© 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.
On June 27, 2026, the pedestrian parade will traverse the Mall and Aspen Saturday Market, ending in a block party at Sister Cities Plaza.
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. The Art Parade is free and open to all.
Schedule
9am: Staging
10–11am: Parade
11am-Noon: Block Party
Register online by Thursday, June 25, 2026 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.
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 neighborhood and community groups are invited to participate. Create your parade ensemble on your own or at one of our public workshops.
All entries must be handmade and people powered. Motorized vehicles (other than ADA mobility devices) and live animals (other than service animals) are not permitted. This includes bicycles, which are not allowed on the Mall.
Be inspired by the theme: What do you LOVE about this place?
We encourage everyone to be in costume – including parents and guardians accompanying children.
Costumes and ensembles must be noncommercial. No identifiable logos, written words, registered trademarks, or cartoon characters may be worn. This includes uniforms, T-shirts or signage representing organized teams, troops, schools or civic organizations.
Entries may not advocate for or against a particular political or religious belief. No identifiable flags or symbols from any country, political party, or religious representation of any kind, including verbal, may be displayed.
Throws (e.g.candy or swag) and water spraying are not permitted. No distribution of leaflets or flyers is allowed during the parade or along the parade route.
Children 14 and under must be accompanied by someone over the age of 18.
Aspen Public Art reserves the right to approve all entries and to require participants to change their entries at APA’s sole discretion.
Register online by Thursday, June 25, 2026 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 Costume Workshop
Join Aspen Public Art for a hands-on workshop to create your own costume, mask or prop for the parade.
Performers
The Brothers of Brass
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
The Mall Bowlers — presented by Buckhorn Public Arts
Co-presented by the City of Aspen with support from City departments
- Aspen Police Department
- Aspen Saturday Market
- Asset
- City Clerk
- City Manager
- Commercial Core + Lodging Commission
- Community Development
- DEIB Committee
- Downtown Business Services
- Engineering
- Environmental Health + Sustainability
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Parking
- Parks
- Special Events
- Wheeler Opera House
Community partners
- City of Aspen
- Anderson Ranch Arts Center
- Aspen Art Museum
- Aspen Chamber Resort Association
- Aspen Commercial Core & Lodging Commission
- Aspen Fire Department
- Aspen Historic Preservation Commission
- Aspen Historical Society
- Aspen Institute
- Aspen Police Department
- Aspen Saturday Market
- Aspen School District
- Aspen Thrift Shop
- AspenOUT
- bARTer Collective
- Best Buddies
- Buckhorn Public Art
- Challenge Aspen
- History Colorado
- Jazz Aspen Snowmass
- Leah Potts Art
- Pitkin County Senior Center
- Pitkin County Sheriff
- The Project Shop
- Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies
- Wheeler Opera House