Increased attendance approved for Aspen’s Palm Tree Music Festival

In a decisive move underscoring its commitment to cultural enrichment and economic vitality, Aspen City Council approved a resolution amending the lease agreement for Rio Grande Park, allowing the Palm Tree Music Festival to expand its infrastructure and increase capacity for its 2026 edition. 

Slated for Feb. 20 and 21, the festival will feature a two-story VIP viewing structure and extended attendance accommodations.

The amendment, proposed by Belly Up Aspen in collaboration with the Goldberg family, authorizes a vertical expansion of the existing tent. 

Nancy Lesley, the city’s special events director, clarified that the modification would not increase the tent’s overall footprint but would add a second level for VIP guests. 

“This includes an addition of a VIP deck, which in essence, what it would look like is a second story to the tent. Just so we’re clear about this, it would add an additional 6 feet to the tent,” Lesley said. “We are not talking about a much larger size of the tent.” 

She confirmed that the stage will continue to occupy the largest area in the park, consistent with previous years.

As part of the proposed expansion, the number of festival attendees is expected to grow by approximately 700 to 1,000, beyond the 5,000 who attended in 2025. 

“You had 5,000 attendees last year, so we would be looking at an additional 700 to 1,000 for 2026?” Mayor Rachel Richards asked during the meeting.

Lesley responded that although the precise figure remains to be finalized, the parameters were considered sufficient by the Special Event Committee to advance the proposal to council review.

The expanded infrastructure will necessitate a longer road closure on Rio Grande Place, along with increased coordination of traffic control and emergency access. 

Lesley noted that the added construction would result in two to three extra days of road closures, though two of those days would fall outside business hours. Event organizers emphasized their intention to minimize public disruption and affirmed that security measures, including police presence, had been accounted for.

The Special Event Committee, comprising representatives from all relevant city departments, gave unanimous support to the proposal.

Financially, the festival is expected to generate increased revenue through park use fees, parking permits, and charges related to special events, construction, and electrical installations.

Founded by internationally acclaimed DJ Kygo and his manager Myles Shear, the Palm Tree Music Festival has emerged as a signature winter event in Aspen, bringing a curated mix of electronic and pop artists to the heart of the Rockies. 

The 2025 lineup included Dom Dolla, LP Giobbi, and Sofi Tukker, drawing thousands to a tropical-themed celebration set against a snowy alpine backdrop. The festival has garnered praise for both its entertainment value and its economic contribution to the city’s winter tourism economy.

Nevertheless, not all receptions have been celebratory. Environmental concerns have been raised regarding the festival’s sound levels, particularly its proximity to the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies at Hallam Lake. 

Council members questioned whether the event could mitigate its auditory impact on local wildlife. 

“The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies asked how the event could tame the noise towards the wildlife center. Is that something that can be reversed?” Richards inquired. 

Lesley confirmed that the layout would be similar to previous years but that organizers had explored alternative speaker configurations to reduce disruption.

Chris Lane, CEO of ACES, previously voiced concern in an Aspen Times article, warning that the high decibel levels — capped at 100 dB, comparable to a bulldozer or loud motorcycle — could disturb wildlife within the preserve. Although the music is scheduled to end by 10 p.m., the direction of the speakers has historically faced east toward Hallam Lake, intensifying the issue.