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Where to Catch Live Music in Denver—From Red Rocks to RiNo
Big stages, bass drops, jazz nights, and punk pits—these are Denver’s best music venues for every vibe.
What's Happenin' Denver
April 04, 2025
🎤 Denver’s Ultimate Music Venue Guide
Hey Denver!
Whether you’re into jazz at candlelit tables or headbanging under a disco ball, Denver’s music scene has a space (and sound) for you. From iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre to tucked-away bass havens like The Black Box, the Mile High City knows how to turn up the volume.
Ready to plan your next night out? We’ve rounded up the top places to catch a show—sorted by vibe, venue size, and music style.
Looking for more to do around town? Don’t miss our guide to things to do in Denver or make it a weekend with a stay at one of the best hotels in Denver.
Let’s dive in. 🎸💃
🎶 Denver’s Music Scene, Venue by Venue
From legendary amphitheaters to neon-lit nightclubs and jazz lounges, Denver hits all the right notes. Whether you’re here for the acoustics, the vibes, or the disco ball, there’s a stage for every kind of fan. Let’s dive into the best spots to catch a show in the Mile High City.
🎶 Big Names, Big Sounds
The crown jewel of Colorado music venues. Whether you’re catching a show under the stars or just visiting during the day to hike the trails and take in the views, this iconic venue is a must. Bonus: You can even work out here when concerts aren’t happening.
Denver’s newest large venue is also its most sonically impressive. Artists rave about the acoustics, and fans love the tiered sightlines. If your favorite band’s coming to town, there’s a good chance they’re playing here.
An older, grander venue on Colfax that still hosts big acts regularly. Expect everything from indie rock to EDM—and a beautiful chandelier overhead.
🎵 Mid-Sized, Maximum Vibe
 | An intimate vibe with a big sound. Catch rising stars and established names in a setting that feels like an old-school theater-meets-rock club. Known for its art-deco design and killer acoustics, this one’s a local favorite. You’ll find everything from metal to alt-pop on the calendar. Part funk fest, part dance party. Home of the city’s biggest disco ball and the heart of Denver’s jam band and electronic scene. If you’re craving that “only in Denver” energy—start here. |
🎸 Small But Mighty
 | A neighborhood gem with charm for days. If you like getting close to the stage and hearing bands before they blow up, this is your spot. Love punk rock and sweaty, high-energy shows? The Marquis keeps it loud and rowdy—and bonus: there’s pizza. Head here for the heavier stuff—metal, rap, and everything with big sound and big energy. Smaller than the Mission, but still packs a punch. |
🕺 Late Night Vibes
🕍 The Church Nightclub (Cap Hill) Yes, it’s literally in a church. And yes, the stained glass hits different when the bass drops. EDM heaven in holy surroundings. Multiple floors of dance music from Latin to electronic. If you’re looking to keep the party going late, this place never misses. Small, dark, and devoted to the underground bass scene. Come for local DJs, stay for the body-vibrating subs. It’s the spot for serious fans of electronic and dubstep. |
🎷 For the Jazz Lovers
Classic cocktails, candlelight, and some of the best jazz musicians in the region. Perfect for date night or chill evenings with a side of sax.
A modern jazz club with curated tasting menus and a rotating lineup of Denver’s jazz elite. You’ll find innovation, improvisation, and a very classy atmosphere.
🎵 Looking for more things to do before the show? Check out our guides to:
🎶 Poll Time: Your Ultimate Denver Concert Vibe?
We all have that one type of venue that just hits right. What’s your go-to when the music calls? |
👇 Let us know! We’re always tuning in to what you love.
🌆 Mile High Happenings & Weather ☀️❄️
Friday, April 4 – Cloudy 🌡️ High: 39°F | Low: 27°F 💧 24% chance of precipitation | 💨 Wind: N 14 mph 🆓 Free Events 🎨 First Friday Art Walk – Galleries, vendors, and neighborhood energy light up Santa Fe Drive. 5:30 PM @ Santa Fe Arts District 🎨 First Fridays @ RiNo – Art exhibitions, live music, and community celebration. 6 PM @ RiNo Art District 🎶 First Fridays @ Stanley – Shop local and enjoy live tunes. 6 PM @ Stanley Marketplace 🎭 First Friday Creative Crawl – Art, music, drinks & more all day long. 10 AM @ Olde Town Arvada 💵 Ticketed Events ⚾ Rockies vs Athletics – Home opener with magnet schedule giveaway. 2:10 PM @ Coors Field (🎟 Tickets) 🎸 Meshuggah – Heavy metal with Cannibal Corpse & Carcass. 5:30 PM @ Fillmore Auditorium (🎟 Tickets) 🎧 Mersiv – Lasers, bass, and vibes with ALLEYCVT, Mr. Carmack & more. 6 PM @ Red Rocks (🎟 Tickets) 🎶 Daniel Seavey – Pop show with Sombr & Kylekelly. 