Aspen Words

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Aspen Words Aspen Words encourages writers, inspires readers, and connects people through the power of stories.

Aspen Words, the nonprofit literary organization known for decades as the Aspen Writers’ Foundation, was founded in Aspen in 1976 as a cutting edge poetry conference and literary magazine. Today Aspen Words (AW) is one of the nation’s leading literary centers and a stage for the world’s most prominent contemporary writers. AW programs employ literature as a tool for provoking thought, broadening perspectives, fostering connections, inspiring creativity, and giving voice. Since 2009, we have partnered with the Aspen Institute, underscoring the highest humanistic ideals of Institute founder Walter Paepcke: to better understand human challenges by cultivating one’s inner life through the exchange of words, stories, and ideas.

Thanks for joining us at the 2026 Aspen Literary Festival, or as some locals call it “the intellectual X Games.” (A quot...
09/28/2026

Thanks for joining us at the 2026 Aspen Literary Festival, or as some locals call it “the intellectual X Games.” (A quote from local author Lorenzo Semple) 📚 We hope to see you next year!

It’s the last day of the 2026 Aspen Literary Festival! 📚Check out this drawing from local illustrator and festival volun...
09/27/2026

It’s the last day of the 2026 Aspen Literary Festival! 📚Check out this drawing from local illustrator and festival volunteer Lisa DeLosso (Adventure Book Club)! Swipe to the end to see a close up of the drawing!

Today you’ll hear from Kelly Yang, Ariel Lawhon, Shannon Sanders, Lisa See, Robinne Lee, Fonda Lee, Ben Fountain, Pete McBride, Jennette McCurdy, and Maria Semple.

Don’t forget about the author meet and greet with Fonda Lee at 3:00 PM-4:00 PM in the Aspen Writers Network Tent!

📚 Young readers had a great time meeting authors Paul Reynolds and Peter H. Reynolds! This Saturday and Sunday, stop by ...
09/26/2026

📚 Young readers had a great time meeting authors Paul Reynolds and Peter H. Reynolds!

This Saturday and Sunday, stop by the Next Gen Tent and the Pitkin County Library for free programming designed for young readers and families at the Aspen Literary Festival.

It’s a great day to be a book lover! 📚 Welcome to day 2 at the Aspen Literary Festival!
09/26/2026

It’s a great day to be a book lover! 📚 Welcome to day 2 at the Aspen Literary Festival!

Welcome to the 2026 Aspen Literary Festival! We are so excited to welcome everyone for day one of festivities. Today you...
09/25/2026

Welcome to the 2026 Aspen Literary Festival! We are so excited to welcome everyone for day one of festivities. Today you’ll hear from Tayari A. Jones, Ben Fountain, Ruth Ozeki Alexander McCall Smith Matt de la Peña Christina Baker Kline Bob Kolker Nelson Dellis | Memory Coach and more!

Get ready for the Aspen Literary Festival! 📚 Here’s a helpful guide of some important things to know as you make your pl...
09/21/2026

Get ready for the Aspen Literary Festival! 📚 Here’s a helpful guide of some important things to know as you make your plans. (Pro tip: bookmark this post for quick reference during the festival).

The Aspen Literary Festival is next week on September 25-27! 🎟️ Register for free events and don’t forget to buy your ti...
09/17/2026

The Aspen Literary Festival is next week on September 25-27! 🎟️ Register for free events and don’t forget to buy your tickets for the following sessions at the Wheeler Opera House. Tickets ($45) are available at aspenshowtix.com.

🗓️ September 25 at 5:00 PM MT
Remembering and Forgetting
A conversation with Robert Kolker (Bob Kolker)and Nelson Dellis (Nelson Dellis | Memory Coach)

🗓️ September 26 at 1:30 PM MT
Make Your Mark
A conversation with Kate Bowler (Kate Bowler 🫶🏻 Hope when life is hard.) and Peter H. Reynolds (Peter H. Reynolds)

🗓️ September 26 at 4:30 PM MT
Beyond the Known World
A conversation with Veronica Roth (veronica roth) and Fonda Lee (Fonda Lee)

🗓️ September 27 at 11:00 AM MT
Against the Tide
A conversation with Ariel Lawhon (Ariel Lawhon), Shannon Sanders (Shannon Sanders) and Lisa See (Lisa See)

🗓️ September 27 at 4:00 PM MT
Bad Decisions, Great Stories
A conversation with Jennette McCurdy (Jennette McCurdy) and Maria Semple (Maria Semple)

MERCH GIVEAWAY! Get ready for the Aspen Literary Festival (September 25-27) with a new festival book bag, hat, and books...
09/14/2026

MERCH GIVEAWAY! Get ready for the Aspen Literary Festival (September 25-27) with a new festival book bag, hat, and books from authors Shannon Sanders and Jennette McCurdy.

Follow these steps to enter for a chance to win:
1️⃣ Follow Aspen Words on Instagram
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag two friends in the comments
📆 Enter by September 20 at 10:00 PM MT for your chance to win!

MORE DETAILS:
Review the full Giveaway Official Rules and prize details at link in bio.

One entry per person, open to U.S. residents only. Must be 18 years or older to be eligible for the Giveaway. Must complete all steps for Giveaway to be eligible to win.

Winner will be randomly selected and notified via Instagram direct message. Winners will need to respond to the direct message to claim their prize by September 22 at 10 am MT.

Address

110 E Hallam Street
Aspen, CO
81611

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19709253122

Website

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