With summer in full swing, it's the time of year to catch concerts at the state's many outdoor venues to soak up the sun and live tunes. Here are ten of Colorado's best outdoor venues that are worth visiting during the season.
Dillon Amphitheater
135 West Lodgepole Street, Dillon
Located in between the Tenmile and Gore Ranges, the Dillon Amphitheater combines scenic views and live entertainment into one breathtaking venue. You'll find boats bobbing in the reservoir at behind the stage, as the sun sets behind the stunning mountain views. Beyond live music, guests can find movies, yoga and Western dancing at the venue. And there's always the option to camp nearby for the ultimate concert experience. This summer, you can catch artists such as Alison Krauss, Modest Mouse and Sierra Ferrell at Dillon.
Fanny Hill
Snowmass, Aspen
Want a taste of the outdoors that aren't the slopes? Look no further than Fanny Hill, a concert stage on the mountain tops of Aspen. At approximately 8,500 feet in elevation, the 4,000-person venue hosts keynote speaker events and concerts for locals and visitors alike. Home to the Snowmass Free Concert Series, Fanny Hill connects to the Snowmass Mall and in-between the lodging community for easy access to live entertainment. Chicago-based artist Neal Francis will take the stage this Thursday, with six more summer performances in the mountains.
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
6350 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Greenwood Village
Every year from May to September, Denver's largest-capacity outdoor amphitheater, Fiddler's Green, opens to the public for a summer of sound. A$AP Rocky, Whitney Houston and Red Hot Chili Peppers have all graced the venue at one point in their careers. With an 18,000-person capacity, Fiddler's sits on over an acre of open green space and features a lawn for fans to sit on. Keith Urban, Cyndi Lauper and Nelly & St. Lunatics are on the lineup for the 2025 season.
Ford Amphitheater
95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs
The Ford Amphitheater is one of the newest outdoor Colorado venues, after opening in August 2024 (and disturbing the neighbors who made hundreds of noise complaints). Since then, the 8,000-person amphitheater has hosted OneRepublic, Primus, Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentleman and the Beach Boys. The venue has stunning mountain-vista views and unique features such as fire pits that make it a standout. This season includes shows from Glass Animals, Weird Al, Empire of the Sun and more.
Fred Shellman Memorial Stage
500 East Colorado Avenue, Telluride
Fred Shellman was a local legend in the Colorado music scene after he and his bandmates from the Fall Creek Band started the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 1974. After Shellman passed away in 1990, the festival expanded further into the massive gathering it's become today. In 2018, the festival dedicated a special stage in Shellman's honor in Telluride Town Park, where the new generation of bluegrass, folk and roots artists make their grand debuts.
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
530 South Frontage Road East, Vail
This Ford Amphitheater existed long-before the Springs got its own venue with a similar moniker. Known simply as "The Amp," the outdoor venue often hosts dance and music performances through the summer. The space opened in 1987 and hosts concerts and festivals such as the Vail Dance Festival and Hot Summer Nights.
Levitt Pavilion
1380 West Florida Avenue
Everyone should experience a live performance regardless of financial background, and the nonprofit venue Levitt Pavilion ensures that happens with its yearly free summer concert series. Located in Ruby Hill Park, the pavilion hosts more than fifty free concerts and local events each summer. From jazz and rock performances to mariachi and soul, Levitt is the perfect place in the city to experience local talents through a variety of creative lenses.
Mishawaka Amphitheatre
13714 Poudre Canyon Road, Bellvue
Want to explore up North? Just 25 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Bellvue is home to the music venue, bar and restaurant Mishawaka Amphitheatre. Found on the banks of the Poudre River since 1916, the venue is only open during the summer months. Former owner Robin Jones bought the property in 1991 to prevent the space turning into a parking lot, and sold it to Dani Grant in 2010. Ever since then, Mishawaka has welcomed artists such as Buckethead and George Clinton and is ready to host Social Distortion and Cliff Cash.
Palisade Park Amphitheater
685 West 169th Place, Broomfield
Just last month, a new amphitheater opened in Palisade Park for natives to engage in community events. Palisade Park Amphitheater is an open-air venue that offers intimate live performances with a laidback atmosphere. Festivals, farmers markets and a variety of arts and cultural events will take place throughout the year, rain or shine. Colorado musicians take the stage every weekend for both free and ticketed shows. Patty Storen Duo, the Awning Brothers and the Velvet Daydream are set to perform at Palisade Park this summer, amongst other musicians.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
When it comes to outdoor venues, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the cream of the crop, surrounded by large sandstone formations, trees and dreamy skies. The venue has a storied history that includes everything from dinosaurs to the Beatles, and is considered a dream to perform at by musicians from around the world.
