Wheeler Opera House Announces 2026 programming

The Wheeler Opera House has announced the first wave of the 2026 Wheeler Presents season, a lineup of music, comedy, family entertainment, documentary film, and performances.

Tickets are on sale now for Wheeler Insiders, and will go on sale to the public at noon Thursday, Oct. 2. Tickets can be purchased online at aspenshowtix.com, by phone at 970-920-5770, or in person at the box office, 320 E. Hyman Ave., Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.

The 2026 Wheeler Presents will include:

Sam Grisman Project | 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9
Led by bassist and bandleader Sam Grisman, this acoustic collective pays tribute to the legacy of David Grisman and the great American acoustic music Sam grew up around. Featuring a rotating cast of top-tier instrumentalists and frequent collaborations with legends like Peter Rowan, the band creates a reverent, communal experience at every show.

Gwyneth Goes Skiing | 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, and Friday, Jan. 16
After sold-out runs in London, Edinburgh, New York, Park City, and LA, this high-camp courtroom drama lands in Aspen for a limited engagement. This play with music recounts the now-infamous collision in 2016 on the slopes of Deer Valley and the court case seven years later that enthralled the world. 

Diana: The Untold & Untrue Story | 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, and Saturday, Jan. 17
Winner of multiple awards and a sell-out hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, this drag-fueled retelling of Princess Diana’s life features multimedia cameos from Broadway and West End stars, puppetry, and audience interaction. The show invites audiences to join Diana in heaven for a story that’s “untold and untrue.”

Mountainfilm on Tour: Adventure Playlist | 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22
Curated from Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival, this program celebrates the spirit of exploration through stories of daring athletes and cultural trailblazers. Highlights include Robin Goomes at Red Bull Rampage, Zeb Powell’s push for diversity in snowboarding, and Bobby Brown’s feats in the San Juan Mountains.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical | 4 p.m. Sunday Jan. 25
Based on Mo Willems’ #1 New York Times best-selling book, this musical brings the Pigeon’s antics to life with humor, feathers, and toe-tapping songs. Created by TheaterWorksUSA and commissioned by the Kennedy Center, the show features music by Deborah Wicks La Puma and direction by Jen Wineman. Recommended for ages 4–7, plus their adult companions.

Bryan Smith: Capturing the Impossible | 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27
National Geographic filmmaker Bryan Smith shares his journey from amateur adventurer to award-winning documentarian. With stories from expeditions in Russia, India, and British Columbia, Smith explores the creative risks that lead to unforgettable films.

Welcome to Night Vale: Murder in Blood Forest | 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28
The creators of the cult podcast return with a brand-new live show starring Cecil Baldwin, Symphony Sanders, and surprise guests. Set during the annual Murder Night celebration, the performance blends mystery, surreal humor, and live music by Disparition.

Don Was & & The Detroit Pan Ensemble: ‘Blues for Allah’ 50^th Anniversary Tour  | 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30
Six-time Grammy winner Don Was leads a powerhouse ensemble of Detroit jazz musicians in a tribute to the Grateful Dead’s ”Blues for Allah.” Featuring Dave McMurray, Luis Resto, and other Detroit legends, the concert blends groove, soul, and improvisation.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Indomitable Spirit | 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4
This inspiring program highlights stories of resilience, activism, and transformation. From a beloved driving instructor in New York to an immigrant baker in Colombia, the films highlight individuals who rise above adversity with courage and creativity. Themes include nature, identity, and the healing power of community.  

The Peking Acrobats | 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5
Celebrating their 35th North American Tour, The Peking Acrobats® return with a family-friendly display of athleticism and artistry. Called “astounding… and AMAZING!” by Variety and “breathtaking” by The New York Times, the show features gravity-defying stunts, contortionists, and the iconic Bicycle Pagoda.

Meshell Ndegeocello: No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin | 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11
In honor of James Baldwin’s centennial, Grammy-winning artist Meshell Ndegeocello presents “No More Water,” a bold musical meditation on Baldwin’s enduring legacy. A towering figure in American literature and civil rights, Baldwin’s work continues to challenge and illuminate issues of race, identity, and justice. Blending spoken word, gospel, and experimental sound, Ndegeocello channels Baldwin’s voice in a performance.

Modi | 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
Voted one of the “Top 10 Comedians in New York City” by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi brings his sharp wit and cultural insight to Aspen. Known for his “Moshiach Energy,” Modi’s act unites audiences through laughter and spontaneous interaction.

DanceAspen Re: imagine | 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, and 3 p.m. Sunday Feb. 22
DanceAspen presents world premieres by American choreographers whose careers abroad have shaped bold new visions for contemporary ballet. Works by Houston Thomas, Shane Urton, and Emilie Leriche explore themes of transformation, rhythm, and poetic movement.

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner: Defying Limits: Climbing the 14 Highest Peaks | 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24
Renowned mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner shares her journey to summit all 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. Presented in association with Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.

Michelle Buteau | 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26
Star of Netflix’s “Survival of the Thickest,” Michelle Buteau brings her bold, hilarious stand-up to Aspen. Her special, “A BUTEAU-FUL MIND,” was taped live at Radio City Music Hall, making her the first woman to do so. Buteau’s comedy explores identity, motherhood, and modern life.  

