The Best Live Music In Denver

Denver, Colorado, is a metropolis historically known as ‘The Queen City of The Plains’ thanks to its key role in the American agricultural industry and its idyllic hilly setting. It’s a creative city with a vibrant and lively music scene influenced heavily by this history, with jazz and blues abounding in many iconic music venues throughout the area. A top spot in which to listen to everyday bands and current music too, Denver visitors won’t be disappointed with the array of live music options on offer; here’s some of the best.

El Chapultepec

This budget-friendly watering hole offers jazz and blues in a cozy and warm dive bar setting. El Chapultepec’s vibrant, old-school decor calls to mind the kitch glamor of the 1950s, and the drinks here are cheap and tasty. Customers will find a fun crowd of hipsters, music aficionados and lyric lovers, and on weekend evenings karaoke lovers can sing along to anything from Janis Joplin to Michael Jackson. This is a perfect place in which to people watch whilst sipping on an ice-cold beer at the bar.
Address and Telephone: El Chapultepec, 1962 Market St Denver, CO 80202 303-295-9126

Herb’s Hideout is another cheap and cheerful dive bar and lounge, an establishment which features talented musicians playing live jazz, blues and rock music. Every Wednesday customers can catch the Laura Newman Trio playing infectious jazz at 7pm, and at 10pm there’s the chance for visitors to showcase their musical talents with Herb’s Open Jam. The hideout is often packed with excited drinkers and dancers, and there is a spacious and airy back patio too in which to grab a breath of fresh air. Cheap ale and colorful, fruity cocktails elevate this joint as a top spot in Denver to enjoy a tipple and a tune in a laid-back atmosphere.
Address and Telephone: Herb’s Hideout, 2057 Larimer St Denver, CO 80205 303-299-9555

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox is a gourmet restaurant and music venue featuring a variety of fantastic music acts during the weekends and on Thursday evenings. Sunday brunch includes live folk or bluegrass performances, an ideal accompaniment to the $13 bottomless mimosas on offer at this time. Balcony booths on the top floor give great views of all the shows, and delicious eats such as authentic flatbreads and creamy mussels are elegantly served to keep your hunger at bay whilst you’re enjoying an evening of great music. A plethora of national and international bands regularly play here, and with cheap beer, cocktails and small plates too, a night at Ophelia’s won’t leave fun seekers or music lovers disappointed.
Address and Telephone: Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St Denver, CO 80202 303-993-8023

The dive bar aesthetic is featured in many live music venues in Denver I

DazzleJazz Restaurant & Lounge

DazzleJazz draws the best jazz and rock artists in Denver, and every night of the week sees local bands, lyrical trios and musical artists-in-residence playing with the utmost enthusiasm and talent here. Performing everything from classic jazz to modern rock, the trendy lounge features a wide array of drink specials, including $4 martinis and cheap house punch from 4pm daily. Don’t miss the bottomless bloody marys, a refreshing beverage and the perfect tipple to sip on whilst enjoying some smoothe jazz.
Address and Telephone: DazzleJazz Restaurant & Lounge, 930 Lincoln St Denver, CO 80203 303-839-5100

La Cour Denver’s Art Bar

The trendy lounge spot of The La Cour Denver’s Art Bar offers live jazz in an intimate and sleek setting, and sees all performances carried out by charismatic musicians and singers. A venue providing great backing music for enjoyable dining, the French and Mediterranean dishes here are exquisitely presented, and the meat board and cocktail menu offer a wealth of culinary options to enjoy whilst listening to the venue’s melodic music. The outdoor seating area here features charming modern fixtures and small fire pits, creating a cozy and warm setting even on those chilly Denver evenings.
Address and Telephone: La Cour Denver’s Art Bar, 1643 S Broadway Denver, CO 80210 303-777-5000
By Lauren Gruber

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