Aspen summer calendar offers plenty

ASPEN — Lazy days of summer? Not according to the events calendar for Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.

The valley packs in a host of activities between June and September, from major festivals, like Jazz Aspen Snowmass and the Aspen Music Festival and School, to July 4 celebrations, two weekly rodeos, and annual rugby tournament and volleyball tournaments.

In between are guided hikes, fund-raisers, free concerts, kids’ activities and more.

Here’s a rundown, including ongoing summer happenings and a month-by-month listing of what’s going on, and when.

THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

Anderson Ranch Arts Center presents gallery exhibitions by faculty, residents, and visiting artists. Free slide lectures by the world's leading instructors on Tuesdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. in the Schermer Meeting Hall. Lunchtime auctionettes and barbecue lunches are open to the public every other Friday beginning June 9. Guided tours are offered Tuesday afternoons. Regular gallery hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. All ages welcome. 923-3181; www.andersonranch.org.



Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) offers a variety of nature activities for adults and kids throughout the summer, including guided nature walks on top of Aspen and Snowmass mountains, the Maroon Bells, Ashcroft Ghost Town, and at its headquarters at the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve in Aspen and at the Rock Bottom Ranch wildlife preserve near Basalt. ACES also offers a naturalist field school, with dozens of classes and workshops for kids and adults. 925-5756; www.aspennature.org.



Aspen Filmfest presents SummerFILMS on Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. at Paepcke Auditorium, June 29-Aug. 11. Tickets available at Paepcke Auditorium, Harris Concert Hall, Wheeler box office, or the Aspen Music Festival gondola box office. www.aspenfilm.org.



Aspen Historical Society features exhibits at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, tours of the Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum, Aspen walking tours, West End walking tours, and Ashcroft Ghost Town tours in addition to speakers' series and children's activities throughout the summer. 925-3721; www.aspenhistoricalsociety.org.



Aspen Musical Festival and School has more than 200 concerts, lectures, workshops, and classes from June 19 to Aug. 17. Concerts take place daily at the 2,050-seat Benedict Music Tent, the Wheeler Opera House, the Harris Concert Hall, and in churches and smaller halls around town. Many events are free, and lawn seating outside the tent is always free. Tickets are available at Harris Concert Hall box office and the Wheeler Opera House box office. Tickets are also available by phone at 925-9042 and at www.aspenmusicfestival.com.



Aspen Art Museum features Artist and Critics Lecture Series talks throughout the summer with visiting artists. www.aspenartmuseum.org.



Aspen Center for Integral Health hosts a summer lecture series at various locations throughout Aspen. Individual lectures cost $10. For lecture calendar, go to acih.org or call 920-2957.



Aspen Paragliding offers paragliding adventures daily throughout the summer. No prior experience is necessary, only a reservation. $175 per person. 925-7625; aspenparagliding.com.



Aspen Saturday Market features western Colorado produce vendors and a local contingent of craftspeople selling their wares on Saturdays from 8 a.m. To 3 p.m. throughout the summer and fall (starting at 9 a.m. After Labor Day) on Hopkins Avenue next to City Hall, rounding the corner onto Hunter Street. Occasional live music and cooking demonstrations are part of the event.



Aspen Writers' Foundation hosts a free weekly writers' group on Tuesday at 7 p.m. throughout the summer in the community room of Aspen's Red Brick Center for the Arts. The group is a read-and-critique forum for writers to share and polish work that they have written prior to the meeting. Writers of all levels and genres are invited. 925-3122; www.aspenwriters.org.



Basalt art galleries remain open until 9 p.m. every Thursday, June 12-Sept. 18. Galleries include Aspen Colors, Basalt Gallery, Norm Clasen Gallery, Keating Fine Art, Moni’s, Toklat Gallery. www.basaltchamber.com.



Bluegrass Sundays on the Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain feature free live bluegrass performances by top bluegrass musicians from around Colorado. Every Sunday, Noon to 3 p.m., June 15-Aug. 31. www.aspensnowmass.com.



