A&E Agenda: Sept. 19-25

Three free public art installations available to view through September

Three captivating free public art installations await visitors. The first two will stay until the chill rolls in, but the third one recently became available through next spring.

“Charm Valley” created by artists CHIAOZZA is a seven-piece sculptural installation at Francis Whitaker Park, encouraging both physical exploration and contemplation. Co-presented by Aspen Ideas Festival and Aspen Public Art, it will stay up through September. For more information, go to aspenideas.org or redbrickaspen.com.

“Galena Asphalt Art” by Anthony Garcia Sr. is a street mural and pedestrian safety project by artist Anthony Garcia Sr. of Birdseed Collective, with an original design on curb extensions at three intersections in the Galena Street Corridor. It’s a partnership between Aspen Public Art and the Aspen Engineering Department. For more information, go to redbrickaspen.com.

“Unsui (Mirror)” by Sanford Biggers just got extended until April 2026. Coming on the heels of its debut at Desert X, this art installation at Paepcke Park features two sequined, pole-mounted clouds floating at Aspen’s front door. Co-commissioned by Desert X and Buckhorn Public Arts, presented locally in partnership with Aspen Public Art. For more information, go to redbrickaspen.com/ and buckhornpublicarts.org.

‘Music in the West End’ piano performance, Sept. 19

Christ Episcopal Church in Aspen is turning up the charm with its series “Music in the West End,” featuring a captivating solo piano recital with Amanda Gessler tackling the brilliance of Mozart, the dreaminess of Debussy, and the drama of César Franck’s most demanding works at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19 at 536 W. North Street. This will kick off free classical music concerts once a month on Fridays during the fall, winter, and spring season. Renowned artists across the region are invited to perform, and every concert is followed by food and wine with the artists. “When the music tent closes, we open!” promises Music Director Mandy Gessler, via email. For more information, go to christchurch.org.

Locals Night ‘Haasy with Lo G’ at Belly Up Aspen, Sept. 20

Locals Night is about to get lit — Haasy with Lo G begins at 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, at Belly Up Aspen. Colorado’s own electronic wizard, self-taught guitar player, music producer, and DJ has built a local fanbase, and he’s ready to bring the vibes. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. for an affordable night out. Tickets are limited to two general admission per purchaser or six reserved tickets per purchaser. Attendees must be 21 and older. For tickets or more information, go to tickets.bellyupaspen.com/link/event?event=locals-night-9-20-25.

The 46th Filmfest, continues through Sept. 21

Filmfest keeps the reels rolling through Sept. 21 at Isis Aspen Theatre and the Wheeler Opera House. It’s a cinematic world tour showing screenings in multiple genres, from documentary to foreign language or comedy. In its 46th year, Filmfest maintains the same core values that Aspen Film founder Ellen Kohner Hunt originally envisioned in 1979: a spirit of independence, a sense of community, and a foundation of inclusiveness. Isis Aspen Theatre is located at 406 E. Hopkins Ave. For a detailed film schedule, go to aspenfilm.org/our-festivals/filmfest.

‘Homegrown Stories — A Celebration of Aspen’ at literary fest, Sept. 25

The inaugural Aspen Literary Festival presented by Book of the Month and produced by Aspen Words will run from Sept. 26 to 28, with a free preview event featuring local literary talent. “Homegrown Stories — A Celebration of Aspen” brings together accomplished local authors on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Explore Books. The showcase includes authors Scott Lasser, Cathy O’Connell, Lorenzo Semple (Aspen Times columnist), Jill Sheeley, TA Stevens, Mark Tompkins, and Nathaniel White. This special panel will offer readers a chance to connect with the valley’s vibrant community before the weekend events begin. For more information about the full lineup, visit aspenwords.org/programs/literary-festival. To register, go to register.aspeninstitute.org/event/ALF2025/schedule?RefId=ALF25agenda.