How to Attend the Summer Concert Series Like a Pro

It’s the peak of summer here at our York Street location, and we are heading into the busiest weeks of the annual Summer Concert Series. Even for seasoned Denver concert-goers, there’s no venue in town quite like the Gardens. With somewhat unique restrictions on what you can bring, what you can’t bring, and what your evening will look like, we want to share with you our best tips for ensuring your concert experience is a comfortable one.

BYOB
Perhaps the most dramatic difference between the Gardens and other local concert venues is that we do not sell alcohol onsite. However, you are welcome to bring your own! Concert-goers can bring their own beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages (coolers are permitted, as well). Of course, we always recommend drinking in moderation, so if you are arriving by car, make sure you designate a sober driver!

Bring short chairs, or just rent or buy one of ours
To provide a great viewing experience for all our guests, we do not permit any chairs with a total height taller than 28” inside the property. Alternately, if you don’t want to mess with dragging your own chairs along, stop by the bright green chair rental tent at the north end of the UMB Bank Amphitheater tent and rent one from us for $10. This year, we also have some chairs for sale for $70 + tax. Don’t wait too long though – we often sell out before the concert begins.

Know what you can bring, and what you can’t
We want you to have a leisurely evening with lots of creature comforts, but we do prohibit some items from entering the Gardens on a concert date to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. As part of our commitment to safety, every bag, cooler and wagon will be screened upon entry. Prohibited items may be confiscated, so we recommend leaving those at home to begin with. Here is a list of accepted and prohibited items. 

Want a prime seat? Get in line early. 
While the gates open at approximately 5:45 p.m., guests who are eager for a prime seating location often line up hours earlier. While we think there isn’t really a bad seat in the house, we suggest arriving early with a book or a knitting project if a front-and-center seat is what you have in mind.

Try Anna’s Overlook for spacious seating
On the other hand, if you’d rather not squash into the UMB Bank Amphitheater with hundreds of strangers, the grassy slope west of the Science Pyramid offers excellent sound and plenty of space to spread out. You may not see the performers, but you’ll hear their serenades just fine.

Order a picnic dinner in advance
Both Offshoots Café and the Hive Garden Bistro are open for dinner each concert evening. You can also visit the new hot dog cart in Oak Grove. If you’d rather not wait for your food during the concert, pre-order a Summer Picnic Box. 

Dress for success
Our concerts go on rain or shine, so make sure you check the weather in advance. Ponchos, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, blankets, sweaters, jackets – we usually see them all in the course of a concert season.

Severe weather threats
The Gardens will be evacuated when lightning, hail, high winds or other severe weather threats are in the immediate vicinity, and the show will be delayed/stopped until the threat of severe weather has cleared. A banner alert will be posted on this website with updates, and staff will communicate via bullhorns to keep concert-goers informed. We thank you for your participation in keeping everyone safe! 

Take in your surroundings
Feel free to wander the Gardens as you like throughout the concert. The Summer Concert Series is not just about incredible musical talent; it’s about showcasing it in the spectacular setting of a horticultural wonderland. Many of our gardens are in peak bloom, and you may be lucky enough to catch a breathtaking sunset while you’re here!

Learn everything you need to know about attending a concert at the Gardens on this Plan Your Visit page.