Red Rocks Amphitheatre will captivate you from your first visit with its natural beauty and spectacular acoustics. As one of America’s premier outdoor amphitheaters, music fans from around the globe flock here to see their favorite bands play live performances; whether that means rock, country, jazz dance music – the sound will leave an indelible mark in your memory!
The park’s unique acoustics were formed through millions of years of geologic forces. Two sandstone formations, Ship Rock and Creation Rock, serve as its signature setting: two large rocks that protrude from mountaintop and form natural amphitheater seating around 9,525 concertgoers. Their distinctive shapes – which angle downward towards stage left while rising toward stage right – add another element of intrigue when watching shows here.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre provides an extraordinary musical environment. The combination of natural acoustics and crowd energy creates an incredible sound experience; some of history’s best concerts, from The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix to U2, have all taken place here; you can hear virtually every genre in an incredible landscape that alone makes for a worthwhile visit.
Many musicians describe performing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre as like living out their dream: audience energy is palpable and it is incredible looking out across massive boulders and breathtaking landscape. Additionally, most visitors have taken an enjoyable hike before arriving – this also helps loosen people up so they can let loose and truly enjoy themselves during shows!
However, crowd disturbances at concerts do occur from time to time; one such incident happened when fans of Peter Paul and Mary’s fans threw beer cans onto the stage in 1964, leading to an alcohol sales ban at that venue for some time; similarly this also occurred at Jethro Tull concerts in 1971, and again when Aretha Franklin fans destroyed a piano at their show in 1968.
Apart from its signature acoustic performances, Red Rocks Park features other attractions including hiker-friendly Discovery Tunnel and Red Rocks Amphitheater Museum. Start off your show right with a drink at Ship Rock Grille or Row 71 Whisky Bar presented by TINCUP before watching, or simply relax in their peaceful environment – it’s sure to create unforgettable memories with friends or loved ones! On concert days, the amphitheater is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while other times it remains free for exploration. Don’t miss visiting the visitor center for photos and insight into its history – you can buy tickets either through its website or the ticket booth located within its gates! Parking spots are limited; first come, first served basis parking policies apply here.