Live Music in Denver: A Guide to the Top Venues

Denver boasts a dynamic music scene that appeals to fans of all genres. From historic theaters to massive arenas, the city offers incredible venues that deliver memorable experiences. In addition to intimate clubs and iconic theaters, Denver and the surrounding area boast exceptional outdoor venues that pair live music with beautiful scenery. Below is a guide to live music in Denver, with the top live music venues and some must-visit outdoor spaces.

Theaters and Clubs

OK Go at the Bluebird Theater, photo credit

Clubs and theaters are at the heart of live music in Denver. From intimate clubs to large theaters and ballrooms, Denver has great venues that cater to every musical taste. A handful of these venues are in historic art deco buildings that add a touch of charm to your concertgoing experience. Below you’ll find venues that hold a few hundred to a few thousand attendees.

Mission Ballroom

Opened in 2019, Mission Ballroom quickly established itself as one of Denver’s premier music venues. Located in the RiNo Art District, it features cutting-edge sound systems, flexible capacity (up to nearly 4,000 people), and unbeatable sightlines. Its lineup includes national touring acts across a wide range of genres, including The Lumineers, Alice Cooper, and Kesha.

Cervantes’ Masterpiece and The Other Side

Cervantes’ Masterpiece, located in the historic Five Points neighborhood, is a cornerstone of Denver’s music scene. With two stages—Cervantes’ ballroom which holds 900 people and The Other Side which accommodates 500 people—it offers a diverse lineup ranging from jam bands and reggae to hip-hop and electronic music. Memorable shows include performances by Nas, Big Boi, The String Cheese Incident, and Pretty Lights.

Summit Music Hall

Located in LoDo, Summit Music Hall is a versatile venue with a standing-room-only floor and balcony seating, making it suitable for high-energy shows. Summit is known for showcasing metal, punk, and rock acts, though they also host electronic and hip hop artists.

The Bluebird Theater

The Bluebird Theater, a beloved gem on Colfax Avenue, offers an intimate and cozy setting for music lovers. Known for its vintage charm and superior acoustics, it’s a favorite spot for indie and emerging artists. With a capacity of just 500, everyone feels close to the stage. Notable performances in this historic venue include shows by Phoebe Bridgers and St. Vincent.

Ogden Theatre

Just a few blocks away from the Bluebird, the Ogden Theatre is a mid-sized venue with a classic, old-school vibe that accommodates 1,600 attendees.  Its sloped floor ensures excellent sightlines, and the spacious general admission area creates a high-energy atmosphere. It’s a go-to spot for fans of rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. The Ogden Theatre is a great place to hear bands before they make it big.

The Fillmore Auditorium

The Fillmore Auditorium is a historic venue located in Capitol Hill. With its grand ambience and spacious general admission floor, it combines elegance with a lively concert atmosphere. It’s the largest indoor concert venue in Colorado with a capacity of 3,900. Over the years the Fillmore has hosted everyone from James Brown and Jimi Hendrix to Nelly Furtado and Eyrkah Badu.

The Black Box

The Black Box is Denver’s go-to venue for underground and experimental electronic music. Its immersive sound system and intimate size create a unique experience for fans of bass-heavy genres like dubstep, EDM, and house music. It’s a haven for electronic music enthusiasts.

Larimer Lounge

Larimer Lounge, a small venue in the RiNo Art District, has a well-earned reputation as a launchpad for up-and-coming artists. Its dive bar vibe and intimate setting make it the perfect place to discover new talent. Past performances include early sets by The Black Keys and The Killers, as well as regular appearances by members of Denver’s thriving local music scene.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA)

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a cornerstone of cultural life in Denver. It has ten performance spaces and over 10,000 total seats. The Boettcher Concert Hall is home to the Colorado Symphony. You can see performances from Opera Colorado at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The Buell Theatre is the best place in Denver for musical theater, hosting a constant stream of Broadway shows. There are also frequent jazz and pop performances at various halls within the complex.

