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Denver’s music scene rivals such cities as Los Angeles and New York, in terms of opportunities to catch live music. Coming from out of town, the sheer number of concerts is undoubtedly overwhelming, so to simplify things, Denver music experts at 303 Magazine have compiled a list of the must-see Denver shows. Many of these are exclusive to the region.
2023
April
Apr 3, 2023 — John Mayer (solo) @ Ball Arena
John Mayer is giving his fans the Ed Sheeran treatment on a special solo tour, with only his guitar in tow. The stripped-back and intimate-facing performance has been a long-standing goal of his, and a bucket list performance for his many adoring fans.
Apr 4, 2023 — Billy Idol @ Mission Ballroom
Billy Idol, one of rock’s greatest voices, makes a grand return to the stage on tour this summer. Catch him as he makes his debut at Mission Ballroom and throws his “Rebel Yell” to the rafters.
Apr 7, 2023 — Rauw Alejandro @ Ball Arena
Latin music’s “it” boy Rauw Alejandro, is fast at the heels of now-superstar Bad Bunny, in terms of global domination. His forthcoming arena performance at Ball Arena is sure-fire evidence of his quick ascent to that which seems inevitable — stadium headliner. Catch him while he’s hot because he’s not cooling down anytime soon.
Apr 19 & 20, 2023 — The Marley Brothers @ Red Rocks
For any reggae fan, this performance is one for the ages, as all of the Marley descendants link up for a star-studded performance at arguably the greatest outdoor venue. “Reggae” as a genre has rarely ever had a concert as quintessential as this one. Jamaica stands up!
Apr 21, 2023 — Ice Cube @ Mission Ballroom
America’s favorite gangster rap family man, Ice Cube is hitting the road, and no it's not an “Are We There Yet?” sequel. The West Coast icon is heading to Mission Ballroom with Westside Boogie for an education in old-school rap at its finest.
Apr 22, 2023 — Regenerate feat. Diplo, Camelphat, Charlotte De Witte and more @ Civic Center Park
Civic Center Park is getting certified dopamine high with Regenerate — an outdoor rave with some of dance music's most prominent emerging stars and heavy hitters. Now folks don’t have to wait until New Year's or even Global Dance Festival to get a jumpstart to the dancefloors in 2023.
Apr 25, 2023 — Goth Babe @ Red Rocks
Goth Babe is undoubtedly one of the hottest names in the indie music scene — with a passionate fanbase that folds the singer-songwriter into their outdoorsy and adventurous lifestyles. It’s only fitting that Goth Babe has his sights set on Red Rocks, arguably the greatest outdoor venue in the world. To many, this would be a match made in heaven, decide for yourself when they hit the famed venue on April 25.
May
May 3 & 4, 2023 — Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit @ Red Rocks
Americana heavyweight Jason Isbell is no stranger to Red Rocks. In fact, he basically has a residency there, it seems, based on how many times he’s graced the venue in recent years. However, people wouldn’t be returning in droves if it were anything less than amazing. At this point, he and his band are building a legacy at the famed venue — just know, it’s never too late to join in on the fun.
May 11 & 12, 2023 — Billy Strings @ Red Rocks
As if three nights at the 1stBank Center weren’t enough, the growing legend of Billy Strings is extending his reign over Colorado’s bluegrass scene with two back-to-back nights at Red Rocks. For an act that is dangerously close to stadium level, a Billy Strings Red Rocks showing may soon be a thing of the past, so drink it up now, and savor every moment.
May 26, 2023 — Funk on the Rocks feat. Chromeo & Hot Chip @ Red Rocks
This year’s edition of Funk on the Rocks is extra funky. Chromeo and Hot Chip will hold down the hosting duties of the annual affair, and they aren’t alone. Bringing acts like DJ duo, Coco & Breezy and emerging Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban funk machine, Cimafunk.
May 27 & 28, 2023 — Old Dominion @ Red Rocks
Contemporary country band Old Dominion is kicking up that iconic red dust at Red Rocks Amphitheatre over the span of two nights during Memorial Day Weekend. Not only that, but country music and tailgating go hand and hand, and there may be no bigger tailgate than this one, as country music fans descend and turn the Red Rocks parking lots into Country Thunder.
June
June 5, 2023 — Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Red Rocks
Indie legends a la the "Meet me in the Bathroom" era of rock music, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs make good on a long overdue comeback of epic proportions. Their latest album and their first in 9 years, "Cool It Down," emerged as one of the best of 2022 and simultaneously breathed new life into the outfit's storied career. Their return to Red Rocks will be another momentous moment for this iconic band.
June 6 - 8, 2023 — King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard @ Red Rocks
The Aussie rockers have a heavily heralded live show, and their reputation seems to be growing exponentially every day, especially in jam circles. So it's only fitting that they knock out a three-night residency of extended sets at Red Rocks in the heat of summer — it’s just a chef’s kiss of one of the most burgeoning rock bands out there.
