New York, NY (Top40 Charts) With its 300 annual days of sunshine and unmatched sense of urban adventure, Denver is an ideal destination for festival goers; and this summer, there are festivals of all kinds nearly every weekend. The recent announcement of Grandoozy - the newest festival from Superfly, the creators of Outside Lands and Bonnaroo - has catapulted Denver's festival scene to a whole new level. There is also the brand new Denver BBQ Festival; a completely revamped A Taste of Colorado festival; and the most robust Red Rocks Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series schedule ever.
In addition to the newcomers, this year will also see the return of Velorama - the music festival connected to one of the largest U.S. pro cycling races, the Colorado Classic - and the return of Slow Food Nations, among many other perennial favorites.
"Festivals are an exceptional visitor draw for cities," says Richard Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. "They showcase the best parts of a city; in our case, The Mile High City's cultural, music, culinary and craft beer scenes - many of which are highlighted and intertwined throughout the events themselves. They are an ideal way to get the feel of a destination in a short amount of time, leaving visitors wanting to see and do more during their trip and in the future."
Below are just a few of the signature festivals and events happening throughout Denver this summer. For a full list, as well as hotel deals, go to the VISIT DENVER website.
Five Points Jazz Festival (May 19) - This free festival takes place the third Saturday of May and celebrates the history of Denver's Five Points neighborhood. Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs which played host to many of jazz music's legends such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and many more. The festival features a diverse lineup of music - from Latin to blues to funk and many other styles of jazz.
Denver Day of Rock (May 26) - Denver Day of Rock is a free event that features five stages of live music along Denver's 16th Street Mall on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. Headliners for 2018 include Elle King, Delta Rae, Dwayne Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellraisers,
A Thousand Horses and
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, among many other bands.
Westword
Music Showcase (June 23) - Westword
Music Showcase, the largest single-day festival celebrating Denver's music scene, will feature headliners
Galantis and Bonobo, along with national acts The Front Bottoms, Joywave, Magic Giant and Sunflower Bean. There will also be dozens of other local acts, voted on by the concert goers.
Underground
Music Showcase (July 26-29) - The Underground
Music Showcase (UMS) takes place at more than 15 different venues and stages along South Broadway and features more than 400 local and national acts. Having grown from just 300 attendees seeing four bands at one theater, UMS is one of the best ways to experience Denver's incredible live music scene. Lineup details will be announced soon.
Colorado Classic & Velorama Festival (August 16-19) - During this year's Colorado Classic, world-class pro teams will compete in circuit races in Vail and Denver - ending in The Mile High City on the final stages. In addition to the race, there will be a three-day music, beer and food festival in the River North (RiNo) Art District for spectators and athletes with performances by Glass Animals, Cold War Kids,
Vince Staples and more.
Grandoozy (September 14-16) - This September, Denver will host the first-ever Grandoozy - the latest large-scale festival from Superfly, the producers of the wildly popular Outside Lands and Bonnaroo. Headliners include 2018 Pulitzer Prize Winner Kendrick Lamar, Florence + The Machine and Stevie Wonder, and the festival will also host The Chainsmokers, Logic, Sturgill Simpson, Miguel, Phoenix, Young the Giant, St. Vincent, The War on Drugs, Ty Dolla $ign, Kelela, Denver locals Tennis, and many more on multiple stages over weekend. Grandoozy will also showcase Denver's arts and culinary scene and love of the outdoors with multiple experiences throughout the festival grounds.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series - Recently named to the
National Historic Register, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a world-famous outdoor concert and recreation venue located approximately 30 minutes from Denver. Red Rocks is recognized for its star-studded concert roster, stunning scenery and captivating ambience. The venue will feature several festivals, including the Red Rocks Beer Festival featuring
Stone Temple Pilots and Bush, and the Global Dub Festival. Concert headliners for 2018 include X Ambassadors, Khalid, Elephant Revival, Vance Joy, Odesza, Dispatch,
Widespread Panic and more. The full calendar for the Summer Concert Series and event schedules can be found online.