Basalt Summer Music Series features free live music every Wednesday evening in Lions Park, 6-8 p.m., June 18-Aug. 13. 927-4031; www.basaltchamber.com.



Camp Aspen/Snowmass offers daily and weekly programs for youth throughout the summer, Mon.-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include mountainboarding, skateboarding, paintball, and mountain biking. Private lessons available for adults. Flexible scheduling available by reservation. (800) 724-2066; www.aspensnowmass.com.



Carbondale Farmer’s Market is held every Wednesday at 4th Street Plaza, June 18- Sept. 24. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.



Carbondale hosts its Performance In the Park concert series at various dates throughout the summer. For full calendar, www.carbondale.com. 963-1680. First Friday in Carbondale features an art walk around historic downtown on the first Friday of each month. www.carbondale.com.



Friday Night Free Movies on Fanny Hill in Snowmass Village. Every Friday, June 27-Aug. 22 at dusk. Free. (800) SNOWMASS; www.snowmassvillage.com. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers fun for the whole family with cave tours, thrill rides, scenic tram rides, horseback riding, rock climbing, bungee tramps, kids’ activities, and more. www.glenwoodcaverns.com.



Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the world’s largest at more than two blocks long, is open daily and features two water slides, inner tubes, diving boards, and bubble chairs. www.hotspringspool.com.



Independence Run & Hike is a weekly group run in Carbondale on Saturdays throughout the summer. The group meets weekly at 995 Cowen Drive at 7:30 a.m. and runs 3-10 miles on different paths and trails. There is also a Tuesday night trail-running group that meets at various locations throughout the valley, starting at 5:45 p.m. For weekly running locations, call 704-0909.



Jeep Tours on Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Lenado, and other locations are available daily. Prices vary by tour. 923-4544; www.blazingadventures.com.



Kids Gold Panning Adventures are offered during the summer at Snowmass Village. Children ages 4-12 can pan for gold at the Buckskin Mine on Elk Camp. Tickets available at the end of the Snowmass Village Mall. (800) SNOWMASS; www.snowmassvillage.com.



Kids Trout Fishing on the mid-mountain ponds at Snowmass Village is offered Thursday through Monday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for children between the ages of 4 and 10. Reservations required. 923.1227. www.snowmassvillage.com.



Ride the Burlingame Chairlift at Snowmass Ski Area from 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., through Sept. 1. Access hiking and biking trails and disc golf course. Bicycles may be taken on the lift at no charge. Children under 6 ride for free. 923-1227. www.snowmassvillage.com.



Run and Gun Paintball at Snowmass is offered daily June 21-Sept. 1. Public sessions are available at 1 p.m. daily and at 9:30 a.m., Friday-Sunday. Meet at the Snowmass Ticket Pavilion. Children under 8 are not permitted. Reservations required. 923-1227. www.snowmassvillage.com.



Saturday Classical Music on the Mountain presented by the students of the Aspen Music Festival & School. Students perform a repertoire of their own choosing on the music deck, located just a short walk out Richmond Ridge from the top of the gondola. Free. Saturdays at 1 p.m., June 28-Aug. 16. www.aspensnowmass.com.



Snowmass Rodeo at the Snowmass Village Rodeo Grounds every Wednesday, June 18-Aug. 20. Barbecue begins at 5 p.m., rodeo begins at 7 p.m. Kids activities include petting zoo, pony rides, horseback photos, roping arena, and mechanical bull riding. A different act — from cowboy singers to magicians — starts the entertainment each Wednesday at 3 p.m. Tickets available at venue. 923-8898; www.snowmassvillage.com.



Snowmass Summer of Free Music Series takes place every Thursday night from at 6:15 p.m. at the base of Fanny Hill in Snowmass, June 26- Aug. 21. These open-air concerts feature renowned R&B, soul and Latin musicians. (800) SNOWMASS; www.snowmassvillage.com.



Sunset Dinners at the historic Burlingame Cabin on Snowmass Mountain. An evening jeep excursion followed by a campfire, live music and s’mores set against a golden sunset. 6-10 p.m., daily. Various ticket packages available. (800) 282-7238. www.snowmassvillage.com.



