This week’s A&E agenda: April 11-17

Aspen Country Day School presents ‘Forever Young!’

Aspen Country Day School will present “Forever Young!” at the Wheeler Opera House from 5:30-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, April 18-19. The play, written by eighth graders, follows a group of students going on an ambitious quest to attempt to create their original production. A prank gone awry threatens both their friendship and the success of the production. “Forever Young” is a snapshot that highlights their lasting bond. Tickets are available for the free event, which is anticipated to sell out. The Wheeler Opera House is located at 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen.
Aspen Snowmass Elk Camp Surf and Snow Beach Party

Join Aspen Snowmass for the Elk Camp Surf and Snow Beach Party from noon to 3:30 p.m. on April 19. It’s the ultimate celebration to close out the season! For the seventh year, Elk Camp will host a high-energy après party featuring live DJs, free leis, margarita blender bikes, and hot tubs. Skiers and snowboarders are invited to take on the pond skim challenge or simply relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere. When the mountain fun wraps up, keep the party going as the celebration moves to Base Village, where the music and festivities continue into the evening. Music at Elk Camp will be bumping until 4:45 p.m., but all skiers and riders must ski down by 4:15 p.m. After that, the Elk Camp Gondola will remain open for downloading until 5 p.m. Not a skier? No problem! The Gondola is FREE for foot passengers after noon.
Please note: Outside alcohol will be prohibited.
Also, while the official closing party takes place on Saturday, April 19, Snowmass will remain open for skiing and riding through Sunday, April 20. Close out the season with one final day on the mountain — no party required, just springs turns and bluebird views.
For info: aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/elk-camp-surf-and-snow-beach-party
Aspen Recreation Center to host free Easter egg hunt

The 2025 Aspen Recreation Easter Egg Hunt is free for all and up to 14 years old. This event will take place at 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 19, at the Aspen Recreation Center. Families are invited to stop by for a morning of fun. Easter eggs will be staggered by group:
- Ages up to 3: 10 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
- Ages 4 to 6: 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
- Ages 11 to 14: 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
This event will happen rain or shine at 0861 Maroon Creek Road, Aspen. Find out more information, visit aspenrecreation.com. Event contact: shelley.roy@aspen.gov, or call 970-429-2078.
Aspen Mountain closing day

Aspen Mountain Closing Day is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m on Sunday, April 20, on Aspen Mountain. The “town mountain” offers quad-burning groomers and steep, glade runs, all leading to the heart of Aspen — where local and global culture merge in unexpected ways and there’s always the après scene. For more information, visit: aspensnowmass.com/four-mountains/aspen-mountain.
For those hoping to squeeze in everything they can on the last day of the Aspen Mountain season, there are still a few more options. You can recycle that Highlands closing day costume, but extra points for a second ridiculous outfit. Top-to-bottom slush turns will most certainly be in order on Ajax on Sunday, April 20. Dancing and bubbly are available at the Sundeck from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. And for those that don’t ski, the Silver Queen Gondola is free for foot passengers after noon on closing day. Aspen
‘Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie’ gets an early access screening

Aspen Film will present an early access screening of “Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie” at 4:20 p.m, Sunday, April 20, at the Aspen ISIS Theatre, 406 Hopkins Ave., Aspen. The film features Tommy Chong, Cheech Martin, and Lou Adler in a comedic look back at the duo’s legacy. Directed by David Bushell, the film blends animation and archival footage to tell the story of the comedians’ 50-year career. The 123-minute film includes interviews, sketches, and never-before-seen footage.
Our Power Our Planet — Basalt Earth Day Celebration

The free Our Power Our Planet — Basalt Earth Day Celebration free event will take place from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at Basalt River Park. The event includes local organizations, sustainability initiatives, and climate action opportunities. Postcards will be available for you to send to government officials advocating for climate solutions, along with seeds, compost, and other eco-friendly giveaways. Those unable to attend can pick up postcards, seeds, and compost from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hallam Lake or Rock Bottom Ranch.
Tickets are available. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies supports this event. For more information call 970-925-5726 or visit: aspennature.org or email aces@aspennature.org.
Hip hop and break dance series begins at The Arts Campus at Willits

The Arts Campus at Willits will present a six-week hip hop and break dance series for teens ages 13 to 18, beginning at 4 p.m. on April 22. It costs $90 for the series or $15 drop-in. The dates are April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13, and May 20 from 4-5:30 p.m. For more information, visit: tacaw.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F15111.
Comedian Maria Bamford at TACAW on April 23

Maria Bamford will perform at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, at The Arts Campus at Willits, 400 Robinson Street, Basalt. Bamford, a Duluth, Minnesota native, began her stand-up career in Minneapolis before moving to Hollywood. En route to Los Angeles, she stopped at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. Her credits include, “The Conan O’Brien Show,” Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” the Nickelodeon series, “Cat Dog,” “Lucky Numbers,” “The Trouble with Normal,” and “Dharma and Greg.” Tickets are available tacaw.org.
An evening with Lee Asher at the Wheeler Opera House on April 24

Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House, will share his animal rescue and personal growth journey at The Wheeler Opera House at 6:30 p.m. on April 24. Asher is a prominent figure in the animal rescue community, garnering more than 12 million social media followers. He uses his platform to advocate for animals. In his live presentation, he will discuss the creation of one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the U.S.
Known for his powerful storytelling, infectious energy, and humor, he aims to inspire people to embrace their own struggles and transform them into positive change. His talk is not only about saving animals, but about encouraging people to make a difference in the world. The event hopes to remind people about the power of compassion, resilience, and to never give up on their dreams. A meet-and-greet with Asher, including a photo opportunity, will be offered. Those interested must purchase a ticket to the 6:30 p.m. main event before purchasing a meet and greet add-on ticket. Tickets are limited.
Back in Time | Aspen
Back in Time” is contributed by the Aspen Historical Society and features excerpted articles and images from past Snowmass Sun/Aspen Times issues. We can’t rewrite history, but we can learn from it! Visit archiveaspen.org to view the vast Aspen Times photographic collection in the AHS Archives. “Aspen Booms in 1889 style,” announced the Aspen Daily Times on May 2, 1946. “Yes, Aspen was busy building houses, barns, business buildings, etc., even installing a street railway. Aspen was one of the first cities to install the new and modern arc lights on street corners and for domestic lighting. What a city!