7 PM @ Summit (🎟 Tickets) 🎤 Abe Parker – Singer-songwriter live. 7 PM @ Marquis Theater (🎟 Tickets) 🎥 ‘Labyrinth’ in Concert – Live band performs Bowie’s score alongside the cult classic film. 8 PM @ Paramount Theatre (🎟 Tickets) 🎸 Sam Blasucci + Julia Zivic – Intimate folk and soul set. 8 PM @ Globe Hall (🎟 Tickets) 🎤 Jesse Welles – Live indie rock performance. 8 PM @ Bluebird Theater (🎟 Tickets) 🎻 The Lil Smokies – Bluegrass vibes with The Fretliners & Danno Simpson. 9 PM @ Ogden Theatre (🎟 Tickets) 🎶 Defunk – High-energy electronic set with Father Funk & Project Aspect. 9 PM @ Meow Wolf (🎟 Tickets) 🤠 Country Night – Dance the night away. 10 PM @ Temple (🎟 Tickets) 🎧 Paul Van Dyk – Trance legend behind the decks. 10 PM @ The Church (🎟 Tickets) 🎧 Mersiv + Seth David (Late Show) – Afterparty vibes with Mr. Carmack & So Sus. 11:45 PM @ Gothic Theatre (🎟 Tickets) | Saturday, April 5 – Partly Cloudy 🌡️ High: 46°F | Low: 29°F 💧 5% chance of precipitation | 💨 Wind: N 7 mph 🆓 Free Events 🎿 TheBigWonderful – Enjoy a massive mountain party with 20+ local breweries, live bluegrass, and 30+ local makers. 11 AM @ Winter Park Resort (🎟 Details) 💵 Ticketed Events ⚾ Rockies vs Athletics – Score a Brenton Doyle & Ezequiel Tovar Gold Glove T-shirt. 6:10 PM @ Coors Field (🎟 Tickets) 🥍 Mammoth vs Bandits – Indoor lacrosse action at the Loud House. 7 PM @ Ball Arena (🎟 Tickets) 🎶 Baths – Moody electronica with Fashion Club. 7 PM @ Marquis Theater (🎟 Tickets) 🎧 Disco Lines – High-energy electronic show with It’s Murph, SIPPY & more. 7 PM @ Red Rocks (🎟 Tickets) 🎤 Laura Jane Grace & The Mississippi Medicals – Punk-folk force of nature. 8 PM @ Meow Wolf (🎟 Tickets) 🎷 Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet – Jazz excellence with Julian Lage & more. 8 PM @ Boulder Theater (🎟 Tickets) 🎶 JOHNNYSWIM – Duo bringing soulful love songs to the stage. 8 PM @ Paramount Theatre (🎟 Tickets) 🎧 Gareth Emery: LSR/CITY – Cyberpunk tour stop with big trance energy. 8 PM @ Mission Ballroom (🎟 Tickets) 🎙️ Harry Mack – Freestyle wizardry and off-the-cuff genius. 8 PM @ Ogden Theatre (🎟 Tickets) 🎻 Big Richard – Bold string quartet with Chatham Rabbits. 8 PM @ Gothic Theatre (🎟 Tickets) 🎸 ALO – Jam band grooves and funky fun. 8 PM @ Fox Theatre (🎟 Tickets) 🎸 Gasoline Lollipops – Alt-country rockers with Extra Gold. 8 PM @ Bluebird Theater (🎟 Tickets) 🎙️ Early James – Soulful Southern storytelling with Kris Lager. 8 PM @ Globe Hall (🎟 Tickets) 🎉 Shrek Rave – Green is the vibe. It’s dumb, it’s fun, it’s Shrek. 9 PM @ Summit (🎟 Tickets) 🎧 SIPPY – Bass-heavy afterparty energy. 10 PM @ Temple (🎟 Tickets) 💃 Latin Night – Dance ‘til late at Denver’s iconic Church Nightclub. 10 PM @ The Church (🎟 Tickets) | April 6 – Partly Cloudy 🌡️ High: 60°F | Low: 35°F 💧 1% chance of precipitation | 💨 Wind: NW 10 mph 🆓 Free Events 🎷 Jazz Sundays – A weekly jazz series featuring local talent and great beer. @ Woods Boss Brewing Company, 3-5 PM 💵 Ticketed Events 🍽️ Munchies and Mimosas – A high-energy brunch party with dancing, food, and of course, mimosas.🕛 12 PM @ Fillmore Auditorium 🎙️ ‘WOW in the World’ Podcast Live – A science and curiosity-filled show for families and kids.🕐 1 PM @ Paramount Theatre ⚾ Rockies vs Athletics – Cheer on the home team in this early season MLB matchup. 🕐 1:10 PM @ Coors Field 😂 Jamie Lissow Stand-Up – Comedy from the redheaded favorite of the Netflix series Real Rob. 🕞 3:30 PM @ Comedy Works Downtown 🎸 Michelle & The Golden Dust – Local indie-folk with openers Fendure Bendure Buck. 🕔 5 PM @ Globe Hall 🏀 Nuggets vs Pacers – NBA action as the Nuggets host Indiana. 🕕 6 PM @ Ball Arena 🎤 The Army, The Navy – Indie rock with rising star Aggie Miller. 🕕 6 PM @ Summit 🎵 Gemini Fourth – Darkwave indie-pop meets cinematic synths. 🕖 7 PM @ Ogden Theatre 😂 Zac Maas Stand-Up – Quick wit, sharp takes, and a Denver favorite. 🕖 7 PM @ Comedy Works South 🔍 ‘Crime Junkies’ Podcast Live – A thrilling night with the true-crime podcast superstars. 🕖 7 PM @ Bellco Theatre 🎶 Sawyer Hill – Alt-rock energy with Sweet Spine. 🕖 7 PM @ Bluebird Theater 🤘 D.R.I. + Koffin Kats – Hardcore punk and psychobilly collide with high-octane openers. 🕗 8 PM @ Gothic Theatre 🎤 Jesse Welles – Soulful singer-songwriter with haunting vocals and emotional grit 🕗 8 PM @ Fox Theatre |
🎶 Keep the Music Going
Whether you’re catching a sunset show at Red Rocks or discovering your new favorite band at a Colfax dive, there’s a venue in Denver with your name on it. Thanks for jamming with us—now go grab those tickets, cue the playlist, and we’ll catch you at the next encore. —The What’s Happenin’ Denver Team Want to find more great local experiences? Check out Take More Adventures’ guide to the best things to do in Denver. 🎧✨ |
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