Upcoming Events

Advancing Women’s Health Series: The New Menopause Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts

Thursday, June 12
Generously sponsored by Meredith Loring & Sami Inkinen
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Dr. Mary Claire Haver, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and author of “The New Menopause,” in conversation with Soledad Hurst, philanthropist and former on-air reporter/anchor for Bloomberg TV. Drawing from the latest scientific research and insights from her book, Dr. Haver will explore the complex and often misunderstood transition of perimenopause and menopause. She will discuss the profound effects of hormonal shifts on metabolism, heart health, brain function, bone density, and overall well-being.

Aspen Words Book Ball

Friday, June 13
Join us on for this year’s Book Ball at the Hotel Jerome. We are thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker will be Hampton Sides. Your support helps raise critical funds for Aspen Words programs, including Writers in the Schools, scholarships for aspiring writers, and community talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning authors.

Salon: Summer Kickoff

Wednesday, June 18
4:00-6:00 p.m. MT. Join us for a festive kickoff to the Aspen Society summer season featuring an exclusive conversation with Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield, Laura Lauder, and other select members of the Board of Trustees. Together, they will reflect on the Institute’s milestone anniversary and discuss its ongoing efforts to build social trust, advance humanistic values, empower rising generations, and cultivate intergenerational leadership to shape a brighter future.

Aspen Ideas: Health & Aspen Ideas Festival

Sunday, June 22 – Tuesday, July 1
Visit Aspen Ideas for more information. Additional members-only opportunities to be announced soon.

McCloskey Speaker Series: Breaking News, Breaking Barriers: Connie Chung on Journalism, Truth, and Legacy

Tuesday, July 8
Aspen Society members-only reception with speaker | 5:00 – 5:45 pm
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Connie Chung, pioneering journalist, Emmy-winning news anchor, and the first woman to co-anchor the CBS “Evening News.” Chung will share reflections from her remarkable career, as chronicled in her new memoir, “Connie.” From breaking barriers as one of the first female and Asian American network news anchors to navigating the challenges of the newsroom, she offers an intimate look at the triumphs and trials behind the headlines. Chung will also explore the evolving landscape of journalism, the impact of misinformation, and the enduring pursuit of truth in today’s media climate.

Hurst Lecture Series: The Escalation of Extreme Weather: How Climate Change is Fueling Superstorms, Deadly Heat, and Unprecedented Disasters

Wednesday, July 9
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Porter Fox, climate journalist, Columbia University teacher, and author of “Category Five: Superstorms and the Warming Oceans That Feed Them,” and Jeff Goodell, award-winning environmental writer and bestselling author of “The Heat Will Kill You First” in conversation with Carolyne Heldman, producer and host of “Behind the Lens,” a weekly podcast for the non-profit news organization The Lens in New Orleans. As climate change accelerates, so does the intensity and frequency of extreme weather. Fox, an expert on the role of warming oceans in fueling powerful storms, and Goodell, a leading voice on the deadly consequences of rising global temperatures, will examine the science behind hurricanes, typhoons, wildfires, and record-breaking heat. Together, they will explore what these escalating climate events mean for our planet, our communities, and the urgent need for action.

Socrates Program: Summer 2025 Seminars

Friday, July 11-Monday, July 14
This summer, the Socrates team is especially excited about the engaging Summer Seminars they’ve curated, which tackle some of the most thought-provoking and timely topics of our time – ranging from crime and punishment to the future of AI. They’ve brought together an incredible group of moderators, experts in their fields, to guide deep, collaborative discussions with a select group of participants. This event is about meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives.

Special: The New World Order

Friday, July 11-Monday, July 14
In collaboration with the Aspen Strategy Group
4:00-6:00 p.m. MT. Join us for a special conversation on the eve of the Aspen Security Forum featuring renowned foreign policy experts Nicholas Burns, Professor at Harvard University and Former U.S. Ambassador to China, and Jane Harman, former member of Congress and Chair, Commission on the National Defense Strategy, as they explore the contours of the new world order, reflect on America’s evolving role on the global stage, and discuss the kind of leadership needed to meet today’s most pressing geopolitical challenges.
*Open exclusively to Aspen Society members at the President’s level and above. Please email [email protected] to register. 

McCloskey Speaker Series: Homeland Security in a Changing World: Immigration, Threats, and the Future of US Policy

Friday, July 18
4:00-5:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Jeh Johnson, former US Secretary of Homeland Security and General Counsel of the Department of Defense. Drawing on his tenure leading the Department of Homeland Security and at the Department of Defense under President Obama, Secretary Johnson will examine the intersection of immigration and national security, the challenges of border enforcement, the humanitarian aspects of migration, and broader threats facing the US, including cyberattacks and domestic extremism.

