Music venues guide

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DeVotchka performing at Boulder Theater.

1st Bank Center

(11450 Broomfield Lane, Broomfield, 303-410-0700)

This diverse venue hosts a range of entertainment for the greater Denver area, including well-known musicians, comedians, sporting events and other community functions. The venue holds up to 6,500 people and can be easily found right off U.S. 36. Expect some good music and entertainment later this summer and fall including Gavin Degraw (Sept. 24) and Widespread Panic (Oct. 28,29,30).

The Attic

(949 Walnut St., Boulder,
303-415-1300)

Come check out the Fat Albert, one of many signature drinks at the Attic Bar and Bistro, while listening to some live tunes. There’s a wide range of local beers on tap that can be enjoyed with free pool until 10 p.m. Not to mention, on Mondays this authentic bar offers tasty $5 burgers and weekend brunch specials all made from scratch.

Boulder Theater

(2032 14th St., Boulder,

303-786-7030)

The Boulder Theater remains one of the most iconic music venues in Boulder. This historic theater continues to host events such as operas, movies and discos, but is best known for hosting an eclectic range of music genres. This small venue will give anyone a personal experience they can never forget.

Caffe Sole

(637 S. Broadway St., Boulder 303-499-2985)

Caffe Sole’s atmosphere is full of groovy jazz and blues tunes and plenty of good food and drinks. This craft coffee place is committed to staying small, locally owned and serving quality products. Wednesday through Saturday you can enjoy live music and there is even a monthly art special.

Chautauqua Auditorium

(900 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303-442-3282)

Enjoy some of your favorite live music and entertainment at the foot of the Flatirons at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, a must-see venue in Boulder. This location hosts a number of classic artists every season, from classical music to folk, reggae and the blues. The unique structure of the auditorium resembles a rustic barn and is a great place to bring family and friends for an intimate show. 

Conor O’Neill’s

(1922 13th St., Boulder,

303-449-1922)

Get in touch with your Irish roots at Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub and Restaurant. They’ve got a tasty pint and whiskey selection, and the happy hour menu offers $2-$3 appetizers. And most nights you can rock out with your drink: there’s live music from local groups every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and open mic on Tuesdays.

Dickens Opera House

(300 Main St., Longmont,

303-834-9384)

This historic venue offers live music and entertainment four or five nights a week and hosts a number of national touring acts while also supporting the local music scene. The music area is found upstairs, separate from the tavern, and dates all the way back to 1881.

eTown Hall

(1535 Spruce St., Boulder,

303-443-8696)

The eTown Hall is committed to the community by spreading environmental education and is known as one of the “greenest” music and media centers in the state. But this music hall is much more than just a venue for music and entertainment, with a full-service recording studio in the heart of downtown Boulder. They also host a number of live broadcasts with musicians and discussions about the welfare of the community and other important topics.

The Fox Theatre

(1135 13th St., Boulder,

720-645-2467)

This classic theater on the Hill has been a main attraction among students and residents for decades, hosting new and classic acts along with an array of events. The venue provides an intimate setting while still giving artists a large presence on stage. It was named one of the best venues in America by Rolling Stone. This is a go-to theater and always has must-see shows like the Growlers, Jenny Lewis and tons more.

Jamestown Mercantile

(108 Main St., Jamestown,

303-442-5847)

Also known as “the Merc,” Jamestown Mercantile serves as a community hangout, great stop for tourists and an excellent setting to see some live music. The Merc has an extensive breakfast menu made fresh from local ingredients and also includes a wide selection of draft beers, wines and mimosas. Live music is hosted on Thursday and Saturday nights, and you can even sign up to sing on Mondays for open mic night. They also host fun family events like game night and poetry night.

St Julien Hotel & Spa

(900 Walnut St., Boulder,

720-406-7399)

This upscale hotel is well known for its great variety of music offered up on its beautiful outdoor terrace, where you can dance and sing along most nights of the week while enjoying stunning views of the mountains.

The Laughing Goat COffeehouse

(1709 Pearl St., Boulder,

303-440-4628)

For a hip environment and some world-class coffee, check out the Laughing Goat Coffeehouse on East Pearl Street in downtown Boulder. They host a variety of intimate events such as weekly readings, monthly galleries and nightly musical performances. The Laughing Goat is now also serving beer and wine during their happy hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This community venue covers all types of entertainment and gives customers a good taste of what the artistic community has to offer.

The Lazy Dog

(1346 Pearl St., Boulder,

303-440-3355)

The Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill is a sports fanatic’s heaven. The extensive menu and full bar make it simple to sit and root for your home team. And they also have the perfect companion for athletics and good eats, with live music every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, inside and outside on the rooftop deck. The Lazy Dog supports the local music scene and constantly hosts Colorado artists such as Tenth Mountain Division, Cadillac Grip and plenty more.

Macky Auditorium

(1595 Pleasant St., Boulder, 303-492-8423)

Located right on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, Macky Auditorium is more than just a concert hall, hosting orchestras, jazz performances, lectures and movies. And it’s not just students who get to enjoy — the auditorium is open to anyone. Richard Goode and MOMIX are just a couple upcoming names expected to hit the stage this fall at this well-renowned venue.

Madelife

(2000 21st St., Boulder,

303-927-0802)

Madelife is the place to be if you are an upcoming artist of any kind, or just someone who loves to bathe in creativity. Madelife gives artists an opportunity to launch a creative career, whether it be fashion, design, art or music. Looky-loos are welcome to stop by and view their creations and even purchase some works, like furniture or accessories.

