Aspen Nightlife – The Sneaker Ball

Aspen Nightlife  -  You may have been to many balls in your
lifetime, such as Christmas Balls, Spring Balls,
and even Debutante Balls – but if you haven’t
been to the Sneaker Ball in Aspen, Colorado,
you are missing out on all the fun! Known as
‘Aspen’s Greatest Party,’ the Sneaker Ball is
held annually at the St. Regis Hotel on East
Dean Street every March.

Back in 1986, the very first Sneaker Ball was
held by Al Gross and David Nauss of Paine
Weber, Inc – in Boston. The party was a
celebration of Reebok shares trading on the
stock market for the very first time. This black
tie event was much like other balls – but
everyone was wearing Reeboks, and the first
Sneaker Ball was born.

The following year, Al Gross decided that this
was the kind of party that people really liked –
but instead of being limited to white Reeboks,
the idea would be for the guests to wear formal
gowns and tuxedos, with decorated tennis
shoes. The party was moved to Aspen, where
people know how to party – and thousands of
people from all over the world fly into Aspen to
attend.

One of the nicest things guests like about the
Sneaker Ball is that it is for a good cause. All
of the proceeds go to Grass Roots, which is a
program designed to help inner-city kids. These
kids are brought to Aspen to experience what
 life outside the city is. Many of these kids don’t
even realize that places like Aspen really exist.
 Tickets cost $125 per person, which isn’t too
bad considering that the money is for a good
cause.

People from diverse backgrounds attend the
Sneaker Ball each year. Famous people are
there, infamous people, and people who are
neither famous nor infamous attend – and
every one has a fantastic time. The party gets
started at about 9:30pm and ends around
1:30am – followed by many ‘after parties’ in
various locations throughout Aspen.

If you’ve ever wanted to attend one of those
glitzy ‘Hollywood type’ parties, here is your
chance! You will rub elbows with the famous,
show off your custom designed sneakers
along with your formal wear, and dance the
night away – and all for a very good cause.

This is an event that sells out fast. Contact the
Chamber of Commerce in Aspen to find out
when the Sneaker Ball is scheduled, and
purchase your tickets right away. Also check
with the various hotels and lodges to inquire
about package deals and get your
reservations set before everything is sold out!

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Aspen Nightlife – The Crystal Palace

Aspen Nightlife  -  If you like comedy, you should visit The Crystal
Palace. This Aspen landmark was established
in 1957, and has been offering quality dining
with satire comedy ever since. The interior of
the restaurant is done in a Victorian style, with
beautiful stained glass windows, sparkling
chandeliers, and vintage furnishings.

If you take politics very seriously, this may not
be the type of comedy you enjoy. The majority
of the comedy acts and musicals have a
political slant to them, and the staff performs
most of the acts. The Crystal Palace is located
 in the heart of downtown Aspen, on Hyman
Avenue.

The food is the best you can find anywhere.
Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb, Fish, Seafood, and
Roast Duckling are served. Don’t make the
mistake of just showing up – call ahead for
reservations. The Crystal Palace is open
Tuesday through Sunday in the evening for
dinner and a show. You should definitely make
 it a point to eat here at least once while you
are on your Aspen vacation, as this is a
traditional part of Aspen nightlife for locals and
guests.

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Aspen Nightlife – The Caribou Club

Aspen Nightlife  -  According to The New York Post, the Caribou
Club is the absolute best private club in
America. This is a member’s only private club,
and the membership fee is quite high – but the
ambiance is top-notch!

The Caribou Club is located in Aspen,
Colorado on East Hopkins Avenue. The club
is open from 6:30pm until 2am every day, and
you can enjoy dinner and dancing, or lounge in
the Great Room before a roaring fireplace with
a fine cigar. The wine cellar houses over 5000
wines from around the world.

There is more to The Caribou Club than fine
dining and dancing, however. When you enter
the club, you are entering a world of elegance
that can only be experienced here. The walls
are covered with 19th century paintings. There
is a coat room, where your coat will be taken
from you, and you are made to feel like a very
welcome houseguest. You can then go to the
bar, the Great Room, or be seated for dinner
– the choice is yours.

The Caribou Club has only been open for about
ten years, but it has become an integral part of
Aspen nightlife for the rich and famous – and
even for those who are not famous, nor rich,
but who can afford to pay the membership
fees. When you enter the Great Room at The
Caribou Club, you will probably see faces that
you know – even if you don’t know these
famous people on a personal level.

You don’t even have to be in Aspen to enjoy the
cuisine offered by The Caribou Club. Your
event can be catered by the club, no matter
how large or small it is, or where it is located.
You can have your event catered anywhere
in the world! Private parties can also be held
at The Caribou Club.

Again, the cost is fairly high. Lifetime
membership for a couple is $10,000. Individual
membership for two people is $3000 for the
first year, and $1000 for each additional year,
paid annually. Family membership for up to five
people costs $4000 per year. A temporary
membership is available for one week. The cost
is $500 and covers one couple. However, during
Holidays and President’s Weekend, the cost is
$1000.

As you can see, The Caribou Club is quite
exclusive – but depending on the type of
 nightlife you enjoy, the cost of membership is
well worth it – even if you only visit once a year.