June 10, 2023 - Kane Brown @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Breakout country/rock singer Kane Brown is no stranger to Denver, but he’s never thrown down quite like he is planning to this upcoming June when he is slated to hit Fiddler’s Green. The “Thank God” singer will surely delight an intimidating 18,000 fans awaiting his crossover country jams and his charismatic performances.
June 17, 2023 - Illenium @ Empower Field at Mile High
Illenium is readying one of the biggest nights for EDM in recent memory as he preps a stadium extravaganza for the ages. Expect a dizzying amount of pyrotechnics, lights and euphoria as Illenium flips Empower Field into a sea of bliss and boundless energy.
June 20, 2023 — Oliver Tree @ Red Rocks
Alt-pop oddball, Oliver Tree is putting on his largest show to date at Red Rocks, and fans should expect nothing less than the most ridiculous of experiences. Known for over-the-top and head-scratching antics, it’s truly shot in the dark what Oliver Tree will bring to Red Rocks, but you can guarantee if nothing else, you will be entertained, and maybe a little confused.
June 21, 2023 — Louis Tomlinson @ Red Rocks
Rising to prominence as a member of One Direction, Tomlinson hasn’t slowed down a bit, gaining his bearing as a popular solo artist in his own right. In one of his biggest gigs to date at Red Rocks, no less, on the heels of one of his newest hits, “Out Of My System,” Tomlinson feels like he’s on the cusp of his being the next artist to blow up from the iconic group, following Harry Styles.
June 24, 2023 — George Strait w/ Chris Stapleton @ Empower Field at Mile High
The “King of Country,” George Strait is bringing a show full of country royalty to the Broncos' home. Joined by superstar Chris Stapleton and country music staple Little Big Town, 70-year-old George Strait is poised to show Denver how he earned his crown.
June 26 & 27, 2023 — Zach Bryan @ Red Rocks
It’s hard not to love Zach Bryan. A constant crusader for the working class and a crisp songwriter to boot, this guy is fast becoming the poster child for the next generation of country music. His mythology extends far beyond the confines of the music itself into the wars he wages for the people, namely Ticketmaster, and his performances at Red Rocks this summer are no exception. This go-round, Bryan is more committed than ever to giving his adoring fans a fair and affordable shot to see him, and there's nothing more admirable than that.
July
July 1, 2023 — Dusty Boots feat. Colter Wall, Orville Peck, and More @ Civic Center Park
Civic Center Park is getting a hefty dose of country hospitality by way of a new festival concept, Dusty Boots. Headlined by Colter Wall and Orville Peck, the festival will also feature alt-country heavyweights like Margo Price, Houndmouth, Murder by Death and more.
July 3, 2023 — Blink-182 @ Ball Arena
The Blink-182 reunion is actually happening — this is real life. Mark Hoppus, Tom Delonge and Travis Barker, three of the most recognizable voices in emo and modern punk rock are together once again sharing the same stage on their first joint outing in 10 years.
July 7 - 9, 2023 — The Avett Brothers @ Red Rocks
The Avett Brothers at Red Rocks is a multi-night institution that unofficially marks the start of the dog days of summer. Everyone knows that a summer Red Rocks concert is hard to beat, especially if there’s tradition involved. As the Avett Brothers have extended their reign of Red Rocks shows, their return feels more and more like a well-worn and time-honored tradition, that everyone should be a part of at some point or another.
July 13, 2023 — Paramore @ Ball Arena
Blink-182 aren’t the only ones reuniting for a summer outing. Ever popular pop punk rock band, Paramore will be getting together once again for a powerhouse tour. Joined by the incredible Foals and viral sensation the Linda Lindas, this concert isn’t simply for nostalgia, it’s an ode to a checkered worn-out Vans, cheap band T-shirt-wearing lifestyle.
July 14 & 15, 2023 — Taylor Swift @ Empower Field at Mile High
Perhaps the biggest tour of 2023 is heading to Empower Field for not one but two consecutive nights. Taylor Swift ends her touring hiatus with her affectionately titled, Eras Tour. With COVID cancellations, the superstar singer/songwriter has not hit the road since 2018, and even more exciting is the fact that in the time since she has released four albums of new music and two re-released versions of older records with additional songs. That’s a truly massive and rather daunting amount of music to get through, but with how long it's been, you can guarantee that every fan will gladly take whatever they can get.
July 23, 2023 — Portugal. the Man w/ The Colorado Symphony @ Red Rocks
Now this is a treat — Portugal. The Man alongside the Colorado Symphony on paper is nothing short of delightful. The indie stalwarts repositioning their songs to feature full orchestral accompaniment sells itself. So, do yourself a favor and get on board for what may be a future masterpiece.