Theatre Aspen presents its summer repertory season, June 26-Aug. 23, at the theatre tent in Rio Grande Park. “Little Shop of Horrors” kicks off the summer season June 26 and runs through Aug. 16. “Rounding Third” runs July 10-Aug. 22. “Crimes of the Heart” runs July 24-Aug. 23. The children's play “Seussical” runs July 11-Aug. 15. $40 for all sections. Children’s show is $20 for adults, $15 for children. 920-5770; www.theatreaspen.org.



Wild West Rodeo at the Gus Darien Arena near Carbondale is held every Thursday at 7:30 p.m., June 5-Aug. 21. www.carbondalerodeo.com.

JUNE

6-8 — Fifth Annual Chili Pepper and Brew Fest in Snowmass Village featuring chili cookoffs, brewers' competition and music from Stephen Marley, the Neville Brothers and Dr. John. Ticket prices vary. (800) SNOWMASS; www.snowmasschiliandbrew.com.



6-7 — The Valley Cruisers Car Show in Carbondale features an antique car show in Sopris Park and a car parade down Main Street. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 704-4114; www.carbondale.com.



7 — River Float 2008 is an afternoon of floating on the lower Roaring Fork River while learning about wildlife, water issues and conservation efforts, followed by a barbecue. Presented by Roaring Fork Conservancy. 927-1290; www.roaringfork.org.



7 — Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers hosts trail maintenance projects in honor of National Trails Day at Forest Hollow and Scout Trails in Glenwood Springs and Sunnyside Trail in Aspen. 927-8238; www.rfov.org.



8 — The Fifth Annual Wilderness Picnic, a family-friendly, semi-potluck gathering for lovers of the wild, takes place at Difficult Campground, 3.5 miles east of Aspen. Noon -3 p.m. Live music by Heart of the Rockies, kids’ activities, grill food provided; please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Free for Wilderness Workshop members, kids 12 & under, and anyone who joins WW at the event. (Otherwise $10). 963-3977.



9-13 — Aspen Filmfest hosts a five-day student animation workshop at the Aspen Recreation Center for children between the ages of 9-17. 925-6882; www.aspenfilm.org.



11 — Seven Star Wildflower Walk at Snowmass Village from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Plant biologist Lisa Tasker teaches participants about local native plants, wildlife migration and watershed ecology on this two-hour hike. 927-1290; www.roaringfork.org.



13-15 — Food & Wine Magazine Classic in Aspen in Wagner Park and at various locations throughout town. Three days of reserve wine tastings, cooking classes, and special events. 925-1940; www.foodandwine.com; www.aspensnowmass.com.



14 — Snowmass Village hosts the Mick Fleetwood Uncorked Tour featuring the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band on Fanny Hill. 5 p.m. Tickets between $50-125. www.snowmassvillage.com.



15 — Guided hike to Grizzly Canyon, east of Glenwood Springs. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



17 — Free full-moon hike on the Thomas Lakes Trail (Mt. Sopris). Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



19 — Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival at Rio Grande Park features Bebel Gilberto at 7 p.m. and Dianne Reeves at 9 p.m. $30, $40 and $50 for non-patrons. 866-527-8499. www.jazzaspen.org.



20 — Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival at Rio Grande Park features The Manhattan Transfer at 6 p.m. and Anita Baker at 8 p.m. $80, $60, $40 for non-patrons. 866-527-8499. www.jazzaspen.org.



20-21 — The Aspen Center for Integral Health presents its Summer Health Symposium at Aspen Meadows. National speakers, forums, panels and vendors collaborate to present the latest in integral health care to all. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. acih.org.



<20-22 — Strawberry Days, Colorado's oldest civic celebration, takes place in Centennial Park and throughout downtown Glenwood Springs. Entertainment, parade, Kidfest, and free strawberries and ice cream. 945-2425; www.strawberrydaysfestival.com.