Mountain Sun and Southern Sun (Mountain Sun: 1535 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-546-0886; Southern Sun: 627 South Broadway, Boulder,
303-543-0886)

These two sister pubs know great customer service and serve up some high quality food with even higher quality beer. The extensive tap list — including drafts like Colorado Kind Ale and numerous stouts — will never leave anyone thirsty. These pubs also hosts a number of events such as Friday night jazz, bluegrass shows and plenty of other local bands and artists in a casual environment.

Pioneer Inn

(15 E. First St., Nederland,

303-258-7733)

The Pioneer Inn Restaurant & Bar is soon celebrating 45 years in business, which says something about their popularity. A rustic bar, there’s a classic atmosphere with billiards, live entertainment and some of the best burgers in town, according to some of the Nederland locals. The Pioneer Inn prides itself on the rock n’ roll scene it supports.

Press Play

(1005 Pearl St., Boulder,

720-508-4916)

This retro bar will make you nostalgic for your childhood with plenty of pizza and arcade games. However, it also will make you enjoy being of age when you see the extensive beer selection. Happy hour here is packed with well drinks and domestic and import beers that are bound to amplify your experience. This bar also hosts plenty of events such as live music, karaoke and, of course, skeeball.

Shine Restaurant and Gathering place

(2027 13th St., Boulder,

303-449-0120)

A Restaurant & Gathering Place is the perfect description for this spot to eat, socialize and practice your dance moves. Right in the heart of Boulder, this hub hosts loads of live music and other events such as nutrition classes, workshops, support groups and local speakers. Shine also serves up an abundance of farm-to-table food and offers vegan and vegetarian options prepared in its 100 percent gluten-free and GMO-free kitchen.

Twisted Pine Brewing

(3201 Walnut St., Boulder,
303-786-9270)

Twisted Pine Brewing is full of unique selections from every end of the hand-crafted beer spectrum — the Ghost Face Killa is a local legend.  This alehouse is known for its cool atmosphere and live music, hosting many local bluegrass acts. It also has open mic and trivia nights.

Waterloo

(809 South Main St., Louisville, 303-993-2094)

Inspired by Waterloo Records in Austin, Texas, this Johnny Cash-themed bar definitely seems like it would have lived up to his expectations. Located right in the heart of “old town” Louisville, great American-style grub can be enjoyed inside surrounded by memorabilia or in the sunshine on their two outdoor patios.

World Famous Dark Horse Bar and Grill

(2922 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303-442-8162)

The Dark Horse has been a landmark in Boulder since 1975. The interior of this truly one-of-a-kind bar is decorated with movie props and antiques, creating an atmosphere that is unlike any other in Boulder. There are plenty of events to either participate in or watch such as live music, karaoke night, trivia night and tricycle races every Tuesday night.

Nissi’s

(2675 Northpark Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-2757)

This laid-back lounge brings in big crowds with its music and comedy acts, especially now after a renovation that enlarged the dance floor and second bar. But Nissi’s isn’t just a great venue, it’s also a heck of a restaurant with a really great menu. So grab some dinner and hang out for the show. 

Oskar Blues

Grill and Brew: 303 Main St., Lyons, 303-823-6685

Home Made Liquids and Solids: 1555 S. Hover Road, Longmont, 303-485-9400

Tasty Weasel Tap Room; 1800 Pike Road, Longmont, 303-776-1914

You’ll find any of these three establishments serving up some of the most respected and beloved beers in Colorado, with hallmark names such as Dale’s Pale Ale, Mama’s Little Yella Pils and the new Pinner, just to name a few. Oskar Blues’ beers are always a perfect match for its live music and extensive selection of down-home chow.   

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

(18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, 720-865-2494)

Other music venues in Colorado, or the nation, do not compare to the tranquil vibe that keeps fans consistently returning to this scenic venue. Nestled right into the sandstone cliffs, some of the world’s biggest artists come to perform at this natural amphitheater. Although this venue holds upwards of 9,000 people, it’s hard not to have an intimate experience at an event here. Red Rocks features plenty of music, but also holds movie nights and hosts comedians and other entertainers.   

Bohemian Biergarten

(2017 13th St., Boulder,
720-328-8328)

This rustic, Czech-style bar has a patio, live music and traditional eats. This bar will make you feel like you just stepped into Europe with a unique selection of European-style beers served up in large mugs — das boot, anyone? The stage and dance floor in the back hosts DJs, live bands, comedy acts and even some authentic polka bands.

Planet Bluegrass Ranch

(500 W. Main St. Lyons,
303-823-0848)

Planet Bluegrass Ranch is a 20-acre outdoor paradise featuring summer music festivals such as RockyGrass and Rocky Mountain Folks Festivals. Spring and fall shows are held in its indoor Wildflower Pavillion at the ranch. And during the festivals Planet Bluegrass also makes for a great campground along the the river. 

Sanitas Brewing Company.

(3550 Frontier Ave., Boulder, 303-442-4130)

Sanitas Brewing Company strives to make each beer unique using traditional brewing methods. These brewers are also fans of tacos and offer their patrons “super heady” tacos from their friends at McDevitt Taco Supply. You’ll love the weekly open mic nights and Sanitas also has an outdoor patio with a number lawn games and nice views.

Left Hand Brewing Company.

(1265 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303-772-0285)

This craft brewery has a quiver full of tasty brews, each with its own style. The tasting room at Left Hand is a great place for enjoying a couple beers (inside or outside) and listening to live music. No reservations necessary to enjoy a tour, live tunes or, of course, some of Colorado’s best craft beer.