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City Cast Denver

of music venues. We were once talked about as a rival for Austin, Texas, which has long claimed the mantle of 

 But distinguished title or not, the Mile High is home to a variety of unique concert settings from converted movie palaces like the Bluebird and the Ogden to state-of-the art spaces like Mission Ballroom and Meow Wolf's Perplexiplex to hole-in-the-wall wonders like the Lion’s Lair and the hi-dive to longtime local icons like Red Rocks and Levitt Pavilion — plus dozens more.

So recently, when a brand new open space for live music called 

 popped up in my Instagram feed, I was intrigued.

Colorado-connected bands, Mannequin Pussy

, announced a show this fall at a brand new venue I had somehow never heard of. Turns out, Project 70 is an undertaking by AEG Presents. It’s a new transitory venue the mega concert promoter is trying out in Elyria-Swansea. 

"[It was] largely inspired by the outspoken desire from the younger generation for 

more creative and more experiential things in the music world

 beyond your typical venue," says Evan Marks, a talent buyer for AEG Presents. This temporary space is literally 

the I-70 overpass at 46th and Humboldt, just outside the doors of the Denver Coliseum, which is also often used as a music venue (I saw Slipknot there in 2009 — wild show).

But a concert taking place in the liminal space under a highway? Well, it’s not exactly a new idea for Denver music fans. And those “younger generations” Marks mentioned — 

 the elders who have kindly passed on the knowledge of good sound systems and instructions for best dealing with the cops responding to noise complaints — have always existed in every version of the Mile High City. Countless Denver basements, back porches, junkyards, parking lots, warehouses, (and yes, even highway overpasses) have a long history of being ephemeral venues for concerts, raves, and parties.

 opening its dancefloor in the ‘80s to the Mile High’s hotlines-and-map-points-required 

 secret location parties, Colorado has always been a place for unconventional gatherings around every genre of music. But AEG is right in that people are always still on the lookout for new places and ways to experience it.

So far, only two shows have been announced at Project 70 in 2025 — 

 (with the above-mentioned Mannequin Pussy) on September 30 and the 

 on October 4, two very different styles of events. “[Project 70] has the kind of vibe that works for certain acts; we wouldn't do an Amos Lee or Jason Mraz [show]. We know the fanbase interested in seeing Chase & Status at Red Rocks is also excited to see them in a place like this,” says Marks. He shares that the sort of barren flatness of a space like Project 70 — free from things like staircases and tiered seating — 

allows for fans to go “completely feral” and mosh

Marks adds that unlike other shows that take place in say, a parking lot, AEG will build out an actual stage for Project 70 shows — not just drag in a stage on the back of a flatbed truck and plop it on the asphalt. Because regardless of how DIY or underground of a vibe Project 70 is projecting through its mysterious 

, this is still a full-fledged production from the second largest event promoter in the country. And they know how to put on big shows.

— Bree Davies, host of City Cast Denver / musician and music critic

Learn more about Project 70

The original reporting for this article included the incorrect location of the Project 70 venue. It has since been updated. 

It's exciting, unique, and far from a new idea... 

Check Out Project 70: Under the Bridge, Denver's Newest Live Music Venue, 

Denver's Newest Live Music Venue is ... Under a Bridge?

What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

Denver, Explained

Whether you want to catch a concert, see a new film, or admire art outside, Denver has you covered this spring! We’ve rounded up just a handful of the many ways to enjoy the warming temperatures and get your creativity flowing.

🎸 Don’t Miss Headliners Khruangbin at Outside Fest

Outside Festival is once again taking over

 Civic Center Park May 31 and June 1 for two days of live music, outdoor demos, storytellers, documentaries, and more! Don’t miss Saturday’s headliners Khruangbin, an experimental, spacy, funk-fusion trio from Houston who definitely bring the summer vibes.

🎶 Discover New Music at the Free Concert Series

 returns May 24 with an impressive line up of shows — anyone else pumped for Wallace and Gromit with the Boulder Philharmonic? While the shows are free, we recommend RSVPing to secure seats.

