Concerts
Attending a concert at Red Rocks can be one of the most unforgettable experiences in life for music fans. The iconic outdoor venue seats 9,000 music enthusiasts and is set against the stunning natural beauty of Morrison, Colorado – home to mountains and canyons where massive sandstone formations provide a breathtaking backdrop during the day; on clear nights millions of stars can be seen sparkling overhead.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre music is not solely defined by its location; rather, its unique acoustics amplify and enhance the experience for audiences and musicians alike. Nearly every genre has been represented here; artists have recorded albums that became iconic after performing here.
Red Rocks has earned its place as an acclaimed music venue in America, and musicians of all genres aspire to perform here. Burnham Hoyt, one of America’s renowned architects during construction of Red Rocks amphitheatre, ensured all 9,525 seats had an excellent view of the stage from their seats; Hoyt also worked closely with Civilian Conservation Corps workers from Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps workers to remove 50 cubic yards of dirt and rock while protecting its natural surroundings.
Red Rocks Park hosts concerts beginning early spring through fall, often hosting several consecutive performances at its amphitheater at once. Special events such as Easter Sunrise Services and “Film on the Rocks” add another dimension of musical delight; any visit here should not be missed by music enthusiasts!
Events
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado stands as an icon in Denver and should not be missed on a trip to Denver. Famed for hosting world-class concerts at its 6,450 foot elevation, visitors can also connect with nature by taking in all that surrounds it at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Amphitheater acoustics are legendary. A geological event 40-70 million years ago caused rocks that absorb sound rather than reflecting it back out, giving this venue its natural echo effect. Two 300-foot monoliths, Ship Rock and Creation Rock, act as giant natural speakers producing stunning sound for musicians as well as concertgoers alike.
Red Rocks is often described by visiting musicians as an incredible career highlight, with performers from every genre and all around the world coming here year after year to perform here – such as Brandi Carlile, Widespread Panic or Denver’s Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats who often return as headliner.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre draws visitors, even without concerts, for its stunning views and natural beauty. Denverites take great pride in this amphitheater as a symbol of cultural pride that they consider part of themselves and something they owe a debt of gratitude for preserving.
Amphitheater events vary, with concerts at night being the most frequently attended. By day, however, the park offers picnicking and exercise routines as well as challenging hiking and horseback trails – as well as offering visitor services like trading post and two music Halls of Fame.
Music
No matter if it’s rock music blaring through massive speakers or an intimate ballad performed by one artist – Red Rocks music events offer an unforgettable musical experience. Sandstone formations high above Denver add an enchanting quality, but its acoustics truly bring the music alive – every note seems to echo across its entire amphitheater like echos echo back from heaven down below.
Red Rocks Amphitheater has played host to an extraordinary list of musical icons over its long and distinguished history, from opera and classical performances in early 1900s through psychedelic rock in 1960s and 70s, soft rock became part of Red Rocks music scene as an everyday regular, while artists who can create grand orchestral landscapes remain frequent visitors of Red Rocks today.
At Red Rocks Amphitheater, many live recordings have taken place, including the cult classic “Carved in Stone.” Since 2000, three compilation albums featuring performances at this amphitheater have been released featuring acts like Blues Traveler, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jack Johnson and Tori Amos – as well as the Colorado Symphony Orchestra adding their magic to songs by artists like Sarah McLachlan and Warren Haynes.
Widespread Panic has long been one of the most beloved acts at The Rocks since their formation in 1985. They combine reggae, rock and jazz genres in an engaging musical blend to form their unique sound which has won them an enthusiastic following.
History
Red Rocks was used as a meeting place by the Ute tribe for hundreds of years prior to John Brisben Walker establishing music concerts here in 1870 and then developed further by local railroad construction engineer Leonard H. Eicholtz into Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre with roads, trails, picnic grounds and a stage built beneath its rock formations. Renamed Red Rocks in 1927 when Denver purchased it back from Eicholtz’s development; later still the city purchased and renamed again renaming Red Rocks by Eicholtz before becoming Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre by Denver that same year!
Amphitheater was created by Walker in 1911 to showcase stunning scenery and stellar acoustics that make it a premier concert venue today. A tunnel provides backstage-to-seat access and many performers have signed their names to its walls; among these was The Beatles who gave a legendary concert here in 1964 while U2 made waves internationally after their “Sunday Bloody Sunday” video performance at this same amphitheater in 1983.
Concerts haven’t always been peaceful affairs; Jethro Tull’s show in 1971 caused anarchy at a London venue that led to a ban on rock music until 1976.
Since 1973, the amphitheater has been recognized as a Denver landmark and later designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2015. On non-concert days, locals exercise while tourists explore. The park’s iconic steps offer visitors an ideal workout spot, and its monoliths belong to Fountain Formation which dates back 145 million years – believed to have come from ancient mountains that now include Rocky Mountains.
Denver
Red Rocks is an iconic geological attraction located 10 miles west of Denver that attracts concertgoers, music enthusiasts and outdoor exercisers of all kinds. Renowned for its epic acoustics provided by natural rock formations lining its stage (Creation Rock and Ship Rock are 300-foot monoliths that create unmatched acoustics), the park also offers hiking and biking trails, visitors center with trading post, hiking/biking trails as well as two music halls of fame – something else no other park can do!
Red Rocks features a capacity of 9,525 and offers guests the choice between general admission or reserved seating tickets, with general admission allowing patrons to sit anywhere within 70 rows; reserved seats will designate both a row number and seat; many guests find sitting nearer the front rows provides the best view and sound, while seating further back can offer more expansive experiences of its rocky plains and breathtaking scenery.
Due to the outdoor environment, concertgoers should check the Red Rocks Rules for allowed items. Be sure to bring clothing and gear appropriate to the weather conditions. Packing items such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect eyes; rain jackets in case of showers; lip balm and hand sanitizer will ensure everyone has an enjoyable and comfortable concertgoing experience.
Reaching and returning from concerts can be time-consuming and hassle-inducing, which is why RRX Shuttle recommends concertgoers use this bus service when purchasing their ticket. The shuttle will pick you up and drop you off from various Denver locations, saving you from driving in traffic afterward and arriving early – giving plenty of time for parking, finding seats and enjoying your performance without stressing out about finding transportation after the show has concluded!
See all the events this month at Red Rocks and see the 2025 Schedule that is getting new events added each day. Our partners at BuyTickets.com can secure your tickets now with no fees for all RedRocks Concerts and Events happening in 2024 and 2025.