Nocturne

Nestled in Denver’s trendy RiNo Art District, Nocturne is a sophisticated jazz club that combines live music with culinary excellence. The intimate, art deco-inspired space features a rotating lineup of local and national jazz artists, often accompanied by curated multi-course meals. Nocturne schedules acts under an artist in residency model where groups typically perform at Nocturne for four to eight weeks, allowing artists to hone their craft and connect with local audiences over an extended period of time.

Paramount Theatre

The Paramount Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Denver, exudes vintage elegance with its ornate interior and plush seating. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Paramount Theatre hosts a wide variety of nationally touring acts across many genres along with a selection of popular comedians.

Outdoor Venues

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, photo credit

Denver gets more than 300 days of sunshine each year, and the high elevation of the city means the summers are relatively mild. Put those together and you have what you need for amazing outdoor concerts. 

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Located in Morrison, just outside of Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most iconic music venues in the world. Nestled among towering red sandstone formations, the amphitheater offers unparalleled natural acoustics and breathtaking views. The amphitheater accommodates around 9,500 people. It has hosted legendary performances such as The Beatles in 1964, U2’s iconic 1983 performance that became the concert film U2 Live at Red Rocks: Under a Blood Red Sky, and more recent acts like Billie Eilish, Florence + The Machine, and John Mayer. Red Rocks also hosts sunrise yoga, movie nights, and fitness events, making it a multifaceted destination.

Levitt Pavilion

Levitt Pavilion Denver is a community-focused outdoor venue in Ruby Hill Park. It’s one of Denver’s premier outdoor venues. It offers over 50 free concerts each year, making live music accessible to all. It’s part of a nationwide group of music venues supported by the Levitt Foundation. With its large grassy amphitheater and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, Levitt Pavilion is perfect for an evening under the stars. The venue hosts a diverse selection of artists, so there’s something for everyone at Levitt Pavilion.

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

Located in Greenwood Village, just south of Denver, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre is the largest outdoor concert venue in the Denver metro area, with a capacity of 17,000. Its open-air setup and sloping lawn seating provide a relaxed environment for fans to enjoy big-name acts. The venue has hosted legends like Tom Petty, Jimmy Buffett, and The Beach Boys, as well as popular contemporary artists like Dave Matthews Band and Post Malone.

City Park Jazz

City Park Jazz is a beloved summer tradition in Denver, hosting free Sunday evening concerts in the picturesque City Park. The outdoor series focuses on jazz and related genres. The setting, with views of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains, makes it a perfect spot for a picnic and live music. City Park Jazz is committed to supporting local musicians. They only book Colorado-based artists.

Arenas and Stadiums

The Police at the Pepsi Center (Ball Arena), photo credit

For acts with massive draws, Denver’s sports stadiums are the preferred concert venues. While the summer is a particularly popular time for concerts at Coors Field and Empower Field, Ball Arena holds big concerts all year long.

Ball Arena

Ball Arena, formerly known as the Pepsi Center, is Denver’s premier indoor venue for large-scale concerts and events. It accommodates up to 20,000 attendees. Ball Arena has hosted major acts such as Celine Dion, KISS, and Elton John. The venue is also home to the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche.

Coors Field

Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies, doubles as a massive outdoor concert venue for world-class acts. The stadium has hosted unforgettable performances from artists such as The Eagles, Billy Joel, and Def Leppard. With a capacity of over 50,000, Coors Field is a unique and dynamic place to experience live music from popular performers.

Empower Field at Mile High

The biggest acts in the world play the biggest venue in Denver. Empower Field at Mile High, home to the Denver Broncos, is also a premier venue for large-scale concerts and events. With a capacity of over 76,000, this stadium delivers unforgettable experiences for fans of world-renowned artists. Empower Field has hosted legendary performers, including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, and Metallica. It’s the top choice in Denver for massive concerts that demand a grand stage.

Live Music in Denver: The Choice is Yours

Denver’s many music venues reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the Mile High City, offering something for everyone—from blockbuster concerts to intimate performances. Whether you’re catching a show under the stars at Red Rocks or discovering new talent at Larimer Lounge, Denver’s live music scene is an experience not to be missed. Before you attend your next concert, take some time for yourself and relax at Oakwell Beer Spa. Luxuriate in a beer bath hydrotherapy tub, enjoy some craft beer, and get ready for that night’s show.