Denver, CO (May 29, 2025) - Colorado may be best known for its abundance of active outdoor adventure offerings, but the state’s arts and culture scene deserves its time in the limelight. Throughout the state, visitors will discover a rich tapestry of cultural experiences—from world-renowned music and film festivals to enchanting open-air performance venues, captivating hand-painted murals, striking art installations, and museum exhibits that leave a lasting impression.

Follow an array of film festivals rolling through towns across the state, and start making advance plans to experience one of the largest independent film festivals in the world as the Sundance Film Festival moves to Boulder starting in 2027. Check out the lineup of outdoor venues perfect for enjoying warm-weather performances including the legendary Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. And don’t miss The Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit, which is breathing life into historic buildings in five landmark opera houses in Aspen, Ouray, Leadville, Telluride and Central City.

There’s no shortage of ways to become immersed in Colorado’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Find more information about Colorado’s unique arts and cultural offerings and more, at www.Colorado.com.

The Camera is Rolling at These Signature Colorado Film Festivals:

Telluride Film Fest (Aug. 29-Sep. 1, 2025): On Labor Day weekend, the mountain town of Telluride will triple in size as film enthusiasts from across the state and beyond flock to this little village to enjoy four days of total cinematic bliss.
Royal Gorge Film Festival (Oct. 2025): 2025 marks the inaugural year of this exciting new film festival in Cañon City. Come October, the festival will offer an “unforgettable experience that celebrates the legacy of Western film while showcasing fresh perspectives and fostering community connections.”
5Point Film Fest (Carbondale) (April 2026): This annual flagship festival takes over Carbondale and showcases the best adventure films in the industry. This event’s humble mission is to make an impact through dedication to sharing the works of diverse storytellers, alongside a lineup of live music, guest speakers, industry workshops, and community gatherings.
SeriesFest (Denver) (Spring 2026): Each Spring, Denver sets the stage for SeriesFest, a one-of-a-kind celebration of episodic storytelling. The festival brings together emerging creators and industry leaders for exclusive pilot screenings, insightful panels and hands-on workshops. SeriesFest has premiered acclaimed series like Yellowstone, Mr. Robot, Dr. Death, and New Amsterdam, while celebrating iconic moments like the 20th anniversary panel of Grey’s Anatomy, honoring groundbreaking television and storytelling.
Sundance Film Festival to Move to Boulder in 2027: The Sundance Institute announced Boulder as the new host of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. Through this historic opportunity, Colorado will honor the festival’s roots in the Mountain West, while supporting its ongoing growth and success and boosting the state’s creative economy. Boulder also hosts the Boulder International Film Festival, which takes over the city every spring.

For more film festival ideas across the state, click here.

Melodies Drift Through the Open Air at These Amazing Outdoor Music Venues:

The Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park (Grand Junction): The Amp at Las Colonias Park is an outdoor music and entertainment venue minutes from downtown Grand Junction and located along the Colorado River with views of the Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, and the Bookcliffs Mountain Range. It brings in a variety of music and entertainment acts throughout the year.
Dillon Amphitheater (Dillon): This amphitheater, perched on the edge of Lake Dillon features beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and the Lake Dillon Reservoir. The venue hosts a mix of free and ticketed shows throughout the season, in a visually and auditorily stunning setting for a capacity of up to roughly 3,600 people.
Ford Amphitheater (Colorado Springs): Opened in August 2024 and formerly known as “Sunset Amphitheater,” this 8,000-person venue is attracting some of the country’s top acts and boasts nearly 100 “firepit suites” for enjoying the warm weather during summertime shows, and incredible sunset views flanked by surrounding mountain sights.
Ford Amphitheater (Vail): This intimate outdoor venue, nicknamed “The Amp” by locals, sits in the heart of Vail. It can accommodate roughly 2,600 guests between the first-come, first-served lawn space and pavilion seating area. The theater showcases stunning sights of the Rocky Mountains. It can host various music and entertainment, ranging from cultural arts events like the Vail Dance Festival to the free Hot Summer Nights concerts, and a lineup of renowned musicians, DJs, and bands from near and far.
Little Beach Park and Amphitheater (Minturn): This venue in Minturn is nestled between the Minturn cliffs and the Eagle River, providing a stunning music and event space. The Town of Minturn hosts a free summer concert series on Thursday evenings throughout the summer season, and this year the lineup will include a special appearance by the 101st Army Band.
Mishawaka Amphitheatre (Bellvue): The Mishawaka Amphitheatre, nicknamed “The Mish” by locals, is a bucket-list venue in the Poudre Canyon and is celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2026. Nearby, Riverside Colorado is a new eco-friendly lodging option featuring furnished canvas wall tents, tiny homes, cabins, and lodge quarters, and provides a great overnight option for concert-goers.
Planet Bluegrass (Lyons): Planet Bluegrass in Lyons has been host to music events in a breathtaking setting for more than 30 years. Set adjacent to the paved, flowing St. Vrain River, the 300-seat Wildflower Pavilion is home to various performances, including the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, which brings together a sense of community.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (Morrison): Rolling Stone magazine calls it “America’s best amphitheater,” and musical legends including the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and the Grateful Dead have raved about it. Its reputation may precede it, but no trip to Colorado is complete without checking out the incredible venue. Designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and Department of the Interior, the amphitheater is just a quick 15-mile drive from Denver.

