Aspen DJ Events - Your Guide to the Aspen, CO Dance Scene

Aspen, Colorado is known for its many music festivals; however, this mountain town is a party zone year-round with so many different Aspen DJ events! You may be familiar with Belly Up, the small club that has big headliners, but did you know that Aspen’s club scene is a lot like L.A. and New York club scenes? Many restaurants in Aspen turn into exclusive clubs after the sun goes down. While not every club has DJ performances, the team at Aspen Luxury Concierge can point you towards the best clubs for your mood and desired music genres.

What Type of DJ Events Are Available in Aspen?

There are 3 types of Aspen DJ events: club nights, rooftop/outdoor events, and seasonal events. Nightclubs like Escobar, The Sterling, Gala, Belly Up, and Hooch have nightly club parties year-round. Venues like the Aspen Art Museum host rooftop DJ performances throughout the year. Aspen also hosts several exciting seasonal events, like the X Games, where athletes compete during the day then world-class DJs perform all night. During the winter season, visitors can also party at Cloud 9, spraying champagne and dancing at 11,000 feet. 

Although Aspen is known for the Aspen Music Festival and the annual JAS Aspen Jazz Fest, EDM lovers and party people can still find an upbeat rhythm to help them cut loose. Unlike other mountain towns, Aspen nightlife is comparable to New York, L.A., or Miami in terms of options and intensity. If you want to party in Aspen this year, this is your guide for the best DJ events in Aspen. 

What Are the Best 3 Venues in Aspen to Catch DJ Performances?

Aspen has an extensive nightlife scene. Many restaurants turn into clubs after the sun goes down and lounges host a variety of performers. However, if you are here for the DJ experience, there are some clubs that you have got to check out: 

1. The Snow Lodge

If that name sounds familiar, that’s because it is the sister club to The Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York. The Snow Lodge is located inside the St. Regis. While it upholds the St. Regis’s luxurious flair with rich velvet decor, breathtaking local art, and incredible beverage offerings, what sets The Snow Lodge apart is the music. Offering both DJ and acoustic concerts, The Snow Lodge is one of the most intimate ways to enjoy a performance. Although next year’s lineup has not been announced yet, visitors are guaranteed that some big names will be on that stage. 

Past performers include: 

• Zedd

• Diplo

• The Chainsmokers

• Orville Peck

• Bob Moses

• The Knocks

• Skylar Grey 

• DJ Pee Wee

2. Belly Up

If you are a music lover, you’ve probably heard of Belly Up. This club is known for its incredible sound system and for being a small venue that attracts big names. With 2 bars, great cocktails, an active dance floor, and not a bad seat in the house, you can’t miss a Belly Up concert while you’re in Aspen. While Belly Up hosts all music genres, some of its most exciting Aspen DJ events have been performances by DJ Nightmare, B-Side Players, DJ Richie$, Odesza, Zedd, DJ Lo_G, and DJ Knuttybird. 

Belly Up is constantly announcing new shows. Check the calendar or contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to see which bands will be in town during your Aspen adventure. 

3. The Escobar

If you ask anyone where to find the biggest party in Aspen, they’re going to send you to Escobar. Conveniently located in the center of downtown, this club is a cornerstone in Aspen nightlife. Unlike other venues, it has in-house DJs rather than hosting big name performers. Partying at Escobar is more about the experience, the ambiance, and who you meet on the dance floor. At this venue, the dance music is the backdrop to your night out, rather than the headliner. 

4 Tips for Navigating Aspen DJ Events From the Locals

You may think that you know how to navigate a club scene, but you may be unprepared for the club scene here in Aspen. Luckily for you, the team behind Aspen Luxury Concierge are all locals who know Aspen inside and out. Our team knows how to party, so we have some tips and tricks for anyone who wants to dance it out in our little mountain town. 

1. Choose an Outfit Suitable for Clubbing

In places like L.A. or Miami, you can throw on whatever without worrying about the weather. However, Aspen is cool on summer nights and freezing in the winter. You’ll need to dress for the weather on your night out. Before you come to Aspen for the party, invest in a cute, warm jacket to wear clubbing. ALC recommends blazers for the summer and capelets for the winter. Choose a jacket that has pockets, so you won’t have to worry about keeping track of a purse. 

Additionally, keep the accessories light; in the words of Coco Channel, always remove one thing before leaving the house. Too many necklaces or bracelets can get in the way as you try to dance. 

Most clubs in Aspen have a dress code to uphold their brand. Your concierge can share the dress code as well as get you a private table at the club. 

2. Book Everything in Advance

During the busy season, every venue in Aspen is packed with both visitors and locals alike. If you rely on luck to get in to see your favorite DJ, you’ll probably be out of luck. When you plan your trip to Aspen, talk to your concierge about which Aspen DJ events you want to see. Your ALC concierge can get you advance tickets and get you on the guest list. 

3. Club Etiquette to Follow

No matter which venue you’re at, always be respectful and responsible. Clubs don’t like it when visitors get wasted and make a fool of themselves. Make sure to have food or a bottle of water with every drink to avoid getting too drunk. 

4. Don’t Disregard Safety Tips

Aspen is known for being safe, but it is still important to party smart. The ALC team recommends that party goers:

• Get drinks straight from the bartender, so you know what you’re drinking and how much alcohol is in it.

• Don’t leave your drink unattended. 

• Arrive as a group, stick together, and leave as a group. 

• Pace yourself. It is just fine to switch to mocktails, soda, or water as the night goes on.

• Try the bar food, not only is it delicious, but a full stomach can help you sober up.

• Have a designated sober(ish) friend. If your group is walking back to your group accommodations, have someone be the designated navigator to help everyone keep track of their stuff and get back okay.

• Know how you are getting home. Uber isn’t reliable in Aspen, so have your concierge book you a private car to drive you home at the end of the night. 

Let’s Get This Party Started! - Start Planning Your Aspen Adventure

With so many venues and big headliners always coming to town, it can be hard to know what to see. Aspen Luxury Concierge specializes in getting tickets to Aspen DJ events. Our team can help you plan your entire trip, right down to the details and the bottle service reservations. Experience Aspen with help from the experts: contact Aspen Luxury Concierge today!

BY: RACHEL NAIDUS

Rachel is the Principal & Founder of Aspen Luxury Concierge. For over a decade, she has cut her teeth in the luxury hospitality services business. Since 2019, she has led ALC’s premier staff in creating luxury, effortless experiences for its clients. With her ever growing network of partners, vendors, and clientele, Rachel leads the pack in providing expert services to Aspen luxury travelers and locals.