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 Clean-Up | April 18-23, 2022
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.
Roaring Fork Charity Classic | May 3, 2022
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 2022 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.
Motors on Midland | May 14, 2022, 5-8 p.m.
Traditionally Second Saturday in June | 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 2022 event will benefit the Basalt Education Foundation. Details here. Organizer: Amy Groom, BEF Board member – agroom@basaltedu.org | 970.922.8630
Basalt Sunday Market | June 19–September 25, 2022
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.
Organizer: Sara Nadolny, Senior Planner, Town of Basalt: sara.nadolny@basalt.net or 970-279-8112. More information, including the vendor application, can be found on the Basalt Sunday Market website.
Basalt Chamber Summer Concert Series | Stay tuned for 2023 dates
Over the last few years, the traditional Chamber Wednesday Night Concert series has gone through several iterations. In 2019 the chamber began partnering with TACAW (The Arts Campus At Willits) as our production partner. For Summer 2020 and 2021, it was necessary to pivot to a safer, disbursed entertainment alternative named Wednesday Night Live. Now, with its new performing arts center and robust programming, TACAW is taking on the mantle for the concert series, adding its own twist to future iterations.
For 2022 TACAW is working with the Town of Basalt on the potential for a single summer concert, in part due to several ongoing construction projects around town. Watch TACAW’s calendar for details and other upcoming outdoor summer concert events.
In 2023, anticipating the completion of the Basalt River Park and with it, a new bandshell, TACAW hopes to revive the concert series in its own way.
Roaring Fork Conservancy Annual River Float | June 4, 2022
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 4, 2022
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.
Roaring Fork Conservancy River Rendezvous | TBD in 2022
Now it its 20th year, the annual River Rendezvous started with the idea of creating a fundraising dinner party. The proceeds from the lively and scenic River Rendezvous allows Roaring Fork Conservancy to inspire people to explore their watershed, educate more children to adults about their rivers and streams, and protect the natural splendor for the next generation. Conservancy programs include watershed conservation, research, land conservation, water quality monitoring and education. More information can be found on the Roaring Fork Conservancy website.
Aspen Valley Marathon • Half Marathon • 5K | July 16, 2022
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 2, 2022
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 20, 2022
Basalsa will be back in 2022! Originally conceived by Pete McBride in 2008, Basalsa events have occurred on and off since then. TACAW is excited to play host to 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 20, 2022
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 | November 5, 2022
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. Update (as of 9/27/2022): Tickets go on sale October 1, 2022!
Emma Schoolhouse Christmas Bazaar | November 11-12, 2022
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 (2021: 1–7 p.m.) and through the day on Saturday (2021: 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 2, 2022 (Light Up Willits) & December 9, 2022 (Merry on Midland)
Pending confirmation
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 2022 links and information will be available closer to the event.
Menorah Lighting | December 18, 2022 (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.