Hurst Lecture Series: In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work

Monday, July 21
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Kyla Scanlon, financial educator, creator, and author of “In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work” in conversation with Rachel Wolfe, economics reporter at The Wall Street Journal. The economy isn’t just numbers—it’s a story we tell ourselves. Scanlon breaks down the hidden forces shaping financial markets, challenges outdated economic assumptions, and explores how public perception drives policy and prosperity. From debunking common myths to reimagining systems that foster inclusive growth, Scanlon offers fresh insights into how money and markets really work—and how they could work better for everyone.

McCloskey Speaker Series: Leadership in Action: How Governors Are Shaping Policy and Navigating Emerging Challenges

Tuesday, July 22
Aspen Society members-only reception with speakers | 3:30-4:15 pm
4:30-5:30 p.m. MT. In this discussion, Republican governors will share their perspectives on economic growth, public safety, education, and infrastructure, as well as how they navigate partisan divides and approach emerging challenges. In addition, they will discuss the decisions shaping their states and the considerations behind key policy choices.

Hurst Lecture Series: Navigating Disruption: Technology, Business, and the New Economic Landscape

Wednesday, July 23
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Scott Galloway, best-selling author, professor of marketing at NYU Stern School of Business, and host of “The Prof G Pod” and “Pivot” podcasts. Widely recognized for his sharp insights into technology, business strategy, market dynamics, and consumer trends, Galloway will explore how digital innovation is reshaping industries, economies, and society itself—covering everything from the rise of tech giants and shifts in consumer behavior to the implications of AI-driven disruption. With characteristic candor and clarity, he’ll also delve into how these shifts affect competition, policy, and everyday life, providing insights into how institutions, leaders, and citizens can adapt to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world.

Special: Navigating Global Complexity

Wednesday, July 23
12:00-2:00 p.m. MT. Join us for a timely conversation on “Statecraft 2.0: What America Needs to Lead in a Multipolar World” with Ambassador Dennis Ross, Counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Ross will discuss his new book and examine why American foreign policy often falters—and how to get it right. Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Ross will lend insights into how the U.S. can more effectively tackle emerging challenges, from great power competition to climate change and cyberwarfare. Moderated by Farah Pandith, a leading voice on global engagement and countering extremism, the discussion will reflect the Aspen Institute’s 75-year tradition of thoughtful dialogue on foreign policy.
*Open exclusively to Aspen Society members at the President’s level and above. Please email [email protected]to register. 

Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies Open House

Saturday, July 26 
Sculpting the Environment: The Three-Dimensional Art of Herbert Bayer
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. MT. Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Aspen Institute, Sculpting the Environment: The Three-Dimensional Art of Herbert Bayer spans over six decades of Bayer’s career and is the most comprehensive overview of the artist as a sculptor and landscape designer. Focusing on his site-specific outdoor sculptures and land art, this exhibition brings together nearly one hundred works, including drawings, paintings, photographs, models, and maquettes—many on display for the first time. Join us to view and tour the exhibition and meet its co-curators Koko Bayer and Adam Thomas.
Please email [email protected] to register.

The 75th Anniversary of the Aspen Institute, A Community Celebration: A Place Where the Human Spirit Could Flourish

Saturday, July 26 
11:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. MT. Join us for an inspiring day exploring the transformative power of place, people, and possibility. Highlights include: Reflections on Humanism and the Aspen Idea; Sculpting the Environment – The Three-Dimensional Art of Herbert Bayer; and Humanism and the Possibilities of Renewal – A keynote by David Brooks, opinion columnist at The New York Times and best-selling author.

*Details and registration information for the rest of the day’s programming is forthcoming.

McCloskey Speaker Series: Reagan: His Life, Legacy, and the Shaping of Modern Conservatism

Tuesday, July 29
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Max Boot, historian, foreign policy analyst, and best-selling author, in conversation with Elliot Gerson, executive vice president, Policy Programs and International Partners, The Aspen Institute. In his latest book, “Reagan: His Life and Legend,” Boot offers a definitive look at the 40th president of the United States—examining his leadership, policies, and the myths that shaped his legacy. Boot will delve into Reagan’s economic philosophy, the impact of “trickle-down” policies, his role in the Cold War’s conclusion, and the controversies surrounding the Iran-Contra affair. He will also explore how Reagan, a Hollywood actor turned politician, redefined the conservative movement and left an enduring mark on American politics.

