The Old Gallery at Allenspark - Allenspark

Location: 14863 CO-7 (between Estes Park, Lyons)
Why Go There? Active small community center hosts local and visiting musicians offering classical, folk music, songwriters series; lectures; classes; movie nights, fundraiser gala; pot-lucks, other events (see art gallery listing under arts, crafts)
More Information: Events

Arvada Center for the Arts - Arvada

Year-round
June- summer concerts 7:30pm
Location: 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard
Why Go There? Within multi-use facility (see Arts, Crafts listing for art) two theaters, outdoor amphitheater venue for Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, piano "Coffee Concerts"; outdoor Summer Concerts featuring touring national groups, local performers; touring professional contemporary and classic ballet, dance performances; Main Stage classic Broadway and contemporary musicals; Black Box Repertory community theater company plays; living room talk backs; varying prices, schedules
More Information: Arvada Center + Music and Dance

Aurora Fox Arts Center - Aurora

Location: 9900 East Colfax Avenue
Why Go There? Resident Aurora Theater Company offers six season productions; venue for  local, touring performance artists in renovated movie theater with proscenium 243 seat theater, studio black box 73 seat theater
More Information: Aurora Fox Arts Center

Aurora Symphony Orchestra - Aurora

Spring, Fall, Holiday
Location: 2501 Dallas Street (Stanley Marketplace Hanger); 9900 E Colfax Avenue, (Aurora Fox Arts Center)
Why Go There? 40+ years community based orchestra performs affordable classical concerts throughout the year
More Information: Aurora Symphony

Vintage Theatre Productions - Aurora

Location: 1468 Dayton Street
Why Go There? Award winning theater company offers a full season of cutting edge theater classics, improv, staged readings, one night cabaret series in venue with three theaters: Jeffrey Nickelson Auditorium (145 seats), Bond Trimble Theatre (67 Seats) and Berg-Young Cabaret Stage (60 seats); full bar
More Information: Vintage Theatre

Arts in the Open - Boulder

Summer, Fall
Location: Baseline Road/9th Street (Chautauqua Park), occasional other locations
Why Go There? Summer, fall productions use minimal props, costumes; fun adaptations of classic fairy tales, Shakespeare, other classics, offered as separate scenes in differing locations, accessed by guided hiking. Hikes are moderately level/paced, last no more than two hours for entire production, stops.  Audiences have time to relax, enjoy scenes before being led to next location, scene; advised to wear proper hiking attire, shoes, bring water, snacks, blankets to sit on and/or lightweight camping chairs; water and granola bars will be available for a suggested donation.
More Information: Arts in the Open

Boulder Bach Festival - Boulder, Longmont

October-May
Location: Various
Why Go There? Bach focused annual (38+ years) festival has expanded to a multi-month schedule of events, musical repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras; five main season concerts feature respected guest musician ensembles, vocalists; free short concerts, workshops, other educational events in multiple venues including: museums, galleries, libraries, schools, theaters, churches
More Information: Boulder Bach Festival

Boulder Ballet Company - Boulder

Location: 2590 Walnut Street (Gordon Gamm Theater Dairy ARTS Center); holiday season Nutcracker: Boulder's Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, Longmont's Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, Estes Park's Stanley Hotel
Why Go There? Professional company presents classic, contemporary, and uniquely theatrical ballet; offers free summer outdoor Ballet in the Park events throughout Denver-metro area; collaborations with the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Longmont Symphony; fundraiser gala (October)
More Information: Boulder Ballet

Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company - Boulder

September-May Thursday-Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm
Location: 2590 Walnut Street (Grace Gamm Theater, Dairy Arts Center)
Why Go There? Six production season of contemporary, provocative, entertaining American plays
More Information: BETC

Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra - Boulder

October-February Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 7:00pm
Location: 1595 Pleasant Street #104 / 285 UCB (Macky Auditorium Concert Hall)
Why Go There? Professional orchestra comprised of top freelance musicians from Colorado’s Front Range/beyond, performs several concerts each season, features internationally known guest artists; special events include free guided musical hikes, a collaboration with City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks, and fundraiser Events of Note, intimate settings to enjoy music, food/beverages, opportunity to visit with musical artists.
More Information: Boulder Philharmonic + Musical Hikes + Events of Note

Boulder Theater - Boulder

Location: 2032 14th Street
Why Go There? Historic renovated art deco theater venue for live music of all genres, film (including Boulder International Film Festival site), comedy, events; on-site-bar
More Information: Boulder Theater

Colorado MahlerFest - Boulder

May
Location: 1595 Pleasant St #285ucb (Univeristy of CO Boulder CU Macky Auditorium);  1020 18th Street (Imig Music Building); 2590 Walnut (26th & Walnut) Street (The Dairy Center)
Why Go There? Week long fest celebrates Mahler with orchestra concerts, symposium, chamber music; free open rehearsals
More Information: Colorado MahlerFest

Chautauqua Happenings - Boulder

Location: 900 Baseline Road: Chautauqua Auditorium, Community House
Why Go There? Historic landmark venue for wide variety of genre music, theater performances, films, dance, lectures
More Information: Events

Dairy Arts Center - Boulder

Location: 2590 Walnut (26th & Walnut) Street
Why Go There? Founded in 1992 in former working dairy, 42,000 square foot facility houses a 60 seat art-house cinema, stages for live theater, dance performances, three art galleries (see listing in Arts); cafe; free on-site and street parking
More Information: Tickets

eTown Hall - Boulder

Location: 1535 Spruce Street
Why Go There? eTown produces musical, social and environmental syndicated radio programming recorded in front of  live audiences, in former church renovated into solar powered eTown Hall/ theater; building venue for concerts, comedy and movie nights; cafe sells snacks, beverages
More Information: eTown

Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, University of Colorado (CU) - Boulder

Location: 1595 Pleasant Street, #104 / 285 UCB
Why Go There? Venue for CU's larger band, orchestra, opera and jazz performances; CU Present’s Artist Series; Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Boulder Ballet, Colorado MahlerFest, Greater Boulder Youth Orchestra
More Information: Macky

Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra - Boulder, Denver Metro

Location: Varies
Why Go There? Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra performs several annual concerts, guest artists; annual fundraiser private home afternoon concert includes cheese, chocolate, wine (October)
More Information: Calendar

University of Colorado Music Department Concerts - Boulder

Faculty Tuesdays September-March 7:30pm
Other concerts, recitals dates vary
Location: 1020 18th Street (Imig Music Building, Grusin Music Hall)
Why Go There? Renowned faculty artists perform with students, colleagues in chamber music recitals featuring world premieres and classics; free (seats are first-come-first-serve); Grusin Music Hall hosts numerous student ensembles
More Information: Faculty Tuesdays

University of Colorado Theatre/Dance - Boulder

September-May
Location: University Theatre Building 261 UCB, Acting Studio
Why Go There? Schedules musicals, plays, dance performances; annual new play festival (free)
More Information: Theater & Dance + Events

Platte Valley Players - Brighton

Location: 300 Strong Street (Armory Performing Arts Center)
Why Go There? Community theater ensemble offers a season of plays and musicals; senior discount
More Information: Platte Valley Players

Bruner Farmhouse & Gardens Concerts - Broomfield

June, July, August
Location: 640 Main Street
Why Go There? Historic venue for monthly summer Sunday afternoon free concerts various genre
More Information: Brunner Farmhouse

Chamber Ensemble con Grazia - Broomfield

Schedule varies
Location: 640 Main Street (historic Brunner House)
Why Go There? Established in 2007, classic chamber music ensemble offers Little Noon Music Series concerts in Brunner House (donations gratefully accepted); special concerts throughout Colorado's Front Range
More Information: Chamber Ensemble con Grazia

