These days, thanks to Generation Z, “peak” has a whole different meaning. It no longer just refers to the summit of a mountain, but now refers to something at it’s absolute best. And looking at this month’s lineup of outdoor concerts and festivals, it’s safe to say that July is peak.

From the return of “Punk In The Park” and debut of “Unhinged Fest” to the physics-defying acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil and smooth sounds of jazz at City Park, July is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy this month’s Rad Things (to) Do across the Denver metro area.

Festivals, major concert series, parades and special events

Ongoing through Aug. 13: Denver Botanic Gardens’ Summer Concert Series

Location: Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street location)

Transit options: Route 24 at York Street and 9th Avenue

There’s no better way to cap off a day at the Denver Botanic Gardens than by enjoying live music. The Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series has returned once again with a massive lineup for music lovers to enjoy.

See the lineup below and tickets today at https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/summer-concert-series.

July’s lineup:

• July 8: Fruition and Tophouse
• July 14: Blind Pilot and Phosphorescent
• July 23: Moniseur Periné
• July 28: Jacob Collier
• July 29: Fitz and the Tantrums
• July 30: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Semisonic and Sixpence None the Richer

July 6-Aug. 3: City Park Jazz

Location: City Park

Transit options: Route 20 at 17th Avenue and Steele Street

Every year, City Park Jazz brings Colorado’s best jazz musicians together in Denver’s City Park for a gathering of great live music framed by the majestic Rocky Mountains. Best of all, it’s free to attend! Check out this month’s lineup below.

Upcoming lineup:

• July 13: Better Sensory Perception
• July 20: Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra
• July 27: Dzirae Gold
• Aug. 3: Brass Band Extravaganza featuring Rowdy Brass Band, Tivoli Club Brass Band and Guerrilla Fanfare

July 9: Summer of Loud Festival

Location: The JunkYard

Transit options: Route 9 at West 8th Avenue and Wyandot Street

The month of Mile High metal kicks off with a bang as the Summer of Loud Festival shreds its way to Denver on July 9. Head over to The JunkYard to headbang, mosh and rock out to the biggest names in modern metal, all headlined by metal legends Parkway Drive and Killswitch Engage. Check out the lineup below and get tickets today at https://www.summerofloud.com.

Lineup:

• Parkway Drive
• Killswitch Engage
• I Prevail
• Beartooth
• The Devil Wears Prada
• The Amity Affliction
• Alpha Wolf
• Kingdom of Giants

July 11-13: Colorado Black Arts Festival

Location: City Park West

Transit options: Route 20 at 17th Avenue and Steele Street

Back for its 39th year, the Colorado Black Arts Festival is a three-day celebration of African American arts, culture and community. Attendees can enjoy live music, art, storytelling and food that showcases Black and African heritage. Over 80 local artists will be in attendance. It is free to attend. Learn more at https://www.colbaf.org.

Lineup:

• July 12:
  • Adam Hawley
• July 13:
  • WYSE
  • Don MegaTron
  • Trinity Scales and Terrell Matheny
  • Nakira and Rob T
  • John JP Polk
  • Kid Astronaut
  • DJ Ricky-O
  • Tawatha “Bass” Bledsoe
  • Daryl Walker and the Legacy Ensemble
  • Confluence
  • The Gospel Train
  • Mile High Choir
  • Rosalyn Walker

July 12-Aug. 17: Cirque du Soleil ECHO

Location: Ball Arena (4Runner Lot)

Transit options: E and W lines at Ball Arena·Elitch Gardens Station; Routes 1, 15L and 20 at Auraria Parkway and 9th Street

Cirque du Soleil has been captivating audiences for decades. From physics-defying acrobatic displays to immersive visual storytelling, this traveling circus remains the only one of its kind on the face of the earth. Now, fans of Cirque du Soleil can enjoy their latest show, ECHO, at Ball Arena beginning July 12. Get tickets today at https://www.cirquedusoleil.com.

July 18-20: Punk In The Park

Location: National Western Center

Transit options: N Line at 48th & Brighton•National Western Center Station or via the Route 48 at 48th & Brighton•National Western Center Station Gate B

July 18-20, the National Western Center ditches the cowboy aesthetic for mohawks, plaid pants and denim vests as Punk In The Park returns for 2025! This three-day traveling punk and ska festival brings with it the world’s most prolific punk and ska acts, turning the National Western Center into one giant circle pit. Headlining the event this year are Streetlight Manifesto, The Aquabats, Descendents, Pennywise, Bad Religion and Dropkick Murphys.

This festival is not one to miss. Check out the full lineup below and get tickets today at https://www.punkinthepark.com/denver.