📽️ Watch 2 Chainz’ Short Film “Red Clay”

“Red Clay,” created by 2 Chainz and Omar Epps,

 at SeriesFest this year. The story follows a boy in Atlanta navigating his mom’s addiction and life in poverty. The film is one of many that will be featured at this festival celebrating independent television and episodic storytelling, which runs from April 29 to May 4.

🖼️ Learn About the Impact of Slavery on Mexico

 exhibition at Museo de las Americas captures

 the fascinating story of Gaspar Yanga, an enslaved Gabonese prince who escaped, organized a community of freed slaves, and mounted a rebellion against Spanish rulers in 16th-century Mexico. The exhibition runs until July 13 – but be sure to check Museo’s calendar for related events and performances happening throughout spring.

🔮 Catch a Flick With a Live Score in Pueblo

Take a day trip to southern Colorado and 

 of Jim Henson's "Labyrinth", along with music performed by a live band at the Pueblo Memorial Hall on April 5. Soak in the vintage vibes of this beautifully restored turn of the century performance hall while watching David Bowie on the big screen!

Denver is lucky to have dozens of pieces of public art on display for your viewing pleasure all across the Mile High. We recommend jumping on your bike for the 

 a self-guided trek featuring specific works from the city's collection that illuminate after dark.

There’s even more where these came from! Tune into the 

From free concerts at Ruby Hill to bike tours of Denver's public art, here's a roundup of the best arts events this spring!

Your Guide to Spring Arts Events in Denver 2025

Outdoor Concerts, First Fridays, and More Arts Events For Your Spring

Find the best of everything that Denver has to offer.

Denver’s Best

Denver's Best

Concert-goers who attended Ed Sheeran’s 

 at Empower Field on Saturday night had to wait out a 

 due to rain and lightning. Attendees were even instructed to shelter inside the concourse for an hour during the worst of it. The incident brought flashbacks of a 

 during a Louis Tomlinson concert at Red Rock Amphitheatre in June, where roughly 100 people were injured.

Summer might be outdoor concert season in Denver, but it’s also rife with wild and unpredictable weather. So before your next outdoor entertainment experience, make sure you’re prepared for any scenario Mother Nature might throw your way with these helpful concert-going hacks:

Don’t be a Colorado noob! Pack a poncho, a rain jacket, or a compact umbrella — you’re almost certainly going to face an afternoon shower this time of year. Just make sure you look up your venue’s bag/prohibited items policy first!

Familiarize yourself with the venue’s emergency protocols and alert systems. You can usually find this information on the venue’s website.

If the venue allows for it, bring a refillable water bottle (collapsible ones, 

, are clutch). If water bottles aren’t allowed, just make sure to hit the water station regularly, especially with these hot summer temps!

Speaking of the heat, Colorado’s high elevation means you should be doubly cautious of sun exposure. Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, and a generous layer of sunscreen.

You’re out there to have a good time, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings. Know where the nearest exit is and establish an exit strategy if things go awry. If you’re with other people, have a plan and a meeting point in case you get separated.

Summer might be outdoor concert season in Denver, but it’s also rife with wild and unpredictable weather. So before your next outdoor entertainment experience, try these helpful concert-going hacks.

Hacks for Surviving Denver's Outdoor Concert Season

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks for living your best Denver life, by locals, for locals.

Denver Life Hacks

The Denver metro is jam-packed with great places to see live music. From historic dive bars like the Lion’s Lair to national treasures like Red Rocks, this city has opportunities to see your favorite performers in every kind of environment. Below is a list of just a few of our faves — plus check out 

 with two local musicians for their recs, too!

Denver has no shortage of vintage movie houses-turned-concert-venues, but the

 takes the cake. The 1930 Temple Buell-designed space’s gilded atmosphere makes current-day performances feel extra glamorous. (Honorable mentions to the 

 theaters, which also embrace this bygone beauty!)

 has already become one of the best places to experience live music in the city. Tailor-made for the concert connoisseur, this massive space’s amazing sound system ensures every seat in the house is a good one, amplifying the stage with precision.

