Boulder's Hot Summer Music Scene
Several nights a week throughout the summer, you can head to a live show under the stars for dancing, picnicking and soaking up the sweet sounds of music on the Colorado breeze. There are also several annual music festivals to celebrate all things song. Or beat the heat with an indoor concert or silent film series with live musical accompaniment.
Outdoor Concerts
Bands on the Bricks
June 10-July 29, 2026. Free.
On Wednesdays, Bands on the Bricks rocks the 1300 Block of Pearl Street. Enjoy performances from top local and regional musicians, and get your groove on Pearl Street's famous brick walkway. An outdoor beer/wine/margarita garden is available at 5:30pm, with the opening musical acts starting at 6pm and headlining acts 7-9pm.
Flatiron Sounds Music Festival
June 21, 2026. Free.
Single-day festival held in the historic and beautiful Chautauqua Park at the base of the Flatirons. Enjoy musical performances from local Colorado bands, a beer garden, a variety of food trucks and a local artisan market featuring a variety of Colorado vendors.
2026 Lineup:
- Neal Francis
- Lindsay Lou
- Armchair Boogie
- Blessing Bled Chimanga
- Pick & Howl

Arts in the Park
June-July. Ticket prices vary.
Arts in the Park plays host to vibrant arts and cultural performances at the historic Glen Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area. Times and prices vary, so make sure to check the website for details.
Concerts in the Park
May-July, 2026. Free.
Monday evenings throughout the summer, the Boulder Concert Band plays in a different Boulder park each week for Concerts in the Park. Bring a picnic!
Roots Music Festival
August 27-30, 2026
600+ artists play across more than 10 stages at this community-focused music festival, bringing together rising stars to accomplished veteran talent from across Colorado.
Meadow Music for Families
TBA, 2026. Free.
Meadow Music, an annual series of kids' concerts that takes place in Chautauqua Meadow and the Boulder Bandshell, are free, science and nature-focused, with creative costumes and loads of audience participation. Come see the dynamic duo of Jeff and Paige perform to their little fans and sing about science in the most creative ways imaginable.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Select dates, spring–fall. Prices vary.
The legendary Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in nearby Morrison (not to be confused with Boulder's own Red Rocks hiking trail) is a summertime must, hosting an unbelievable lineup of bands all season long. It is just a 45-minute drive from Boulder. In 2025, we can't wait to see Lucy Dacus, Sting, Lord Huron, Halsey, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and so, so, so many more! Here's the 2025 schedule.
Concerts at Folsom Field
Select dates, summer–fall. Prices vary.
Each year, for a few select dates, Folsom Field transforms from a legendary college football stadium into a concert arena with sunset views of the Flatirons. The stadium has famously hosted Dead & Co, Tyler Childers, Fleetwood Mac, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones the Eagles over the decades.
2026 lineup
- June 6 — Mumford & Sons
- July 18 — Tyler Childers with Jon Batiste
- August 22 — RÜFÜS DU SOL
After the show, keep the good vibes going — select Boulder restaurants are staying open late just for Phish fans. Swing by for some post-concert bites, drinks, and a warm local welcome.
The Bee Hugger Summer Concert Series
Select Thursday evenings, July-August.
Watch local musicians perform on a local farm while the sun sets behind the mountains off in the distance. These family-friendly events will also have opportunities to feed farm animals, purchase fresh, raw honey and participate in other farm activities. Please pack in and pack out your food, drinks and chairs. No dogs allowed. Learn more and see upcoming concerts here.
Pearl Street Buskers
Anytime. Free (tipping encouraged).
Pretty much anytime you walk down Pearl Street — a brick-paved pedestrian lane in historic downtown Boulder — you'll see crowds gathered around street performers, as they put on their shows. And often those street performers are musicians: violinists, a bassist who stands atop his instrument as he plays, singer-songwriters, drummers and even a pianist.

Indoor Concerts
Chautauqua Auditorium
Select dates, summer–fall. Prices vary.
Shawn Colvin said that playing in the Chautauqua Auditorium was like playing inside a guitar. That's how good the acoustics are in this all-wood structure built in 1898. Each summer the auditorium hosts musicians such as the Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, St. Paul & The Broken Bones and The Gipsy Kings during the Chautauqua Summer Concert Series. Additionally, the Colorado Music Festival takes up residency in the auditorium each summer, putting on several weeks' worth of orchestral concerts.
Velvet Elk Lounge
Select dates, year round. Prices vary.
Boulder's newest music venue is the intimate, always-happening club you've been craving, with great food and cocktails on top of that. The Velvet Elk's musical lineup is perpetually packed with great acts and new discoveries, just a few steps off Pearl Street.
Fox Theatre
Select dates, year round. Prices vary.
Rolling Stone magazine named the Fox Theatre one of the best places in the U.S. for live music. Being on University Hill, it caters to a college crowd but draws a huge variety of accomplished artists. Shows happen year-round, and in August, the Triple A Radio Conference comes to town, and the Fox plays host to several top-name acts associated with the event. Previous performers have included Dave Matthews, Jason Mraz, Grace Potter and John Mayer.

Boulder Theater
Select dates, year round. Prices vary.
The art deco marquee on the outside of the historic building is the first suggestion of an exceptional experience. Located in downtown Boulder, just steps from the Pearl Street Mall, the Boulder Theater is beautifully restored with art deco ornamentation, including hand-painted murals and a fresco ceiling. The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Madeleine Peyroux, Branford Marsalis and Johnny Cash have all performed here.

Etown Music Hall
Select dates, year round. Prices vary.
eTown is a weekly radio broadcast heard on NPR and commercial stations. The shows are taped in front of a live audience at eTown Hall, the most eco-friendly music venue in Colorado, with performances from musicians as well as conversations about the world. Being in the audience is a peek behind the scenes — you'll be a part of the soundcheck, witness how the show is produced and hear bloopers. Musicians like Warren Haynes, Martin Sexton and David Gray coupled with interviewees like Jimmy Carter create a one-of-a-kind, live radio show. It is a fun evening of music and inspiration.
Music Events and Festivals
Colorado Music Festival
July 9-August 9, 2026
The internationally acclaimed Colorado Music Festival is held across several weeks each summer at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing an orchestra of professional classical musicians from all over the world.
Colorado Music Festival
Boulder Creek Fest
May 22-25, 2026
Boulder Creek Fest is Boulder's biggest annual celebration of music, markets, food, craft beer, family-friendly activities and much more.
Colorado Brazil Fest
August 6-8, 2026
Colorado Brazil Fest is hosted by Boulder Samba School, the only organization in the state dedicated to promoting the rich heritage of Brazilian music, dance, and culture. Enjoy live music performances and dance at the Glen Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area.
Upcoming Live Music Events
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