Aspen to see inaugural Aspen Literary Fest this month

The local literary scene gets a major boost this fall with the inaugural Aspen Literary Festival. 

Set for Sept. 26-28 in Aspen, launched by Aspen Words (a program of The Aspen Institute) and presented by Book of the Month, the three-day celebration will bring together best-selling authors, local literary voices, and book lovers for a weekend of readings, discussions, and community events. The full schedule lists ticketed, free, and free with registration events.

Festival highlights

Homegrown stories: A celebration of Aspen’s local literary voices will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, at Explore Books. The event will showcase authors Scott Lasser, Cathy O’Connell, T.A. Stevens, Lorenzo Semple, Jill Sheeley, Mark Tompkins, and Nathanial White.

Best-selling authors panel: This popular author’s panel is scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon, Friday, Sept. 26, at the Aspen Community Church. This free event with registration will be moderated by Gilbert Cruz, the editor of the New York Times Book Review, and will feature best-selling authors and a book signing. Featured writers include Maria Semple, author of “Where Did You Go, Bernadette?”; Jade Chang, author of “What a Time to Be Alive”; and Shelley Read, author of “Go as a River.”

Kick-off lunch: The festival’s opening lunch will take place from noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, at the festival headquarters tent on the Red Brick Center for the Arts lawn. Attendees can enjoy lunch on the lawn, shop at the onsite bookstore, visit a pop-up photo booth, and delight in a free coffee. 

A downtown Aspen block party: From 6:30 to 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, on Hyman Ave., local authors will give readings and sign books at local businesses. Aspen Public House and Stranahan’s Whiskey will offer drink specials for festival-goers who show their wristband or badge. Aspen Collective and D’Angelico Guitars will provide an open bar for festival attendees during local author readings. 

Family-friendly mini fest: From 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, at Pitkin County Library, families can listen to Tunes & Tales, a musical instrument “petting zoo,” a community quilt project, face painting, a Story Walk, and more. 

Jane Austen’s birthday party: From 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, at Explore Books, guests can attend a themed celebration honoring Jane Austen’s legacy, complete with cake, light bites, period costumes, and beverages for sale. It’s free and open to the public. 

Festival headquarters: Located on the lawn of the Red Brick Center for the Arts, headquarters will host three days of ongoing activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities will include Book of the Month author signings, Explore Books onsite, food trucks, and a complimentary espresso bar. Local artist pop-ups will feature Michael Bond (ceramics), Nika Meyers (mixed media), Leah Potts (painting), and more. Additional activities will include lawn games, poetry on demand, and live book trivia with instant prizes.

Festival perks. Festival registrants and badge holders can enjoy exclusive discounts around Aspen for the duration of the weekend, including: 

• Alice & Olivia Boutique: 20% off in-store purchases 
• Aspen One: 30% off gondola tickets (with code provided to registrants)
• Explore Books Café, Aspen Public House, and Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge: weekend drink specials
• Hai Sí: literary-inspired signature cocktails specifically created for the festival weekend    

Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels. For more information, contact Adrienne Brodeur at adrienne.brodeur@aspeninstitute.org. The complete schedule of author talks and festival programming is available at aspenliteraryfestival.org.