DENVER—Red Rocks Amphitheatre is celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2026, marking more than eight decades as one of the world’s most recognized outdoor concert venues and a major tourism attraction in Colorado.
The venue officially opened June 15, 1941, with a gala featuring a Native American ceremony and a performance by the Denver Municipal Chorus. The event was broadcast nationally by CBS and drew attention from media outlets across the country, including Time magazine. A week earlier, city, state, and federal officials gathered for a pre-opening ceremony honoring the approximately 500 members of the Civilian Conservation Corps who spent four years constructing the amphitheater.
Owned and operated by the City and County of Denver and managed as part of Denver Mountain Parks, Red Rocks has evolved into an internationally known entertainment venue while also serving as a year-round recreational destination. The site attracts visitors not only for concerts but also for hiking, fitness activities, outdoor film screenings, and sightseeing. The venue’s location among towering sandstone formations and its natural acoustics have helped make it a destination for music fans from around the world.
The site’s history extends far beyond its 1941 opening. The distinctive sandstone formations that define Red Rocks were created approximately 300 million years ago through geological processes that shaped the region. The area also contains evidence of prehistoric life, including dinosaur fossils and footprints found nearby at Dinosaur Ridge. In addition, Indigenous peoples, including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho nations, used the land as a gathering place.
The City of Denver purchased 675 acres of Red Rocks in 1927 and later developed roads throughout the park. Construction of the amphitheater began in 1935 with the establishment of the Morrison Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. The project provided employment during the Great Depression and transformed the natural landscape into a public venue while preserving its distinctive geological features.
Over the decades, Red Rocks has hosted performances by some of the biggest names in music. The Beatles appeared at the venue on Aug. 26, 1964, with tickets selling for $6.60. Other artists have included Sonny & Cher, Carole King, Jimi Hendrix, Rush, the Grateful Dead, Stevie Nicks, Phish, Neil Young, Kenny Chesney, Florence + The Machine, and many others.
The amphitheater has also become known for live concert recordings. More than 20 albums have been recorded at Red Rocks, including U2’s landmark 1983 concert film and album, Under a Blood Red Sky. Held during severe weather conditions, the band’s performance became one of the most celebrated live recordings in rock history. Other notable live recordings include Dave Matthews Band’s Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95, as well as projects by Mumford & Sons, The Flaming Lips, Disturbed, Vance Joy, and other artists.
The 2026 concert season includes performances by Widespread Panic, Zeds Dead, Wynonna Judd, Melissa Etheridge, Brandi Carlile, and Andrea Bocelli.
Today, Red Rocks continues to operate as both a performance venue and a visitor attraction. Guests can explore the recently renovated visitor center, which features historical exhibits, performer archives, a gift shop, and the Red Rocks Hall of Fame. Additional amenities include the Ship Rock Grille, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and fitness opportunities throughout the park.
To commemorate its 85th anniversary, Red Rocks has launched a storytelling campaign inviting visitors and fans to share personal memories of the venue. Selected stories may be featured as part of the celebration throughout the year.