21 — The Roaring Fork Outdoors Volunteers host a trail cleanup day at Maroon Lake & Scenic Loop trails 12 miles southwest of Aspen. www.rfov.org.



21 — Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival at Rio Grande Park features Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings at 6:30 p.m. and the Brian Setzer Orchestra at 9 p.m. $80, $60, $40 for non-patrons. 866-527-8499. www.jazzaspen.org.



21— The Roaring Fork Conservancy presents its Headwaters Waters Diversions Tour. Learn firsthand how water is collected from the headwaters of the Roaring Fork River and diverted under the Continental Divide. Free and open to the public. 927-1290; www.roaringfork.org.



21-22 — Snowmass hosts the SnowMassive Open Disc Golf Tournament. The event is sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golfers Association. Participants will receive lift tickets at the event. Friends and family may purchase additional lift tickets for $6. www.snowmassvillage.com.



22 — Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival at Rio Grande Park features The Christian McBride Situation at 6:30 p.m. and Los Lonely Boys at 9 p.m. $30, $40 and $50 for non-patrons. 866-527-8499. www.jazzaspen.org.



22 — The 30th Annual Strawberry Shortcut is a 5K, 10K, and 1-mile Family Fun Run during the Strawberry Days Festival in Glenwood Springs. Free food and drink, free prizes, awards, live music, and more. Races begin at 7 a.m. at Centennial Park. www.strawberryshortcutrace.com.



22 — The Aspen Music Festival and School presents maestro David Zinman leading piano phenom Richard Goode in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. Also on the program is the world premiere of John Harbison’s jazzy evocation of the 1920s — The Great Gatsby Suite. Benedict Music Tent. 4 p.m. $72. www.aspenmusicfestival.com.



22 — Guided hike in the Hunter Creek Valley. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



22-26 — Aspen Writers' Foundation Summer Words Writing Retreat and Literary Festival is five-day celebration of words and ideas. This year’s theme, “Passage to India,” will honor stories and storytellers of India. Writers include: Salman Rushdie, Anita Rau Badami, Amit Chaudhuri, David Davidar, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Indu Sundaresan, Manil Suri, and Shashi Tharoor. 925-3122; www.aspenwriters.org.



23-27 — Over the Bars Women’s Mountain Bike Camp at Snowmass offers mountain-bike training for female riders of all abilities, and includes instruction in sports nutrition, sport psychology, massage, and yoga. Reservations required. 709-8141. www.womensmountainbikecamp.com.



24 — The Aspen Music Festival and School presents Patti Austin in association with Jazz Aspen Snowmass at the Benedict Music Tent. 8 p.m. $75 and $45. www.aspenmusicfestival.com.



26-Aug. 16 — Theatre Aspen presents “Little Shop of Horrors” at the theatre tent in Rio Grande Park. Theatre Aspen turns over a new leaf with this monster-hit musical comedy classic, fertilized with a wicked score, sly lyrics, and Broadway transplants! $40 for all sections. 925-9313; www.theatreaspen.org.



27-28 — Carbondale’s Third Annual Music & Lobster Fest features fresh Maine lobster, local music, a beer and wine tent, and kids' activities. Friday, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday to 9 p.m. 704-4116. www.carbondale.com.



28 — The Roaring Fork Conservancy hosts a boating expedition into the wetlands of North Star Preserve. The two-hour float includes a discussion on the history of the preserve, its wildlife, and recent restoration projects. 927-1290; www.roaringfork.org.



28 — Aspen Film honors award-winning filmmaker Julie Taymor at Paepcke Auditorium. An evening with the Academy and Tony Award-winning creator of such films as Frida, Across the Universe, and Titus, theatrical productions including the Broadway hit, The Lion King, and productions of The Magic Flute for the Metropolitan Opera and Beowulf for the Los Angeles Opera. Tickets for the accompanying supper available through Aspen Film (925-6882). General tickets 920-5770; www.aspenshowtickets.com.



