A Guide to the Colorado Symphony: FAQs & Helpful Tips

Watching the Colorado Symphony perform is one of the most fun things to do in Denver. Whether it’s your first show or not, you’re a local or visiting, this guide will help you enjoy your symphony experience.

Below, we’ll answer common questions about the Colorado Symphony experience and other unique things to do in Denver before or after the performance, including a relaxing spa day.

What is the Colorado Symphony?

The Colorado Symphony is a full-time professional orchestra in Denver, CO, known as one of the best in the country. The symphony is made up of 80 musicians, playing over 150 concerts yearly in Denver and across Colorado. 

They play four sections: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Their performances include alternative, classics, family-friendly, movie themes, and featured soloists. 

What is the difference between a symphony, a philharmonic, and an orchestra symphony?

A philharmonic and symphony are essentially the same – both orchestras that play symphonies. The difference lies in their names, as philharmonic means “love of harmony,” and symphony means “an agreement of sound.” 

A symphony is technically a musical work for an orchestra, but many orchestras are also called "symphony orchestras" or simply "symphonies."

Where does the Colorado Symphony perform?

The Colorado Symphony plays at the Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) in Downtown Denver. The DPAC is one of the largest performing arts centers in the US, covering four blocks with ten performance spaces.

Getting To and Parking at the Boettcher Concert Hall

The Boettcher Concert Hall, home to the Colorado Symphony, is at the southwest end of the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Its address is 1000 14th St, at 14th and Curtis St. 

Although there is a parking garage at the DPAC, finding parking can take time since there are often many events at once. There are also other garages and lots in downtown Denver for additional parking. If you want to drive and park in Downtown Denver, arriving at least an hour early is best.

We recommend using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft or public transportation to get to the Boettcher Concert Hall. If you’re using public transportation, you can take the D, F, or H line to the Theatre District/Convention Center stop.

When can I see the Colorado Symphony?

The Colorado Symphony usually performs a few times weekly at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Although show days and times vary, most shows are at 7:30 PM, except for Sunday, when they’re usually in the afternoon.

How do I choose the best performance for me?

Many people who go to a Colorado Symphony performance are new to the experience and enjoy any performance. There are various types of performances, including alternative, classic, movie-themed, and family-friendly.

If you’re new to symphonies and not sure what kind of performance to see, the Movie at the Symphony events are usually fun for everyone. These are celebrations of music in film with a live orchestra performance of familiar movies.

How long is a performance?

Most Colorado Symphony performances are about two hours long with one 20-minute intermission. Family concerts are usually about an hour and a half with no intermission.

How early should I arrive for a performance?

Concert doors open one hour before the performance begins. If you’re attending a Classics performance, there’s a prelude discussion an hour before for an overview of the program.

It’s best to arrive at least an hour early, especially if you’re driving and parking. Before the show begins, you’ll want to give yourself time to go through security screening, check your coat, get beverages in the lobby, and use the restroom if needed.

Is there a dress code for the Colorado Symphony?

While there’s no specific dress code, many people wear business or cocktail attire. Wear whatever you’re comfortable in!

Permitted and Prohibited Items

When you arrive at the DPAC, there will be a bag check and metal detectors to help ensure the safety and security of all staff and guests.

The following items are permitted in the theater:

• Bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 12”
• Phones (but please keep them off or set on silent)
• Empty resealable or factory-sealed water bottles (plastic and aluminum)
• Beverages in plastic cups with lids from lobby bars or restaurants 

You may purchase and eat food in the lobby, but it’s not permitted in the theater.

The following items are prohibited in the lobby or theater:

• Outside food and drinks (aside from factory-sealed water bottles)
• Marijuana or other drugs without a prescription
• Aerosol cans (e.g., hairspray)
• Full face masks or helmets
• Laser pointers
• Coolers
• Audio or recording devices, GoPros, or professional cameras
• Weapons or any item constructed as a weapon
• Bullhorns or noisemakers
• Balloons
• Selfie sticks
• Confetti or other items that can be thrown
• Large hats
• Commercial signs
• Bikes or scooters
• Remote control flying devices
• Bags larger than 12” x 12” x 12”
• Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, or ads

What to Do in Denver Before or After Seeing the Colorado Symphony

If you’re hoping to enjoy a full day in Denver, there are many other fun activities nearby. The following are some of our favorite things to do in Denver, and they’re all within a 10-minute drive from the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Shop, Eat, and Drink at Union Station

Location: 1701 Wynkoop St, Downtown Denver

Hours: Vary by business

Denver Union Station is a beautifully renovated historic train station. It’s also a lively space for eating, drinking, and shopping. There are many businesses inside Union Station, so it’s easy to spend a few hours here. There’s also a lot of seating, so it’s the perfect place to relax and people-watch.

If you’re traveling to Denver for the Colorado Symphony, The Crawford Hotel is also at the Denver Union Station and one of the most unique accommodations in the Mile High City.

Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art

Location: 1485 Delgany St, Downtown Denver

Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 12 to 7 PM; Friday, 12 to 9 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is a unique space to see art and culture through rotating exhibitions and education programs. You can explore the museum on your own, join a guided tour on Friday or Saturday at 1 PM, or reserve a group tour Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 PM.

There’s also a cafe and bar on the rooftop at MAC, where you can enjoy small bites, coffee, tea, cocktails, beer, and wine.

Unwind at Oakwell Beer Spa

Location: 3004 Downing St, Five Points Neighborhood

Hours: 8 AM to 10:30 PM daily

Oakwell Beer Spa is the perfect place to unwind before or after seeing the Colorado Symphony. 

Enjoy unique spa services, including Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, Infrared Sauna, and a Zero Gravity Massage experience. Various spa packages are available, so you can enjoy the perfect spa day, whether by yourself, with your significant other, or with friends. 

Oakwell Beer Spa also has a cozy, self-serve taproom—perfect for relaxing and enjoying local craft beer, wine, tea, cider, or kombucha.

If you need to get ready for a Colorado Symphony event after your spa day, Oakwell Beer Spa’s vanity room has everything you need, including mirrors and hair dryers.

Enjoy a Unique Experience at the Museum of Illusions

Location: 951 16th St Mall

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 10 AM to 9 PM; Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 10 PM

The Museum of Illusions is just a few blocks from the DPAC and offers one of the most unique activities in Denver. Enjoy a visual, sensory, and educational experience with fascinating illusion rooms and shocking installations.

This is one of the coolest places in Denver to take photos and videos because it’s a place like no other and makes for fun photo ops.

Colorado Symphony Guide: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are looking forward to enjoying the Colorado Symphony. If you want to treat yourself to a relaxing spa day before or after the show, book your spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa.