What makes Aspen unique as a Colorado mountain town is how Aspen nightlife is similar to the club scenes in larger cities like New York, Miami, and L.A. For locals and visitors alike, there is always a party happening and the ALC team is here to get you into the most exclusive shows that Aspen has to offer.

In addition to skiing, hiking, and shopping, Aspen is also notorious for the nightlife scene. Many restaurants also turn into live music venues after dark. During the winter, Aspen hosts the Aspen Gay Ski Week and the Winter X Games, which is basically the Olympics meets Coachella. Although there is more of a party scene in the winter than in the summer, you can always find somewhere to party in Aspen.

WHAT ARE THE LATE NIGHT DINING OPTIONS IN ASPEN?

Restaurants in Aspen typically take reservations until 9:45 or 10 pm during the winter. During the summer, it is normal for restaurants to close earlier. Aspen Public House, a bar and restaurant that combines bar food with Indian and South American food, is open until 12 am most of the year. Another option for late dining is Mi Chola, which offers a colorful atmosphere and classic Mexican food; it is open until 11 pm. Most bars and clubs are open until 2 am, so diners can also go get bar food at one of the clubs. 

You have so many options for nightlife in Aspen, Colorado. Can’t decide where to party first? We’ve got you covered! Keep reading to get the low-down on all Aspen’s best party venues.

TOP 8 ASPEN BARS & NIGHTLIFE TO CHECK OUT

1. ESCOBAR NIGHTCLUB

Nothing sums up nightlife in Aspen, Colorado quite like the Escobar. It was started in 2011 by 7 young, local entrepreneurs who wanted to create the perfect place for locals and visitors to cut loose. Once you get past the red velvet rope on Hyman Avenue mall, you’ll see the recently remodeled curved ceiling, reflective walls, amber lights, and neon strobes. If you want privacy, consider booking a private table (contact your concierge to handle this for you) or taking your pomegranate martinis to the balcony for some fresh air. Escobar plays a mixture of dance, electronic, and Latin music.

2. THE STERLING

The Sterling merges the exotic, low-light atmosphere of a typical nightclub with the classy, intimate vibes of a lounge. Large, comfortable couches and booths let you get close with your friends, wedding party, or your date. On the dance floor, you can enjoy live music from the top 40 national and local bands.

Compared to other venues, The Sterling has some of the most diverse music offerings. Their 2023 lineup includes jazz funk bands, old school hip hop, early 2000s mashups, techno, disco, experimental, and classic jazz. When you hit The Sterling, don’t forget to try a Billionaire (woody creek bourbon, lemon juice, grenadine, simple syrup, and absinthe bitters) off their craft cocktail list or the Flecha Azul Extra Aftejo off the bottle service menu.

3. GALA

Many restaurants in Aspen moonlight as party scenes; Gala is no different. Gala is the nightlife side of Madame Ushi, an upscale Japanese restaurant with a remarkable sushi menu. The vibe of Gala is similar to Miami-style clubs, given that the owner and founder is well-known in the Miami club scene. Gala is more exclusive than other clubs in Aspen. It is a popular party destination for celebrities because it offers privacy, an escape from the ordinary, and unique cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else. 

4. BELLY UP

Designated one of the Best Clubs in America by Rolling Stone Magazine, Belly Up is hands-down the best place to catch both up-and-coming acts and world famous performers. Because the venue is relatively small, you can easily see and hear everything that happens on stage. There are 2 different bars, so you’ll never have to wait very long to get yourself some bar food (Belly Up has several vegetarian options), locally brewed craft beer, or a classic cocktail. 

5. HOTEL JEROME J-BAR 

Once upon a time, miners, cowboys, and sheriffs rode their horses up to its front doors. Although modernized to 21st century luxury standards, J-Bar still retains that wild west style. As far as Aspen nightlife, J-Bar is unique because it is a cozy place where ski nomads and billionaire socialites alike sip spiked hot chocolate after a long day on the slopes. 

6. SILVER CITY

In case you forgot that Aspen was once a mining town, Silver City is here to remind you. As one of the oldest music venues in Aspen, its vibe is far more like a western saloon than a modern dance club. Enjoy top shelf whiskey while playing a friendly game of pool, listening to live western music, fiddling with the jukebox, and meeting new friendly faces. The top shelf spirits are the main draw of this place, but the old west-inspired cocktails make it worth the trip. ALC recommends the Mexican Blackbird cocktail, which goes great with some good, old bar food.

7. CARIBOU CLUB

Caribou Club is a members-only social club, event space, and bar that caters to visitors who have a taste for the finer things in life. Unlike other Aspen nightlife options on this list, Caribou Club is not for partying away your troubles. This luxury venue is a place for networking, unwinding, pre-wedding events, corporate gatherings, romantic dinners, and swaying on the dance floor with your beloved.

As an exclusive high-end club, there is a dress code, which does not allow visitors to wear shorts, flip-flops, or hats. Members recommend arriving at 6:30 for dinner and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon by the fire. At 10pm, the DJ begins to play and by 11pm the dance floor is heating up. Caribou Club plays mostly electronic dance music, but if you want privacy or a place to get to know your date, there are many rooms off the dance floor that you can escape to.

To secure a temporary Caribou Club membership, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge. 

8. HOOCH

Now under new, but still local, management, Hooch is one of the most down-to-earth, rustic bars in the nightlife Aspen scene. It’s the kind of place where you can spend $1,000 on a glass of wine or get a quick beer and be on your way. Hooch can party like the best of them; sometimes you may walk in, hear hip hop blasting, and see bras hanging from the chandeliers. Hooch embodies the old school Aspen vibe, while welcoming visitors into the family. ALC recommends the Shutting Down the Studio cocktail, which is a dope take on a mojito, and the Doc Holiday, which combines local whiskey and chocolate into a bitter cocktail.