28-29 — Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers hosts Crew Leader Training on the Thompson Creek Trail near Carbondale. Classroom and on-the trail training. Learn to build and maintain sustainable trails in different types of terrain. Safely use a variety of tools and techniques. www.rfov.org.



29 — Guided hike on the Ruedi Overlook Trail. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



30-July 6 — Aspen Ideas Festival presents a variety of nationally known speakers, programs, tutorials, seminars, and discussion events. www.aspeninstitute.org.

JULY

4 — Aspen's Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration and Parade includes a noon parade, bicycle rodeo, community street dance, concert, and fireworks spectacular over Aspen Mountain starting at 9:15 p.m. www.aspenchamber.org.



4 — Boogie's Diner Buddy 5-mile Race and 1-mile Family/Canine Walk begins at Boogie's Diner at the corner of Cooper Avenue and Hunter Street. Proceeds benefit the Buddy Program, a mentoring program for young people. 920-2130; www.aspenchamber.org.



4 — Fourth of July Celebration at Aspen Highlands. Games and food, followed by live music, 1:30-5 p.m. www.aspensnowmass.com.



4 — Fourth of July Celebration in Basalt's Arbaney Park features community potluck and games sponsored by the Basalt Regional Heritage Society. 927-4031.



4 — Carbondale's Fourth of July “Boogie in Bonedale” begins at 4 p.m. with a kids parade on Main Street, followed by a barbecue, beer, and music at Sopris Park, followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m. www.carbondale.com.



4 — Glenwood Springs' Independence Day Celebration features Americana music performed by Symphony in the Valley at Two Rivers Park, followed by a fireworks display. www.glenwoodchamber.org.



5 — The Boogie’s Bash for Buddies Gala, an annual fundraiser at Boogie’s Merry-Go Ranch, features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent and live auction, dinner, and dancing. This widely popular party supports local children and their families. 925-5717; www.buddyprogram.org.



5 — The Aspen Art Museum’s Architecture Lecture Series presents Dan Wood and Amale Andraos of WORKac. The lecture is presented in conjunction with the Aspen Ideas Festival. 7:30 p.m. Paepcke Auditorium. www.aspenartmuseum.org.



5 — Snowmass hosts its Independence Celebration with live music from rhythm & blues singer Mavis Staples. 7 p.m. Free. www.snowmassvillage.com.



7 — The Norm Clasen Gallery and Wyly Community Art Center in Basalt present the Chalk It Up sidewalk chalk drawing event. Free for artists of all ages and abilities. Register in advance at the Norm Clasen Gallery. Pick up your Chalk Drawing Map and "supplies" at the Wyly Community Art Center at 9 a.m. www.basaltchamber.com.



7-25 — Aspen Film hosts its Latino Youth Filmmaking Project. This workshop will teach students film language, operation of video production equipment including computer software, and familiarize each participant with all aspects of the production process from story inception to finished film product. The workshop seeks to produce student films that bridge cultural gaps and build understanding between different local communities. 925-6882; www.aspenfilm.org.



9 — Anderson Ranch Arts Center hosts its Annual Recognition Dinner at the Snowmass Club. Celebrating creativity and service to the arts by recognizing the accomplishments of key figures in the art world, this gala event features cocktails, dinner, an awards presentation, silent auction of specially decorated wooden stands by Ranch artists, and live music throughout the evening. All proceeds from this event benefit Anderson Ranch’s artistic programs. Table sponsorships, tickets, and underwriting opportunities are available. 923-3181, ext. 211; www.andersonranch.org.



9 — Filoha Meadows Firefly and Rare Orchid Walk presented by the Roaring Fork Conservancy. Plant biologist Lisa Tasker leads a guided evening walk to a hot springs that hosts one of the few firefly populations in the valley. Free. Registration required. www.roaringfork.org.



10-Aug. 22 — Theatre Aspen presents “Rounding Third” at the theatre tent in Rio Grande Park. An all-star director delivers a championship line-up for this hilarious match-up of two Little League coaches with very different ideas about winning. $40 for all sections. 925-9313; www.theatreaspen.org.



