Red Rocks, situated on the traditional territory of Ute, Cheyenne and Arapahoe peoples, is both an amazing geological phenomenon and musical hub – hosting concerts and movie screenings along its landscape.
On non-concert days, the rocks are used for yoga, meditation and an annual Easter sunrise service. Furthermore, they’re an excellent fitness destination: one round around all 69 bleacher seats is equivalent to 110 stories of stairs!
History
Red Rocks Amphitheatre features massive sandstone walls known as Fountain Formation that were formed over 15 million years ago by geologic forces. Ship Rock and Creation Rock are two prominent twin formations located within this formation and stand higher than Niagara Falls to form a natural amphitheater for incredible concerts at Red Rocks.
Denver first inaugurated their amphitheater venue in 1941 after purchasing it in 1927 and hiring architect Burnham Hoyt to design it in the style of Taormina, Italy’s ancient amphitheater. Construction work took over five years thanks to Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration relief programs under President Franklin D. Roosevelt before the venue was complete.
Today, this marvel of ochre sandstone attracts both residents of Denver-Area as well as tourists from all around the world for hiking, running, picnicking, dining, watching concerts or movies, playing in the water or simply taking in its beauty. Every musician or band member’s bucket list should include performing there; while also being one of many things to do when visiting Colorado.
Seating
Your ticket will indicate whether or not it’s General Admission seating; The venue offers steep pitches, impressive acoustics and breathtaking panoramic views, making for one of Denver‘s most unique live music experiences.
Amphitheatre visitors with accessibility needs are well catered for at the amphitheatre, with wheelchair-accessible seating in rows 1 and 70 as well as I-MAG screens that provide information. Arrive early so you have enough time to access the accessible entrance.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre parking spaces are limited and often fill quickly, making ridesharing services the optimal solution to help avoid pre- and post-show traffic jams. Tailgating is permitted in certain sections of the parking lot but open-flame grilled items and oil frying equipment are forbidden; for more details regarding parking rules visit Red Rocks website; there are four ChargePoint charging stations at this venue too!
Views
Red Rocks’ geologically formed sandstone monoliths provide seamless acoustics that create unforgettable concert experiences, from country music to the Colorado Symphony and beyond. Red Rocks also features an on-site Visitor Centre offering educational exhibits, documentary viewings and the Performers Hall of Fame; during concerts you can grab food and beverages at Ship Rock Grille for a truly unique concert experience.
Film on the Rocks events are popular draws at this venue and provide an attractive setting for viewing cult films like The Dark Knight. Film screenings begin every Wednesday evening starting at dusk – providing concertgoers with the perfect environment in which to experience them!
Getting There
Red Rocks Amphitheatre provides the ideal setting for an unforgettable concert experience, whether you live nearby or are just visiting from out-of-town. No matter which side of the globe you hail from, visiting this iconic venue is well worth your while!
Be sure to arrive early with comfortable shoes! Parking lots at the venue usually open two hours before shows start and can quickly fill up; Upper North or South Lots are ideal, but if they become full make sure that you arrive for Lower South lots instead.
Do Take Note of Red Rocks’ Magnificent Acoustics: Red Rocks is an amazing venue for concerts because of its stunning acoustics, so make sure to listen attentively and appreciate every show!