Castle Rock Orchestra - Castle Rock

October, December, March, May Sundays 3:00pm
Location: 1200 South Street (First United Methodist Church)
Why Go There? Adult community orchestra performs 20th Century music including Impressionism, Americana, pops, and film music
More Information: Castle Rock Orchestra

Central City Opera - Central City (35 miles west of Denver)

Location: 124 Eureka Street (Central City Opera House)
Why Go There? Founded in 1932, opera company offers two main stage productions during its annual summer festival (July-August);  held in 550-seat opera house built in 1878;  one act shorter works in different locations various times; educator, military, student discounts. Schedules unique fundraisers including "Dream Events" with food/beverages, exclusive behind-the-scene access to various locations and a Spring Gala.
More Information: City Central Opera + Events

Arapahoe Philharmonic Orchestra - Cherry Hills Village

September-May Fridays 7:30pm
Location: 3800 East Hampden Avenue (Denver First Church of the Nazarene)
Why Go There? 50+ years community based orchestra offers season of reasonable cost classical old master and contemporary composer concerts in the Denver metro area; free parking
More Information: Arapahoe Philharmonic Orchestra

Bug Theatre - Denver

Location: 3654 Navajo Street
Why Go There? Intimate venue for indie film fests, events; hosts resident Equinox Theatre Company; snack bar, adult beverages
More Information: Calendar + Equinox Theatre

Colorado Black Arts Festival - Denver

July weekend Friday 12:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday-Sunday 10:00-am-8:00pm
Location: Denver City Park West (three main gates: 21st and York, off 17th Avenue park roadway, and next to Martin Luther King, Jr. monument)
Why Go There? 33+ years annual weekend celebration of African American culture features art, live music, films, food; free admittance
More Information: Colorado Black Arts Festival

Colorado New Play Summit - Denver

February two weekends
Location: 1101 13th Street (Denver Center for the Performing Arts)
Why Go There? Annual showcase/celebration of new plays, playwrights; readings, parties, meals, events; audiences important to the process
More Information: Colorado New Play Summit

City Park Jazz Concerts - Denver

June - August, Sunday 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Bandstand by the Pavilion on Ferril Lake, City Park
Why Go There? Free weekly outdoor jazz concerts; longstanding annual summer tradition; expect crowds
More Information: City Park Jazz Concerts

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) - Denver

Location: Park Avenue West/East 20th Avenue (CPRD Performing Arts Complex, Theater)
Why Go There? Modern dance ensemble performs works inspired by African American experience, worldwide ethnic, modern dance traditions, choreographed by emerging and well known master artists; schedules fundraiser events, annual Dancer with the Denver Stars gala. CPRD performing arts complex historic former church facility includes 240 seat proscenium theater, and is used for concerts, lecture demonstrations, recitals, films, meetings, receptions, dances, comedy, poetry and theatre performances.
More Information: CPRD Events

Colorado Ballet - Denver

Fall, Holiday, Spring
Location: 14th/Curtis Street: Ellie Caulkins Opera House (seats 2100), within Denver Center for the Performing Arts; smaller performances: 1075 Santa Fe Drive (The Armstrong Center for Dance Black Box Theater)
Why Go There? 30 member professional company performs classical, contemporary ballets; hosts many special events and unique performances open to the public
More Information: Colorado Ballet

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra - Denver Area

Location: Varies
Why Go There? Local jazz musicians, well-known guest artists perform big band classics to modern large ensemble jazz at various concerts, festivals
More Information: Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra

Colorado Symphony Orchestra - Denver, Arvada

September-May Friday-Saturday evenings, Sunday matinees
July summer concerts
Location: 1000 14th Street (Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex); summer concerts: Red Rocks Amphitheatre; 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard (Arvada Center)
Why Go There? Classical, pops concerts; pre-post concert talks; popular films with live orchestration series; July summer concerts: guest artists perform classical music in formal, casual settings, including outdoors
More Information: Colorado Symphony

