NOTE: As these are annual events, the dates change due to scheduling demands. When possible, the confirmed date is included, otherwise the approximate timing is listed.
Roaring Fork Conservancy Fryingpan River & Beyond Clean-Up | April 17-22, 2023
Every Spring, the Roaring Fork Conservancy welcomes the community to help clean up a one-mile section of either the two rivers that flow through Basalt: the Fryingpan River or the Roaring Fork River. Additionally, there are prizes for Best of Trash, Most Useful, Most Unusual Trash. More information can be found on the Roaring Fork Conservancy website.
In 2023, it will be the 25th annual clean up!
Roaring Fork Charity Classic | May 2, 2023
A combined effort between the Town of Basalt and the Roaring Fork Club, the long-standing Roaring Fork Charity Classic golf tournament is an opportunity raise money for a Basalt-based non-profit (or group of non-profits), and the beneficiary changes each year. The tournament is also a chance for non-members to play on the beautiful private golf course at the Roaring Fork Club. The 2023 beneficiary is RESPONSE, a non-profit organization that provides assistance for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault within Pitkin and Western Eagle (Basalt/El Jebel) counties.
To find out more about next year’s Roaring Fork Charity Classic and/or to apply to be a beneficiary, please contact the Town of Basalt at (970) 927-4701. Applicants must be a Basalt-oriented charity or a public group which sponsor a public project that benefits the Town of Basalt. Applications are posted in January each year.
Motors on Midland | May 20, 2023, 4–7 p.m. | Register a car
Traditionally held on a Saturday evening in the late Spring | NOTE: Due to the construction tied to the Midland Ave Streetscape project, the 2023 event will be held in Willits Town Center. Same great cars, new location!
Classic cars ranging from hot rods to cool cars and even VW vans take over Midland Avenue in Historic Downtown. The Saturday evening event features live music, a beer garden, and an award for best in show. The 2023 event will benefit the Basalt Education Foundation. Details and car registration here. Organizer: Amy Groom, BEF Board member – agroom@basaltedu.org | 970.922.8630
Basalt Sunday Market | June 16–September 29, 2024
Traditionally every Sunday from mid-June (starting on Father’s Day) through the end of September | The Basalt Sunday Market is organized and managed by the Town of Basalt’s Planning Department, not the Basalt Chamber. The summer farmers market in Basalt can be found on Midland Spur, in front of Basalt Town Hall from mid-June through the end of September. A variety of fares can be found at this eclectic collection of local vendors. Live music is provided weekly.
The 2024 Basalt Sunday Market will be held every Sunday in downtown Basalt, along Midland Spur and Lions Park (the original Market location), from June 16th through September 29th, rain or shine. The Market is open to the general public from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Organizer: The Town of Basalt. Please direct any questions that you have to the Market Manager at sundaymarket@basalt.net. More information, including the vendor application, is available on the Town’s website. Vendor applications will be accepted through Monday, February 19, 2024 at 5 p.m. MST. Applications received outside of that period will be considered based on available space and the vendor’s product.
Basalt Chamber Summer Concert Series | June 19– August 28, 2024
In 2023, following the completion of the Basalt River Park and with it, a new bandshell, the Town and the chamber hope to revive the concert series in their own way.
The 2024 Basalt Summer Concert Series will return this summer with 10 Wednesday concerts from June 19 through August 28, 2024. NOTE: there will not be a concert on July 3, 2024. Details will be posted at basalt.net/concerts.
The 2024 Basalt Summer Concert Series Sponsorship deck is available here. Sponsorship inquires should be directed to Michelle Thibeault.
All 2024 booking inquiries should be directed to the Town of Basalt at Events@Basalt.net.
Organizer: The Town of Basalt.
Roaring Fork Conservancy Annual River Float | June 10, 2023
Every year, the Roaring Fork Conservancy offers Roaring Fork Valley residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the Roaring Fork River first-hand. Spend a morning with Roaring Fork Conservancy staff and river ambassadors as they float the Roaring Fork River (from Carbondale to Glenwood Springs). After the float, join them at Coryell Ranch for a cook-out, music, and the opportunity to try stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, fly rods and the latest gear from local outfitter shops. More information can be found on the Roaring Fork Conservancy website.
