging, is home to 30+ restaurants, and offers a variety of shops, unique special events, an abundance of live music, family activities, and much more. For more information and a complete calendar of events and activities, please visit www.gosnowmass.com. 

 

Snowmass Tourism Media Contact: Sara Stookey Sanchez, Public Relations Manager, Snowmass Tourism; sstookey@gosnowmass.com.   

 

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