25+ of The Best Events on Colorado’s 2022 Festival Calendar
From 303 Magazine
By: Mariah Hansen
From an outsider’s perspective, it’s easy to overlook Colorado as a music festival destination. Just this weekend, following the news of ARISE’s cancellation, The Festival Owl mused that “music festivals cannot survive in Colorado,” at least it seems that way. And on the surface, the facts would appear to support that assertion – the Mile High doesn’t boast a festival with an internationally known name like Coachella or Lolapalooza, and even some of our most noteworthy festivals have struggled to survive long-term (we’ll miss you ARISE). But locals know that the Colorado music festival situation isn’t nearly as dire as some outsiders would make it appear. Some even jumped into action making their opinions known, responding to Festival Owl with statements like “Red Rocks is the festival.”
READ: Arise Music Festival to Cease Operations
In fact, the noteworthy names that decorate the lineups of major electronic festivals like EDC or Ultra make regular appearances at Colorado’s favorite venues, which means locals don’t have to travel far to see DJs known for their festival sets. And beyond those solo shows, Colorado is home to a goldmine of local music festivals that span a variety of genres, including single-day festivals like Denver Day of Rock and classic multi-day events like the Underground Music Showcase.
Global Dub
When: May 21, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Red Rocks Ampitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO
Cost: $35 – $69 + ticket fees, buy tickets here
The Lowdown: Global Dub has been a Red Rocks staple since its introduction ten years ago. An event dedicated to the Bass Heads, Global Dub may only last one night, but it’s a dubstep-packed evening with lineups that rival multi-night festivals like Global Dance Festival. This year’s festival will feature headliners PEEKABOO and Dirt Monkey, following opening acts ATLiens, Buku B2B Esseks, Space Wizard and Zia.
Denver Day of Rock
When: May 28, 1:45 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Wazee Street, Denver
Cost: Free or $250 for VIP tickets, buy tickets here
The Lowdown: Denver Day of Rock is exactly what it sounds like: a rock-n-roll-filled day of music taking over the streets of downtown Denver. More specifically, the festival will dominate Wazee Street with three stages, and another stage on the corner of 20th and Blake St. In addition to being a great excuse to spend the day enjoying great music and (hopefully) good Colorado weather, Denver Day of Rock is also a fundraiser that serves as an opportunity to support Amp the Cause, a local organization that raises funds to support other local nonprofits. This year’s Day of Rock will feature more than 20 artists, including headliners Chris Isaak and Ingrid Andress, along with local acts like Strange Americans and The Green House Band.
Funk on the Rocks
When: May 28, 6 p.m.
Where: Red Rocks Ampitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO
Cost: $45 – $75 + ticket fees, buy tickets here
The Lowdown: Every year, Chromeo takes the helm at Red Rocks, filling the iconic venue with an evening of the funkiest of music — well, almost every year. But with the exception of a not-so-funky 2018, Chromeo has truly delivered when it comes to giving the people what they want: the funk. This year, the electro-funk duo is bringing Purple Disco Machine, Blu De Tiger and Jim-E Stack to the stage for Funk on the Rocks.
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