This year marks the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ first world tour, which saw them play their only ever gig in Colorado at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Taking place in August 1964 at the height of Beatlesmania, fans paid $6.60 per ticket to witness a true moment in music history.
Make your own memories with one of these seven unmissable events to head to in the arts & culture city of Denver.
Sounds of the City
Billy Joel returns to Denver for the first time in 5 years, Coors Field (12 July)
A city not shy of icons, Denver will see the return of Billy Joel for the first time in five years. Following the release of new music for the first time in 17 years, the Piano Man will perform at the iconic Coors Field on 12 July for a night of “Billy Joel in concert”. Joel is one of four headliners across the summer with others including the likes of Green Day and Kane Brown.
Bask in art at Cherry Creek Arts Festival (5 -7 July)
Filling the streets of Cherry Creek North with over 250 artists ready to share their talent with the world, Cherry Creek Arts Festival provides plenty of live music, kids’ activities, art, education, food and more. CherryArts is an art-focused nonprofit that provides access to art experiences and supports arts education for all in Colorado.
Colorado Black Arts Festival (12-14 July)
Returning for its 38th year in the heart of Denver, City Park celebrates African American art and culture with the Colorado Black Arts Festival from 12-14 July. An experience like no other, CBAF welcomes all to experience the visual arts, artists and performers who aim to impress and educate. Fun for all the family, the festival boasts two food courts and a children pavilion. Not to mention it’s also a free festival which makes it even more accessible for all. Seeking to help establish self-reliance, believing that pride in one’s culture is the foundation for long-term stability and prosperity, CBAF continuously develops, promotes and celebrates Black arts and culture in Colorado.
Discover new sounds at Denver’s Underground Music Showcase (26-28 July)
Denver Underground Music Showcase is the perfect place to experience The Mile High City’s exploding music scene. Denver’s largest, multi-day music festival will once again return to South Broadway and feature over 700 artists from the Colorado region. Expected to draw over 10,000 music lovers every day, the experience is committed to discovery and community whilst also challenging the conventional norms of profit-driven music festivals.
Pay homage to The Beatles at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (22 August)
A geological phenomenon, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is the only naturally-occurring, acoustically-perfect amphitheatre in the world. Located about 10 miles southwest of Denver, the venue has hosted everyone from Sting to The Beatles and U2. Visitors can also hike, bike, watch movies or attend a yoga class in the open mountain air at this natural wonder. In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of The Beatles world tour, PBS12 is thrilled to announce “1964” THE TRIBUTE live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on 22nd August 2024.
Memorable Markets
Civic Center Eats (Until October)
This annual food truck event brings together a variety of the city’s best mobile eateries to feed locals and travellers alike throughout the summer season. Offering a relaxed eating experience for exploration, Civic Center Eats provides authentic flavours and tastes of the cultural city.
Hangin’ N Slangin Markets (13, 21, 28 July)
Nestled next to some of the best street art in the world by some of the most renowned street artists, discover the local small businesses of Denver at Hangin’ N Slangin’ in RiNo District. The events are always free to attend, and include authentic vendors, food and music. The most famous artists had to start somewhere and who’s to say the next Basquiat isn’t located at this market. One of the coolest neighbourhoods in the US, travellers are bound to leave the RiNo district feeling full of creativity and culture.
For more information, please visit: www.denver.org.
