The Aspen Ideas Festival

Set against the backdrop of Aspen Mountain, this year's Aspen Ideas Festival is a forum for exploring the forces shaping our world today. Using the 250th Anniversary of American independence as a lens, our 2026 themes examine freedom globally, in local communities, and within ourselves. The Festival aligns with the Colorado 150 celebration of shared history and unique people and cultures, with programs focused on our communities here at home in the Rocky Mountains. Throughout the festival, we will explore seven interconnected themes. In The American Experiment, we examine our democratic persistence to learn from our history to ensure liberty and justice for all in the future. This civic exploration extends to global responsibilities through Pledges of Allegiance, which evaluate modern sovereignty. Addressing shifting financial landscapes, The Next American Dream theme asks, "How can we foster economic security and prosperity in today's rapidly changing economy?" Innovation, human expression, and well-being shape the remaining festival themes. Inventing Tomorrow explores the frontiers of science and technology; in Acts of Imagination, we celebrate creative independence; and the Pursuit of Happiness programs address personal fulfillment. Finally, the Festival honors its physical roots through This Land is Our Land, which focuses on environmental stewardship and asks, "How can caring for the land protect the idea of America and bring us closer together?" Attendees will have many opportunities to explore both our beautiful campus here at Aspen Meadows as well as the greater Roaring Fork Valley. Dinner and drinks will feature food from outstanding local chefs, purveyors and restaurants. Lectures will include topics such as Interstellar Objects, How to Have a Happy Life at Every Age and an Isreali-Palestinian Artistic Collaboration called The Opposite of War is Creation. There will be a beautiful musical celebration called "Hold These Truths" honoring the power and beauty of our shared voices. A cohort of leading American artists come to Colorado, from different areas of our musical landscape, to explore the places where traditions meet and merge. The lineup will feature Valerie June, Leyla McCalla, Cole Chaney, Wyatt Ellis, Joshua Redman, and Lara Downes. Live events include recordings of the "The Long Game," a national security podcast featuring Jake Sullivan, Jon Finer, Robert Kagan, and "The Bulwark" featuring Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Will Sommer. They'll deliver their trademark, unfiltered analysis of the current political landscape, the state of democracy, and the ongoing battle for the soul of American politics. Through nightcap discussions in the West End Social, speakers across a range of expertise will offer intimate conversation over drinks as the sun sets. We invite a diverse audience to join these conversations, bringing together local Colorado residents, international visitors, policymakers, innovative creators, and thought leaders across myriad disciplines. The Festival celebrates Colorado's unique perspective, diverse communities & landscapes, welcoming visitors to our home as we all look ahead to the next 150 years.