What brings people together better than live music? Lucky for us, CU Denver’s campus is surrounded by the Mile High City’s vibrant music and entertainment scene. But that’s not all: Our very own Lynx—students, alums, and faculty—are often on the stage, in the crowd, and behind the scenes working on lights, sound, and production.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor experience on a warm summer night, a big-name show at a concert hall, or a small live music joint, we’ve got you covered with 10 of the best music venues in Denver.
City Park Jazz
Over the summer, one of Denver’s most beloved parks hosts free jazz in the park every Sunday evening. Pack a picnic and blanket, grab a spot on the grass near the park’s pavilion, and enjoy a mix of jazz, blues, and salsa performances by Colorado-based bands.
Final Fridays at Larimer Square
Larimer Square sometimes feels like an extension of campus, especially on the last Friday of every month (through Dec. 27) when bands leave us dancing in the street. The Final Friday series features live music and entertainment on this iconic Denver street. Plus, you can get a taste of the city we call home by exploring nearby shops and options for a bite to eat or a sweet treat.
Globe Hall
Located in RiNo, Globe Hall features live music every evening starting at 5 p.m. If you’re looking for a local spot to eat BBQ favorites, there’s a restaurant and an outdoor patio at this venue.
Larimer Lounge
Known for hosting up-and-coming indie bands and DJs, this venue is nestled among restaurants and bars in the popular RiNo district.
Levitt Pavilion Denver
This outdoor venue on the outskirts of downtown Denver is dedicated to building community through music. The amphitheater offers a free summer live music series as well as ticketed shows.
Lost Lake
Located a short drive from campus in the historic Bluebird District on East Colfax Avenue, Lost Lake offers a more intimate space for concertgoers.
Mercury Cafe
This funky venue in downtown Denver offers an eclectic mix of live music, open mic nights, swing dancing lessons, DJs, poetry, tarot card readings, and more.
Mission Ballroom
This nearly 4,000-person concert venue in the RiNo neighborhood attracts well-known headliners across various music genres.
Meow Wolf’s The Perplexiplex
Located inside Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station (an exhibition that CU Denver students helped bring to life), this unique concert venue features local and national artists throughout the year. The space itself offers an immersive experience with projections of life-sized nature and artistic scenes.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Last but not least, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind concert experience, look no further. Towering sandstone formations and unmatched views of the Foothills and Mile High City surround this popular outdoor venue. If you can’t make it to a concert, there is yoga every Saturday through the summer and plenty of hikes nearby.