July 25, 2023 — Madonna @ Ball Arena
Madonna is the original pop queen who essentially wrote the rule book on modern pop, and she’s celebrating her legacy in a major way. Ringing in a 40-year career, Madonna is heading out on tour to honor her many decades and she’s inviting all the fans that she’s cumulated in that time. Prepare for a multi-generational shebang of colossal proportions.
July 31, 2023 — Big Thief and Lucinda Williams @ Red Rocks
Folk music has had a lot of history of big moments at Red Rocks, and the Big Thief and Lucinda Williams show is no exception. Big Thief's intricate storytelling alongside Williams’ evocative songwriting is a big win for the genre and unmissable by most accounts.
August
Aug. 15 & 16, 2023 — Beck and Phoenix @ Red Rocks
Beck and Phoenix are quite an odd match on paper, but dammit, if this isn’t indie royalty meeting in the middle, we don’t know what is. The group who brought “1901” and the homely guy who conjured “Loser” and “E-Pro,” along with special guests Japanese Breakfast and Sir Chloe, feels like a night of karaoke curated by Pitchfork Magazine, and you can best believe we are here for every bit of it.
Aug. 19, 2023 - Ed Sheeran @ Empower Field at Mile High
Much like Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran is hopping on the road and hitting Denver after a very long time away from The Mile High City. Having everyone clamoring to get tickets to see you comes with the territory of being one of the biggest artists in the world. Ed Sheeran is no stranger to such a type of fame, as he has amassed many hit songs.
Aug. 23, 2023 — Pantera & Lamb of God @ Ball Arena
Preeminent ’90s metal outfit Pantera are set to unleash soul-scorching riffs as they touch down at Ball Arena this summer. That doesn’t give folks a lot of time to get their necks ready for all the headbanging involved, but for those playing on attending — you better prepare now or forever hold your peace.
Aug. 27, 2023 — Vance Joy @ Red Rocks
Melbourne’s Vance Joy brings his love-lorn and well-traveled indie tunes to Red Rocks this year. The singer/songwriters' ascendent music will expectantly soar at the famed venue in the heat of summer, and make for some truly unforgettable moments for everyone who gets to be a part of it.
September
Sept 5, 2023 — Lionel Ritchie & Earth, Wind and Fire @ Ball Arena
Lionel Ritchie may have a new home on American Idol, but lest we forget the “All Night Long” singer comes absolutely alive on the stage. Joined by the equal party raising, Earth, Wind and Fire, this show is peak old-school cookout vibes. So, call up your uncles and your auntie and let them know there’s a situation on Sept. 5.
Sept 8 & 9, 2023 — Brandi Carlile @ Red Rocks
Brandi Carlile has emerged as one of the foremost faces of Americana music in recent years to the point where she’s even been called the voice of a generation. That voice is strong and emotive and mixed with her penchant for writing greatly affected and sincere music has made Carlile one of the best shows on the road today.
Sept 10, 2023 — RBD @ Ball Arena
Mexican pop band RBD is reuniting for the first time since 2009, and they are set to show the next generation that they were among the few who paved the way for Latin pop to explode worldwide as it is in the present day. For fans young and old, getting an RBD reunion is a welcome and very appreciated surprise.
Sept 26, 27, 28 2023 — Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie
Ben Gibbard is pulling double duty as he resurrects Postal Service and takes Death Cab for Cutie on the road simultaneously for what is truly a treat of a performance. Considering the sheer rarity of Postal Service alone, and that in itself would be jaw-dropping, both them and Death Cab together, feel like a consensual robbery. Just shut up and take our money.
Sept 27 & 28, 2023 — Tyler Childers @ Red Rocks
Country/bluegrass singer Tyler Childers is due to play two consecutive nights at Red Rocks in 2023. His working-class songs bursting at the seams with lyrical detail and emotional depth have put him in line with the likes of Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell. Childers is a one-of-one original, making his voice central to the movement for more depth in a genre that had long needed a refresher.
October
Oct. 8, 2023 — Carl Cox @ Red Rocks
British house and techno DJ, Carl Cox is one of the biggest and most well-respected names in the DJ arena, and now he is hitting one of the biggest stages in the world for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Club Red Rocks, as it will now be known from this moment forward when he brings his Hybrid Live set through, may not see a finer hour in club music.
Oct. 25, 2023 — P!nk @ Ball Arena
P!nk returns to Ball Arena atop her newest album, TRUSTFALL. The powerful pop singer and occasional acrobat is known for her high-flying stunts and vocal prowess live, oftentimes doing what few other singers will do. For her October 25 show, time will tell what new trick she has up her sleeves.
November
Nov. 16, 2023 — Depeche Mode @ Ball Arena
Synth-pop royalty, Depeche Mode is returning to Denver for the first time since 2018. The band who brought massive hits like “Enjoy the Silence'' and “Precious” is making their long-awaited comeback sans founding member and keyboardist Andrew Fletcher. What better way to honor his legacy than reveling in his work in a sea of adoring fans and continuing forward with grace?
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