Unspoken Etiquette Rules For Attending A Concert At Colorado's Iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater

Colorado's major claim to fame is its breathtaking natural scenery, but it's also an incredible place to experience art, culture, and live music. The state is home to multiple national parks, including the ever-popular Rocky Mountain National Park. With its wild rivers, famous rock climbing spots, and epic mountains it is an absolute playground for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Red Rocks Amphitheater offers the perfect blend of rugged natural beauty, nightlife, music, and art. You won't even have to don your hiking boots to enjoy some of Colorado's most iconic views. 

Many music-lovers consider Red Rocks Amphitheater to be one of the top concert venues in the world. It's located just 20 minutes outside of Denver, which is one of the best live music cities in the United States. The open-air amphitheater is surrounded by towering cliffs formed from ancient red sandstone. A concert at Red Rocks is one of the top things locals want you to experience when you visit, but there are some unspoken etiquette rules that all concert attendees should abide by. 

We spoke with Sarah Uhl, a tour manager and Colorado-based event producer about what to expect. "Living in Colorado and working in live events—especially as a tour manager at Red Rocks—has given me a deep appreciation for the magic of that venue. It's truly sacred ground for artists and fans alike, but there are definitely some behaviors that kill the vibe," said Sarah. She gave Explore the exclusive inside scoop on everything visitors should know before attending a concert at the iconic amphitheater.

The cost of tickets to see a show at Red Rocks aren't cheap, and everyone deserves the same opportunity to enjoy the show. It's important to be respectful of your fellow concert attendees throughout the performance. "Something out-of-towners do that really annoys locals is ignore the communal flow of the venue. Red Rocks is a shared experience," Sarah told Explore. "Cutting the line at security, crowding seated fans without asking, or ducking under ropes and treating the VIP area like it's general admission—those are quick ways to get on people's bad side. There's an unspoken etiquette here, and it really just comes down to one thing: Be kind."

Red Rocks has the capacity to fit 9,525 people. There are 70 rows of bleacher-like seats that slope downwards. Regardless of where you sit, you should have an unobstructed view of the stage, so there's truly no need to infringe on anyone's personal space. There are usually some reserved seating tickets available, but most of the venue is general admission. You can claim a spot in any open seat, but don't try to stuff yourself into a row that is clearly full. According to the Red Rocks Amphitheater website, rows 12-20 are ideal and "offer a good mix of view, sound, and atmosphere." If you want to score one of the best seats, try to show up early.

While it's important to respect the space of other people, it's also good to remember that there's open seating. You shouldn't get extremely possessive or territorial about a particular space, even if you show up early to "claim" it for a group of your friends who haven't arrived yet. Take Sarah's advice and remember to be kind no matter what. 

Red Rocks Amphitheater was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2015. Long before the theater was built, the area was considered sacred by Indigenous people, particularly by the Ute tribes. Respect the space. Do not climb on the rocks, and although it should go without saying, do not vandalize them with carvings or graffiti of any kind.

"One of the rudest things I see concert attendees do at Red Rocks is leave their trash behind. As someone who's worked behind the scenes cleaning up after thousands of people, it's disheartening to watch folks treat such a beautiful, natural space like a dumpster," Sarah told Explore. "We're lucky to have a venue carved into the mountains—respect it. Pack out what you pack in."

Concerts at Red Rocks are quite the party, but make sure you party responsibly. Don't put yourself or others at risk and don't overdo it. According to Sarah, the altitude can be a real challenge if you're drinking or hiking from the parking lot. "Hydrate and pace yourself," Sarah suggested. "You don't want to be the person who passed out before the headliner. Plan ahead, hydrate, and take it slow so you can actually enjoy the show."

Come prepared with everything you need. Sarah recommends bringing along a waterproof layer. "Weather at Red Rocks is wildly unpredictable. I've seen it go from sunny to sideways rain in under ten minutes. A lightweight poncho or jacket will save your night—and maybe someone else's too," she told Explore. Avoid wearing types of clothing that are uncomfortable when wet. You can also bring sealed non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and an empty reusable water bottle — all of which can come in clutch as you dance the night away.