Outdoor concerts are rarely better than when they’re in the Colorado sunshine, but programmers know that whatever the weather, people are going to turn out. That’s not just because many of our best local-music series are free to attend, but also because the entertainment is so often worth paying for (save your cash for those drinks, food trucks and merch).
Lots of neighborhoods, shopping centers, restaurants and bars have their own free-music series, so keep in mind that the 10 listed here are just a sampling. See more at denverpost.com/things-to-do/music, and a roundup of both paid and free summer shows from our Cheap Checklist contributors at milehighonthecheap.com.
City Park Jazz
Summer isn’t summer without this long-running, free concert series at the city’s biggest public space. People of all ages and backgrounds gather with blankets, folding chairs and something to nosh or sip while a diverse lineup of acts entertains from the picturesque pavilion.
This year’s shows are Sarah Mount and the Rushmores (June 4); Stafford Hunter & Jazz Explorations (June 11); Dotsero (June 18); Ritmo Jazz Latino (June 25); Wellington Bullings (July 2); Chris Daniels and the Kings (July 8); the fourth annual Brass Band Extravaganza featuring Guerrilla Fanfare and Bourbon Brass Band (July 16); Otis Taylor (July 23); The Burroughs (July 30); and La Pompe Jazz (Aug. 6). Sundays through Aug. 6 at the bandstand and pavilion at City Park, 1700 N. York St., 6-8 p.m. rain or shine. cityparkjazz.org
Levitt Pavilion
There are just too many quality, free shows to list at Levitt Pavilion, the nonprofit amphitheater and national music organization that presents more than 50 all-ages concerts per year in Denver — as well as a handful of paid events that help pay the bills.
The May 6-Sept. 29 series brings a variety of genres to Ruby Hill Park in south Denver, ranging from rock, pop and jazz to folk, orchestral and Spanish-language music. Highlights include Sun Little (May 19, with Wayne Watts); Son Rompe Pera (featuring members of Calexico and DeVotchKa); Strange Famous Fest (with Sage Francis and his labelmates); Wailing Souls (July 7); Heartless Bastards (Aug. 4 with Matthew Logan Vasquez); Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra (Aug. 14 with Fiesta Colorado Dance Company & Baile Caliente); and Chali 2na & Cut Chemist (Sept. 23). All shows are at 1380 W. Florida Ave. RSVPs encouraged at levittdenver.org.
Clyfford Still MuseumÂ
While its full lawn-concert series is not returning for 2023, this Golden Triangle museum full of world-class abstract expressionist paintings is still offering a free violin performance by Mariama Alcântara (May 14; included with admission); a one-off free lawn concert, featuring snacks and drinks and performers at a date to be announced; and another Music in the Galleries program (Sept. 2; artist TBA). 1250 Bannock St. clyffordstillmuseum.org
Riverfront Park Summer Sessions
Formerly booked by Swallow Hill Music, this event is now owned by Two Parts (co-owners of The UMS) and has been whittled down to three shows instead of multiple per month — in this case on the third Thursday of each summer month. Performers have not yet been announced, but mark your calendars for June 15, July 20 and Aug. 16, when local vendors, food and drinks will be part of the festivities. Times TBD. Between 15th and 19th streets along the South Platte River northwest of downtown Denver. riverfrontparkevents.com
Discovery Park Summer Concert Series
Parker Arts sponsors this free series, which takes place most Thursday nights in June and July at the outdoor Discovery Park. The all-ages, 6:30 p.m. events include food trucks and performers such as Top Shelf 5280 (June 1); Conjunto Colores (June 15); Titonic (June 22); Jeremy Facknitz Band (June 29); 9’s a Pair — The Fireman Band (July 6); The Lonesome Days (July 13); Eric Golden (July 20); and the 6 Million Dollar Band (July 27). 20115 E. Mainstreet in Parker. parkerarts.org
Broomfield Summer Concert Series
This city’s free summer concert series (formerly Wednesdays on the Waterfront) features kid-friendly, pre-show festivities, courtesy of the Broomfield Library, alongside food and other options. This year features salsa, trumpeters and more, including “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History through Song” with Adrian Miller (June 21); Quel Bordel! (June 28); The Coffis Brothers (July 5); Jennifer Hartswick Band (July 12); Conjunto Colores (July 19); and Sonia De Los Santos and The Okee Dokee Brothers (July 26). Shows at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at various venues: Broomfield Library Field, Redpoint Ridge Park at Arista, and Midway Park. broomfield.org
UNC Concerts Under the Stars
The Garden Theatre at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley returns with another round of free concerts, this time pegged to Tuesdays in July. This year features the Colorado Jazz Orchestra (July 11); Mariachi los Mensajeros (July 18); Sala Forte (July 25); and The Burroughs (Aug. 1). Corner of 18th Street and 10th Avenue in Greeley. arts.unco.edu/concerts-under-stars
Snowmass Free Summer Concert Series
The ski village of Snowmass puts a lot of work into its summer offerings, including free live music on Fanny Hill, at the end of the Snowmass mall, Thursdays starting at 6:30 p.m. This year’s lineup includes Don Chicharron (June 15); Robert Jon & the Wreck (June 22); Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble (June 29); A-Mac & the Height (July 6); James Hunter (July 13); Chicago Farmer (July 20); Emily Wolfe (July 27); The Brothers Comatose (Aug. 3); LowDown Brass Band (Aug. 10); Digging Dirt (Aug. 17); and Honey Island Swamp Band (Aug. 24). gosnowmass.com/activity
Evergreen Summer Concert Series
Evergreen Park & Recreation District’s annual concert series features free outdoor shows alternating between Evergreen Lake Park and Buchanan Park Field, based on a resident survey that requested they be split up between the two venues. The picnic-friendly lineup this year is Kyle O’Brien & Friends (June 28); Blood Brothers (July 12); May Be Fern (July 26); and Cass Clayton Band (Aug. 9). There will be food or alcohol for purchase at Evergreen Lake House, and food at Buchanan Park Field, but it’s BYOB at the latter. evergreenrecreation.com
One Sweet Summer — Wednesday Concerts
Loveland’s free, public, outdoor summer concert series takes place at The Foundry Plaza, which hosts both the Wednesday night concerts and a rotating selection of other events (paid festivals, fitness, kids days, etc.). This year’s music lineup is still to be announced, but shows will take place between July 5 and Aug. 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., with local acts, food and craft brews. downtownloveland.org/onesweetsummer