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Aspen Nightlife – Theatre in the Park

Aspen Nightlife  -  Founded in 1983 by Kent Reed, Theatre in the Park
has become an Aspen tradition that adds to the
delight of Aspen nightlife. Theatre in the Park once
actually was theatre that was performed in a tent in
the park. Now, however, Theatre in the Park has
changed its name to Theatre Aspen, and a new
permanent structure is in development. This will
allow Theatre in the Park to hold year-round
performances, instead of summer-only performances.

Contemporary and classical plays are all presented
by the theatre. If you are in Aspen around Christmas
time, make sure that you see the theatre’s
presentation of “Its A Wonderful Life.” As a summer-
only venue, sixty shows are performed each year.
Once the company has its permanent structure, we
can expect many more each year.

The Theatre Aspen also has many training programs
for adults and children. Currently, performances are
held between June and August. The Theatre in the
Park is located in the Rio Grande Park. Heat is
provided on chilly nights, and there is an area to enjoy
cocktails during intermissions, as well as before and
after performances.

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Aspen Nightlife – Taste Festival

Aspen Nightlife  -  Winter time isn’t the only time to visit Aspen.
There is a great deal going on each summer,
and one of the highlights each June is the
Taste Festival. This is also called the Food &
Wine Magazine Classic, and people from all
over the world arrive in droves for this three
day event.

Cookbook authors, wine experts, restaurateurs,
and famous chefs can all be found here.
Wolfgang Puck, Jacques Pepin, and Andrea
Immer have all attended the Taste Fest in
Aspen – because if food is your life, this is the
place to be! Each year, there are over eighty
cooking and food demonstrations, and visitors
can get a taste of it all.

There are many seminars and wine tasting
sessions held throughout Aspen during these
three days as well. If you want to attend this
incredible mouth watering event, make your
reservations months in advance – or you will
miss out! If you don’t make your reservations
early, try to find a hotel with space available in
a nearby town, and drive back and forth to the
event – check the local camp grounds as well.
Just make sure you don’t miss this event!

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Aspen Nightlife – Syzygy

Aspen Nightlife  -  Syzygy, which is located on East Hyman Avenue in
Aspen, Colorado, has repeatedly won awards for
being one of the best restaurants in this ski town.
Featuring outstanding jazz music and food that is
out of this world, Syzygy is the place to be when it
comes to Aspen nightlife and fine dining. This is an
Aspen landmark that is not to be missed.

The chef at Syzygy combines European and Asian
dishes, and presents them in a modern American
way. These combinations are what set the cuisine
at Syzygy apart from the food you find at most
restaurants. Along with this outstanding fare, you
can select wine from a list of over 300 Italian,
American, and French wines. If you aren’t sure
which wine will work with the fine food you have
ordered – simply ask your waiter. They always
seem to know exactly which wine will enhance the
flavor of the food the best.

One of the nice touches about the service at
Syzygy’s is that the Chef likes to send gifts to the
table, such as goat cheese, potato crisps, and
osemary bread. Syzygy is famous for their
atmosphere as well. The glass enclosed waterfalls
inside the restaurant are talked about all over the
world – and they are really something to see! Every
part of the interior of this Aspen landmark works
well together to create a mood that makes the
food, the wine, the music, and the company
absolutely enjoyable.

You may be overwhelmed with all of the wonderful
menu choices, and all of the delicious smells
coming from nearby tables. You may not be able to
make a choice! Syzygy’s has you covered. Simply
order the Tasting Menu, and sample everything.
Enjoy the music while you are eating – and after
your meal as well. Some of the finest jazz artists in
the world have performed at Syzygy’s. Call ahead
to find out who will be performing – you will be glad
that you did.

Syzygy’s is closed on Monday’s and Tuesdays
during the off-season. During the season, they are
open from 6pm to 10pm each day, and you should
definitely call ahead for a reservation. Remember,
this is an integral part of experiencing Aspen
nightlife, so make sure you get by Syzygy’s at
least once while you are in Aspen – the chances
are very good that your first visit will not be your
last! If possible, try to make it to the Sunday Jazz
Brunch.

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Aspen Nightlife – Music in the Mountains

Aspen Nightlife  -  There is always something of interest going on
in Aspen, and September is no different. During
the month of September, every year, JAS
comes to Snowmass. JAS, or Jazz Aspen
Snowmass, began in 1991 to honor the art of
Jazz in the Roaring Fork Valley. It has now
become a music attraction that lasts all
summer long, with the biggest celebration
coinciding with Labor Day weekend.

While this is a Jazz celebration, for all intents
and purposes, all types of music are
celebrated, including reggae and rock-n-roll.
Famous musicians and singers from around
the world attend the four day Music in the
Mountains celebration.

All events take place in the breathtaking
Snowmass Town Park, located on Brush
Creek Road in Snowmass. Snowmass
Village is one of the most beautiful places in
the United States, and this festival is extremely
popular. It is vital that you purchase your tickets
well in advance, and arrange lodging well in
advance also. Snowmass advises that if you
do not have a ticket, to not show up for the
festival – it will be sold out.

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