Colorado Official State Vacation Guide - 2025

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

The naturally occurring, acoustically perfect, jaw-droppingly scenic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison is the mother of all outdoor music venues. Built into the rust-colored cliffs just outside of Denver, this stage is renowned for its impeccable sound quality, which complements performances ranging from folky rambles to bass-pumping EDM sets. And it’s been captivating audiences and musicians alike for more than 100 years now, hosting icons like The Beatles and John Denver.

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Locals affectionately refer to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater as “The Amp,” but visitors will also want to get familiar with this Vail Valley stage for its tunes and rugged views of the Gore Range. Lay down a blanket and lounge on the lawn or get closer to the performers by reserving seats near your favorite artists in the pavilion. In the evening, watch as the sky sets ablaze with rose-colored clouds. And once the sun descends westward over the mountains and stars begin to appear, the celestial show above just might rival the on-stage performances. The natural beauty surrounding this venue sets the scene for events like the Vail Dance Festival, Bravo! Vail Music Festival and the free Hot Summer Nights series.

Ford Amphitheater

One of Colorado’s newest outdoor music venues, Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs offers a wide range of soulful performances and spectacular sunsets behind Pikes Peak. Dozens of highly anticipated shows are slated to appear on the stage already. And there’s no such thing as a bad seat at this amphitheater. Near the front, you can see your favorite artists up close; farther back, you can gaze at the Rocky Mountain views that made Gold Rush pioneers giddy when they first spied them as they crossed the Great Plains.

The Michael Klein Music Tent at Aspen Music Festival and School

Echoing the Sawatch Range’s white peaks, The Michael Klein Music Tent’s canopy boasts the acoustics of a concert hall and the romance and freshness of an open-air pavilion. Surrounded by tall, white-trunked poplars and bright-green grass dotted with a rainbow of wildflowers, this venue is encompassed by serene natural beauty. If you walk the grounds on a warm summer day, you might even spot a music student practicing a violin tune among the trees. Step inside the tent to hear recitals from the Aspen School of Music, Jazz Aspen Snowmass and the Aspen Chamber Symphony.

Dillon Amphitheater

Sailboats crisscross the crystal-blue alpine lake that serves as the backdrop for this stunning stage on the banks of Lake Dillon. Sit back and relax as you watch a vibrant summer sunset reflect across the sparkling water, listening to the voices of established and emerging artists echo through the valley. The Dillon Amphitheater is a bit of a hidden gem in Colorado, where fans of the venue itself often book tickets every year, with the music as a secondary — but crucial — factor.

The Fred Shellman Memorial Stage

Jagged San Juan peaks tower over Telluride Town Park, where you can soak in 360 degrees of mountain views from your spot by The Fred Shellman Memorial Stage. The craggy landscape that surrounds the box canyon creates a breathtaking setting for signature music events like Telluride’s Blues & Brews Festival, Jazz Celebration and Bluegrass Festival. And when the season transitions from summer to early fall, the aspen groves that frame the stage glow bright gold. Many visitors set up tents at the park campground during multiday musical events and summertime shows so they can wake up amid the action.

Mishawaka Amphitheatre

Set on the wooded banks of the Cache la Poudre River, Mishawaka Amphitheatre in Bellvue, just west of Fort Collins, attracts big crowds with its lineup of jam bands, all set against the background of a rustic, lodgepole-pine stage. While you’re rocking out, you can peer at the rocky hills beyond the performance platform where you just might see bighorn sheep grazing. Between sets, listen for whitewater whooshing past in the river below this locally loved venue.

Red Rocks History

The giant sandstone outcroppings that form the walls of Red Rocks Amphitheatre are higher than Niagara Falls and are part of the geological Fountain Formation, deposited approximately 280 million years ago.

Discover even more reasons to love Red Rocks on Colorado.com.

Know Before You Go

Colorado’s weather and terrain are stunning, but they can change drastically. Before you depart for the show, check conditions, wear appropriate footwear and pack layers, sun protection and rain gear.

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