Offseason? Not these next two weeks. The Aspens are still dropping their gold and the lifts are only a few weeks out, but the last stretch of October in the Roaring Fork Valley is packed. Between ski films, a world-famous choir, Rocky Horror screenings and yet another crazy Halloween weekend in the mountains, here's what I'd put on your calendar from now through the 31st.
Thursday, October 22 & Friday, October 23: Girl Winter Film Tour
If you need a little stoke before opening day, head to TACAW in Basalt for the Girl Winter Film Tour, a night of women-centric short ski films. It runs two nights, Thursday and Friday at 7 PM. Tickets are limited to four per person and all sales are final, so grab your crew and buy together.
October 23–25: Stories from Mawa's Kitchen
This one is special. Theatre Aspen takes over Mawa's Kitchen for an immersive, coursed dinner that tells chef Mawa McQueen's life story through theater, inside her own Michelin-recommended restaurant. Dinner and a show, literally at the same table. Book this one early.
Saturday, October 24: Pick Your Night
Saturday is the hardest call of the month. Three great options:
- Vienna Boys Choir at the Wheeler Opera House, 7 PM. Six centuries of history and voices you won't forget, right on Hyman Avenue.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Belly Up Aspen, presented with Aspen Film. The film starts at 7:30 PM, followed by a live set from Jocko Homo at 9:30. Costumes strongly encouraged.
- Silkroad Up-Close at TACAW, 8 PM, featuring Kaoru Watanabe, Kinan Azmeh and Maeve Gilchrist from the Grammy-winning Silkroad collective.
Sunday, October 25: Spooky Screens
Bring the kids (or your inner kid) to TACAW for Spooky Screens, an afternoon of spooky movies kicking off with Corpse Bride at 4 PM.
Wednesday, October 28 – Friday, October 30: Wheeler Workshops for Young Performers
Kaitlin Becker and her puppet friends Bitte and Darcy are in residence at the Wheeler Opera House, and they're hosting a series of workshops:
- Kaitlin's Broadway Showcase – Wednesday, 4 PM. A playful intro to musical theater for young performers.
- Physicality for the Stage – Thursday, 7 PM. An acting workshop on movement, posture and expression with Kaitlin and Kathy.
- Bring Your Costume to Life: The Halloween Actor's Studio – Friday, 4 PM. Kids learn to fully become their Halloween character before the big night.
Thursday, October 29: Frankenstein or Metalachi
Theater lovers, National Theatre Live: Frankenstein screens at TACAW at 7 PM. Directed by Danny Boyle and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, it's recommended for ages 15+. If you'd rather dance, Metalachi (yes, heavy metal mariachi) takes over Belly Up Aspen at 9 PM.
Friday, October 30: Halloween Eve
The night before Halloween might be the best night of the week:
- Aspen's Darkside Ghost Tour – 7 PM, a walking tour through historic downtown Aspen. It also runs Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays if Friday doesn't work.
- Halloween Eve: Art of the Cocktail at The Groove House (315 E. Hyman Ave), 7 PM. Elevated takes on classic cocktails, the history behind them, and how to make them at home. Dress code: 1920s speakeasy.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show at TACAW, 8 PM. Missed Belly Up's screening? Here's your second chance. Rice and water guns are part of the tradition, so check TACAW's rules before you pack your prop bag.
- Digable Planets at Belly Up Aspen, 9 PM. A legendary hip-hop act in an intimate room.
- Halloween with TEAJ & P4BLO H at The Black Nugget in Carbondale, 9 PM. A Halloween DJ night on Main Street.
Saturday, October 31: Halloween
Start the day at the Wheeler Opera House with Aspen Advance Look: The Lost Stop, an original musical starring Kaitlin Becker and her puppets, developed during their week-long Wheeler residency. Showtime is 3 PM, a perfect pre-trick-or-treat outing for families.
Then get your costume on for the Haunted Hotel Halloween Party at the W Aspen.
My Picks
If I could only do three: Stories from Mawa's Kitchen for something you can't get anywhere else, Rocky Horror (either one) because it's never as fun at home, and the Darkside Ghost Tour because I love a good Aspen story.
Tickets for many of these go fast, so check each venue's site before you head out. See you out there, and happy Halloween!


















