Red Rocks Amphitheatre TICKETS

Red Rocks is a premier venue that showcases concerts and events from some of the biggest artists in the world. For over 80 years, Red Rocks Amphitheatre has been a mainstay attraction of Denver and has built a reputation as a globally famous landmark. 

The city owns and operates the amphitheater, making it a major source of economic activity for the Denver metro area. Red Rocks receives over 1.5 million visitors every year. Nearly half of those annual visitors are from out of state, and the amphitheater generates over $700 million in revenue each year. It is estimated that the amphitheater and related services create over 7,000 full-time and part-time jobs, generating over $200 million in annual labor income.

Aside from its economic importance, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an important cultural landmark for the state of Colorado. As one of the most highly regarded concert venues in the entire world, it is a great source of pride for locals. 

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is also part of a larger mountain park managed by Denver’s Parks & Recreation department. The area around the amphitheater has numerous hiking and nature trails, including the 6.7-mile Dakota Ridge Loop and the three-mile Morrison Slide trail. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre also has frequent tailgating activities on the days of events. Visitors are allowed to congregate and tailgate in the park and parking lots before shows. 

One thing that distinguishes Red Rocks Amphitheatre from other venues is its commitment to ecological sustainability. Park management has implemented several water conservation and retention initiatives, as well as investments in renewable energy sources. Most recently, Red Rocks established numerous waste management and recycling programs to reduce landfill waste and promote a better, more beautiful visitor experience. 

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is located at a very high elevation, so it can be tiring for those not used to the thinner atmosphere in Colorado. Visitors and event-goers should remember to drink copious amounts of water and take frequent sitting breaks if they get tired. 

Red Rocks Concert Experience

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is unique and world-famous for its natural geological formation. The stage at Red Rocks is flanked by two 300-foot-long sandstone monoliths, nicknamed “Ship Rock” and “Creation Rock,” creating a rustic and scenic backdrop not seen in any other theater in the world. The natural sandstone provides a natural amphitheater acoustic backdrop that creates an incredible soundscape — a must-see (and must-hear!) for music lovers and audiophiles around the globe. 

Red Rocks is renowned for its impressive roster of iconic performances, which include some of history’s greatest artists. Red Rocks Amphitheatre has hosted performances by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, The Eagles, Blues Traveler, Santana, Radiohead, U2, Coldplay, John Denver, Jethro Tull, and many more prestigious musical acts.

Aside from its musical guests, Red Rocks Amphitheatre holds movie screenings, fitness events, and festivals. It has become one of the most visited attractions in the Denver area and is a major destination for out-of-state visitors. Colorado’s temperate spring and summer weather provide a wonderful atmosphere for the outdoor venue. 

Red Rocks’ most famous movie screening is its annual Film on the Rocks showing. The amphitheater holds screenings of classic and modern films. Notable recent and upcoming film screenings include The Matrix, The Wizard of Oz, Shrek, Deadpool, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Star Wars. So, why not trek to Red Rocks this weekend instead of heading to your local movie theater?

Venue Rules

Red Rocks sees millions of visitors per year, and it’s up to visitors to keep the place safe and friendly for everyone to attend. The theater has a list of rules they expect all visitors to abide by:
Guests must refrain from offensive language, gestures, or dangerous behavior, like fighting, throwing items, and making inappropriate physical contact with other guests. 

Red Rocks does not allow smoking or vaping of any kind in the amphitheater venue. There are designated smoking areas at the north and south ends of the theater along the outside railing. Note that cannabis consumption, although legal in the state of Colorado, is not permitted at Red Rocks. 

Guests must only occupy their designated seats and not block seats from other guests. When you arrive at the theater, a staff member may ask to check your tickets to verify seating.

Guests are prohibited from climbing any rocks in the amphitheater. Those who violate this rule could face both civil and criminal penalties. 

Glass bottles and containers are prohibited at the venue or parking lots. All liquids for tailgating must be in metal cans or plastic bottles. 

Guests must keep all their items and belongings underneath their seats and not block other seating. 

Private vendors are not permitted, including sales of food, drink, merchandise, or concert accessories. Scalpers are also not permitted to sell tickets near amphitheater entrances.

Severely intoxicated or belligerent guests may be asked to leave by park staff. Staff members have the right to refuse alcohol sales to or eject guests they deem to be heavily intoxicated.  

Visitors need to control their volume level when speaking or singing along to performances so as not to disturb other guests’ experience. 

Above all, have fun!

If you attend an event and notice someone breaking the rules and negatively impacting your experience, you can find a staff member to handle the situation. Visitors who repeatedly violate the rules may be asked to leave the premises. 

Parking Information

Red Rocks has five main parking lots: two northern and three southern. Red Rocks has ample parking space, but management still recommends you consider carpooling to reduce parking traffic. If all five lots are full, there is a sixth overflow lot located about a mile from the amphitheater’s south gate. 

On the day of an event, staff members will direct your car to a suitable parking space. Parking lots can be a fair distance from the actual theater, so it’s recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes in case you have to hike up to the theater entrance.  

If you are taking a rideshare to the event, there are designated drop-off zones at the Top Circle lot, Upper North Lot, and Upper South Lot. The venue also has dedicated ChargePoint stations at the Trading Post parking lots. 

Venue History

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is situated about 15 miles outside of Denver and is famous for being built into the characteristic red sandstone common in Central Colorado. The region has been populated since at least 9,000 BC, most notably by the indigenous Ute. American interest in the area grew during and after the Colorado gold rush of the 1850s. 

