Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state renowned for world-class skiing, stunning national parks, and vibrant outdoor culture. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the red rock canyons of the southwest, Colorado offers some of America's most dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Colorado has a vibrant nightlife scene centered in Denver, with excellent après-ski scenes in mountain towns. Denver's RiNo Arts District and LoDo neighborhoods are the epicenter of craft cocktail bars and live music venues. Mountain towns like Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Telluride have legendary après-ski cultures starting at 3PM.
Lively in Denver with craft cocktail culture, live music, and late-night food. Mountain towns have excellent après-ski bars that peak between 3-7PM. Most venues close by 2AM per Colorado law.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
RiNo Arts District Denver
Denver's trendiest neighborhood with craft cocktail bars, craft brewery taprooms, live music venues, and the best street art in Colorado
Best for: Cocktail lovers, craft beer enthusiasts, and music fans
LoDo Denver
Lower Downtown Denver near Coors Field with sports bars, restaurants, clubs, and excellent walkability around Union Station
Best for: Sports fans, bar hoppers, and groups
Capitol Hill Denver
Denver's LGBTQ+ community hub and alternative music scene with dive bars, live music venues, and independent nightlife
Best for: LGBTQ+ travelers, alternative music fans, and budget nightlife
LoHi Denver
Lower Highlands neighborhood with sophisticated cocktail bars, rooftop venues, and a more neighborhood-oriented nightlife atmosphere
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts and date nights
Pearl Street Boulder
Boulder's main nightlife strip with brewpubs, live music venues, and late-night dining frequented by students and outdoor enthusiasts
Best for: College crowd, outdoor enthusiasts, and brewpub fans
Après-ski mountain towns
Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Telluride have legendary après-ski culture starting at 3PM with bars packed with skiers in gear
Best for: Skiers, winter visitors, and resort nightlife
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Williams & Graham
Hidden behind a bookcase in Denver's LoHi neighborhood, Williams & Graham is consistently rated one of the best cocktail bars in America. The Prohibition-era speakeasy concept is executed impeccably.
Known for: Prohibition-era craft cocktails
Death & Co Denver
Denver outpost of the legendary NYC cocktail institution, Death & Co brings its world-class cocktail program to RiNo Denver with the same innovation and quality as the original.
Known for: Award-winning innovative cocktail program
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox
A uniquely Denver venue in a converted Victorian brothel with excellent live music programming, creative cocktails, and eclectic food in an unforgettable setting.
Known for: Live music and craft cocktails in converted brothel
Wynkoop Brewing Company
Denver's original craft brewery (1988) founded by Governor John Hickenlooper. The sprawling LoDo brewpub remains a Denver institution with excellent craft beers and a lively atmosphere.
Known for: Colorado craft beer and Rocky Mountain oysters
The Cruise Room
Denver's most beautiful bar inside The Oxford Hotel, an Art Deco masterpiece that opened the day after Prohibition ended in 1933. A magical step back in time.
Known for: Art Deco 1930s cocktail bar
Avery Brewing Boulder
Award-winning Boulder brewery taproom serving their full range of creative and high-ABV beers with excellent food pairings in a spacious, lively atmosphere.
Known for: Bold experimental craft beers
J-Bar at Hotel Jerome
Aspen's legendary J-Bar has been the center of Aspen social life since 1889. The beautifully restored Victorian bar is the place to be seen after skiing in Aspen.
Known for: Aspen's most historic and social bar
10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits
Named after the legendary WWII 10th Mountain Division that trained in Colorado, this Vail-area distillery offers tastings of their Colorado-made whiskey and spirits.
Known for: Colorado-made whiskey and spirits
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Beta Nightclub Denver
Denver's premier electronic music club in LoDo with world-class resident and guest DJs, excellent production, and multiple rooms.
Cover: $15-30
Hours: 10PM-2AM Thu-Sun
The Church Denver
Iconic Denver club in a spectacularly converted Victorian church with multiple rooms, ornate original architecture, and varied music programming.
Cover: $10-25
Hours: 10PM-2AM Fri-Sat
Marquis Theater Denver
Denver's premier small rock venue on Colfax Avenue with excellent sound and an intimate standing room atmosphere.
Cover: $15-30
Hours: Doors 7PM, shows 8PM
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Live music
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the world's greatest outdoor concert venue running May-October. Denver has excellent year-round venues including Fillmore Auditorium, Ogden Theatre, Mission Ballroom, and Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre.
Late dining
Several Denver restaurants serve until midnight or later including Ophelia's, Sam's No. 3 (24 hours), and many LoDo and RiNo spots
Comedy
Comedy Works Denver South and Downtown locations are nationally recognized venues with touring and local acts
Rooftop
Several Denver hotels and bars offer rooftop venues with mountain and city views, including Elway's Cherry Creek and The Rally Hotel
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Colorado bars close at 2AM by law - plan your evening accordingly
Denver has excellent Uber and Lyft availability until closing - never drink and drive
Check Red Rocks concert schedule at redrocksonline.com - shows sell out months in advance
Après-ski begins at 3PM in mountain towns - the most fun Colorado nightlife experience
Cannabis is legal but cannot be consumed at bars or in public - use designated areas or your accommodation
Pre-purchasing tickets to live music events in Denver is essential - popular shows sell out weeks ahead
Mountain road driving after drinking is extremely dangerous - use designated drivers or stay in town