Exploring Aspen Night Life
With so many things to do during the daytime, it may be hard to remember that Aspen night life is a big part of what makes this little burgh nestled high up in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley such a wildly popular spot.
The thing about partying in Aspen is you can go right downtown and hit comfortable neighborhood taverns, raucous and loud pubs, or quiet bars with a live piano or jazz trio – all within a short walk. Or you can head up to one of the chic and trendy hotel clubs popular with the jet set and celebrities. There is also a more intellectual scene to Aspen night life that can be fulfilling as well as fascinating.
39 Degrees in the swanky Sky Hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain is an entirely unique experience unto itself. The place is ultra stylish, appointed with truly exceptional design, incorporating imaginative colors and patterns, and great lighting to really set the mood. It is always a fun crowd clamoring at the bar for one of their fun, creative cocktails.
Call or check the website for Belly Up Aspen, a cool little club downtown that only holds 450 people so you are up close and personal with the great live music acts that perform virtually every night. BUA has hosted such big name acts as Ben Harper, B.B. King, Seal, and Chris Isaak.
Zane’s Tavern is a favorite Aspen sports bar, but their menu goes far beyond typical bar grub. It is almost a contradiction, but the food at this sports bar is actually creative, delicious, and well prepared. The atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming.
If you are little more hardcore, you will need to stop at Bad Billy’s, Aspen’s take on a rowdy biker bar. The music is loud and the atmosphere is definitely festive, but there is no danger here – just great drinks and food, with cheap pool and happy hours specials daily.
For the more cerebral set – or those just looking for something less typical – there are several renowned and highly active cultural and intellectual organizations in Aspen and there is always some event happening.
The Aspen Music Festival and School puts on numerous shows ranging from operas to small chamber music exhibitions. Numerous guest conductors grace the stage and expand the learning curve for local musicians.
Political, social, economic and even metaphysical discussion is the forte of the Aspen Institute, which sponsors the Aspen Ideas Festival and dozens of speeches and debates throughout the year. This is the sophisticated end of Aspen night life. Many of the evening speeches are given in Aspen’s historic Wheeler Opera House.