Colorado Wind Ensemble - Denver

Location: Varies
Why Go There? 40 piece woodwind, brass, percussion ensemble plays throughout Denver region, variety of settings; performs free summer concerts; 36+ seasons
More Information: Colorado Wind Ensemble

Curious Theatre Company - Denver

September-June
Location: 1080 Acoma Street
Why Go There? Established in 1997 the company has grown to 25 professional actors, designers, directors; produces five thought-provoking plays per season designed to challenge ideas, stir emotions; in the last ten years, 75% have been written by LGBTQ, female or playwrights of color
More Information: Curious Theatre Company

Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) - Denver

Days + Hours of Operation
Location: 1400 Curtis Street (several theaters)
Why Go There? Multiple theater complex with stunning architecture venue for touring Broadway musicals, Tony award winning plays, resident DCPA Theatre Company (40+ years of world premiere plays, classics, musicals in the Wolf Theatre, Space Theatre, Singleton Theatre, Jones Theatre); special events; 778 seat Stage Theatre hosts 11 productions annually; DCPA public tours (Mondays, Saturday mornings) student, military discounts
More Information: Denver Center + Behind the Scene Tours

Denver Film Festival - Denver

November; summer
Location: 2510 East Colfax Avenue/Sie FilmCenter, UA Denver Pavilions, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 144 West Colfax Avenue/Festival Annex at McNichols Civic Center Building
Why Go There? Screens 250+ documentaries, shorts, independent, international films during 12 day festival. Organizes other film events including Film on the Rocks: cinema/concert series at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (summer) in collaboration with Colorado Symphony Orchestra (listed separately).
More Information: Denver Film Festival

Denver Jewish Film Festival - Denver

February
Location: 350 South Dahlia Street
Why Go There? 24+ year annual two week festival features short, full length international and US films; varying topics include biographies, comedy, documentaries, drama, politics; opening reception, post-film discussions; reserved seats; senior, student discount
More Information: JCC Denver Film Festival

Friends of Chamber Music - Denver

September-May Monday-Wednesday 7:30pm
Location: 2344 East Iliff Avenue (June Swaner Gates Concert Hall (seats 977), University of Denver)
Why Go There? Volunteer organization organizes season of high caliber guest musical artist concerts offering classic chamber music and new works: string quartets, piano trios, soloists, mixed chamber ensembles in exceptional acoustics setting; general admission, discount under 30; special event afternoon concerts: libraries, museums
More Information: Friends of Chamber Music

John Hand Theater - Denver

Location: 7653 East First Place (Colorado Free University Lowry Campus)
Why Go There? Intimate 82 seat theater venue (former Lowry Air Force Base fire station truck bay) for resident Firehouse Theater Company, a non-profit community theatrical organization, others; offers several productions per season
More Information: John Hand Theater + Firehouse Theater Company

Lamont School of Music - Denver

Location: 2344 East Iliff Avenue,(within Newman Performing Arts Center, University of Denver)
Why Go There? 200+ annual concerts no cost (350 performances total). Lamont Opera Theatre, Lamont Symphony Orchestra, Musical Theatre Cabaret present low cost concerts, performances; some free parking available. Summer Carillon Recital series: Ritchie Center lawn Sunday evenings.
More Information: Tickets & Parking + Calendar

Metropolitan State University Music & Theater Department Events - Denver

September-May
Location: 855 Lawrence Way #145 (King Center Concert and Recital Halls)
Why Go There? Scheduled concerts, recitals include University Basso Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Denver Mariachi Ensemble, Chamber Music Ensemble, MSU Denver Symphony Orchestra, MSU Denver Gamelan Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, MSU Denver African Drum & Dance Ensemble
More Information: Events

Mizel Arts and Culture Center - Denver

Location: 350 South Dahlia Street
Why Go There? Hosts annual three week long Neustadt JAAMM Fest (Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies, and Music), Jewish Film Festival (see separate listing), special events
More Information: Arts & Culture

