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 26-September 28, 2025, 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 26-28, 2025, in downtown Aspen, CO. The festival will have three full days of programming.
Q: Where will the festival take place?
The festival will take place at several venues in downtown Aspen. Ticketed 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 2025 lineup can be found here. The full schedule of sessions will be announced in the weeks prior to the festival.
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?
General registration is free and required for attendance. There are also different ticket types available for purchase, including a VIP Pass and individual tickets for marquee events at the Wheeler Opera House.
For general registration, you’ll be asked to provide your contact information and confirm your plans to attend the festival. Registration is open until the festival begins. General registration does not include access to the individually ticketed marquee events at the Wheeler Opera House or guarantee seating at free events, free events are first-come, first-served.
For additional perks like priority seating at marquee events, access to the VIP lounge, and more, check out the VIP Pass. Click here to purchase tickets to marquee events at the Wheeler Opera House.
Q: Do I need tickets to attend marquee events? How do I get a seat at a session?
Yes, marquee events at the Wheeler Opera House are ticketed and require advance purchase. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Author talks at the Aspen Community Church and Pitkin County Library are 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 bookstore in the festival headquarters tent at the Red Brick Center for the Arts. Books also will be available for sale at individual venues (Wheeler Opera House, Aspen Community Church, Pitkin County Library) 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 schedule of signings taking place at festival headquarters (details to be announced).
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 10, 2025. 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?
Yes, all festival venues are 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 10, 2025.
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.
VIP passes and marquee event tickets are final sale and non-refundable. Passes are transferable before September 1, 2025. To request a substitution please emails us at events@aspeninstitute.org.
