Colorado’s diverse terrain and climate lend itself to an abundance of festivals. From rodeos and wine tastings, to celebrating Colorado history and exploring its legacy, these Colorado festivals have something to offer everyone.
Since 1991, Jazz Aspen Snowmass is a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of jazz and related musical genres through world-class events and educational programs. Each year it hosts over 30 concerts at venues all around Eagle County.
Red Rocks
Red Rocks, one of the world’s premier outdoor music venues, can be found just outside Denver and attracts concertgoers, music history enthusiasts and outdoor exercise enthusiasts. This geologically formed amphitheater features two 300-foot monoliths called Creation Rock and Ship Rock which provide an amazing acoustic experience; many famous musicians including Nat King Cole, Ray Charles and The Grateful Dead have graced this stage; don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Red Rocks is open year-round and offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages to do, such as concerts. However, you’ll also find yoga on the rocks, an annual Easter sunrise service, movie nights in summer and much more at this vibrant park. Want to gain more insight into its history? Visit its 30,000-square-foot visitor center; here you’ll learn how rock formations were formed as well as memorabilia from artists that have performed there!
There is also a small gift shop and several food options. On show days, bring in non-alcoholic beverages of your own to save yourself the wait in line when doors open. As parking can quickly fill up on concert days, ensure to arrive early by taking RTD Light Rail line W to reach it quickly.
At Colorado Music Hall of Fame Park, visitors can hike on trails or experience its incredible view from above the amphitheater. Additionally, this park hosts the Colorado Music Hall of Fame Museum featuring items from legendary Colorado musicians like John Denver. Entry to this museum is free; simply head down from main entrance of amphitheater trading post for access.
Red Rocks provides plenty of exciting activities for families as well as solo travelers alike. To enjoy a delicious meal, stop by either Morrison Holiday Bar or Red Rocks Grill; both offer tasty burgers, sandwiches, and other classic American fare.
Global Dance Festival
Global Dance Festival is an electronic music fan’s must-attend music event. Each year’s lineup is incredible and venue beautiful; this year it will take place at Empower Field at Mile High (in the parking lot of Bronco Stadium). Light rail drops you off just blocks from Empower Field; ride share services also provide convenient transportation solutions. Getting there couldn’t be simpler or more affordable! Plus, this festival stands apart from others by including arts and culture elements; Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet as well as New York City Ballet will perform!
Global Dance has been Colorado’s premiere EDM festival for two decades and this year will be no different. Its lineup will include both established veterans and promising up-and-comers from multiple genres of dance such as house, trance and electro pop – further testament to Global Dance’s dedication to providing Colorado with only top EDM talent.
The Global Dance Festival’s name pays homage to its roots in Denver underground rave culture, where it began as Rave on the Rocks before moving to Mile High for 2017. Mile High provided more space for expanding their lineup while providing an even grander venue with incredible light shows for attendees to experience the magic of electronic music. Each Global Dance Festival lineup offers something for every fan; featuring established acts alongside emerging talents to introduce people to different flavors of electronic music.
At this year’s festival, Kx5 will make their Colorado debut and is sure to be a standout attraction. Other notable artists include bass music icon Kaskade, trap music prodigy Deorro and house legend Green Velvet; local favorites Option4 and genre-hopping DJ LUCAS will also perform. Plus don’t forget the Crystal Caverns Silent Disco for an unparalleled experience.
The Global Dance Festival is an incredible experience that’s well worth your while. Enjoy dancing the night away to incredible beats while meeting fellow music enthusiasts from around the globe. Be sure to pack essentials, wear comfortable shoes, bring water for hydration purposes, as you’ll need it throughout your day; try packing small so security clearance goes smoothly; take breaks so as not to burn yourself out!
Sonic Bloom
Sonic Bloom Festival in Colorado stands out as an extraordinary and diverse experience, filling Spanish Peaks Country with music, art, and community workshops at the end of summer solstice. This year will bring even more artists for your dancing pleasure while other activities like juggling classes and yoga can keep you occupied throughout the day!
At Sonic Bloom, people come for the music. This festival showcases EDM artists like Tipper, Yheti, Schlump and Lab Group – their experimental sounds creating an extraordinary musical experience in Colorado wilderness.
Sonic Bloom is an event dedicated to music, but there is much more on offer here. Workshops spanning from learning how to paint or meditate to purchasing handmade items in its marketplace; not to mention several stages that feature performances by DJs and bands alike!
Are You Searching for Tickets to Sonic Bloom? Take a look here and view their lineup! Depending on your personal tastes, there is general admission or VIP passes with premium seating and other perks available; camping may also offer an immersive musical experience and maximized enjoyment!
Residents expressed concerns during the public comment period about finer details of festival preparations and fire mitigation plans, such as extra night of camping which would allow it to bypass county regulations that limit large events to four days duration. Regardless, event organizers defended their proposal as compliant with county regulations.
When attending the Sonic Bloom Festival this year, make sure to pack plenty of water! Additionally, be sure to bring along flashlight, sleeping bag and other camping essentials like flashlight and sleeping bags for added protection from sun. There will also be various onsite vendors selling snacks and drinks as well as a first aid tent available to provide medical help should the need arise.
Underground Music Showcase
Denver’s United Music Society will mark 22 years this summer and mark one of the longest-standing musical fests. Boasting over 200 acts across multiple venues on South Broadway, UMS serves as an unparalleled way to witness Denver’s growing music scene.
At this festival, visitors will find music spanning folk, indie rock and electronic dance music (EDM). Notable performers include R&B singer Audrey Nuna, The Knocks, Faye Webster rap duo Seratones Sudan Archives Jawny Bully Brasstracks as well as R&B singer Audrey Nuna. Additionally this year’s lineup boasts both national and local acts!
UMS festival provides more than music alone – visitors can also take advantage of various activities for attendees’ enjoyment, including watching an artist perform live from inside an active volcano at Volcano Room and participate in workshops that teach how to build their own musical instrument from scratch.
UMS strives to bring music lovers together with artists yet unheard of, through a series of events featuring over 700 discovery artists from Colorado and beyond. It provides musicians an ideal platform for finding new fans while promoting their work.
UMS artists tend to be unknown; some, however, have found fame after performing. Furthermore, the festival helps put cash directly into musicians at a time when our economy is struggling and many individuals are looking for employment.
This year’s festival welcomes Youth on Record as its co-producer – an organization providing resources and assistance for artists and music lovers who struggle with mental illness or other difficulties. This shift marks an exciting departure from its for-profit model of recent years.
Though this year’s festival takes on a slightly different form than previous editions, it remains one of the premier ways to discover new music in Denver and meet fellow music enthusiasts from all around the world.