If you’re looking to support a hometown venue owned by local music-lovers (and 

 is the place. This Northside staple brings both international and Denver-based acts to the stage, hosting everything from metal bands and comedians to burlesque, lucha libre, and so much more.

If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite and see a show, there’s nowhere quite like 

. The multi-level restaurant, bar, and concert venue offers one of the most unique spaces in the city to eat, drink, and dance the night away without ever leaving the building.

Concerts are often an adults-only experience, but when you wanna bring the kids out to show them some good music, 

 is the place! This outdoor amphitheater has open grass seating so little ones can roam and not be confined to a seat. Strollers are welcome and coolers (of the soft-sided kind) are allowed!

  📧 What’s Your Favorite Concert Venue?

This section was written by City Cast Denver host Bree Davies

The Denver metro is jam-packed with great places to see live music. From historic dive bars like the Lion’s Lair to national treasures like Red Rocks, this city has opportunities to see your favorite performers in every kind of environment. Below is a list of just a few of our faves — plus check out our recent conversation with two local musicians for their recs, too!

Where to Catch Your Next Denver Concert

This week we’re taking a tour of North Capitol Hill (sometimes known as Uptown). With neighborhood boundaries running from Broadway to Downing Street and 20th Avenue to Colfax, this little slice of the city is known for exceptional dining options, easy access to City Park, and a few historic gems.

Two of Denver’s most iconic live music venues — the 

 (built in 1905) — can be found on the southern edge of the neighborhood along Colfax. Both theaters have interesting past lives as movie palaces, roller rinks, and even an electric car factory — but beyond the historic façade you’ll find modern sound systems and beautiful stages that have hosted everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Sound Tribe Sector 9.

Team bonding, family outing, date night — 

 is the great activity for the whole group. The fact that it's located in a historic, repurposed, Victorian house adds a little Old Denver charm to the experience.

Hungry? Throw a dart anywhere along 17th Avenue and you’re bound to hit something spectacular. Known unofficially as “Restaurant Row,” there’s something for every palate here. Fan-favorites include: 

 North Cap Hill is just a few convenient blocks from City Park, one of Denver’s cultural cornerstones where you’ll find 

, 330 acres of green space and walking paths, and the historic 

📧 What Do You Love About North Cap Hill?

Get To Know North Cap Hill

Everything to know about Denver neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Denver Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

This week, City Cast audio producer Lizzie Goldsmith is taking us on a tour of her old stomping grounds in the ‘burbs: Englewood!

If you hop off the light rail at the Englewood Station, you’ll find yourself at CityCenter, which is an especially great place to visit this time of year for events like the 

 in its own right, plus you can easily access the 

, which opens for the season this Saturday, May 27!

 or indulge in a surplus of shopping (and I’m not just talking about the 

 is leaving Englewood, but don’t miss their 

This section of Broadway is rich in great restaurants too! Grab breakfast at 

. If you’re just looking for your daily java, check out 

 has delicious American/Vietnamese food, and 

 is your go-to for all things vegan. You can’t go wrong with 

 either. Then, end your day with custom drinks at 

music

Denver's Newest Live Music Venue is ... Under a Bridge?

Outdoor Concerts, First Fridays, and More Arts Events For Your Spring

Hacks for Surviving Denver's Outdoor Concert Season

Latest articles

Denver's Newest Live Music Venue is ... Under a Bridge?

Outdoor Concerts, First Fridays, and More Arts Events For Your Spring

Hacks for Surviving Denver's Outdoor Concert Season

Where to Catch Your Next Denver Concert

Get To Know North Cap Hill

Get To Know Englewood

Latest articles

Where to Catch Your Next Denver Concert

Get To Know North Cap Hill

Get To Know Englewood