Lineup:

• July 18:
  • Streetlight Manifesto
  • The Aquabats
  • Mad Caddies
  • Voodoo Glow Skulls
  • The Pietasters
  • Mustard Plug
  • Catbite
  • Kill Lincoln
  • Bite Me Bambi
  • Younger Than Neil
  • Then I Fly
• July 19:
  • Descendents
  • Pennywise
  • Screeching Weasel
  • The Vandals
  • 7Seconds
  • The Real McKenzies
  • Riverboat Gamblers
  • Manic Hispanic
  • We Are The Union
  • The Bombpops
  • Teen Mortgage
  • Mercy Music
  • Flatfoot 56
  • Potato Pirates
  • Greg Antista and The Lonely Streets
  • Cheap Perfume
  • Cleaner
• July 20:
  • Bad Religion
  • Dropkick Murphys
  • Circle Jerks
  • The Adicts
  • Strung Out
  • The Casualties
  • Guttermouth
  • The Queers
  • Dwarves
  • Slaughterhouse
  • Destiny Bond
  • Clusterfx
  • Public Opinion
  • Time X Heist

July 26-27: Unhinged Fest

Location: National Western Center

Transit options: N Line at 48th & Brighton•National Western Center Station or via the Route 48 at 48th & Brighton•National Western Center Station Gate B

Just one week after Punk In The Park takes over the National Western Center, Denver’s first metal and hardcore festival in over five years, Unhinged Fest, takes over the grounds for two days of mosh pits, tattoos, brews and breakdowns. Headlined by Knocked Loose, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Lamb Of God and In This Moment, this two-day festival is slated to become the marquee event for Denver’s metal and hardcore scene. Check out the full lineup below and get tickets today at https://www.axs.com.

Lineup:

• July 26:
  • Knocked Loose
  • The Dillinger Escape Plan
  • The Garden
  • Health
  • Converge
  • Terror
  • Sanguisugabogg
  • Jesus Piece
  • Khemmis
  • The Callous Daoboys
  • Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol
  • Glixen
  • Palehorse/Palerider
  • In The Company Of Serpents
  • Suicide Cages
• July 27:
  • Lamb Of God
  • In This Moment
  • Body Count
  • Power Trip
  • Sunami
  • Gatecreeper
  • Angel Dust
  • Catch Your Breath
  • Castle Rat
  • Candy
  • Big A** Truck
  • Nailed Shut MA
  • Nightwraith
  • Necropanther

July 28: Disney Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour

Location: Ball Arena

Transit options: E and W lines at Ball Arena·Elitch Gardens Station; Routes 1, 15L and 20 at Auraria Parkway and 9th Street

Ever wonder what happens when two of Disney’s most beloved franchises come together on stage? Find out when the Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour comes to the Ball Arena July 28! Celebrate chart-topping music from Disney’s Descendants and Zombies movie franchises, featuring performers from both shows live and in-person.

Get tickets today at https://descendantszombieslive.com.

Sports

While the festival and outdoor concert calendar is packed this month, it’s officially the least eventful time of the year on the sports front. Still, the Rockies, who have been in solid form lately, have two back-to-back homestands against the Twins and Cardinals at Coors Field. Enjoy a day or two at the ballpark and head on over to https://www.rockies.com to get tickets!

Coors Field

Transit options: any Union Station-bound bus or train

• Colorado Rockies (MLB):
  • July 18-20: vs. Minnesota Twins
  • July 21-23: vs. St Louis Cardinals

Musicals, plays and live theatrical performances

It’s another eventful month at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA)! The four-time Tony Award-winning production Some Like it Hot will be at the Buell Theatre. Then enjoy a unique, comedic twist on the iconic plastic kitchen staple with Dixie’s Tupperware Party at the Garner Galleria Theatre.

Get tickets today at https://www.denvercenter.org/tickets-events/, hop on the D and H lines to Theatre District·Convention Center Station and enjoy a night at the DCPA!

• July 8-20: Some Like it Hot at Buell Theatre
• July 16-17: Dixie’s Tupperware Party at the Garner Galleria Theatre

Concerts

Outdoor concert season is in full swing, and is bringing some of the world’s biggest musical acts to the Front Range. This month, concert-goers can attend live performances by Katy Perry, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Parkway Drive and Killswitch Engage.

Check out this month’s concert slate below, and scroll all the way down to check out music videos from select artists performing this month!