10-14 — The Aspen Antiques and Fine Arts Fair at Aspen Highlands features more than $60 million of merchandise on display from more than 40 exhibitors from around the world. Admission is $20 at the door for the entire weekend. Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.aspenartfairs.com.



11— Guided overnight backpacking trip in Deep Canyon, north of Dotsero. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



11-16 — Theatre Aspen presents “Seussical” at the theatre tent in Rio Grande Park. Dr. Seuss’s classic tales and colorful characters come to life in this magical musical for the whole family. $20 for adults; $15 for children under 12. 925-9313; www.theatreaspen.org.



11-13 — Blast the Mass draws over 1,000 top regional mountain bike competitors for the Mountain States Cup races, including extreme downhill, cross-country, and mountain-cross. Movies, music, demonstrations, and more. Free for spectators. www.racemsc.com.



13 — Guided hike to the Thompson Creek headwaters, southwest of Carbondale. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



15 — The Aspen Music Festival and School presents Trio of Talent: violinist Gil Shaham, cellist Lynn Harrell, and pianist Yefim Bronfman at Harris Concert Hall. 8 p.m. 925-9042 for ticket prices; www.aspenmusicfestival.com.



16 — The Aspen Art Museum’s Architecture Lecture Series presents Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture at Paepcke Auditorium. www.aspenartmuseum.org.



16 — The Ninth Annual River Rendezvous in Woody Creek is an evening of dinner, live music and dancing, cocktails, and live and silent auctions to benefit our local rivers. All proceeds benefit Roaring Fork Conservancy. Tickets may be purchased at Roaring Fork Conservancy, online, or over the phone. 927-1290; www.roaringfork.org/rendezvous.



17 and 19 — The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents “Change Your Pointe of View” at the Aspen District Theatre. 8 p.m. 925-5770 for tickets. www.aspensantafeballet.com.



19 — The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents “Dance For Kids!” at the Aspen District Theatre. A special kids-length performance featuring selections from ASFB’s repertoire. 4 p.m. 925-5770 for tickets. www.aspensantafeballet.com.



19 — Race For The Cure is a 5-kilometer run/walk and a 1-mile family fun walk presented by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation that funds local breast health initiatives and provides grants for area nonprofits. 920-0250; www.komenaspen.org.



20 — Snowmass Village hosts the local production of a “A Chorus Line” on Fanny Hill. Fifty kids, ages 11-16, from all over the valley perform the play, which tells the very kid-friendly story of a group of performers from all different backgrounds auditioning for a Broadway show. Kids, $12; Adults: $15. 927-0555; www.snowmassvillage.com.



20 — Guided hike to Huntsman Ridge, north of McClure Pass. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



24-Aug. 23 — Theatre Aspen presents “Crimes of the Heart" in the theatre tent at Rio Grande Park. A family crisis brings three quirky sisters home to Mississippi for a surprising, touching, and comic reunion. $40 for all sections. 925-9313; www.theatreaspen.org.



24 — Jazz Aspen Snowmass presents its Blues and Bling Summer Swing Night at Aspen Highlands. www.jazzaspen.org.



24 and 25 — The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents “Ballet Boyz” at the Aspen District Theatre. Since leaving London’s The Royal Ballet to form their own company, Michael Nunn and William Trevitt have established The Ballet Boyz as one of the most original and innovative forces in dance, combining multimedia elements of film and video, pop music, and newly commissioned work from today’s contemporary choreographers. 8 p.m. 925-5770 for tickets. www.aspensantafeballet.com.



25 — The Roaring Fork Conservancy presents a Meadowlands River Walk starting from the Benedict Music Tent. Free and open to the public, but registration is required. 927-1290; www.roaringfork.org.



25-27 — Carbondale’s Annual Mountain Fair features a wild weekend of music, arts, crafts, food, and more. Starts at 4 p.m. Friday. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 963-1680; www.carbondale.com.



