Check out these intimate alternatives to large Red Rocks, Ball Arena concerts

By Cara Myers

Denverites love to attend concerts at The Mission Ballroom, Fillmore Auditorium or the nationally renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater. But with skyrocketing ticket prices and shoulder-to-shoulder main rooms, intimate shows are becoming more desirable than ever. Luckily, our state is chock full of lesser-known venues sure to satisfy any genre of music lover. Here are six to explore during your next road trip.

The Ivy Ballroom and The LAWN at Surf Hotel, Buena Vista

With two music venues at the Surf Hotel, Talent Buyer and Concert Manager Eddie Sandoval has created harmonious connections between artists, fans, architecture and nature. He notes that the Arkansas Valley is a mecca for outdoor adventurers, featuring the Arkansas River and the 14,000 foot Collegiate Peaks — ideal for skiing, hiking, biking, climbing, fishing and dipping into hot springs.

Both The Ivy Ballroom and the LAWN are low-capacity spaces where audiences can catch an evening of world-class acts before retiring to Surf Hotel’s lodging options. Concerts featuring local artists are curated regularly, and emerging artists are oftentimes given opportunities to support larger, internationally touring acts.

“The intimacy of the venues is unparalleled,” Sandoval said. “It is very rare that one can see their favorite artist in such a close and personal way.”

One particularly memorable concert for Sandoval was Trevor Hall’s performance at the Ivy Ballroom in June 2024 – just one night before his sold-out show at Red Rocks.

“It was incredibly moving to look around the room and see so many people in tears, smiling and in awe,” Sandoval said. It was a reminder that music is a most powerful vessel for creating joy and bringing community together.”

Upcoming shows: The Disco Biscuits on Sept. 3; Anders Osborne on Sept. 16

The Caribou Room, Nederland

Just 20 minutes west of Boulder, The Caribou Room offers a quick getaway for concerts, good eats and special events. The venue has capacity for both full-on dance parties as well as slow, relaxed performances. Food, craft cocktails and locally sourced beers flow on show nights from 7 to 10 p.m.

Apart from the venue, The Caribou Room’s recording studio offers musicians multiple recording options with extensive vintage or modern equipment.

Looking for somewhere to host your next event? With a 500+ person capacity inside or out, The Caribou Room is available for private concerts, weddings, corporate events or parties.

Upcoming shows: Jammin The Bou Room (benefit concert for The Nederland Food Pantry) on Sept. 6

The TANK Center for Sonic Arts, Rangely

Initially used as a water tank for steam engines, The TANK has turned its once industrial history into a present day source of entertainment and joy. Boasting one of the world’s premiere reverbs, the venue promises a lengthy 30-second sustain of any sound – an especially intriguing benefit to many visiting musicians.

“Great artists in The TANK really can listen to the structure itself as their instrument,” Executive Director James Paul said. “They’re not just playing the music that they usually play – they’re playing something brand new and special.”

Paul noted that such a unique environment can really change the way musicians play forever. Locals and visitors are also welcome to break out their singing voices during weekly free hours every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“A lot of folks who aren’t singers or musicians come and find that they sound great in there – like 100 times better than singing in the shower,” Paul said. “We often get groups of strangers who sing together; often for the first time in their lives. Don’t miss trying it yourself.”

In addition to welcoming touring artists and amateur vocalists, The TANK also hosts a free concert series with recording musicians. This series is mutually beneficial as emerging artists receive discounts on recordings, and audience members keep some extra cash in their wallets.

Upcoming shows: Angels in the Architecture Medieval Songs Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

Steve's Guitars, Carbondale

Since 1993, Steve’s Guitars has been a staple of Carbondale – presenting live music every week. In the small, cozy venue, visitors can relax in old movie-theater seats and couches while admiring a myriad of vintage guitars on the walls and ceiling.

Throughout the decades, Steve’s Guitars has welcomed musicians including Mandolin Orange, Wood & Wire, John Oates and Ramblin’ Jack Elliot. If local or emerging artists are more your speed, the public is always invited to Jazz Jam Tuesdays – held from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

Upcoming shows: The Kearns Family on Aug. 15; The Cary Morin Duo on Aug. 22

I Bar Ranch, Gunnison

The authenticity of I Bar Ranch is truly what puts it on the map, according to owner Bryan Wickenhauser. With a lawn venue and covered hay barn that hold up to 2,000 attendees combined, silos repurposed into a bar, food station and bridal suite, a campground, a 14-foot bonfire and acres of undeveloped land, I Bar Ranch allows visitors to truly spread out.

“Because of the acreage and the wide-open views, the space lends itself to comfortability,” Wickenhauser said. “It’s an intimate enough venue, [but] you’ve got tons of room. You can always walk into some open space and get away from the noise for a moment.”

When you’re ready to get back to it, Wickenhauser brings in stellar artists such as Michael Franti and Spearhead, who saw the venue’s largest attendance to date. Local artists often pair with headliners to round out line-ups full of emerging and established talent.

Doubling as an event center, I Bar Ranch has seen its fair share of platonic and romantic connections form over the years – many culminating in onsite weddings. A campground with bathrooms and running water is another attribute that Wickenhauser is especially proud of – combining music and the great outdoors for a holistic Colorado summertime experience.

“It’s definitely a festival-style venue,” Wickenhauser said. “It’s just got that quintessential Western Slope feel.”

Upcoming shows: Yonder Mountain String Band on Aug. 29 and 30

Animas City Theatre, Durango

Music, movie and performing arts lovers unite at the Animas City Theatre. Known as The ACT to locals, this venue is located in the heart of downtown Durango.

Notable performances at The ACT have included Pokey LaFarge, Leftover Salmon, The Reverend Horton Heat and Keller Williams, among others.

Animas City Theatre is available to rent for private screenings, concerts, business meetings, parties, school or organization events.

Upcoming shows: Pokey LaFarge on Aug. 27; The Fretliners on Sept. 10