Ball Arena

Transit options: E and W lines at Ball Arena·Elitch Gardens Station; Routes 1, 15L and 20 at Auraria Parkway and 9th Street

• July 10: Katy Perry – “The Lifetimes Tour”
• July 13: Jorge Medina and Josi Cuen – “Juntos”
• July 17: Volbeat – “Greatest of All Tours Worldwide”
  • Support: Halestorm and The Ghost Inside
• July 25: Jason Aldean – “Full Throttle Tour 2025”
  • Support: Nate Smith, RaeLynn and Dee Jay Silver

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater

Transit options: E and R lines at Arapahoe at Village Center Station

• July 11: Santa Fe Klan and Shoreline Mafia – “Unidos Tour”
  • Support: Tornillo, Peysoh and Bravo the Bagchaser
• July 17: Keith Urban – “High and Alive World Tour”
  • Support: Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen and Karley Scott Collins
• July 24: AJR – “Somewhere In The Sky”
  • Support: Cavetown, Valley and Madilyn Mei
• July 26: Caamp
  • Support: Whitney and Bummers

Bellco Theater

Transit options: D and H lines at Theatre District·Convention Center Station

• July 26: El Flaco y Banda La Adictiva
• July 29: The Rose – “Once Upon A WRLD Tour”
• July 31: Praise Fest

Mission Ballroom

Transit options: A Line at 38th·Blake Station or Route 48 at Brighton Boulevard and 43rd Street

• July 12: Car Seat Headrest
  • Support: Slow Fiction

The JunkYard

Transit option: Route 9 at West 8th Avenue and Wyandot Street

• July 9: Parkway Drive and Killswitch Engage – “Summer of Loud”
  • Support: I Prevail, Beartooth, The Devil Wears Prada, The Amity Affliction, Alpha Wolf and Kingdom of Giants
• July 11: Babymetal
  • Support: Jinjer and Bloodywood

Paramount Theatre

Transit options: D, H and L lines at 16th•California Station or the 16th Street FreeRide at 17th Street and Glenarm Place

• July 16: The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary
• July 18: Thunder From Down Under
• July 19: X and Los Lobos – “99 Years of Rock ‘N Roll”
• July 22: Macy Gray – “On How Life Is 25th Anniversary Tour”
• July 23: Chris Isaak
• July 26: Oscar Maydon – “Rico o Muerto Tour”
• July 27: Francis Ford Coppola and Megalopolis

Fillmore Auditorium

Transit options: Route 15 at Colfax Avenue and Emerson Street or Colfax Avenue and Clarkson Street

• July 19: Rain City Drive – “idobi Radio Summer School”
  • Support: Charlotte Sands, Taylor Acorn, Beauty School Dropout, Arrows In Action and If Not For Me
• July 23: Jessie Reyez – “Paid In Memories Tour”
  • Support: Raahiim
• July 26: Mk.gee
  • Support: Black Noise and Seesooooo

Ogden Theatre

Transit options: Route 15 at Colfax Avenue and Emerson Street or Colfax Avenue and Clarkson Street

• July 19: Davido
  • Support: Morravey
• July 26: Getter
  • Support: Nimda
• July 29: Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue
• July 30: Olivia Dean – “Across The Atlantic Tour”

Oriental Theater

Transit options: Route 44 at West 44th Avenue and Tennyson Street

• July 11: Wake Me
  • Support: Antisaint, Blue Mesa and Thousand Frames
• July 18: The Traveling Wilburys Revue
• July 19: In Plain Air and Requiem
  • Support: Sunshowers and Cracked Ribs
• July 20: Ricardo Quevedo
• July 25: Voodoo – “Denver Metal Mayhem at The Oriental)
• July 26: The Changelog Podcast Live
• July 29: Powerman 5000 – “The Taste of Armageddon 2025”
  • Support: Ill Nino, Hed Pe, Priest, The Great Alone and No Future
• July 31: The Union Underground and Spineshank
  • Support: Adema and Sicksense

Boulder Theater

Transit options: Any bus route to Downtown Boulder Station

• July 11: Shakedown Street
• July 15: Social Distortion
  • Support: Plague vendor

Fox Theatre

Transit options: Routes 204, 225/225D/225T, AB1, DASH, GS and SKIP at Broadway and Pleasant Street

• July 18: Germ Theory
  • Support: Undissassembeled and Ok I Love You

Bluebird Theater

Transit option: Route 15 at Colfax Avenue and Cook Street

• July 10: Ray Wylie Hubbard
• July 11: Ben Kweller – “Cover The Mirrors Tour”
  • Support: Ryman
• July 13: 7Horse – “Double Summertime Tour ‘25”
• July 18: Surprise Chef
  • Support: Marinero
• July 19: Never Dull
  • Support: Funk Hunk and Lando Burch
• July 24: The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
  • Support: Shady Oaks
• July 25: Gilligan Moss and Bad Turner
• July 26: Savannah Dexter and Brabo Gator
  • Support: Denham
• July 27: Jonah Kagen
• July 30: Kyle Mooney – “The Real Me/Fake Me Tour”

