When it comes to live music, there is no shortage of opportunities to see great bands perform in Colorado. From large, iconic venues like Red Rocks, to festival towns like Telluride and beautiful amphitheaters set in the mountains, the only problem is narrowing down which shows to go to!
Once summer has arrived, the mountains come alive with touring bands. I love live music, and especially concerts in smaller outdoor venues. While stadium shows at places like Empower Field at Mile High will attract the biggest touring artists, they also come with big crowds. Here is my list of favorite places to see a concert in Colorado, including some lesser known gems where you can get a smaller, more intimate show by well-known artists.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
I mean, if you haven’t heard of Red Rocks, you must live under a rock (pun intended). This iconic venue should be on the bucket list for any lover of live music and is sure to have a jam-packed calendar of must-see concerts every year. With a capacity of 10,000, tickets to popular shows go fast! Parking is free. There are lodging and restaurants available in the town of Morrison, but not walkable to the venue. Morrison Inn is a popular pre-show dinner spot but be sure to get there early to get a table. Tailgating is permitted at Red Rocks, so a great option is to pack your dinner and hang out with other music lovers before the show! I, personally, go to at least one Red Rocks concert every summer and I’m happy to share all of my tips to have the best concert experience.
HOT TIP! Make sure to head inside to the visitor center and check out the Red Rocks Hall of Fame.
Besides concerts, Red Rocks has other events like Yoga on the Rocks and Film on the Rocks.
Check out the Red Rocks schedule.
Dillon Amphitheater
In the summer, the Dillon Amphitheater comes alive with its calendar of shows. Set overlooking the Dillon Reservoir, in the heart of the mountains, there is no better setting to see a concert. Tickets are sold for both the reserved bowl seats and general admission on the lawn. With a capacity under 4,000 people, you get a more intimate experience than other venues. Parking is free but limited. Many lodging accommodations and restaurants are within walking distance or a short Uber ride away.
In addition to the ticketed concerts, the amphitheater also has free concerts and movies throughout the summer. Lawn seating does get crowded, so plan to arrive early and line up before the doors open to get the best spots.
Check out the Dillon Amphitheater schedule.
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (The Amp)
Similar to the Dillon Amphitheater, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (the Amp) is set in the picturesque town of Vail. Tickets are available in the covered pavilion and the lawn. With a capacity of only 2,600 people, there isn’t a bad seat. Parking at the Amp is limited, but free parking is available in the summer at the Vail Village and Lionshead Village Parking structures, both a short walk or shuttle ride to the venue. Many lodging and restaurant options are available in Vail Village. A great option is to spend the night at Marriott’s StreamSide Douglas at Vail, which is within walking distance of the Amp.
The Amp also offers free summer concerts and events.
HOT TIP! The Amp is adjacent to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Make sure to plan enough time before the concert to walk through the gardens. Admission is free, but a donation is suggested.
Check out the Amp schedule.
Fiddlers Green Amphitheater
Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre, located in the heart of the Denver Tech Center, is a draw for large name artists. The capacity is 17,000, with both reserved seating and general admission lawn seats. Paid parking around the venue is available, but plan to arrive early, because the area gets very congested with commuters as well as concert-goers. Be sure not to park in a business lot that does not have designated concert parking at the risk of being ticketed. The light rail is another option, and only a short walk away. Since Fiddlers Green is in the tech center, many food and lodging options are available a short distance away. For general admission seating, plan to arrive early and line up before the doors open.
Check out Fiddlers Green’s schedule.
Have you ever been to a concert in Colorado? What are the best shows you’ve seen?
