Red Rocks Cold Weather Survival Guide: How to Stay Warm During the Last Two Weeks of Shows

Red Rocks Amphitheatre stands as one of the most iconic concert venues in the country, and a dream stage for musicians and concert-goers. But amid the excitement and natural beauty, it is increasingly important to remember that it is a fully outdoor venue with little to no escape from the elements.

This chilly reality is why the Red Rocks concert season will come to a close on November 15 with a four-hour Tiësto set; it's also why the November 6 Dustin Lynch concert has been postponed until April. Although we would love to see an extended show calendar, it's simply not safe to keep the venue fully open year-round. As any Louis Tomlinson fan knows from the golf-ball-sized hail disaster last year, ice and snow at Red Rocks is no joke, and it can happen year-round. That show took place in the middle of summer, and the venue has been known to see snow during its season openers in March and April (Wiz Khalifa was bundled up on 4/20).

But you can still have as much fun at Red Rocks during the colder months as you do when you're begging for a breeze in the summer heat. For all you truly dedicated fans and concert lovers, here is a survival guide to shows at Red Rocks under 50 degrees:

Layer Clothes With Intention

Preparing layers may seem the most obvious tactic, but it can still be easy to overlook when going to a live show. Warm wool socks, leggings and a long-sleeved base layer can change your entire concert experience, especially if you avoid cotton materials. While cotton is soft and comfortable, it is a slow-drying material that will generally stay wet if you get sweaty. The walk up to the amphitheater might keep you warm while you're moving, but it can lead to a damp and chilly show. Wool and synthetic fabrics make for great base layers to put on under your more flashy and fashion-forward pieces.

Although winter hasn't technically arrived, don't be afraid to wear your biggest winter jacket. This is Colorado — the ski and outdoors culture is rampant, and there is no way you will be the only one with a huge coat. See this as an exciting opportunity to pull out your new ski jacket or the heavy vintage coat you inherited from Grandma. Concerts are an amazing opportunity to pull from the more unusual parts of your wardrobe, so don't be shy when bundling up and make a fashion statement. Accessorizing with your biggest sunglasses or ski goggles will help keep your face warm and keep snow, sleet or rain out of your eyes for the night.

Red Rocks Climate Info

Despite the quick drive from Denver, it's important to remember that Red Rocks is 6,450 feet above sea level, a whole 1,000 above our Mile High City. This change in elevation counts when it comes to temperatures, especially as the winter winds move in from the Rockies — and the large rocks flanking the stage create a wind tunnel.

The Red Rocks website has a live temperature reading front and center on the first page. This makes it easy to take a quick look at the temperature and take weather into account before heading up to a show. These days, Red Rocks temperatures average between 20 and 45 degrees, with a quick drop when the sun sets at 5 p.m. or earlier. This means with any moisture in the air, your hair is likely to freeze to your face.

More Red Rocks Tips

While we suggest you bring your own, on most cold evenings at the venue there are folks selling hand or foot warmers, which can make a huge difference when attending long shows. It is also quite common for audience members to come prepared with blankets to sit on during long sets.

Umbrellas are not permitted in Red Rocks, so a raincoat or poncho is the best option when preparing for afternoon rainstorms.

Meanwhile, next year's schedule at the venue is already rolling out. See all the 2025 Red Rocks shows here.