26 — Guided overnight trip in the Hunter Creek Valley, geared for families with small children. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



26 — The Roaring Fork Outdoors Volunteers host a trail cleanup day at the Hunter Creek Trail. Sections of the trail from town up to the Benedict Bridge are in need of serious repair. This work includes rebuilding boardwalk, replacing deck and railing on the bridges, building rock retaining walls, and refurbishing sections of the trail. www.rfov.org.



26 — High Country Sk8 Challenge for all levels takes place at the Rio Grande Skate Park. 544-4100; www.aspenrecreation.com.



27 — Guided hike to Eagle and Halfmoon lakes in the upper Fryingpan Valley. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



29 — The Aspen Center for Integrated Health presents Mind Science, a summit with some top neuroscientists to explore the most advanced research topics on health and healing. acih.org.



29-31 — The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents “Hubbard Strett Dance Chicago” at the Aspen District Theatre. Critically acclaimed for its exuberant, athletic, and innovative repertoire, Hubbard Street Dance Company features dancers who display unparalleled versatility and virtuosity in performances that inspire, challenge, and engage audiences worldwide. 8 p.m. 925-5770 for tickets. www.aspensantafeballet.com.



30 — Guided hike to Petroleum Lake, near the ghost town of Ruby. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



31-Aug. 2 — Snow Massive Music and Movies features music and movies on Fanny Hill for three nights starting at 6 p.m. www.aspensnowmass.com.

AUGUST

1 — The Art Crush Benefit at The Aspen Art Museum is an annual summer benefit with an evening of wine tasting, silent and live auctions, fine dining, and contemporary art. The AAM is also proud to present the 2008 Aspen Award for Art to artist honoree Ed Ruscha. The evening concludes with afterparty CRUSH, a dance party held at the Belly Up, with a live performance by a very special musical guest. 6-11 p.m. Reservations required. 925-8050. www.aspenartmuseum.org.



2 — The Aspen Music Festival and School presents U.S. Sectretary of State Condoleeza Rice on piano at the Benedict Music Tent. 3 p.m. $30 and $60. www.aspenmusicfestival.com.



4-5 — The Vince Gill and Amy Grant Golf Classic is a celebrity golf tournament with proceeds benefiting local non-profit Challenge Aspen. www.challengeaspen.com.



6 — The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents “See Music ... Hear Dance” at the Benedict Music Tent. 8 p.m. 925-9042 for tickets. www.aspensantafeballet.com.



7 — The Aspen Art Museum hosts “Imaginary Thing,” a curatorial conversation between guest curator Peter Eleey and AAM Director Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson. 6 p.m. www.aspenartmuseum.org.



8-9 — The Roaring Fork Valley Relay is a community gathering at Carbondale’s Roaring Fork Middle School to benefit the fight against cancer. Fun, food, activities, and more. 6:30-8:30 p.m. both nights. www.carbondale.com.



8-10 — The Snowmass G3 Gravity Challenge is three gravity stage races at Snowmass that are part of the new G3 summer series. This is a premier off-road cycling event that draws international and top-ranked mountain biking competitors. A full weekend of extreme adventure and world-class cycling that includes an expo area, nightly parties, and festivities. Free for spectators. www.snowmassvillage.com.



9 — Guided all-day horseback ride on Braderich Creek Trail, near Redstone. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



15 — The Aspen Art Museum’s Architecture Lecture Series presents Chris McVoy and Steven Holl. 6 p.m. Paepcke Auditorium. www.aspenartmuseum.org.



15-17 — The Snowmass Wellness Experience is an event that encompasses all elements of a balanced and healthy lifestyle — environment, nutrition, fitness, and spirituality. This year's theme: Promoting the art of well-being and healthy living by sustaining the environment and producing vibrant foods that nurture body, mind, spirit, and community. Join best-selling authors and speakers for a weekend full of workshops, lectures, organic cooking demonstrations, yoga workshops, botanical walks, and more. www.snowmasswellness.com.



15-16 — The 11th Annual Basalt River Days Festival at Arbaney Park features a parade, a half-marathon, a fine arts and crafts festival, a wide variety of music, food, and children’s activities and community games. 927-4031; www.basaltriverdays.com.



