Your guide to Colorado’s summer theater festivals in 2026
From Shakespeare under the stars to new-play incubators and mountain musicals, here are the Colorado theater festivals worth checking out.
Performing Arts
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Buntport’s new comedy ‘This Is The Day ’91’ centers a very weird world record
Buntport Theater’s original play follows three friends desperate to reclaim their record for most soft toys caught blindfolded in one minute.
Denver venues are closing, but open mics prevail
The Pearl’s recent closure signals changes in Denver’s open mic scene, but there are still plenty of them around.
Party Like It’s 1891: Pirates of Penzance Sails Back to Historic Elitch Theatre After 135 Years
On May 16, Opera Colorado presents a lively, accessible adaptation of The Pirates of Penzance at the Historic Elitch Theater.
I.C.E. Baby: Inside Colfax East Centers “Real Stories, Real People Happening in Real Time”
A new docu-theater work at Void Studios uses stories from Aurora’s immigrant communities to explore themes of identity and collective action.
Cleo Parker Robinson Spring Show Honors Slain Student, Showcases Memphis Street-Style Dance
The program brings Memphis Jookin’ to the Denver stage with a world premiere dance choreographed by Lil Buck.
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Black Gold Brings Five Points Stories to the Stage at the Bug Theatre on May 9
“We don’t know what people are walking in with, but when they see this, they are not going to leave the same way that they came in.”
Denver Pride Announces 2026 Lineup of Performers and Parties
The stacked lineup includes two collaborations with Denver queer artist collective PlayHaus.
Curious Theatre Staying in Acoma Home After Landmark Building Sale
After years of financial uncertainty, a $1.9 million deal ensures that Curious Theatre will remain in its historic venue.
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Remembering Ed Baierlein: Actor, Director and Germinal Stage Founder
Germinal spoke and breathed Ed, and soon became a courageous backbone of the theater scene.
Sacrilegious Sunday Heads to Creepatorium for an Alternative Form of Worship
Don’t worry, there will still be an Easter egg hunt.
Dog Day Afternoon: Colorado Shakespeare Festival Holds Auditions for Canine Star
On March 28, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival auditioned dozens of dogs for a scene-stealing role in Shakespeare in Love at CU Boulder.
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Bambi Ballgag Has Their Finger on The Pulse of Sapphic Nightlife
“It’s a horny, sexy environment, but people are very kind and sweet.”
World Premiere of Chalk at the Savoy Denver Explores Infertility Through Dance
“We wanted to raise awareness about the number of women that this affects because our stories are really, unfortunately, not unique.”
New Immersive Show Cryptic Blends Technology and Theater in RiNo
“We’re really trying to push against doing what is proven or what is known and try to find ways to innovate within the live performing arts.”
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Happy 2B Nappy Brings Black Hair History to the Stage in Aurora
“It’s so important for people to see reflections of themselves so they feel loved and we can have more people loving themselves in the world.”
New Play Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex Stitches Sharp Shorts Into One Biting Therapy Session
This February, And Toto too Theatre Company premieres Denver-based playwright Edith Weiss’s new comedy at Buntport Theater.
Nick Offerman Brings Big Woodchuck Tour to Denver’s Paramount Theatre
“It will be clumsy, but I’ll try and leave people smiling,” says Nick Offerman of his 2026 Big Woodchuck tour stop in Denver.
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Coco Bardot Is the Epitome of Black Girl Magic
“I’m well aware of the impact I have with whatever I do on stage, just because of how I identify.”
Colorado New Play Summit Turns Twenty with Four Readings and Two World Premieres
The DCPA’s 20th Colorado New Play Summit takes place February 14-15, with four readings of new work and two world premiere productions.
Robot Riot Brings Comedy and Science to RISE Comedy
New monthly show at RISE Comedy, Robot Riot, blends improv, standup and ethics for a uniquely Denver night of comedy and tech.
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Anyone for Pennis? Comedians Trade Bar Hangs for Pickleball Games
“Some people are competitive, but for the most part, we try to keep it pretty chill and just have a good time.”