Denver's Best Live Music Venues

Keep the Beat

Image by theopie

Local bands and touring groups have created a powerful music scene. From live performances in front of thousands by famous musicians of the past and present to underground performances by the next big thing to come out of the Rocky Mountain region, our city music in all genres, held in a variety of unique venues. With such a range of concert types and styles, it's hard to select a set of favorites; these are some of the most popular venues for both bands and fans.

1. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater

Red Rocks is just one of those places: you know about it or you exist in a cultural void. All the big bands play at Red Rocks, but ticket prices tend to be high; you're paying for the band and the view. Looking out over Denver from between the soaring rock formations of the mountains: usually that kind of view requires making a sweaty climb up rocky surfaces.

As for attending the actual concert, Red Rocks consistently proves a fantastic experience; unless there's a rainstorm, and then it's fantastic but wet. Make a day of it with a short hike through Red Rocks Park or dinner and drinks at the Ship Rock Grille before the show begins.

2. The Fillmore Auditorium

Along Colfax in Capitol Hill, The Fillmore Auditorium is easily our most popular dedicated live music venue. Part of the good reputation of the auditorium is simply due to its size; at a capacity of 3,600, the Fillmore holds more fans than any other area indoor music destination. Indie rock, alternative, metal, electronica, hip-hop and more all have their place on this incredible stage.

3. Gothic Theatre

Image by zenobia joy

Mid-sized touring bands draw crowds that fill the two tiers of Englewood's Gothic Theatre. The art deco building was originally a 1920s movie house, and the renovation has preserved many of the structure's impressive visual features. Punk, metal, rock and alternative music comprise most of the scheduling at the theater, although a fairly diverse selection of bands helps to draw a wide audience.

The audience also tends to be younger than that of many other venues; most of the shows are open for those 16 and older. Alcoholic drinks are still available for adults 21 and up and can be enjoyed throughout The Gothic.

4. Hi-Dive

Denver's hipster scene centers around the indie rock music and gritty atmosphere found in the Hi-Dive on South Broadway. Ridiculously cheap PBR is the only true way to drink at this tiny rock club. Except for a few bar stools and a couple rickety table and chair sets, the venue is standing room only. While the atmosphere is far from swanky, that's the whole appeal: the dark interior and passionate crowd of music obsessed twenty-somethings make going to the Hi-Dive an experience worth the cover charge.

5. Grizzly Rose

Our best venue for live country music, the famous Grizzly Rose brings some of the biggest names in the industry, like Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and Faith Hill to cowtown. While some participate in activities like line dancing and mechanical bull riding, the dance hall is always filled when big-name musicians and local performers take the stage. Located just a few miles north of downtown, line dancing classes on some nights and a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere encourage you to get involved in Western culture and the music.