Aspen Party – 7 Places to Drink, Dance & Celebrate in Style

Aspen doesn’t just host parties, it sets the standard for high-end celebration. From champagne-soaked après ski lounges to underground DJ sets and invite-only soirées, Aspen is where the elite come to drink, dance, and let loose. Whether you’re chasing powder by day or bottle service by night, the party scene here blends alpine luxury with unforgettable energy.

In this guide, we’re unlocking the most iconic parties, late-night hotspots, and exclusive events, plus how Aspen Luxury Concierge can get you on the list.

Aspen’s Signature Celebrations: The Can’t-Miss Parties & Events

1. Aspen Nightlife
2. Après Ski Parties
3. Closing Day Celebrations
4. Aspen X-Games
5. Music Festivals & Concerts
6. Aspen Gay Ski Week
7. Holiday Celebrations

Want VIP access, premium reservations, or behind-the-scenes perks for any of these events? Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge and we’ll make it happen. 

1. Aspen Nightlife: Where the Real Party Starts

When the lifts stop spinning, Aspen’s nightlife kicks into high gear. The après ski energy spills into late-night lounges, underground clubs, and high-end cocktail dens where designer boots and fur coats are the norm. Whether you’re looking for a high-octane DJ set, a velvet-rope club scene, or a more refined nightcap with mountain views, Aspen delivers world-class nightlife with an exclusive edge.

Here are just a few of Aspen’s most iconic after-dark venues:

• Belly Up – Aspen’s premier live music venue, where major headliners and surprise celebrity sets happen regularly in an intimate, upscale space.
• Escobar – A subterranean nightclub known for its curved ceilings, champagne sparklers, and international DJs spinning into the early morning.
• The Sterling – A luxe underground lounge-meets-nightclub with plush seating, craft cocktails, and a diverse music lineup ranging from jazz funk to techno. Perfect for bottle service, dancing, or a sophisticated night out with your inner circle.

For a deeper dive into Aspen’s nightlife scene, plus insider tips on how to skip the line, book VIP tables, or plan a private afterparty, check out our full Aspen nightlife guide.

2. Aspen Après Ski: Champagne, Sunsets & Elevated Vibes

In Aspen, après ski isn’t just a post-run tradition, it’s a lifestyle. From mountaintop decks with panoramic views to exclusive lounges where champagne flows freely, Aspen’s après scene is as iconic as its powder. Whether you’re coming off black-diamond runs or simply arriving fashionably late, these spots serve up alpine energy with luxury flair.

Here are a few of the top après ski experiences worth planning around:

• Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro – Famous for its champagne-spraying afternoons and legendary parties. Accessible via Highlands Mountain, it’s a must for those who like their après ski with a side of wild.
• The Sundeck at Aspen Mountain – More relaxed, with stunning views and cozy fireside seating. Ideal for groups or families wanting classic après with mountain ambiance.
• Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell – A true Aspen classic. With ski-in/ski-out access and a menu of truffle fries and fine wines, it’s perfect for a high-end wind-down at the base of Ajax.
• The Snow Lodge – A high-energy après spot blending beach club vibes with alpine luxury. Expect curated cocktails, live music, and DJ sets in a chic, invite-only setting that attracts celebrities and jet-setters alike.

Want to know where to go, when to book, and how to secure VIP seating or private experiences? Explore our complete guide to Aspen après ski for insider tips curated by our local experts.

3. Closing Parties: Iconic Celebrations to Close Winter

In Aspen, everything gets turned into a party! In addition to the Elk Camp Surf and Snow Beach Party, each mountain hosts their own events to celebrate the end of the ski season. Please note that closing party dates are variable depending on the amount of local snowfall during the ski season and the weather in March and April. 

