Arts and Entertainment Agenda, Oct. 16 to 22

‘Music in the West End’ concert series kicks off, Oct. 1 6

The first concert of the 2026-27 season is at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct.16, at Christ Episcopal Church Aspen, 536 W. North St. Pianist Mandy Gessler will be playing a solo recital of works by Beethoven, Schubert and Debussy. The series will host a baroque trio, a holiday choir and faculty from CU Boulder and Colorado Mesa University this season.

For the full schedule, visit christchurchaspen.org/music-in-the-west-end .

Shining Mountains Film Festival, Oct. 16 to 17

The Shining Mountains Festival will screen films Oct. 16 to 17 at the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave. Each screening event requires a ticket. The festival kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, with “Dream, Touch, Believe” (84 minutes). Then, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, the festival will screen “Nicholas Black Elk” (26 minutes), “Children of the Mountains” (eight minutes), “We Are Still Here” (21 minutes), “Run As One” (six minutes) and “Reservation Redemption” (60 minutes). The final screening event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 with “Sacred Dog” (55 minutes), followed by “Dancing Warriors” (10 minutes).

For more information and tickets, visit wheeleroperahouse.com/event/shining-mountains-film-festival-2026 .

Backcountry Symposium, Oct. 17

Famed skier and author Lou Dawson, left, talks with big mountain skiing icon Chris Davenport during the keynote presentation of the inaugural Backcountry Symposium, presented by Aspen Public Radio, on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at The Art Campus at Willits. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times

Aspen Public Radio and The Arts Campus at Willits will present the third annual Backcountry Symposium from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at 400 Robinson St. in Basalt. The free event is open to all ages. An RSVP is required. Food trucks will be on site.

The day kicks off with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club’s annual sports swap from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A group run led by Independence Run and Hike and a bike ride led by Kyle Wellborn and Joel Dickey will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Doors open at noon for the Backcountry Symposium, with expert workshops beginning at 1 p.m. The workshops focus on first aid, backcountry safety skills and bike repairs. Also at 1 p.m., children’s author Jill Sheeley will read her latest “Fraser the Yellow Dog” adventure, followed by a safety-gear primer from Ute Mountaineer founder Bob Wade. A social hour and raffle will run from 4 to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit tacaw.org/calendar/backcountry-symposium .

Aspen Words Fall Writers Workshop, Oct. 17

Aspen Words’ 2026 Fall Writing Workshop will run from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at Pitkin County Library, 120 N. Mill St. Led by Kristin Nelson of Nelson Literary Agency, this interactive workshop will guide participants through the art of crafting a compelling query letter. The day will start with an overview of good query letters, followed by time to workshop and revise (or write) your own letter. Participants have the opportunity for an on-the-spot critique of the revised letters.

For more information and registration, visit aspenwords.org/events/aspen-words-fall-writers-workshop .

Poet laureate and National Poetry Slam Champion Jovan Mays, Oct. 17

“When the Lion Speaks: Poetry for America’s 250” with Jovan Mays will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 at Colorado Mountain College Aspen, located at 0255 Sage Way. The poet laureate and National Poetry Slam champion will share humor, history and poetry. Mays will explore America’s promises, contradictions and unfinished story while celebrating freedom of expression. This free event is supported by a federal grant to Colorado Mountain College’s Center for Civics Education & Engagement. Registration is encouraged.

For more information, visit coloradomtn.edu/event/when-the-lion-speaks-poetry-for-americas-250 .

Changemaker Speaker Series Kiliii Yüyan, Oct. 20

Portrait of photographer Kiliii Yuyan, on the sea ice on Bowdoin Fjord, near Qeqertarsuaq Island, outside the village of Qaanaaq, Greenland, in May 2023. Kiliii Yuyan/Courtesy photo

The Changemaker Speaker Series will present “Kiliii Yüyan: Indigenous Wisdom for a Modern World” at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave. Yüyan, a National Geographic Explorer and photographer, will share stories and images exploring how Indigenous communities care for the natural world. Drawing from his book “Guardians of Life,” he will discuss how generations of ecological knowledge can help communities adapt to a changing climate. The program is presented in association with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.

For more information and tickets, visit wheeleroperahouse.com/event/kiliii-yuyan-indigenous-wisdom-for-a-modern-world .

Twilight Tarot Thursdays continue through the fall

Hotel Jerome will host tarot readings every Thursday this fall. Hotel Jerome/Courtesy photo

Hotel Jerome continues to host Twilight Tarot from 7 to 9 p.m Thursdays in the Garden Room, 330 E. Main St. Resident tarot reader and local artist Laura Moretz will lead personalized readings with a playful, approachable style and more than a decade of tarot experience. She’s also an expert astrologer. The $75 evening includes a 15-minute reading, one cocktail from Hotel Jerome’s exclusive tarot-inspired menu and a little cosmic wisdom.

For more information, visit auberge.com/hotel-jerome/experiences/#!/ .