The Best Colorado Music Festivals For Country, Jazz, Classical, & More
Colorado’s Front Range is packed with summer music festivals that offer something for every kind of fan. Whether you’re into jazz, indie rock, EDM, or classical genres, you’ll find high-quality performances from big-name groups at these Colorado music festivals.
From urban block parties in Denver to orchestral shows in Boulder, free community concerts in Fort Collins, and performances in nearby mountain towns like Vail, here’s a diverse and exciting lineup of music festivals near Longmont.
7 Essential Front Range Music Festivals
1. Underground Music Showcase (July, Denver)
The Underground Music Showcase (UMS) is Denver’s go-to festival for discovering up-and-coming talent. Held along South Broadway, this multi-day event features hundreds of local and national acts across dozens of indoor and outdoor stages.
It’s walkable, energetic, and ideal for music lovers looking to catch future headliners before they blow up!
Find dates and venues for Underground Music Showcase here.
2. City Park Jazz (June–August, Denver)
A long-running tradition in the heart of Denver, City Park Jazz offers free weekly concerts every Sunday evening.
Set at the City Park Pavilion, the series blends jazz, salsa, blues, and more. The vibe is relaxed, family-friendly, and picnic-ready—perfect for a mellow evening with friends, lawn chairs, and local talent.
See the City Park Jazz summer schedule to plan your visit!
3. Global Dance Festival (July, Denver)
For fans of electronic music, the Global Dance Festival is Colorado’s premier EDM experience.
Held at the Stockyards Event Center, the event brings in big-name DJs and producers, paired with immersive art, fire displays, and massive light installations. It’s a full sensory overload and a staple in the Mile High rave scene.
Check out what artists are playing this year at globaldancefestival.com.
4. Bands on the Bricks (June–July, Boulder)
A staple of summer in downtown Boulder, Bands on the Bricks is a free Wednesday night concert series on Pearl Street Mall.
The event brings together a rotating lineup of local musicians, food trucks, and a lively beer garden.
With its festive, open-air setting and all-ages crowd, it’s one of Boulder’s best warm-weather traditions. Find the concert schedule for this summer here.
5. Colorado Music Festival (July–August, Boulder)
For classical fans, the Colorado Music Festival delivers an exceptional season of orchestral performances.
Hosted inside the amazingly acoustical (and gorgeous!) Chautauqua Auditorium, this series showcases both classic composers and contemporary works by leading musicians. From Beethoven to bold new premieres, it’s a cultural highlight in Boulder’s summer calendar.
For more information, visit coloradomusicfestival.org.
6. Thursday Night Live by Bohemian Nights (June–August, Fort Collins)
The Bohemian Foundation hosts a series of free concerts in Old Town Fort Collins with a massive lineup of Colorado-based acts. Thursday Night Live concerts run from the middle of June until the end of August, featuring a variety of groups and styles, from Americana/country to bluegrass to salsa.
Visit bohemianlivemusic.org to find out more about concerts and music festivals they offer.
7. Bravo! Vail Music Festival (June–July, Vail)
Set in the stunning Vail Valley, Bravo! Vail is an internationally recognized celebration of classical music. The festival hosts world-class orchestras (such as the Chamber Orchestra of Europe) and soloists in beautiful outdoor venues, creating an unforgettable music experience just in the mountains beyond the Front Range.
Bravo! Vail also hosts pre-concert talks with many of the groups just before each concert.
3 Best Country Music Festivals Near the Front Range
8. Greeley Stampede (June–July, Greeley)
Just an hour north of Denver, the Greeley Stampede blends rodeo tradition with big-time country music. This long-running event draws thousands with its mix of Western heritage, carnival rides, and a concert lineup stacked with chart-topping country stars. It’s loud, festive, and a signature piece of Colorado’s summer identity.
To get tickets to the Greeley Stampede SuperStars Concert Series, visit their official website offering ticket packages.
9. Country Jam (June, Grand Junction)
Held in Grand Junction, Country Jam is the state’s largest country music festival and a destination event for fans across the West.
This multi-day outdoor festival features massive stages, on-site camping, food trucks, and headline performances from the biggest names in country. Expect a rowdy crowd, lots of dancing, and nonstop entertainment. Performers have included Luke Bryan, Bailey Zimmerman, and more.
10. The MusicFest at Steamboat (January, Steamboat Springs)
For something totally different, The MusicFest offers a winter escape in Steamboat Springs where you can ski all day and enjoy over 200 hours of live Texas-style country music at night. The vibe is intimate and community-driven, with fans and artists sharing the same slopes and stages.
See scheduling and more at themusicfest.com.
Whether you want a dust-kicking outdoor crowd or a snowy, boots-and-flannel retreat—Colorado’s got a country music festival for it.
FAQs
What’s the best free music festival in the Denver area?
City Park Jazz is a top pick—free shows every Sunday, all summer long.
Are there classical music festivals near Boulder?
Yes, the Colorado Music Festival at Chautauqua Auditorium is world-class festival focused on classical music.
Where can I find live jazz outdoors near Longmont?
City Park Jazz in Denver offers excellent live jazz concerts during the summer within driving distance.
Which Colorado music festival is best for EDM?
The Global Dance Festival in Denver is Colorado’s premier electronic event.
Are there family-friendly music festivals near Longmont?
Check out Bohemian Nights in Fort Collins—free, all-ages, and packed with music from great groups and artists.
Where can I hear live country music near Denver?
The Greeley Stampede delivers major country headliners just an hour away.
