Top 10 Colorado Music Events To Attend This Summer

Colorado is known as a very musical state. From the mountain town bars, to having the top outdoor venue in the country, there can be entertainment found every night of the week. Summer is a spectacular time to enjoy the outdoor activities then go see your favorite band throw down their best set of the year at Red Rocks.

Choosing which events to attend can be hard, but with so much going on, it's impossible to do it all. iEDM is here to help you. Here is our countdown of the top 10 Colorado music events to attend this summer 2018.

1. Global Dance Festival

Sports Authority at Mile High - July 20-July 21

Graduating from their old home at Red Rocks, Global Dance Festival is expanding to a venue that can hold their growing fanbase. For their 16th year, they will have new stages, rides and more artists than before. From Deadmau5, Flux Pavillion, Doctor P to Gucci Mane, Kevin Gates and Machine Gunkelly, this festival is bringing out only the best. We are very excited to see what this team brings to the table, raising the bar for the already acclaimed Denver music scene.

2. Griz (+Live Band!)

Red Rocks Amphitheater - July 13-July 14

When music connoisseurs think about Colorado, Red Rocks is always a topic of that discussion. From the lively lot to the majestic rocks and the positive people to those full moon nights, this venue has only hosted the best in music and Griz has been bestowed with two nights to funk with us. But wait there’s more, he is bringing out a live band the first night! This would be the perfect opportunity to get together with friends you have not seen in awhile or perhaps introduce someone to their first electronic show. No matter who you come with make sure you bring that smile and your best air saxophone.

3. Arise Music Festival

Sunrise Ranch, Loveland, CO - Aug. 3-Aug. 5

Arise Music Festival is a family-ran festival hosted on their beautiful farm. As a transformational festival providing not only opportunities to celebrate and release but also equip their attendees with the ability to participate in workshops, yoga and interactive villages. This event is on the forefront of festivals that closely resemble what we wish to see our communities like in the future. I highly recommend taking time to catch Thievery Corporation’s variety of artists from around the world and Slightly Stoopid’s laid back words of wisdom. This event will guide you through a labyrinth of mirrors showing you the best versions of yourself and how obtainable they are.

4. The String Cheese Incident

July 17-July 18 Dillon Amphitheater & July 20-July 22 Red Rocks Amphitheater

Five days! Five days packed full of the most diverse sounds neatly packaged up into a magical journey zooming through all time and all space. String Cheese will be gracing their home state with five performances at two of Colorado’s most famous amphitheaters. Red Rocks being one and other being Dillon Amphitheater. If you have not heard of the latter, let me tell you now that it is a must see regardless if you can make it out for Cheese or not. Placed on Lake Dillon with the Rockies and their reflection behind the stage, this venue will leave you feeling grateful. If you are an experienced Cheesehead, help remind the newcomers that is a marathon not a sprint. Those five day runs take some practice!

5. HARD Red Rocks

Red Rocks Amphitheater - August 2

If you can’t get enough of Red Rocks, no worries! Red Rocks will be hosting HARD Red Rocks once again this year. Whip out that rave wear for this one. With DJ Snake, Virtual Self, Mija, GG Macgree, and Hekler bringing their best, this is the perfect show to let out all that tension. And if you are ever worried about getting home safe might we suggest looking into Bus To Show. This amazing non-profit seeks to reduce carbon emissions and prevent drunk drive by creating a fun option to get people to Red Rocks and back into town. They have buses running from Denver, Boulder AND Fort Collins. If you are looking for a fun experience and a reliable ride home, check them out!

6. Pretty Lights

Red Rocks Amphitheater - Aug. 10-Aug. 11

Is it even a Colorado summer if you have not seen Pretty Lights? Always putting on a great show, Derek knows how to treat his home state. Throwing a spin on the old and reinventing the way we perceive tunes Pretty Lights is always an experience. Remember to take some time before the show to make some new friends and check out all the art. Pretty Lights fans will be sure to receive you with open arms.

7. Velorama

2700 Blake St (RiNo Art District) - Aug. 17-Aug. 19

Bands, bikes and brews, Colorado’s favorites. We are super excited to see Velorama for it’s second year in the RiNo Arts District. Headlined by Glass Animals, Cold War Kids and Matt and Kim, Velorama has created a new kind of event that combines great music with our love for cycling. So bring your bikes and feel free to bring your kids. This is a great event to attend with family members, coworkers, neighbors or maybe friends that are into different music than you.

8. Illenium

Red Rocks Amphitheater - Aug. 29

We are ecstatic to have Illenium on our top ten events this summer. Through hard work and persistence, Illenium has made his way in the heart of music lovers and is playing his first show at Red Rocks this August. Although this show is already sold out, keep your eyes peeled for tickets being sold at face value( Yes! They do exist.) Do not give into scalpers, a little hope goes a long way! We hope to see you there.

9. Grandoozy

Overland Park Golf Course - Sept. 14-Sept. 16

Brought to you by the creators of Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, Colorado is being blessed with another spectacular lineup. With Kendrick Lamar, Florence the Machine and Stevie Wonder, all your tastes in music will be met! As Colorado’s music scene continues to flourish, there is room for all artists, production companies and fans. So let’s welcome this team to Colorado with open arms and build strong bonds with our open-hearted community in which we are all contributing.

10. Umphrey’s McGee

Red Rocks Amphitheater - July 5-July 7

Umphrey’s McGee Red Rocks Amphitheater July 5 - July 7 If you’re into improvisational rock that crosses all genres with a knack for mashing up existing songs live into a new compositions, you will definitely be finding yourself at Umphrey’s three night run this summer. Between the red rocks and a welcoming community, it I’ll be tough trying to not have a great time. If you find yourself still excited from the weekend, make sure to swing by Be On Key for Mystery Monday and see what all the talk is about.

You may ask how could someone possibly afford to do all the events Colorado has to offer. Tickets are expense and vacation days are only so plentiful. Just remember that volunteering to help make these productions happen is always an option so if you see something you want to attend but cannot afford reach out to the event.

Most events will have a volunteer option and you can send in an application in with your skill sets and experience. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, make friends and feel great about contributing (even a small amount) to something that inspires you.