Mall Fest 50 Art Parade & Block Party

    © 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   Registration Opens April 27th 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.     View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Pedestrian parades from Aspen's past, courtesy Aspen Historical Society   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 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.” — JamNOLA Museum, New Orleans   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. Workshop #1: Wednesday, May 27 | 5:30 – 7:30pm Workshop #2 (family-oriented): Saturday, June 13 | 10:00am – 12:00pm Workshop #3: Wednesday, June 17 | 5:30 – 7:30pm Workshop #4: Thursday June 25 | 5:30 – 7:30pm   Parade Guidelines 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 e...