Start with the format, not the headline price
The 47th Aspen Filmfest runs September 29 through October 4 at the Aspen Isis Theatre, with encore screenings October 4 at The Crystal in Carbondale. The official guide lists standard single tickets at $35 general admission and $20 for Aspen Film members. Sunday family-matinee tickets are $10 for adults and free for people 17 and under.
Sunday encore screenings at The Crystal are listed at $25 general and $20 member. Those are separate ticket categories; a price from one venue or programme should not be assumed for every screening.
When a $400 pass makes sense
The $400 festival pass includes screening access, selected events and discounts, but it does not include membership. Member passes vary. A passholder still needs to use the festival's RSVP system, and the official door policy gives passholders access 20 minutes before a screening, members 15 minutes before and general ticket holders 10 minutes before.
Someone attending only a few screenings should compare the individual total before buying a pass. Someone using the pass for events should verify which events are actually included.
Rush is availability, not a reservation
The festival says rush tickets may be sold at the venue immediately before a screening if space is available. That can rescue a sold-out plan, but it is not guaranteed admission and should not anchor a tight travel schedule.
Students and teachers also have specific access rules: complimentary Aspen screenings require a current school ID, while some reservations use the festival education email. Accessibility requests go to the festival directly. The useful plan is to confirm the venue, ticket type and door time for each selection.