• Buttermilk Mountain: This closing party is also known as Bacon Appreciation Day. Guests can sample bacon creations in the plaza before their final ski day. Buttermilk Lodge and Cliffhouse host après festivities with even more opportunities to eat bacon, jam out to bands and DJ sets, and grab drinks with friends.
• Aspen Highlands – Wrap up your season with a final run down Highland Bowl, then head to Merry-Go-Round for casual on-mountain drinks or Highlands Alehouse at the base for music and a festive crowd. Cloud Nine is legendary, but reservations are required and book out fast.
• Aspen Mountain: The elevation of Ajax means that it’s usually the last mountain to close for the season. This closing party is another opportunity to wear an outrageous outfit as you enjoy the slush and corn snow conditions. If you’re not a skier or snowboarder, there’s still plenty for you to do! Foot passengers can take the gondola up to the Sundeck for free or gather in the plaza for drinks and music until 5:30.

4. Aspen X Games: High-Energy Sports & Next-Level Afterparties

The Aspen X Games isn’t just one of the world’s biggest winter sports competitions, it’s a full-on cultural phenomenon that transforms Aspen into a magnet for elite athletes, celebrities, and high-profile partygoers. With jaw-dropping tricks on the slopes and equally wild energy off-mountain, the X Games is where adrenaline meets Aspen luxury.

Beyond the competitions, the experience includes exclusive brand activations, concerts, VIP lounges, and legendary afterparties at Aspen’s top venues. 

Whether you’re watching from the VIP deck or celebrating slope-side with champagne, Aspen Luxury Concierge can elevate your experience. We offer insider access to:

• Private viewing areas and luxury hospitality suites
• Premium lodging and chauffeured transportation
• Custom itineraries that combine world-class sports and Aspen nightlife

Want to experience the X Games like an insider? Aspen Luxury Concierge can get you closer to the action, and behind the velvet ropes.

5. Aspen Concerts & Music Festivals

Aspen isn’t just known for luxury skiing and fine dining, it’s also a powerhouse destination for live music and world-class performances. From mountaintop DJ sets to intimate jazz shows and high-energy music festivals, Aspen hosts some of the most exclusive and talked-about concerts in the country. Whether you want to catch chart-topping artists or sip champagne in a private lounge with live music in the background, the Aspen music scene delivers unforgettable moments all year long. Some events include:

• Up in the Sky Festival: A rising star in Aspen’s winter lineup, this boutique festival blends electronic music and luxury experiences. Expect curated venues and a stylish crowd. ALC gets you on the list.
• Palm Tree Music Festival: A snow-globe-style beach party created by Kygo, featuring tropical vibes, top DJs, and luxe pop-ups. Access is limited, ALC offers VIP packages and backstage entry.
• JAS June Experience: A multi-venue jazz festival featuring top talent and emerging artists. VIP access includes gourmet dinners, open bars, and exclusive performances in the Rio Grande tent. ALC handles premium access.
• Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series: Free outdoor concerts during peak ski season with major headliners like Vampire Weekend and AWOLNATION. Combine slope time with après music, ALC secures VIP lodging and party access.
• X Games Concerts: When the sun sets on the slopes, the music rises. The X Games hosts epic nightly concerts with big-name performers.

6. Aspen Gay Ski Week

AGSW is the largest Pride celebration of its kind and one of the most iconic parties in Aspen. For a full week, every storefront is decked in rainbow flags; events happen all over town to celebrate queer identities and to raise money for AspenOUT.

The specific Aspen party opportunities change every year, but visitors can expect to experience:

• Weekend drag bingo (both adult and family-friendly sessions)
• Ski and snowboard parades down the mountain
• Daily free après ski parties from 3pm to 7pm with music and drinks
• Evening cocktail receptions (both for all guests and specific identities)
• Themed après ski parties where guests are encouraged to wear onesies and other costumes
• Benefit at Caribous Club where guests can dress up fancy, dance, and dine at the exclusive private club
• Late night dance at Belly Up where guests can party until 1:30am
• The annual Downhill Ski Costume Contest
• Top of the Mountain party at the Sundeck
• VIP Steak dinner 
• The Saturday pool après ski party to close out AGSW

7. Holiday Celebrations in Aspen

Aspen takes holidays to the next level with extravagant dinners, high-energy parties, and family-friendly festivities, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Whether you’re ringing in the New Year with champagne and DJs or enjoying a classic summer parade on the Fourth of July, holidays in Aspen offer something unforgettable for every kind of celebration. Here’s how to do it in style.

