Know Before
You Go!
The first-ever Aspen Literary Festival kicks on Friday, September 26! Get ready for a weekend filled with author talks, book signings, panel discussions, family-friendly activities and more. Below is everything you need to know to make the most of the festival and your time in Aspen.
SCHEDULE
The festival schedule of events is linked here. Many festival events are free with registration; purchase tickets ($45/event) to marquee sessions in the Wheeler Opera House via the link here. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis to all events. Please note that, as is the nature of live events, schedule changes may occur. Check the app and website for any major changes to the schedule.
REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN
General registration is free. All guests must register and check in to receive a wristband for admittance into festival sessions. If you registered in advance, you can check in at the Festival HQ tent located on the lawn of the Red Brick Center for the Arts (110 E. Hallam St). If you haven’t registered, there will be an opportunity to register onsite. General registration does not include access to the individually ticketed marquee events at the Wheeler Opera House or guarantee seating at free events; seating at all events is first-come, first-serve.
Click here to purchase tickets to marquee events at the Wheeler Opera House.
For additional perks like priority seating at marquee events, access to the VIP lounge and more, check out the VIP Pass.
DOWNLOAD THE APP
The Aspen Literary Festival app is the best place to get the latest event updates and information, including the agenda, speakers, maps, and more. You can download the app in three simple steps:
Download the app on iOS and Android in the App Store and on Google Play.
Once downloaded, click on the Aspen Literary Festival in the event list.
FESTIVAL HQ TENT
All weekend long located on the lawn of the Red Brick Center for the Arts, the Festival HQ tent will host ongoing activities from 9:00am–5:00pm daily, including:
Book of the Month author signings
Explore Books onsite bookshop
Food vendors and a complimentary espresso bar
Local artist pop-ups and more
Lawn games, poetry on demand, and live book trivia with instant prizes
BOOK SALES & SIGNINGS
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 the Festival HQ tent on the lawn of the Red Brick Center for the Arts.
Books will be on sale at Explore Books onsite bookstore in the Festival HQ tent at the Red Brick Center for the Arts from 9am-5pm. Books by authors speaking on stage will also be available for purchase at individual venues (Wheeler Opera House, Aspen Community Church, Pitkin County Library) following author talks.
You are highly encouraged to purchase books from the onsite bookstore. By purchasing books at the festival, you support our independent bookstore partner, Explore Books, the festival and the authors who travel from near and far to attend the event.
FESTIVAL MAP
You can find a map of Aspen and the Aspen Literary Festival venues in the program, on the festival website and app.
ACCESSIBILITY
We are committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible festival experience for all. All festival venues are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Read more about accessibility at our venues on the website FAQ page.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
The Aspen Literary Festival does not provide parking. Learn more about parking around Aspen here. We also encourage people to consider alternative modes of transportation.
Rides on Demand
Download the Downtowner app to enjoy free, on-demand rides provided by the City of Aspen. Downtowner services are available from 11am to 11pm. You can ride anywhere around downtown Aspen and many of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Bikeshare Program
Downtown Aspen is very walkable, and the WE-cycle bikeshare program makes quick trips across town easy and fun. There are two WE-cycle stations located on the Aspen Meadows campus to pick up & drop off bikes.
RFTA Bus
Many of the RFTA bus routes are free in and around Aspen. Check the RFTA website for more information about bus prices and routes.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
There are plenty of food options available for festival attendees. You can view dining options around Aspen on our website. There will also be food vendors and beverages available daily at the Festival HQ tent.
MERCH
We have some great merch and we can’t wait to see you wearing it around town and at future Aspen Words events! You can purchase merch in the Festival HQ tent at the Red Brick Center for the Arts.
All sales support the festival and help keep general registration free.
WEATHER & WHAT TO BRING
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. We recommend bringing layers for warmth, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes for getting around. A hat and sunglasses can also come in handy.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow @AspenWords on Instagram and Facebook for festival highlights and behind-the-scenes moments. Share your favorite moments from the festival on your social media tagging our account and using the event hashtag #AspenLiteraryFestival. Additionally, you can follow @BookoftheMonth for more book-themed content.
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.
