Red Rocks Amphitheatre

The legendary venue's world-famous acoustics have long made it a favorite among musicians like the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Grateful Dead - not to mention other groups and artists - but this Colorado Park offers much more - from its Visitor Center and Trading Post to dinosaur fossils!

Millions of years ago, natural forces altered rock formations like Ship Rock and Creation Rock into what would eventually become Red Rocks Park. Now covering 868 acres, Red Rocks Park reveals geological marvels, meadows, wildlife habitats and an unparalleled musical legacy that rivals any other park in existence.

Concerts

As any music fan can attest, watching a concert at Red Rocks will leave an indelible mark in your memory for years to come. That is why it is imperative that you plan ahead and purchase tickets as early as possible - its incredible acoustics have played host to numerous legendary live albums like U2's "Live at Red Rocks" or Mumford & Sons "The Road to Red Rocks".

Red Rocks' rock formations are natural marvels, intended to absorb sound rather than reflect it back outward. Two 300-foot monoliths, Ship Rock and Creation Rock, create an intimate space where music truly feels alive in real time; whether that be jam bands filling the air with dense layers of instruments or singers soaring through mountainous venues like Red Rocks. Each performance adds something different and special to what Red Rocks offers as an experience - and each performance brings something new into Red Rocks.

Amphitheater events run throughout the year at this venue. Concerts cover a range of genres and yoga sessions are regularly hosted here as well. Additionally, Film on the Rocks events take place here as well; making this amphitheater an excellent opportunity for exploring Colorado landscape and culture via concert performance!

History

Red Rocks was formed over 300 million years ago as the result of geologic forces acting upon rock formations, during the Laramide orogeny, during which megaliths were moved around and into position to produce its unique acoustics and become its hallmark acoustics. Today visitors can walk the backstage tour and gain more insight into this spectacular piece of Denver history.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre was opened as part of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal programs in 1936. George Cranmer wanted the amphitheatre to utilize natural acoustics of its surroundings, with formal theater elements. To accomplish his vision he hired internationally acclaimed Denver architect Burnham F. Hoyt (and later Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Construction started immediately.

Red Rocks Amphitheater has seen legendary performers such as Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin (who caused fans to riot after her performance), Ray Charles, Peter Paul & Mary (which caused fans to riot after her performance), Peter, Paul & Mary U2 Eagles Jethro Tull Bon Jovi & Duran Duran grace its stage since opening; yet not without its fair share of controversy; alcohol sales weren't allowed at concerts until six years after opening and during a 1964 Beatles show attendees began throwing beer cans onto stage!

Events

Red Rocks has long been known for hosting music events since it opened its doors. From The Beatles' inaugural outdoor performance at Red Rocks in 1964 to U2's career-making 1983 film shoot here, this site's natural acoustics (music sounds the same across levels thanks to giant sandstone monoliths such as Ship Rock and Creation Rock) make Red Rocks one of the world's premier musical venues.

The venue's sloping pitch and incredible views make it difficult to find a bad seat, although windy nights may reduce sound quality at the top. A blanket or stadium seat cushion may help ensure maximum comfort in long rows of bench seating; general admission tickets are sold first-come-first-serve basis and seating capacities may be limited.

Red Rocks is a beloved destination, both among visitors and locals alike. Its striking beauty combines "awe-inspiring natural scenery with the energy of great performances," as stated on its official website. Additionally, Red Rocks hosts various other events like hikes and yoga classes; during a brief hiatus during 2020 pandemic limited shows and brought audience attendance down drastically; full schedules resumed with concerts and fitness events in 2021 with near full capacity performances installed under its new stage roof allowing the venue to return in 2021 with near full capacity performances being back on its schedules!