Colorado counts nearly two dozen music venues with capacities of more than 2,000 people, offering the biggest local and touring acts plenty of room to stretch.
But bigger isn’t always better. Some of the state’s best, most beloved stages only play to a few hundred people, which is just the way some music fans like it. Here are six of our favorites, of any size, in the Denver metro area.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
If you and 9,525 of your closest friends have ever seen a show at Red Rocks, you know why it’s so special: mind-blowing rock formations that create unique natural acoustics; staggering views of Denver and the plains; a true sense of place and history; and a legendary, always-growing list of artists who have truly earned their way to the stage. If you can catch your breath from climbing the stairs at the Morrison venue, the feeling of unity during singalongs and dancing is unparalleled, too. redrocksonline.com
Gothic Theatre
A historic hall with great sight lines and booking, the Gothic has endured ownership and programming changes since it opened as a movie house in the 1920s to become one of Colorado’s best-sounding, best-looking and most charming music stages. With a capacity of 1,100, the art deco gem in Englewood is a reliable place to catch touring hopefuls on their way up, as well as locals and mid-level acts with solid fan bases. gothictheatre.com
Paramount Theatre
Denver has no shortage of historic theaters — see the Ogden, Bluebird, Gothic, Ellie, etc. — but none are as elaborate as the Paramount. Its vertical neon sign has beckoned artists and fans since the 1930s, with multiple renovations preserving its balance of Art Deco and classic movie-house touches. That includes “fanciful and ornamental architectural” touches from the Jazz Age (just try to stop looking at the ceiling), according to its website. It’s also a favorite spot for touring comics such as Amy Schumer and Nikki Glaser as well as folks wanting to record albums. paramountdenver.com
Hi-Dive
Since 2003, when Denver’s music scene was making moves into the modern era, the Hi-Dive has anchored South Broadway and the Baker neighborhood with a constantly churning, live-wire lineup of indie rock, folk, punk, metal and country, plus festival shows during the Underground Music Showcase and High Plains Comedy Festival. Its credibility and cool would be nothing, of course, without a great staff, cold beers, and a subversive sense of humor and style that sets it apart from more corporate-minded clubs. hi-dive.com
Fans stream pass the Hi-Dive between sets during the Underground Music Showcase on July 27, 2019, in Denver. (Photo by Seth McConnell/Special to the Denver Post)
Levitt Pavilion Denver
An incredible resource for the city, Levitt Pavilion Denver offers more than 50 free shows per year with diverse global artists from its location at Ruby Hill Park. That means everything from Indigenous metal to African pop, but also Elvis Costello, STS9, Larkin Poe, Lyrics Born, and Jimmy Eat World (a few of them paid, which supports the free programming). The wide lawn, kid-friendly vibe and accessible seating and food/drink options make it easy to get into and out of, and an ideal, last-minute summer activity. levittdenver.org
Mission Ballroom
Artists and fans have given this AEG Presents venue in the River North Art District nothing but stellar reviews since it opened in 2019, and they’re roundly justified. In addition to nabbing many of the best, large-ish and mid-sized touring acts along the Front Range, its GA-seating bowl allows for great sight lines from anywhere in the venue, plus an adjustable capacity space (i.e., a stage that moves forward and backward) that allows promoters to cater to an artist’s specific draw. Bars, bathrooms and entry/exit layouts are also some of the best in Colorado. missionballroom.com