• New Years Eve: There is never a shortage of places to dance and dine in Aspen, Colorado but on New Years Eve, the party scene reaches a whole new level. There are so many ways that you can ring in the new year, from dancing the night away at Belly Up or Escobar to enjoying a 6-course curated dinner at the St. Regis. 

• 4th of July: Compared to other parties in Aspen, the 4th of July festivities are geared more towards children and families. During the day, there’s a classic parade through downtown, followed by music performances that range from classical to R&B in the park. Between events, guests will be able to play carnival games and taste local brews at the beer garden. Once the sun goes down, there is a drone show and possibly fireworks, depending on local weather and the risk of wildfire. 

How to Find the Aspen Party that Fits Your Vibe

Aspen takes partying very seriously! It would seem that everywhere you look there is a different place to hang out. This quick guide breaks down all the major party venues by vibe: 

Après Ski

• Cloud 9 – Located on Highland Mountain, this is a vibrant après ski party scene that involves blasting music and spraying champagne. Best for partygoers who are skilled enough skiers or riders to safely navigate back down the mountain after a few drinks.
• Sundeck – Location on Aspen Mountain, this is a chill hang out that serves American fare next to roaring fires. It’s very family-friendly and is easy to access for new skiers.
• Element 47 – Located inside The Little Nell, it has ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain. As an après ski venue, its vibe is a little more formal and the menu leans more towards fine dining. Both the food and cocktail menus are excellent!

Where to Drink

• Bad Harriet – A sexy speakeasy that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. The food menu is minimal but the cocktails are innovative. 
• Hooch – The cocktails and conversation take center stage. This is a place to see, be seen, and have a good chat. 
• Aspen Public House – A classic pub that has a complete menu of bar food made with locally-sourced ingredients. It’s a very down-to-earth hangout spot that centers around beer rather than cocktails. 

Where to Dance 

• Belly Up – A small music venue that attracts big-name stars. 
• Escobar Club – A staple of Aspen nightlife where visitors can dance to EDM and pop music well into the early hours of the morning. It’s the kind of place where flashy outfits are appreciated and encouraged. 

How to Plan Your Own Aspen Party

Aspen is the perfect destination for year-reason parties of all sizes and for all occasions – including weddings and elopements, birthday bashes, and bachelor and bachelorette parties. When you plan your own party here in the valley, there are a few things that you should consider. 

The Date

So many events happen in Aspen each year, not to mention how many people come flooding into town for peak ski season. This can make it difficult to book the accommodations that you want, especially if you’re doing group bookings. It is best to schedule your party for a window of time where no other big events are happening in town. This will ensure that you can easily book the accommodations, vendors, and activities without competition. 

Food and Drink Strategy

There are a few ways to handle food and drinks for your party: a food truck, catering at your venue, or hosting at a restaurant. Food trucks work best when your venue doesn’t have its own kitchen but it’s easily accessible by roads.

Catering is available for nearly any venue or occasion, from elegant birthdays and milestone celebrations to intimate gatherings. All the popular restaurants in town offer some form of catering and can usually accommodate guest dietary needs. The final option is to host your party at a restaurant that has private rooms. 

Guest Experience

Aspen is relatively accessible as a party location; guests can fly into the nearby Pitkin County airport directly. If you do group hotel room bookings, the hotel’s shuttle can pick up all the guests at the airport.

If you are planning an après ski party, be sure to consider the ski experience level of your guests. If some of your attendees are new skiers, you may want to choose an event location that is off-mountain or that is serviced by green and blue ski runs. 

FAQs About the Aspen Party Scene

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about partying in Aspen.

Your Aspen Adventure Awaits! 

Want VIP access to all the hottest tickets in town? Want to throw your own Aspen party that will impress all your guests? That’s what Aspen Luxury Concierge is here for!

If you’re hosting your own party, ALC will handle all the details, wrangle the vendors, and even figure out permits. As locals who have relationships with all the clubs and restaurants in town, ALC can also recommend venues that suit your needs and assist with preparing the space for your event. 

If you’re in town to experience the party scene, ALC can get you premium reservations to the party of your choice. Give ALC a call to gain access to the VIP side of Aspen!