Colorado’s summer weather never fails to inspire equal amounts of athleticism and leisure, splitting the difference between weekend hiking and beer-cracking, biking and grilling.
Cool in the high country, hot and dry in the city, and gloriously sunny everywhere, the summer climate also provides the best way to enjoy all the music wafting through Colorado.
Citylights Pavilion, that massive tent in the Pepsi Center parking lot that apes Denver International Airport, won’t be pitched this year and the next, but Colorado still offers its fair share of outdoor venues.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre: This gorgeous amphitheatre is possibly the world’s best, a natural wonder in its acoustics, awe-inspiring views and general surroundings. It does our state proud by reflecting the breadth of Colorado’s geographic beauty. It has also hosted the biggest, best bands in modern music history, from the Beatles to U2.
Location: Morrison
Capacity: 9,000
Amenities: free parking (expect a short walk), food and drinks, visitor center
Coors Amphitheatre: This massive House of Blues-owned venue, formerly known as Fiddler’s Green rivals the Pepsi Center in capacity but rarely sports as full a schedule as either that venue or Red Rocks. Lawn seats are an affordable but somewhat removed spot to catch whatever star or festival is filling the stage. The mass of people can overwhelm, but the experience generally is a sane one.
Location: Greenwood Village
Capacity: 18,000
Amenities: food and drinks, plenty of clean restrooms, parking for a fee
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park: The newest addition to Colorado’s massive outdoor venues also has the worst name, but it’s a welcome addition to Commerce City, an area hungry for big-scale entertainment. Built on 360 acres, the $71 million behemoth is the home of the Colorado Rapids and a slew of big-name concerts this summer.
Location: Commerce City
Capacity: 18,000
Amenities: stadium staples such as hot dogs, soda and beer, clean new restrooms, lots of parking
Mishawaka Amphitheatre: More modest than Red Rocks but just as nature-friendly, this Poudre Canyon venue is a favorite of campers and nature lovers, even if camping is banned on the premises this year. Named after a bend in the river and originally claimed 91 years ago, this amphitheatre typically hosts a diverse slice of performers. Check mishawakaconcerts.com frequently as its schedule continues to grow.
Location: Bellvue (near Fort Collins)
Capacity: 900
Amenities: extensive kitchen menu, parking, multiple public and private campgrounds within walking distance
Staff writer John Wenzel can be reached at 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com.