Hurst Lecture Series: The Future of Journalism: Trust, Truth, and Technology in a Changing Media Landscape

In collaboration with Aspen Digital
Thursday, July 31
Aspen Society members-only reception with speakers | 5:00 – 5:45 pm
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Meredith Kopit Levien, president and chief executive officer, The New York Times Company, in conversation with Vivian Schiller, vice president and executive director of Aspen Digital, the Aspen Institute. In an age of AI-generated content, deep fakes, and the rapid spread of misinformation, the role of journalism as a pillar of democracy is being tested like never before. This discussion will explore how news organizations are navigating these challenges, from maintaining trust and credibility to adapting to the digital revolution. What does responsible reporting look like in an era of information warfare? How can news organizations harness new technologies while safeguarding the truth?

McCloskey Speaker Series: Citizenship, Democracy, and America’s Role in the World

Tuesday, August 5
Aspen Society members-only reception with speakers | 5:00 – 5:45 pm
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Dr. Richard Haass, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations and author of “The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens,” in conversation with Wendell L. Willkie II, adjunct professor of law at New York University and adjunct fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. In a democracy facing growing polarization and global uncertainty, how should citizens engage to uphold democratic values at home and shape foreign policy abroad? Drawing insights from his latest book, Dr. Haass will outline the essential responsibilities and habits citizens must cultivate to strengthen democracy and maintain America’s international leadership. He will explore connections between domestic civic engagement and the effectiveness of foreign policy, touching on themes such as informed participation, civil discourse, civic literacy, and the broader implications of citizenship for global stability and cooperation.

Hurst Lecture Series: Advancing America’s Prosperity
In collaboration with the Aspen Economic Strategy Group

Wednesday, August 6
1:30-2:30 p.m. MT. Join the Aspen Economic Strategy Group for a conversation with economic experts about ongoing developments in US economic policy. Speakers to be announced.

Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series: How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain

Thursday, August 7
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, renowned psychologist, neuroscientist, best-selling author, and University Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University, in conversation with Jeff Aronin, Aspen Institute Trustee and founder, chairman, and CEO of Paragon Biosciences. Drawing from her book, “How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain,” Dr. Barrett challenges traditional ideas about emotions — revealing how they are not hardwired but actively constructed by our brains based on culture, experience, and environment. In this conversation, she will explain the science behind emotional regulation, how understanding this process can significantly improve mental and physical health, and practical strategies for cultivating emotional well-being. Dr. Barrett will also explore her innovative research on the brain’s “energy budgeting,” shedding light on why managing our mental and physical resources is essential for reducing fatigue, stress, and burnout. She will offer insights into optimizing vitality through intentional adjustments in nutrition, movement, and mindset, empowering us to take charge of our health and emotional resilience in daily life.

McCloskey Speaker Series: Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America

Tuesday, August 12
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Barbara McQuade, former US Attorney, professor from practice at the University of Michigan Law School and best-selling author. Drawing on her experience in law, national security, and public policy, McQuade explores the origins of modern disinformation campaigns, how they’re weaponized, and what we can do to defend against them.

Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series: Food, Family, and Tradition: A Conversation with Lidia Bastianich

Wednesday, August 13
5:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Lidia Bastianich, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, best-selling author, and Emmy-winning TV personality; with Corby Kummer, executive director of the Food & Society program, the Aspen Institute.

Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series: Psychedelics and the Brain: Unlocking New Possibilities for Healing

Tuesday, August 19
6:00-7:00 p.m. MT. Featuring Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor in Neurology, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. A leading researcher on how psychedelics affect the brain and their potential as groundbreaking treatments for mental health disorders, Dr. Carhart-Harris will explore the mechanisms behind psychedelic compounds such as LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT, sharing insights from his brain imaging studies and clinical trials. He will also explore how these substances alter brain function, promote neural plasticity, and may offer new hope for conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction.

Salon: A Harmonious Close to the Season

Wednesday, August 20
In collaboration with Aspen Music Festival and School
2:30-4:30 p.m. MT. Founded together in 1949, the Aspen Institute and Aspen Music Festival and School share a deep bond—rooted in the belief that music, philosophy, and civic life are essential to a good society. As we close our 75th anniversary summer, join us for an artful finale celebrating the Aspen Idea, featuring chamber music and solo piano works inspired by Goethe’s enduring influence on composers. Among these, we’ll highlight selections by Mendelssohn—Goethe’s closest musical confidant—and Hugo Wolf’s powerful setting of Mignon II, often titled with its opening line, “Kennst du das Land?” With remarks from Alan Fletcher, Aspen Institute Trustee and President and CEO of AMFS, alongside Aspen Institute leadership, together, we’ll honor this friendship that has long united our institutions and supporters in a shared commitment to nurturing mind and spirit.