International Guitar Night XXVI | 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27
This year’s IGN lineup features Stephanie Jones (Australia), Lucas Imbiriba (Brazil), Alexandr Misko (Russia), and ukulele master Taimane (Hawaii). Each artist brings a distinct style — from classical and flamenco to fingerstyle and island rhythms.

Devon Allman’s Blues Summit | 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28
Led by Devon Allman, son of Gregg Allman, this summit features blues legends Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall, and Sierra Green. McCray’s emotive guitar work and Green’s powerhouse vocals bring soul and history to the stage.

BUGS | 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7
Created by Kaki King and GLITCH, ”BUGS” is a multimedia show for young audiences that blends guitar projection mapping, drum-triggered effects, and playful storytelling. Featuring insect sounds, candy-colored visuals, and interactive moments, the show invites kids to shout, dance, and explore alongside the performers.

An Evening with Kaki King | 8 p.m. Saturday, March 7
Dubbed by Rolling Stone as “a genre unto herself,” Kaki King brings her innovative guitar work and multimedia artistry to the Wheeler stage. Her recent album combines choreography and composition, pushing the boundaries of instrumental performance. With global tours and collaborations from Dave Grohl to TED Talks, King continues to redefine what a solo concert can be.  

Save the Dates: Aspen Laugh Festival | March 10-15

Women of Americana A Celebration of American Music: From Bob Dylan to Bonnie Raitt | 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18
This concert brings together acclaimed vocalists Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh to interpret iconic songs from Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and more. Produced by Eli Wolf, whose credits include Norah Jones and Al Green, the show explores the roots and evolution of Americana through a female lens.

Yesterday-The Beatles Tribute | 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 20
Endorsed by Sir Paul McCartney himself, ”Yesterday” recreates the magic of The Beatles with vintage instruments, authentic harmonies, and meticulous attention to detail. The internationally acclaimed tribute band has performed on NBC, CBS, ABC, and aboard Royal Caribbean’s Beatles Tribute Cruise.

Jean Fruth: Inside America’s Favorite Pastime | 6:30 p.m. March 24
Renowned sports photographer Jean Fruth shares her journey from Little League sidelines to documenting baseball’s global grassroots. Co-founder of the nonprofit Grassroots Baseball, Fruth’s work celebrates the transformative power of the sport and its impact on youth development.

The Naked Magicians | 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25
Direct from sold-out seasons in Las Vegas and London’s West End, ”The Naked Magicians” deliver illusions and comedy — with nothing but a top hat and a smile. Seen by over 50 million viewers on NBC, ABC, and America’s Got Talent, this duo strips away the stereotypes (and their clothes) in a bold, adults-only show. This performance contains male nudity, sexual references, and coarse language, and is for ages 18+ only. 
 
Mountainfilm on Tour: The Medley | 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26
This curated selection of short documentaries celebrates adventure, legacy, and personal expression. From splitboarding in the San Juan backcountry to surf photography inspired by family memory, the films highlight creativity, mentorship, and the joy of outdoor sports.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Big Green World | 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16
This program explores resilience, nature, and environmental stewardship through powerful storytelling. Highlights include ”Let My People Go Skiing,” which weaves Indigenous knowledge with snowsports, and ”Earthworks,” which draws parallels between ceramics and rock climbing.

Los Lonely Boys| 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17
Grammy-winning trio Los Lonely Boys — brothers Henry, Jojo, and Ringo Garza — bring their signature “Texican rock & roll” back to the stage with renewed energy and soul. Their breakout hit “Heaven” spent 76 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 and earned them a Grammy, launching a career that has included collaborations with Willie Nelson and Carlos Santana, and even opening for The Who.

“Infinitely Yours” and other works by Miwa Matreyek | 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21
Internationally acclaimed artist Miwa Matreyek blends cinematic animation with live shadow performance in an exploration of climate, identity, and imagination. Her work has captivated audiences at TED, MoMA, and Sundance, and now comes to Aspen for a one-night-only event.

Flying Karamazov Brothers | 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23
The Wheeler Opera House marks its anniversary with a night of high-flying fun and theatrical flair, honoring its opening day in April 1889. The Flying Karamazov Brothers bring over five decades of inventive performance to the stage, blending juggling, comedy, and clever chaos in a show The New York Times calls “100 minutes of cleverness and comedy.”
 
Luca Stricagnoli with special guest Meg Pfeiffer| 7 p.m. Friday, April 24
With over 100 million views online, Luca Stricagnoli is an innovative acoustic guitarists, known for his custom triple-neck guitar and genre-blending performances. Joining him is award-winning singer-songwriter Meg Pfeiffer with soulful vocals and international success. Together, they deliver an evening of music, storytelling, and surprises. 

More upcoming Wheeler events can be found at wheeleroperahouse.com/calendar/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22933194929&gbraid=0AAAAAoxJGGbTTAKDvv8rgsRcoOQrbxk83&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0NPGBhCDARIsAGAzpp2niSidQIpRASvDeGwPQZmKw1YBJA7Cgz1ITPvdEc2mHOUVTlP4ow4aAua6EALw_wcB.