THE FIRST EVER
Aspen Literary Festival
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Aspen Literary Festival?
The Aspen Literary Festival is a three-day celebration of books and ideas taking place September 25-September 27, 2026, in the beautiful mountain town of Aspen, Colorado. The festival features author talks and panel discussions, book signings, food trucks, parties and other attractions for book lovers. Most events are free with registration. Marquee events at the Wheeler Opera House are ticketed and require advance purchase.
Q: When will the Aspen Literary Festival take place?
The Aspen Literary Festival will take place on September 25-27, 2026, in downtown Aspen, CO.The festival will have three full days of programming.
Q: Where will the festival take place?
Ticketed main stage author talks will be held at the Wheeler Opera House (320 E. Hyman Ave.) and free author talks will take place at Aspen Community Church (200 E. Bleeker St.) and Pitkin County Library (120 N. Mill St.). Festival headquarters will be located in a tent at Red Brick Center for the Arts (110 E Hallam St.).
Q: When can I find out which authors are coming?
The 2026 lineup can be found here.
Q: When will the schedule be released?
The full schedule of sessions will be announced in the weeks before the festival.
Q: How do I register for the festival?
There are several ways to join us, registration will open soon:
1) FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL PASS - A premium ticket offering enhanced access to main stage events while supporting the festival and Aspen Words' mission to encourage writers, inspire readers and connect people through the power of stories.
Includes:
One ticket to all main stage events at the Wheeler Opera House
Priority reserved seating at the Wheeler Opera House
An invitation to a VIP experience with festival authors at the Paul JAS Center on Saturday, September 26
Note: Limited availability
2) MAIN STAGE TICKETS - All main stage events require either an individual event ticket or a Friend of the Festival Pass.
Free General Admission registrants are encouraged to purchase tickets for any main stage events they wish to attend
All main stage events will be held at the Wheeler Opera House
Note: Limited availability
3) FREE GENERAL REGISTRATION - All attendees are encouraged to register for free to confirm interest and receive important updates—it only takes a moment to sign up.
General registration is FREE and required for attendance and ensures that you receive important event updates
If you purchase a main stage event ticket, we encourage you to also register for free for the full festival (it helps us know who is coming!)
You’ll be asked to provide your contact information to confirm your registration
Registration will remain open until the festival begins—so share with your friends, family and fellow readers
Note: General free registration does not include access to main stage events and does not necessarily guarantee entry to free events, as seating is limited.
Q: Do I need tickets to attend marquee events? How do I get a seat at a session?
Main stage events will be held at the Wheeler Opera House and purchased tickets will be required for access. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Author talks at the Aspen Community Church and Pitkin County Library will be free, but advance registration is required. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Is parking provided?
Parking is not provided by the Aspen Literary Festival. Learn more about parking around Aspen here.
Q: Can I purchase books at the festival?
Yes, books will be on sale at the festival book store located in the headquarters tent. Books will also be available for sale at individual venues following author talks.
Q: Will festival authors sign books?
Yes! Most authors will sign books following their on-stage events, unless otherwise noted. There will also be a full 2026 schedule of signings taking place at festival headquarters.
Q: What are the festival’s accessibility accommodations?
We are committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible festival experience for all. If you have specific accessibility needs or would like to request accommodations at any of our venues, please contact us at ALF@aspeninstitute.org by September 9, 2026. We will do our best to support all requests.
Q: Can I learn more about the City of Aspen’s accessibility access?
Yes, to learn more about navigating the city, please click here.
Q: Are festival venues wheelchair accessible?
All festival venues were wheelchair accessible. However, wheelchair-accessible seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have specific accessibility needs or would like to request accommodations at any of our venues, please contact us at ALF@aspeninstitute.org by September 9, 2026.
Learn more about accessibility at our venues below:
Pitkin County Library
Q: Is the library wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the library is fully wheelchair accessible. Elevators provide access from the parking garage into the main library, and an interior elevator connects all floors. Please note that while the reading deck is accessible, space is limited. If you plan to use this area and need accommodations, we encourage you to email us in advance at libraryinfo@pitkincounty.com.
Q: What parking options are available for visitors with disabilities?
In Aspen, accessible parking is available in the parking garage directly connected to the library. ADA permit holders may also park in any legal parking space throughout the city without time restrictions.
Q: Are hearing assistance devices available?
Yes, a limited number of hearing loops are available in the Dunaway Room. To ensure availability, please contact us in advance at libraryinfo@pitkincounty.com.
Q: How can I request additional accommodations?
We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. If you have specific accessibility needs or would like to request accommodations, please email us at libraryinfo@pitkincounty.com. We will do our best to support your visit.
Red Brick Center for the Arts - There are two handicap designated spots in the parking lot. Accessible doors to the building are located at the parking lot and Garmisch Street entrance. There is an accessible ramp located off the parking lot on Garmisch Street. All restrooms have an ADA stall, and we have an accessible family bathroom.
Cancellation Policy
General registration is free and therefore non-refundable. We appreciate you letting us know if you can’t make it by emailing events@aspeninstitute.org.
Friends of the Festival passes and main stage event tickets are final sale and non-refundable. Passes are transferable before September 1, 2026. To request a substitution, please email us at events@aspeninstitute.org.
