Winter Words Speaker Series 2026
Join us for the 29th annual Winter Words speaker series
January 28 @ Paepcke Auditorium: Susan Orlean, author of “Joyride: A Memoir.”
February 4 @ Paepcke Auditorium: Lily King, author of “Heart the Lover.”
February 11 @ TACAW Tara Roberts, author of “Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging.”
Aspen Literary Festival
Save the dates for 2026! September 25-27, 2026
Lineup, tickets and more to be annouced in 2026!
Aspen Words Literary Prize
Announcing the Aspen Words Literary Prize 2026 Longlist
15 works of fiction illuminating vital contemporary issues
Membership
Aspen Words Membership
We invite you to join Aspen Words, Colorado’s oldest literary center and a program of the Aspen Institute.
Upcoming Events
Encouraging Writers
Inspiring Readers
Connecting Through Stories
Our Programs
Summer
Words
Recognized as one of the nation’s top literary gatherings, Summer Words is a six-day celebration of words, stories, and ideas held annually in Snowmass Village, CO.
Winter
Words
The 2024 Winter Words lineup features acclaimed book club selections, bestselling authors, stunning stories of triumph and a world champion athlete.
AW Literary
Prize
The Aspen Words Literary Prize is a $35,000 annual award for an influential work of fiction that illuminates a vital contemporary issue and demonstrates the transformative power of literature on thought and culture.
Aspen Writers’
Network
In keeping with Aspen Words’ commitment to working writers, AWN was formed to provide mutual support and networking opportunities for writers and aspiring writers in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.
Literary
Festival
Presented in partnership with Book of the Month, the Aspen Literary Festival welcomes more than 40 authors to Aspen, CO for engaging conversations, book signings and other literary activities.
Writers
in Schools
Aspen Words’ educational outreach program that brings accomplished professional writers to public schools in the greater Roaring Fork Valley, from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
Community
Read
Presented in partnership with the Pitkin County Library, the community ready celebrates literature, unites readers around a work of fiction and ignites meaningful conversation on the vital social issues explored the winning book.
Become a Member!
Enjoy special access to Aspen Words events while supporting our programs!
Support Aspen Words
At Aspen Words, we focus on providing opportunities for readers and writers to connect through unique stories. The support of our members and community alike makes what we do possible. If you would like to help grow our organization, we accept donations of any size. Thank you for your consideration!
Sponsorships
We are so thankful to have the support of our various sponsors who help us keep Aspen Words available to all writers and beyond.
