© Aspen Historical Society
Aspen Public Art presents Mall Fest 50 Art Parade, an artist-led, people-powered procession of costumes, contraptions and performances celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Aspen Pedestrian Mall. All are welcome to participate!
On June 27, 2026, the pedestrian parade will traverse the Mall and Aspen Saturday Market, ending in a block party at Sister Cities Plaza.
The 2026 theme is “What do you LOVE about this place?”
By collaborating exclusively with local artists and encouraging upcycling of materials, Aspen Public Art emphasizes the importance of collective creation, place-based cultural production and creative reuse. Imagination is wildly encouraged, with free community workshops leading up to the parade and a costume contest, photo booth, and prizes on parade day.
Schedule
9am: Staging
10–11am: Parade
11am-Noon: Block Party
Parade Route
The Mall Fest 50 Art Parade will start at 10:00am on Saturday, June 27th at the northeast corner of Wagner Park on South Mill Street. The parade route will proceed south on South Mill Street for one block, head east on Cooper Avenue for one block, turn north up South Galena Street for one block, turn east on East Hyman Avenue for one block, turn north again for one block up South Hunter Street, turn west for one block on East Hopkins Avenue, turn south for one block back down South Galena Street, turn west on East Hyman Avenue for one more block, then make it’s final turn south down South Mill Street and finish at the corner of South Mill Street and East Cooper Avenue—the site of the block party, starting at 11:00am. There will also be a performance area on the corner of East Hyman Avenue and South Hunter Street.
Register your parade entry online to save time on parade day. Walk-ins also available. All entrants will be required to sign a waiver to participate and be eligible for the costume contest.
Costume Contest
Imagination is wildly encouraged with a costume contest, prizes valued up to $1000, and a photo booth on parade day. Costume categories include: Creative Kids, Most on Theme, Best Use of Upcycled Materials, Larger Than Life, Blast from the Past, Best Group and Grand Prize.
What is Mall Fest 50?
Mall Fest 50 is a public art celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Aspen Pedestrian Mall.
As innovative as the Mall itself—constructed in 1976, the first car-to-pedestrian transformation in the state and one of the few remaining in the nation—Mall Fest 50 will feature a series of public art experiences across the car-free city park in the summer of 2026. Mall Fest 50 will include:
Shifting Light, an installation by textile artist Rachel B. Hayes | May – October
In Bloom, a pavement mural by artist Chris Erickson | June - October
Mall Fest 50 Art Parade | June 27
Mall Fest 50 events are free and open to all!
“Through crafting, wearing, dancing and parading in costumes, we build community, discover hidden talents, and bring joy to the streets.”
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The Art Parade is open to all. Individuals, families, friend groups, schools, and community groups are invited to participate.
Be inspired by the theme: What do you LOVE about this place?
Create your parade ensemble on your own or at one of our public workshops. Imagination is wildly encouraged — and rewarded during our costume contest! Costumes must be noncommercial.
We encourage everyone to be in costume – including parents and guardians accompanying children.
This is a pedestrian parade; all entries must be people powered. No vehicles, bikes, scooters, one-wheels, or other forms of travel are allowed in the parade other than ADA mobility devices.
No live animals, except service animals.
NOT permitted: throws (e.g. candy or swag), water balloons or spraying, open containers, distribution of leaflets or flyers during the parade or along the parade route.
Children 14 and under must be accompanied by someone over the age of 18.
Register online by Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at noon to ensure your spot in the parade and be eligible for the costume contest and prizes. Walk-ins on Parade Day will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Sign up for a free Parade Workshop
Join Aspen Public Art for a hands-on workshop to create your own costume, mask or prop for the parade. Early registration is recommended — space is limited.
Performers
Just announced!
Amidst the wildly imaginative costumes and floats, the Art Parade will feature half a dozen performers. You won't want to miss this magical mix of Colorado talent:
Brothers of Brass — in partnership with Jazz Aspen Snowmass
DJ Castanea — spinning at the Block Party
The Mall Bowlers — presented by Buckhorn Public Arts
Activations
Photo Booth by Nikki Hausherr
Grab your costume and your pals for a Mall Fest 50 portrait.
Visit the vintage box truck to swap your story for an original artwork.
Inclusivity
We value inclusion and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations. Please contact Lara Whitley at lara.whitley@aspen.gov to make your request. Requests must be submitted by June 10. Advance notice is necessary to arrange certain accessibility needs.
Co-presented by the City of Aspen
- Aspen Police Department
- Asset
- City Attorney
- City Clerk
- City Manager's Office
- Commercial Core + Lodging Commission
- Community Development
- DEIB Committee
- Downtown Business Services
- Electric
- Engineering
- Environmental Health + Sustainability
- Finance
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Parking
- Parks
- Procurement
- Streets
- Special Events
- Wheeler Opera House
Community Partners
- Anderson Ranch Arts Center
- Aspen Art Museum
- Aspen Chamber Resort Association
- Aspen Community Programs
- Aspen Fire Department
- Aspen Historical Society
- Aspen Meadows Resort
- Aspen Police Department
- Aspen Polynesia
- Aspen Saturday Market
- Aspen School District
- Aspen Thrift Shop
- AspenOUT
- bARTer collective
- Best Buddies
- Buckhorn Public Arts
- Challenge Aspen
- DanceAspen
- Dance Initiative Folklórico
- History Colorado
- Jazz Aspen Snowmass
- Leah Potts Art
- Nik House Media
- Pitkin County Senior Center
- Pitkin County Sheriff
- The Project Shop
- Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies
- Stranahan's Whiskey Lodge
- Vail Precision Lawn Chair Drill Team