HQ

Transit option: Route 0 at South Broadway and West Bayaud Avenue

• July 10: Pegboy
  • Support: Sack and The Pitch Invasion
• July 11: Kyle Smith – “Bad For Business Tour”
  • Support: Ghost.wav
• July 13: As We Rise
  • Support: War Ends In Silence and Ghost Of The Sun
• July 14: Nekromantix
  • Support: The Rumours and America’s Most Haunted
• July 16: Haunt Me
  • Support: Cruel Mourning and BLDDLTTR
• July 17: Year Of The Cobra and Somnuri
  • Support: Riff Dealer
• July 24: Dog Party
  • Support: Low Key Genius and First Born
• July 31: Immortal Synn
  • Support: Cambo Slice and Great Lumbering Beast

Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom

Transit options: L Line at 25th·Welton and 27th·Welton stations

(NOTE: List does not include shows at Cervantes’ Other Side. Please visit https://www.cervantesmasterpiece.com for the full calendar of shows at Cervantes’ Other Side)

• July 12: LTJ Bukem
  • Support: Brotha Nature, Nestra and Rokk
• July 17: Sleepy Hallow and Sheff G – “Winners Circle In Your City Tour”
• July 18: G-Space – “Saturn Return Tour”
  • Support: Mantra Sounds, Zone Drums and Birdbrain
• July 19: Conducta
  • Support: Pocket and Charles Nimbus
• July 25: Sabin Rai and The Pharoh
• July 26: Ahee – “Wubcraft Tour”
  • Support: Evalution and Wiley
• July 31: Kate Berlant

Larimer Lounge

Transit option: Route 44 at Larimer and 28th streets

• July 9: Kelsey Waldon
  • Support: Mariel Buckley and Amy Martin
• July 10: Ryan Nevis
  • Support: Bella Renee and Kalypsound
• July 11: Spit Shine
  • Support: Mile High Cattle Cult and Talkbox
• July 11: Lauren Lane
  • Support: Witness Protection, Cofaktor and Strom
• July 12: Cause Celebre
  • Support: Common Birds and The Rhythm Stooges
• July 12: Kaizen
  • Support: Fer Shor, Sumwon, Cu-rated and Breezy
• July 13: Tireshoe
  • Support: Clementine, Keddjra and Seattle Kay
• July 17: Wakaan
  • Support: Chozen, Mindsplatter, Aeye and Costa
• July 19: J. Carmone
  • Support: Paranoid Image and Cosmic Smoke Wagon
• July 19: Warner Case
  • Support: Chrispy, Typeone and It’s Jefe
• July 20: Flush
  • Support: The Disasters, None Sunshine and Oxidize
• July 24: The Broken Skyline
  • Support: Owtlet, Eunoia and Nuera
• July 25: Indigo
  • Support: Pet Falcon and Exhaler
• July 25: Galo
  • Support: Bodega Cats, Sonrizas and Unmute
• July 26: Yung Bae
  • Support: Pure Colors
• July 26: Lady Arys, Veytik, Tasba and Elliss DJ
• July 29: Charlotte Lawrence
• July 30: The Marías
  • Support: Josh Conway
• July 31: Shank Aaron
  • Support: Kaize, Chocolate Drop and Peacekeeper

Gothic Theatre

Transit options: Route 0 at South Broadway and Eastman Avenue, or South Broadway and West Floyd Avenue

• July 18: Heartless Bastards
  • Support: Bison Bone
• July 26: Of Montreal
• July 30: Scene Queen
  • Support: Girli and Deadlands

Summit Music Hall

Transit options: Routes 0, 9, 15 and 20 at 18th andBlake streets, or via Route 52 at 20th and Blake streets)

• July 19: Paul Taylor – “F*** Me, I’m French Tour”
• July 22: Carnifex – “Hell Chose Me 15 Year Anniversary Tour”
• July 24: Spike and the Gimmie Gimmies
• July 25: Bashfortheworld – “The Migo in America Tour”
• July 26: Rio Da Yung Og

Marquis Theatre

Transit options: Routes 52 and RX at 20th and Larimer streets, or via Route 38 at 21st and Larimer streets

• July 11: A Place For Owls
  • Support: Unwed Sailor and A Boy and His Kite
• July 12: John Garcia
  • Support: Telekinetic Yeti and Luna Sol
• July 15: Orthodox
  • Support: Mugshot, Omerta, fromjoy and Lucked Out
• July 16: KenTheMan – “Kinda Famous Tour”
• July 19: Chevy Metal
• July 21: Heart Attack Man – “Joyride The U.S. & Toronto & Also Vancouver”
  • Support: The Dirty Nil, Carpool and Dear Seattle
• July 22: Molly Santana – “Molly and Her Week of Wonders Tour”
• July 23-24: Harbour
  • Support: Sam MacPherson
• July 25: Black Map
• July 26: Keep Flying
• July 28: Midrift
  • Support: Split Chain and I Promised The World
• July 31: The Word Alive – “The Eyes Above Tour”
  • Support: TX2 and Unwell