Newman Center for the Performing Arts University of Denver - Denver

September-May
Location: 2344 East Iliff Avenue/South University Boulevard
Why Go There? Three venues: June Swaner Gates Concert Hall, Elizabeth Eriksen Byron Theatre (seats 350 multiple configurations), Frederic C. Hamilton Family Recital Hall (houses 2500 pipe organ) offer eclectic series high caliber dance, music, theater performances: new, emerging artists, cultural diversity, seasoned world performers.
More Information: Newman Center

Opera Colorado - Denver

November-May
Location: 1385 Curtis Street (Ellie Caulkins Opera House/Denver Center for the Performing Arts)
Why Go There? Longtime opera company offers three production season of traditional, new or rarely heard works with own orchestra; open rehearsals, active outreach program with Young Artists interns brings opera access to broad audience
More Information: Opera Colorado

Paramount Theatre - Denver

Location: 1621 Glenarm Place
Why Go There? National historic landmark 1920's zig zag beautiful, ornate art deco interior theater with original one of a kind Wurlitzer twin-console organ, popular venue for variety of entertainment including dance performances, music concerts, touring shows, comedy acts
More Information: Event Calendar

Additional Resources

The Peoples Building - Aurora
City owned cultural center hosts entertainment, other events; 9995 East Colfax Avenue

Aurora Rhythms - Aurora
Free summer concerts

Annual Boulder International Film Festival - Boulder (also Fort Collins, Longmont)
Four day schedule (March)

Seicento Baroque Ensemble - Boulder
Vocal, instrumental concerts

Armory Performing Arts Center - Brighton
Hosts local, regional dance, music, theater performances, visual arts events; 300 Strong Street

Prairie Playhouse - Brighton, Thornton
Community theater

Broomfield Auditorium - Broomfield
Venue for events: dance, lectures, music, performances calendar; three Community Park Road

Broomfield Civic Chorus - Broomfield
Concert schedule

Chadash Contemporary Dance Movement - Broomfield, Denver
Professional dance company performs at Broomfield's Veterans Auditorium and Denver, elsewhere
Facebook

Colorado Repertory Singers - Broomfield, Denver
60+ member choir perform concerts various venues

Summer Evening Concert Series - Castle Rock
Calendar

Mont Alto Orchestra - Colorado
Accompanies silent movies in Colorado, beyond

Colorado Theater Guild - Colorado
100-member theaters, shows

Opera on Tap - Colorado
Brings opera outside of concert halls to alternative venues

StageDoor Theatre - Conifer
Community theater produces classics, comedy, musical plays; 25797 Conifer Road

And Toto Too Theatre Company - Denver
Produces women playwright works

Audacious Theatre - Denver
Offers interactive interpretive theater experiences, various settings

Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado - Denver Metro, beyond
Concert series

Colorado Brass Band - Denver Metro, beyond
British style brass/percussion group concert schedule

Denver Brass - Denver
Ensemble concerts include annual (free) Holiday Brassfest at Denver Performing Arts Center

Rocky Mountain Brassworks - Denver Metro
Concerts, competition schedule

Colorado Theatre Guild - Denver
Member musicals, plays

Historic Elitch Theatre - Denver
130 year old theatre tours, events
Facebook

Denver Public Library (all branches) - Denver Area
Dance, music performances; other events (free)

Events - Denver Area
Arts, festivals, music, events

Hannah Kahn Dance - Denver
Professional modern dance company performances

Theater 29 - Denver
Network of local playwrights producing their own plays, staged readings

CityCenter Amphitheater - Englewood
Annual summer concerts, other events

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse - Johnstown
Offers musicals with dinner

Arapahoe Philharmonic - Littleton
Community orchestra

Hudson Gardens & Events Center - Littleton
Schedules summer concerts; 6115 South Santa Fe Drive

Summer Concerts - Longmont
Calendar

Louisville Community Park - Louisville
Summer concert series

Planet Bluegrass - Lyons
Concerts

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sedalia
Concerts, other special events (see listing under Arts & Crafts)