Dillon Amphitheater
135 West Lodgepole Street, Dillon
Located in between the Tenmile and Gore Ranges, the Dillon Amphitheater combines scenic views and live entertainment into one breathtaking venue. You'll find boats bobbing in the reservoir at behind the stage, as the sun sets behind the stunning mountain views. Beyond live music, guests can find movies, yoga and Western dancing at the venue. And there's always the option to camp nearby for the ultimate concert experience. This summer, you can catch artists such as Alison Krauss, Modest Mouse and Sierra Ferrell at Dillon.
Fanny Hill
Snowmass, Aspen
Want a taste of the outdoors that aren't the slopes? Look no further than Fanny Hill, a concert stage on the mountain tops of Aspen. At approximately 8,500 feet in elevation, the 4,000-person venue hosts keynote speaker events and concerts for locals and visitors alike. Home to the Snowmass Free Concert Series, Fanny Hill connects to the Snowmass Mall and in-between the lodging community for easy access to live entertainment. Chicago-based artist Neal Francis will take the stage this Thursday, with six more summer performances in the mountains.
The crowd at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre for Earth, Wind & Fire this year.
Photography By: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
6350 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Greenwood Village
Every year from May to September, Denver's largest-capacity outdoor amphitheater, Fiddler's Green, opens to the public for a summer of sound. A$AP Rocky, Whitney Houston and Red Hot Chili Peppers have all graced the venue at one point in their careers. With an 18,000-person capacity, Fiddler's sits on over an acre of open green space and features a lawn for fans to sit on. Keith Urban, Cyndi Lauper and Nelly & St. Lunatics are on the lineup for the 2025 season.
The amphitheater has stunning views.
Emily Ferguson
95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs
The Ford Amphitheater is one of the newest outdoor Colorado venues, after opening in August 2024 (and disturbing the neighbors who made hundreds of noise complaints). Since then, the 8,000-person amphitheater has hosted OneRepublic, Primus, Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentleman and the Beach Boys. The venue has stunning mountain-vista views and unique features such as fire pits that make it a standout. This season includes shows from Glass Animals, Weird Al, Empire of the Sun and more.
Fred Shellman Memorial Stage
500 East Colorado Avenue, Telluride
Fred Shellman was a local legend in the Colorado music scene after he and his bandmates from the Fall Creek Band started the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 1974. After Shellman passed away in 1990, the festival expanded further into the massive gathering it's become today. In 2018, the festival dedicated a special stage in Shellman's honor in Telluride Town Park, where the new generation of bluegrass, folk and roots artists make their grand debuts.
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
530 South Frontage Road East, Vail
This Ford Amphitheater existed long-before the Springs got its own venue with a similar moniker. Known simply as "The Amp," the outdoor venue often hosts dance and music performances through the summer. The space opened in 1987 and hosts concerts and festivals such as the Vail Dance Festival and Hot Summer Nights.
Levitt Pavilion
1380 West Florida Avenue
Everyone should experience a live performance regardless of financial background, and the nonprofit venue Levitt Pavilion ensures that happens with its yearly free summer concert series. Located in Ruby Hill Park, the pavilion hosts more than fifty free concerts and local events each summer. From jazz and rock performances to mariachi and soul, Levitt is the perfect place in the city to experience local talents through a variety of creative lenses.
Mishawaka Amphitheatre
13714 Poudre Canyon Road, Bellvue
Want to explore up North? Just 25 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Bellvue is home to the music venue, bar and restaurant Mishawaka Amphitheatre. Found on the banks of the Poudre River since 1916, the venue is only open during the summer months. Former owner Robin Jones bought the property in 1991 to prevent the space turning into a parking lot, and sold it to Dani Grant in 2010. Ever since then, Mishawaka has welcomed artists such as Buckethead and George Clinton and is ready to host Social Distortion and Cliff Cash.
Palisade Park Amphitheater
685 West 169th Place, Broomfield
Just last month, a new amphitheater opened in Palisade Park for natives to engage in community events. Palisade Park Amphitheater is an open-air venue that offers intimate live performances with a laidback atmosphere. Festivals, farmers markets and a variety of arts and cultural events will take place throughout the year, rain or shine. Colorado musicians take the stage every weekend for both free and ticketed shows. Patty Storen Duo, the Awning Brothers and the Velvet Daydream are set to perform at Palisade Park this summer, amongst other musicians.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
When it comes to outdoor venues, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the cream of the crop, surrounded by large sandstone formations, trees and dreamy skies. The venue has a storied history that includes everything from dinosaurs to the Beatles, and is considered a dream to perform at by musicians from around the world.
Find concerts on our Denver concert calendar.