Learn more about Colorado's amazing outdoor venues here.

Get “Amped” For These Groovy Music Festivals & Music Series:

Dairy Block Artist on the Rise Concert Series, Denver (June 7, July 5, & Aug. 2, 2025): Denver’s Dairy Block hosts another season of Artist on the Rise concerts, featuring an amazing lineup of local singers, musicians, and bands playing FREE outdoor sets in the Alley.
Bravo! Vail, Vail (June 19–July 31, 2025): This event features more than 70 concerts and an expansion to five internationally acclaimed orchestras. Season highlights include the debut of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe; the return of Mexico’s Sinfónica de Minería at Avon’s Nottingham Park; premieres from composers Jessie Montgomery, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Sophia Jani; and more.
Revel in the Park, Winter Park (Aug. 8–9, 2025): The brand new, two-day “Revel in the Park” festival celebrates the great outdoors and world-class music at the Rendezvous Event Center in Winter Park. Look forward to guided hikes, biking, music, and other outdoor activities.
Camp Alderwild, Telluride (Aug. 22–23, 2025): Taking place at Telluride Town Park, this event is a two-day immersive concert and camping experience with a capacity of 7,500 (2,200 camping), for an event that blends world-class performances, locally curated late-night programming, and direct access to Telluride’s natural beauty.
Caveman Music Festival, Weston (Aug. 28–31, 2025): Historically a three-day music festival, the Caveman Music Festival has added a 4th day in 2025 to celebrate its 4th year! The event takes place at the picturesque Monument Lake Resort with headliners including Presley Haile, Charlie Shafter, Ronnie & The Redwoods, Jamestown Revival, and Emily Wolfe, among other artists.
Amplified, Cortez (Sep. 12–13, 2025): Southwest Colorado’s women artists will take center stage this fall during a two-day celebration of regional women in music at ZU Gallery in Cortez. The event combines live performances with the unique ambiance of ZU Gallery’s art collection and wine bar experience.
The Fancy Spider Music Festival, Trinidad (Oct. 10–12, 2025): The second weekend of October marks the launch of this brand-new music festival in Trinidad, featuring over 50 bands covering multi-genres that will take the stage at various, unique venues around downtown Trinidad.

For more information and ideas on music festivals across Colorado, click here.

Theatre & Performing Arts Take the State in an “Elevated” Setting:

Asteria Theatre, Grand Junction: The new state-of-the-art Asteria Theatre opened in September 2024 on the Colorado Mesa University campus. Greek for “The Stars,” Asteria was chosen to reflect the building’s architecture and humanity’s timeless connection to the stars. The 860-seat theatre will allow CMU to bring world-class performances and touring groups to western Colorado and to better prepare students for their careers in the modern world of the performing arts.
The Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit: World-class performances will occur amongst the magic of authentic historic buildings in five historic opera houses, from Telluride to Central City.
- Central City Opera Festival (Central City): One of the oldest opera companies in the country, this opera launches its summer festival in late June, featuring grand opera productions, classic musicals, opening night dinners, and even “Lunch and a Song” midday shows.
- Sheridan Opera House (Telluride): Experience a gem of the San Juans offering everything from indie music to plein air festivals, with a side of gondola rides and high-altitude magic.
- Tabor Opera House (Leadville): Colorado’s highest stage hosts concerts, theater and historical tours in a venue that’s quite literally “breathtaking” and dates back to 1879.
- Wheeler Opera House (Aspen): The Aspen Music Festival and School transforms this historic venue into a powerhouse of sound. Performances by rising opera stars on Saturdays in July and August offer the perfect cultural pairing for a day of hiking, art-gazing, or just soaking in the alpine air.
- Wright Opera House (Ouray): Nestled in the “Switzerland of America,” this venue will feature performances in a beautifully restored Victorian theater, including live music, film, and more.
Creede Repertory Theatre, Creede: Now in its 60th season, this venue continues to offer a variety of live theatre performances in true rotating repertory, allowing a visitor to see up to five shows in one weekend. From classics, musicals and special events to new plays and educational offerings, there is something for everyone.
The Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC), Denver: This complex, which is the largest performing arts center under one roof in the United States, boasts ten performance venues—all connected beneath an 80-foot-tall glass canopy. The Arts Complex is home to The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Opera Colorado, Colorado Ballet and the Colorado Symphony, which are all resident organizations of the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Little Theatre of the Rockies, Greeley: Join the University of Northern Colorado Arts this summer as it takes on its 91st season, with three entertaining productions: Dear Jack, Dear Louise, and the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. There’s also “Concerts Under the Stars,” which brings a diverse selection of free live music to the Garden Theatre.
Prismajic, Denver: This local Colorado arts company in Lakewood is a fusion of an award-winning immersive art experience, Shiki Dreams, a speakeasy called The Night Owls and a 150-person venue, The Woods. Prismajic creates programming, hosts local acts spanning live music, poetry and comedy.
Theatre Silco, Silverthorne: This venue located in the heart of Summit County celebrates 30 years in 2025 with its summer lineup, including Steel Magnolias, Escape to Margaritaville and more.
Vilar Performing Arts Center Unveils Renovations, Beaver Creek: The Vilar Performing Arts Center will unveil stunning renovations this June, featuring a new bar and coat check room, revitalized green rooms, enhanced lighting, and more. This cultural jewel in the heart of Beaver Creek offers unmatched intimacy with every seat within 100 feet of the stage, allowing guests to experience world-class performances in a spectacular mountain setting where top artists like Jerry Seinfeld have captivated audiences.