SEASONAL EVENTS AND SHOWS IN ASPEN, COLORADO

A few times a year, the Aspen party scene is dialed up to 11 when unique and exciting events come to town. When you visit Aspen in both the winter and the summer, you’ll see how much the mood of nightlife in Aspen varies. 

WINTER NIGHTLIFE ASPEN EVENTS

Some winter experiences are open during the duration of the ski season, like taking the lift up to Cloud 9, partying, spraying champagne, and skiing down the mountain. Other events only take place for a limited time. 

An Aspen tradition is the Winter X Games, which takes place at the end of January. Winter X is the perfect reflection of Aspen because it is like the winter Olympics and Coachella had a baby. During the day, watch the best athletes in the world show off their skills on the slopes. After the sun goes down, X Fest begins and attendees can dance all night. Last year’s lineup included Kaskade, Yung Gravy, MADDS, Night Tales, MOD SUN,and Girlfriends.

Another can’t-miss event in Aspen is Gay Ski Week, which is the most unique pride celebration that you will ever attend. During the middle week of January, everyone takes to the slopes sporting pride flags and whatever outrageous queer outfit best reflects their identity. There are also après-ski parties at the Limelight Hotel and The Little Nell. While the 2024 schedule has not been announced yet, it is sure to include both open and exclusive parties all over Aspen with varying levels of dress and drink.

No matter if you’re an experienced skier or just a beginner, your adventure in Aspen awaits! Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to begin planning your trip.

SUMMER EVENTS IN ASPEN: EXPERIENCE MUSIC AND CULTURE

THE ASPEN FOOD & WINE CLASSIC

The summer events in Aspen take a slightly classier turn. One of the biggest summer events is Aspen Food & Wine Classic, a farmer’s market-style celebration of food, culinary techniques, and wine. In June, renowned chefs, bakers, winemakers, drink experts, and sommeliers descend on Aspen to hold seminars, host wine tastings, create unique dining experiences, and share their culinary expertise.

If you have allergies or are on a diet/juice cleanse the week of Aspen Food & Wine Classic, there are still plenty of things to do in Aspen to keep you occupied. Your ALC concierge can create a custom itinerary for you and arrange travel to all your activities.

ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL

If you love classical music, you must come to Aspen to experience the Aspen Music Festival and School. One of the biggest classical music festivals in the United States, AMFS has over 400 shows during its 8 week season, including performances by 5 different orchestras, several opera productions, solos by world-renowned artists as well as music students, family-friendly shows, lectures, and master classes. Whereas most of Aspen nightlife is somewhere that you would take your closest friends, AMFS is perfect for impressing the in-laws and entertaining your parents.

BUCKHORN SOCIAL CLUB

Buckhorn Social Club is a hybrid of counterculture, partying, environmental activism, and spontaneous fun. It began in 2021 when 3 Aspen locals threw a pop-up party in the Buckhorn Cabin. Although the first event was shut down by ski patrol, the trio have continued to throw random pop-up parties in places that highlight Aspen’s natural beauty. These parties are not announced until the day of, so you gotta be in the know. But once you get there, tickets are only $40 and both food and drinks are typically free. Music is provided by local Aspen DJs who are guaranteed to play the coolest mashup of genres that you have ever heard.

Thanks to generous donations from appreciative partygoers, Buckhorn Social Club has launched a non-profit, Buckhorn Arts Club, which seeks to infuse Aspen with publicly accessible modern art.

It might not be ski season, but Aspen is beautiful and buzzing with activities in the summer! Aspen Luxury Concierge is here to help you plan a stress-free trip. Contact ALC to start your summer event itinerary.

ALC’S TIPS AND TRICKS FOR NAVIGATING ASPEN BARS, NIGHTLIFE, AND CLUBS

Most everyone has a story about the time they were out for a fun night and things got crazy. Safety and health are always the first priority when you explore Aspen. ALC has 4 tips for navigating Aspen’s nightlife:

1. Know how you are getting home. Uber and Lyft are not reliable in Aspen, this is why ALC frequently arranges private transportation for visitors. If your accommodations are not within walking distance, be sure that everyone in your party knows how to contact your concierge and your car service. In a pinch, you can also ask a bartender to call you a Tipsy Taxi – Aspen’s free nightlife taxi service.
2. Keep track of your stuff. Although Aspen has excellent shopping, most clubbing clothes don’t have pockets. ALC recommends a zipper or latching purse or fanny pack to hold all your essentials. Either keep it on you or check it with the coat room.
3. Don’t drink your dinner, eat some food too. The drinks are only half the appeal in Aspen’s bars, the bespoke bar food is not to be missed. Order food alongside your drinks. Or, even better, have a nice dinner in one of Aspen’s many gourmet restaurants before hitting the night scene.
4. Stay hydrated to minimize the hangover. A good rule of thumb is one glass of water for every drink you consume. Some Aspen locals swear by Resqwater (which you can buy at Aspen Wine & Spirits) and Zaca Patches (available at Carl’s Pharmacy) to minimize their hangovers. 

COME EXPERIENCE NIGHTLIFE IN ASPEN, COLORADO!

Dance all night at the Escobar. Shoot pool between trips to the dance floor at Silver City. See your new favorite band up close and personal at Belly Up. Discover the greatest cocktail you have ever had at Hooch. In Aspen nightlife, there is always a party going on, you just need to get there. No matter your tastes, Aspen Luxury Concierge specializes in setting up personalized vacations for all our clients. You get to cut loose and dance the night away while we handle all the rest. Contact ALC today to join the Aspen party!