Denver definitely qualifies as a music lover's city, ranking as one of “America’s Best Music Cities” by Travel + Leisure. Here’s how to spend a weekend indulging your passion, from Red Rocks to smaller venues with plenty of unique experiences in between.
Friday Evening
Let’s start this off right with a show at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. If you’ve been before, you know the magic that you’re in for; it never gets old. First timers, be prepared to have your mind blown as music floats on the breeze between two massive slanting sandstone slabs (Ship Rock and Creation Rock), which form Red Rocks’ natural amphitheater. Red Rocks is nothing short of a national treasure and a mecca for music fans. No matter who performs in this naturally formed sandstone amphitheater, you’ll have an unforgettable time. Check the Red Rocks calendar for upcoming events.
Where to Stay
The Origin Hotel Red Rocks is the official hotel of Red Rocks and will put you just three minutes from the venue. On concert nights, the hotel shuttle will conveniently drop you at the top of the amphitheater and pick you up afterward for a small fee. A huge red sculpture on the hotel exterior reads “ROCKS,” a community guitar in the lobby awaits strumming fingers, and the luxe Red Rocks Suite is decorated with music-inspired artwork and memorabilia. Or check into the Thompson Denver in downtown and drop the needle. Every room has a Victrola turntable and a stack of records. For something truly special, stay in the Beatles Suite at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa by Marriott — the very room the band stayed in when they played at Red Rocks in 1964. There’s a custom Beatles jukebox, vintage photos, framed records and tons of modern comforts.
Saturday Morning
Head back to Red Rocks in the light of the day to explore the Red Rocks Visitor Center, which has impressive displays about the famous musicians who have played Red Rocks over the years and left signed memorabilia. Get some fresh air and admire the geology that makes Red Rocks truly unique by taking a hike on the trails in the surrounding park.
Saturday Midday
Grab lunch at Illegal Pete’s, a favorite low-key, local burrito joint with delicious, potato-studded burritos, bowls, quesadillas and tacos. You’ll feel good knowing that their longtime Starving Artists program encourages touring bands to sign up for free food vouchers, so they can stop in for a hot meal while they’re in town. Illegal Pete’s even has a small record label, Greater Than Collective, which is cultivating about a dozen artists.
The Ogden Theatre
Saturday Evening
Finally, it’s time to see what Denver’s live music scene is really all about. There are some three dozen venues in Denver, and every local has their favorite. But for a reliably awesome experience, start with the Ogden Theatre, a just-right-sized, standing-room-only venue that gets a refreshing mix of recognizable acts (Jenny Lewis, Maggie Rogers, Sterolab) and local up-and-comers, too. Or if you go for tiny and dive-y, Larimer Lounge is a true launchpad for emerging rock artists. For a venue that’s extremely well-tapped-into the best jam, electronic and hip-hop groups around, try Cervantes Masterpiece, which was a jazz club in the 1930s, in the historic Five Points neighborhood. Speaking of jazz, enjoy craft beer and live music at Spangalang Brewery. Its name hints at the neighborhood’s jazz heritage by paying homage to a classic cymbal rhythm. Another way to experience jazz is to head to Dazzle, named one of the best jazz clubs in the U.S. It's located downtown at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, which is also home to the Colorado Symphony. Or experience an outstanding sound and light system at Mission Ballroom in the River North Art District (RiNo). Lineups includes the Lumineers, Ben Harper, Brandi Carlile, Bastille and the Raconteurs.
Sunday Morning
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox is a brothel-turned-peep-show-parlor-turned-restaurant. (Really.) The swanked-out joint has intimate balcony seating and a surrounding sunken stage that hosts performances most evenings. On Sundays, brunch comes with a side of live music, too, with performers ranging from Wes Watkins, the trumpet player of Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, to bluegrass bands. While you enjoy the tunes, try the crème brûlée French toast or the arepas Benedict, paired with a bottomless mimosa.
Sunday Afternoon
Arguably one of the last great independent record stores in America, Twist and Shout has been in Denver, in various incarnations, since 1988. It's hosted in-store concerts by the likes of Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, My Morning Jacket and more. Head here on the weekend and you’ll join voracious vinyl fans browsing the colorful, sprawling shop for hours. Other places to appreciate vinyl include Wax Trax Records, which opened in Capitol Hill in 1975, and Garage Sale Vintage, offering curated vinyl records alongside handcrafted cocktails, live DJ sets and themed events in Denver's LoDo neighborhood.
Sunday Evening
The last evening of your busy weekend calls for some low-key jazz vibes. For that, plus authentic Denver character, head to Nocturne, a modern jazz and supper club in RiNo. Nocturne features live jazz every night; carefully curated wine, beer and cocktail offerings; and a one-of-a-kind seasonal culinary program anchored by a jazz-inspired, five-course tasting menu. Make a reservation on Nocturne's website.