Learn more about performing arts experiences and offerings across Colorado and how the performing arts scenes in Colorado’s small towns pack a big punch.

Play a Part in Exploring These Art Districts, Museums, Exhibits & More:

The Art District On Santa Fe, Denver: One of Colorado's designated Creative Districts with more than 30 art galleries, studios and innovative businesses, this Denver neighborhood hosts events such as “First Friday Art Walks” and “Third Friday Collector's Previews,” which attract both locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss checking out the Access Gallery-a nonprofit organization that opens doors to creative, educational and economic opportunities for people with disabilities to access, experience and benefit from the arts and is celebrating 20 years of inclusive art in 2025.
Aspen Words Literary Festival, Aspen (Sep. 26–28, 2025): Hosted by Aspen Words, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, this event will welcome more than 40 nationally recognized, regional and local authors to downtown Aspen for engaging conversations, book signings and other literary activities. It’s open to the public and features an onsite bookstore, art activations, food trucks, parties and other public programming for adults and families alike.
Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, Breckenridge (Aug. 15-24, 2025): This celebrated event offers a mix of installations and performances exploring the interconnectedness of humans and nature. New for 2025, is “SPARK", an experiential art installation by Studio Roosegaard. Inspired by fireflies and the desire to reinvent traditional fireworks, SPARK is a poetic display of thousands of biodegradable light sparks floating through the air. Festival attendees will also have a chance to see and participate in showcases such as all-Black troupe Minty Fresh Circus’s storytelling on resilience, and an interactive on-trail marble run and Anna Tsouhlarakis’s works elevating Native American stories. Throughout the festival, guests can always embrace their own creative inspiration with a workshop like glassblowing, ceramics or metalwork in the Breck Create arts district.
RiNo Arts District, Denver: This grassroots nonprofit is made up of passionate advocates who believe in the power of art to connect people and create a thriving community. The district leans heavily on its industrial past, preferring to revitalize historic warehouses and factories rather than tearing things down. RiNo Art District has some of the best street art in the country.

Learn more about Colorado’s official state designated Creative Districts.

Painting a Picture of Murals & Outdoor Art Offerings Across Colorado:

Art on the Corner Celebrates 40 years, Grand Junction: 2025 commemorates the 40th anniversary of Art on the Corner in downtown Grand Junction, which has been recognized as one of the first free outdoor sculpture exhibitions in the nation. The installation features more than 100 permanent sculptures from artists all across the country and is welcoming 22 new sculptures to the temporary collection in 2025.
The Aurora Highlands’ Two-Mile Art Park, Aurora: This space features more than 20 permanent installations by renowned artists, including Daniel Popper’s viral Umi, Michael Benisty’s Broken but Together, and Olivia Steele’s neon-graffiti mural. The newest addition, Benisty’s 58-foot Liberty from Burning Man 2024, celebrates unity, courage and hope.
Fort Collins Mural Project (FCMP), Fort Collins: Known for collaborating with underrepresented and emerging local artists and businesses to promote contemporary art in public spaces in the city, The Fort Collins Mural Project will complete its 100th Mural in 2025, in Fort Collins. This year also marks the organization’s 10th year in operation.
KissFist Mural Fest, Denver (Fall 2025): This brand-new, family-friendly mural festival is coming to Denver in the fall, focused exclusively on artists from the deaf community. It’s an accessible event celebrating deaf culture through the arts, with live mural painting and an artist market.
Sculpture in the Park, Loveland (Aug. 8–10, 2025): In its 41st year, this event returns to Loveland’s Benson Sculpture Garden as the largest outdoor juried sculpture show and sale in the U.S. Attendees can admire more than 2,000 works from 160+ international artists. Proceeds will fund permanent acquisitions and park improvements—enriching Loveland’s vibrant public art legacy.

Read more about Colorado’s Open-Air Arts offerings.

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