Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

Lessons from 250 Years of Democracy: Aspen Ideas Festival Releases 2026 Agenda 

From June 25-July 1, the Aspen Ideas Festival brings hundreds of speakers and thousands of attendees and fellows to the Rocky Mountains to explore ideas that help us understand today and shape tomorrow.

Aspen, CO, June 9, 2026 – The 2026 Aspen Ideas Festival today shared the agenda for the Aspen Institute’s flagship summer convening. Programming will explore our world today through the lens of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, examining independence on the global stage, in our communities, and within ourselves.  This year’s festival runs June 25–July 1, 2026, and promises an extraordinary week filled with groundbreaking discussions and unforgettable moments. 

The full agenda is available here, and the speaker list is available here. 

The festival explores critical issues in a Rocky Mountain setting like no other, with acclaimed journalist Fareed Zakaria returning as guest curator. Panels, interviews, lectures and interactive sessions will delve into themes spanning lessons from 250 years of American democracy; principles that guide our relationship with the world; prosperity in a rapidly changing economy; art as an act of independence; scientific discovery; the pursuit of happiness in the 21st century; and stewardship and care of our land as a means to bring Americans together.  

“This year’s convening invites participants to explore the most consequential issues shaping our nation and world through diverse perspectives and meaningful dialogue,” said Jinhee Kim, Executive Vice President for Public Events and Engagement at the Aspen Institute. The Aspen Ideas Festival is a dynamic learning experience that inspires curiosity, expands understanding, and empowers attendees to engage with each other and the future in the inspiring setting of Aspen, where natural beauty and big ideas come together.

For more information, click here. Journalists are invited to apply for a limited number of press credentials here.

Among the hundreds of speakers appearing (search speaker names on the agenda to see the dates of their appearances and session details):

  • Tom Barkin, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
  • Jason Buechel, Vice President, Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores, and CEO, Whole Foods Market
  • Priscilla Sims Brown, President and CEO, Amalgamated Bank
  • Ken Burns, Documentary Filmmaker
  • Kurt Campbell, Chairman and Co-Founder, The Asia Group
  • Thasunda Duckett, President and CEO, TIAA
  • Jon Finer, Senior Distinguished Fellow in Residence, Tsai Leadership Program at Yale Law School; Former Principal Deputy National Security Advisor
  • Jodie Foster, Actor; Filmmaker
  • Chrystia Freeland, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Canada
  • Francis Fukuyama, Olivier Nomellini Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University
  • Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator (D-NY)
  • Mark Gordon, Governor, State of Wyoming
  • Jeh Johnson, Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
  • Neel Kashkari, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
  • Mitch Landrieu, Founder, E Pluribus Unum and Former Mayor, New Orleans
  • Cynthia Lummis, U.S. Senator (R-WY)
  • Michael Lynton, Chairman, Snap Inc.; Chairman, Schrödinger; Chairman, Warner Music Group
  • Lynn Martin, President, NYSE Group
  • Calley Means, Senior Advisor, The White House and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Jared Polis, Governor, State of Colorado
  • Rosie Rios, Chair, America250
  • David Risher, CEO, Lyft
  • David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, The Carlyle Group
  • Robert Rubin, Senior Counselor, Centerview Partners; Former United States Treasury Secretary
  • Reihan Salam, President, Manhattan Institute
  • RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO, Rivian
  • Scott Strazik, CEO and President, GE Vernov
  • Jake Sullivan, Kissinger Professor of the Practice of Statecraft and World Order, Harvard Kennedy School
  • Wayne Ting, CEO, Lime

Dozens of celebrated journalists will join the Festival to lead compelling conversations from the stage, including Ross Andersen, David Brooks, Jonathan Capehart, Katie Couric, Jerusalem Demsas, John Dickerson, David French, Amy Harder, Lauren Hirsch, Mary Louise Kelly, David Leonhardt, Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Kate Snow, Gillian Tett, Jenn White, and many more.

In addition to days full of dynamic sessions on our stages, the campus will come alive with art, music, and performances. Sasha Stiles’ “American Experiment” is a generative poem that draws from both the Declaration of Independence and the conversations taking place throughout the Festival in real time. “Chasing Zenith,” an installation by Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics will catch the wind along the treetops. Walter Hood’s “Native(s)” is a sculpture built to connect to the area’s iconic aspen and cottonwood trees. “The Reverse Side” by Paula Crown is an ongoing investigation of how ideas can exist in many forms, materials and dimensions.And, Janet Echelman, whose monumental netted sculptures have become focal points for urban life, will present “Butterfly Rest Stop.” 

Workshops and experiences include a “chocolate as muse” tasting with renowned chocolatier Ruth Kennison, the opportunity to try fencing with a USA Fencing coach, a music and storytelling workshop, nature walks, morning yoga, and much more.

This year’s festival will celebrate music and American song, with participation and performances from musicians including Lara Downes, Wyatt Ellis, Valerie June, Christian McBride, Leyla McCalla, Cole Chaney, Joshua Redman, Charles Yang, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, and more.

The 2026 Aspen Ideas Festival is supported by Presenting Underwriters Allstate, Edward Jones, GE Vernova, Mount Sinai Health System, Rivian, and the Walton Family Foundation. Supporting Underwriters are Bayer, Capital One, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, NYSE, Southern Company, and Vantor.

###

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.