Basalt Half Marathon | June 3, 2023
First Saturday in June | Arguably the fastest & most scenic half marathon on the Western Slope, the Basalt Half Marathon boasts a fun, downhill course traveling along the acclaimed Frying Pan River. The course begins 13.1 miles from Basalt on the Frying Pan Road (paved) at the base of Ruedi Reservoir. Runners will be transported to the start line from Basalt Middle School. The race will finish on Midland Ave at Lion’s Park adjacent to the Town of Basalt office building.
Aspen Valley Marathon • Half Marathon • 5K | July 15, 2023
Traditionally Second Saturday in July | A Boston qualifier, the Aspen Valley Marathon is a beautiful and scenic run along the Rio Grande trail (a rails to trails path, that is 80% paved trail and 20% hard-packed dirt). Throughout the marathon, the runners travel from Aspen to Basalt, with a decrease of 1,418 feet in elevation (it is a net downhill race). If 26.2 miles is too much, there is also the half marathon and 5K races to test your endurance.
National Night Out | August 1, 2023
First Tuesday in August | National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign to promote strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. In Basalt, National Night Out is focused on enhancing the relationship between neighbors, law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders while bringing back a true sense of community. It provides a great opportunity to bring together neighbors and those who protect our community under positive circumstances. The Basalt Chamber of Commerce assists the Basalt Police Department, the Roaring Fork Fire and Rescue Authority, and other first responders in the valley with the community block party and cookout. The family-friendly event also showcases the different emergency vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks and more.
Basalsa | August 12, 2023
Originally conceived by Pete McBride in 2008, Basalsa events have occurred on and off since then. Since 2021 TACAW has hosted this family-friendly event this year in partnership with Mezclas Social and Dance. More information will be released at the event approaches.
pARTy at The Art Base | August 19, 2023
Third Saturday in August | The annual gala for The Art Base features a specialty cocktail reception, fine wine and dining, live music, an exclusive silent auction of over 100 10” x 10” artworks donated by esteemed Colorado artists, as well as award presentations. The theme of the silent auction is “name unseen”—artists are instructed not to sign their names on the front of their 10 x 10 work, so the creator’s identity remained secret until after the auction.
Taste of Basalt | Tentatively November 4, 2023
First Saturday in November | The annual Taste of Basalt is a fund drive for the Basalt Education Foundation (BEF), and is traditionally held at the Roaring Fork Club. Food samples, wine tasting, dancing, a silent auction and more make for a great night. The proceeds from this event help to enhance education in the Basalt Public Schools. More information can be found on the Basalt Education Foundation website.
Emma Schoolhouse Christmas Bazaar | November 10-11, 2023
For over 40 years, the Emma Schoolhouse Christmas Bazaar has been the unofficial kickoff to holiday shopping in the midvalley. Located in the historic Emma Schoolhouse, the bazaar features all handmade food and gifts made by local artists. It’s magical how this beautiful little Schoolhouse transforms into a Rockwellian holiday boutique for the holidays. The bazaar is typically held in the first half of November (before Thanksgiving) and is open early evening on Friday (2023: noon–7 p.m.) and through the day on Saturday (2023: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.).
Details about the event can be found on the official Emma Schoolhouse Bazaar Facebook page.
Holiday Tree Lightings | December 1, 2023 (Light Up Willits) & December 8, 2023 (Merry on Midland)
The Town of Basalt hosts two different evenings to get into the holiday spirit with Light Up Willits and Merry on Midland. Both events include horse drawn carriages, caroling, s’more roasting, a tree lighting, and of course – Santa and Mrs. Claus. The evenings are family-friend and a wonderful opportunity to get out, enjoy the community and do a little holiday shopping. Additional details available on our Holiday celebrations page as well as the Town of Basalt’s website. Updated 2023 links and information will be available closer to the event.
Menorah Lighting | December 7, 2023 (First day of Hanukkah)
The Town of Basalt, in collaboration with the Aspen Jewish Congregation, annually hosts a menorah lighting ceremony on the first day of Hanukkah at Triangle Park in Willits Town Center.
The Aspen Jewish Congregation has details about the lighting on its website, in addition to other events tied to the Festival of Light. Additional details available on our Holiday celebrations page.