Construction on Red Rocks Amphitheatre began in 1936 and was spearheaded by Denver’s then-current mayor, Benjamin Franklin Stapleton. Stapleton received permission from the US Secretary of the Interior to build the project using the Civilian Conservation Corps, a federal program created by Roosevelt meant to promote employment and protect natural landscapes in the US. 

The amphitheater was completed in 1941 after five years of construction. While building the amphitheater, workers removed nearly 50,000 cubic feet of stone to create graded seating. The project used 90,000 square feet of sandstone, 800 tons of stone, and 30,000 pounds of high-grade reinforced steel. The very first Red Rocks Amphitheatre event took place on June 15, 1941, and included selections from various famous operas, such as Carmen and La Traviata, as well as performances by the Denver Municipal Chorus. 

Since its construction, Red Rocks Amphitheatre has seen performances and events from major musical artists, plays, operas, and more. The Colorado Music Hall Fame inducted Red Rocks in 2011, and the site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2015 in recognition of its historical significance. 

Red Rocks has recently made several additions to the park and amphitheater to improve sustainability. Red Rocks provides alternative transportation options to guests to preserve air quality and has made several updates to reduce the theater’s water consumption and waste. Their comprehensive waste management program has reduced landfill waste by almost 80% since 2010, reflecting the theater’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty and rock formations. 

Seating Chart

Red Rocks contains 70 rows of seating with between 80 and 150 seats per row. The front seats are situated about ten feet from the front of the stage, and handicapped seating is available at both the front and back of the venue. Seating follows the natural grade of the ground, so all seated visitors should have a clear and unobstructed view of the stage. 

Seating is split between general admission and reserved seating. General seating is located in the middle of the seating area. The venue does not have assigned seating. Instead, seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserved seating exists around the edges of the stadium and the general seating area. 

Like most venues, ticket prices vary depending on whether they are for general admission or reserved seating. Rows 1-30 are the closest to the main stage and are also the closest to official vendors and merch stations. 
Seating also has great accessibility. All rows are wheelchair accessible, and rows 2 and 3 have sections for hearing-, vision-, and mobility-impaired visitors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common questions we receive about tickets and policies at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Where Can I Get Tickets to Red Rocks?

You can buy tickets to Red Rocks at the official box office. The box office opens on show days about two to four hours before the event, depending on the day. You can also buy Red Rocks tickets online from a ticket provider like Ticket Squeeze.

Is Parking Free at Red Rocks?

Yes, admission and parking at Red Rocks are free, as most parking fees are included in ticket pricing. Please note that you cannot block parking spaces with tailgating or seating equipment. 

What Are the Rules on Tailgating?

Visitors are allowed to tailgate in the parking lot before events. Tailgaters must not block parking spaces for other guests, and tents, canopies, and loudspeakers are prohibited. Open-fire grills are not permitted due to fire risk, though small gas and propane grills are allowed, provided they are at least 12 inches off the ground and have a flame no larger than six inches. 

Does Red Rocks Amphitheatre Sell Alcohol?

You cannot bring outside alcohol into Red Rocks Amphitheatre, but you can buy alcohol inside. The theater sells a wide range of beer, wine, cocktails, coolers, and seltzers. You are allowed to drink outside alcohol in the parking lot before events. 

Is Smoking Allowed?

Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated smoking areas in the amphitheater. All cannabis products are prohibited, including cannabis cigarettes and vaping products. 

Can I Bring Outside Food to Red Rocks Amphitheatre?

Yes, you can bring your own food for personal consumption to the amphitheater. All food must be contained in a one-gallon or smaller clear plastic bag; you can only use plastic utensils. Any fruit or vegetables must be cut into pieces. You can also bring non-alcoholic beverages sealed in a clear plastic bottle. 

Can I Bring My Own Chairs to Red Rocks Amphitheatre?

Yes, you can bring lawn chairs and blankets to Red Rocks for seating in specific GA areas. Please note that chairs and sitting blankets must be no more than 40” x 60” out of respect for others’ space. Chairs and blankets are not permitted on walkways and ticketed seating areas. 

What Is the Restroom Situation?

Bathrooms are located at the North and South ends of the amphitheater and down the South ramp. Extra restrooms are also available on the left and right sides of the stage.

Is Overnight Camping Allowed? 

No, overnight camping is not permitted in the amphitheater parking lots or natural park areas. However, there are locations nearby that do allow camping in natural areas. 

What Is the Weather Like at Red Rocks Amphitheatre?

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue, so it is subject to Colorado weather. Event-goers should be prepared for adverse weather, such as heat, rain, snow, and high winds. Sunscreen and jackets are highly recommended.

Can I Bring My Pet?

Pets are allowed within the amphitheater during non-event hours but not during event hours, aside from service dogs. Note that emotional support animals and therapy dogs do not qualify as service animals.

Am I Allowed To Bring a Bag Inside?

Yes, you can bring a bag into the event amphitheater. Note that your bag may be subject to inspection at the entrance. Any bag you bring must be small enough to fit underneath amphitheater seats (18” x 12”).

Can I Take Pictures or Video of Performances?

It depends on the specific event. Some performers allow visitors to take photos and video recordings of performances. Guests are asked to respect individual artists’ wishes on the matter.

When Do Parking Lots Open at Red Rocks?

Parking lots at Red Rocks usually open two hours before the event’s door time. Note that streetside parking is always available and has no time limit. 

Is Overnight Parking Available?

Yes, overnight parking is available for most events at Red Rocks. You can leave an unattended vehicle in the parking lot until 10 AM the day after an event. Your vehicle might be towed if you don’t move your car before 10 AM. Note that overnight camping is prohibited in all lots.

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