Back to All Events

Aspen Ideas Festival


Social: #AspenIdeas #AspenIdeasHealth

Twitter: @aspenideas

Facebook: @aspenideas

Website: https://www.aspenideas.org/

Imagine some of the most inspired and provocative thinkers, writers, artists, business people, teachers, and other leaders — all gathered in a single place.

History and Highlights

For over 60 years, the Aspen Institute has been the nation's premier gathering place for leaders from around the globe and across many disciplines to engage in deep and inquisitive discussion of the ideas and issues that both shape our lives and challenge our times.

In a ground-breaking extension of its mandate to create opportunities for deep dialogue, the Aspen Institute now seeks to engage a broader audience in a discussion of some of the significant ideas and issues that touch all parts of our society as found in the arts, science, culture, religion, philosophy, economics, and politics. Alongside our partner, The Atlantic, we intend to offer a stimulating and invigorating celebration of some of the liveliest minds on the stage today. We invite you to join us.

Imagine some of the most inspired and provocative thinkers, writers, artists, business people, teachers, and other leaders drawn from myriad fields and from across the country and around the world — all gathered in a single place, ready to teach, speak, lead, question and answer — all interacting with an audience of thoughtful people who have stepped back from their day-to-day routines to delve deeply into a world of ideas, thought and discussion. The event promises to be thought-provoking, meaningful and fun — true to Aspen tradition. 

— Elliot Gerson, Executive Vice President of Policy and Public Programs, International Partners, The Aspen Institute

The 2020 Aspen Ideas Festival is Digital and Free!

Spanning arts, science, the economy, diplomacy, democracy, and certainly the present juncture our society is in, the experts and leaders we will bring to the digital Aspen Ideas stage include Anna Deavere Smith, Anthony Fauci, Madeleine Albright, Kai-Fu Lee, Krista Tippett, Michael Eric Dyson, William McRaven, Maria Ressa, Brian Greene, Lulu Miller, Erik Larson, and John McWhorter, for starters. Sign up to receive program updates.

*Check out the schedule for the 2020 Festival

*Look who's speaking at the 2020 Festival

Where to Watch

Tune in here daily at 7pm ET from June 28 – July 2. Each evening of programming will be 90 minutes in length. Streaming for free, Aspen Ideas is available to anyone, anywhere. Sign up to receive program updates.

Return to July 2020 Events

Return to Calendar Overview

Earlier Event: June 27
National HIV Testing Day