The Aspen Literary Festival kicks off on Friday, September 25! 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 

Check out the schedule for the weekend on the festival website. Many festival events are free with registration; purchase Wheeler Main Stage tickets ($45/event) taking place at the Wheeler Opera House via the link here. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis to all events. Please note that 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. Please keep your wristband for the duration of the festival. If you registered in advance, you can check in at the Festival Headquarters 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 main stage events at the Wheeler Opera House or guarantee seating at free events; seating at all events is first-come, first-served.   

Click here to purchase tickets to Wheeler Main Stage events taking place at the Wheeler Opera House.    

For additional perks like priority seating at Wheeler Main Stage events and more, check out the Friends of the Festival Pass.  

DOWNLOAD THE APP 

Along with viewing the schedule, the app offers easy access to speaker bios, ticket purchasing links, a festival map, and more details about the weekend. Check out the app for the most up-to-date information throughout the weekend!  

To get started, download the Aspen Institute Events app in the Apple or Google Play store. Once downloaded, search for Aspen Literary Festival to access the event if you don't see it already populated in the events list. 

NOTE: Please login using the email you entered when registering for this event. 

FESTIVAL HEADQUARTERS TENT 

Open 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:  

• Author book signings  

• Explore Books pop up bookshop  

• Food vendors and a complimentary espresso bar  

• Photo booth 

• Local artist pop-ups  

• Next Gen programming 

• Lawn games 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 schedule of signings taking place at the Festival Headquarters tent on the lawn of the Red Brick Center for the Arts.  

Books will be on sale at Explore Books pop up 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 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.   

NEXT GEN AT THE ASPEN LITERARY FESTIVAL 

Next Gen is a series of free programs for young readers and families. Young people accompanied by an adult chaperone can meet bestselling authors, discover new books and take part in engaging literary conversations and creative activities. Presented in partnership with Pitkin County Library and schools throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, Next Gen brings a diverse range of enriching literary programs to local families, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to read, write and grow. 

Adult chaperones can follow the Free General Admission registration pathway to register young readers. 

FESTIVAL MAP

You can find a map of Aspen and the Aspen Literary Festival venues in the program, on the festival website and app.  Special thank you to our venue partners at the Aspen Community Church, Wheeler Opera House, Pitkin County Library, and Explore Books for donating time and space to host festival events. 

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. Rides are FREE for the first 30 minutes. Learn more about Aspen's bikeshare program. 

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 Headquarters tent. Learn more about the food and beverage options available in the Festival Headquarters 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 during registration and 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.