Established in 1976, Aspen Summer Words (ASW) is a trailblazing festival of words, stories and ideas held each June in Aspen, Colorado. The six-day event celebrates authors in all their glorious guises (novelists, poets, memoirists, journalists, songwriters, filmmakers, comedians, editors, literary agents, and more) during a jam-packed schedule of events designed to spark the imaginations of readers and writers alike.
The flagship program of the Aspen Writers' Foundation, ASW has been hailed as one of the nation's "Top Ten Literary Gatherings" (USA Today) and included in "The Best of Aspen" (5280 Magazine). O The Oprah Magazine said, "Bringing new meaning to the idea of escaping into literature, Aspen Summer Words [takes] over the Colorado town, giving booklovers the chance to mingle with some of the biggest names in storytelling."
While we are honored by such buzz, our true point of pride lies in offering a festival that is intimate by design. You won't find a friendlier staff or a more accessible group of authors. Parties are wonderfully casual; the student-teacher ratio is low; and our backdrop — the Rocky Mountain skyline — is nothing short of inspiring. ASW is a safe haven for words where people come together to connect through the power of stories in one of the nation's most beautiful and convivial settings.
ASW is one part laboratory and one part theater. Its two programs — the Writing Retreat and Literary Festival — approach the written word from different, yet complementary angles. The Retreat is designed for writing students, featuring introductory and intensive workshops with some of the nation's most notable faculty members; a literature appreciation course; and professional consultations with literary agents and editors. The Writing Retreat supports writers in developing their craft by providing a winning combination of inspiration, skills, community, and opportunity.
The Literary Festival is a book lover's bliss, where the written word takes center stage. Festival participants may indulge in a showcase of literary events (author readings, artist conversations, craft talks, panel discussions, and book signings); attend parties; participate in open mic events; enjoy live musical performances (from concerts to cabaret); and forage at the on-site bookstore. Since 2005, each edition of the Literary Festival has celebrated the literary heritage of new culture by honoring the stories and storytellers of a particular region. To date, itineraries have included The West, The American South, Ireland, India, Africa, and the Middle East. This year, literature of Latin America and the Caribbean will be the Lit Fest's focus and will include authors Daniel Alarcón, Gioconda Belli, Edwidge Danticat, Francisco Goldman, Orlando Patterson, and many more.
For 36 years Aspen Summer Words has hosted more than 300 writers who have read, taught and performed for 20,000+ audience members and students. ASW literati have included an international cast of authors — Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Awardees, and many other notable and bestselling writers — who each year transform Aspen into the Rocky Mountain gateway to the literary world.