16 — The Aspen High Country Triathlon/Duathlon features an 800-yard swim, a 17-mile bike (gaining 1,500 feet) and a 4-mile run in the Elk Mountains and the scenic Maroon Creek Valley. The Aspen Recreation Center will serve as the transition/staging area for the entire race. 429-2093; www.aspenrecreation.com.



17 — Aspen Music Festival and School presents the Aspen Festival Orchestra performing Schoenberg’s choral love story “Gurre-Lieder” at the Benedict Music Tent. 4 p.m. $72. www.aspenmusicfestival.com.



23 — The Sixth Annual Blues, Brew, and BBQ Festival at the downtown plaza in Carbondale features great blues music, delicious barbecue, and beer. 2-9 p.m. 963-0139.



23 — The Roaring Fork Outdoors Volunteers host a trail cleanup day at the Ashcroft Trail Boardwalk. Volunteers will replace the first half of the wooden boardwalk that serves as the entryway to the site with a new low-maintenance gravel trail. www.rfov.org.



24 — Guided hike to Red Table Mountain from Crooked Creek Pass. Part of the free Hidden Gems Hike Series, presented by Wilderness Workshop and Bristlecone Mountain Sports. www.whiteriverwild.org.



28-Sept. 1 — The Motherlode Volleyball Classic is the largest pro-am beach doubles volleyball event in the country. Competition takes place in parks around Aspen. Free for spectators. www.motherlodevolleyball.com.



28-Sept. 1 — Jazz Aspen Snowmass presents its Labor Day Festival, one of Colorado’s premier music extravaganzas. This year’s festival features Global Noize, Widespread Panic, the New Mastersounds, Xavier Rudd, Bob Dylan and his Band, Dwight Yoakam, John Fogerty, Jerry Douglas, and the Yonder Mountain String Band. Various ticket options available; (800) SNOWMASS; www.jazzaspen.org.

SEPTEMBER

6 — Ride for the Cure presented by the Aspen Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. A 100-mile bike ride to support the foundation in its mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. 920-0250; www.komenaspen.org.



6 — Oktoberfest at Snowmass is a stein-klinking, lederhosen-laden, strudel-scarfing German harvest celebration. The festival combines authentic German beer, music, and cuisine with more modern live music. Biergartens, street performers, kids' crafts, contests, and more. Free. www.snowmassvillage.com.



12-14 — The 32nd annual Snowmass Balloon Festival is one of the highest-altitude balloon events in the country. Over three days, 30 pilots compete in such challenging competitions as Dawn Quixote and a distance race that covers the whole Roaring Fork Valley. The highlight is the Saturday Evening Glow, barbecue, and free concert where brightly colored balloons light up the night sky and twinkle on and off like stars. All events are free to the public. 922-2300; snowmassballoon.com.



13 — The Roaring Fork Outdoors Volunteers host a trail cleanup day at the Arbaney Kittle Trail in Basalt. Volunteers will tackle two priorities: trail maintenance on the first 3 miles, and work to define a half-mile stretch of the trail at Sloane’s Peak. www.rfov.org.



Sept. 13 — The Snowmass Wine and Jazz Festival features more than 80 wineries from around the world and 15 different local chefs providing tastings in the shadow of Mount Daly and at a special vintners dinner at the Artisan. An annual fundraiser for the Snowmass Rotary Club's charitable fund. $50, $125 for vintner dinner at The Artisan. 379-6577



18-21 — The Gentleman of Aspen Rugby Football Club hosts its 41st Annual Ruggerfest at Wagner Park and Rio Grande Park. One of the most prestigious rugby tournaments in the country featuring teams from all over. Free to spectators. www.aspenrugby.com.



27 — The Roaring Fork Outdoors Volunteers host a trail cleanup day at the Wulfsohn Trail in Glenwood Springs. This project will finish constructing the new Wulfsohn Trail above Glenwood Meadows. www.rfov.org.