Practical notes for Denver House of Joy readers — a night on colfax. Write original copy for Denver House of Joy, an independent Denver guide to live music, theatre, family days out and ways to give back (not a charity, church or ministry, collects no donations or dues, sells no tickets, not affiliated with any women's group or child-sponsorship organisation). Do not present the site as the organisation that used this domain before (a Colorado women's charity chapter ()); do not invent dates, prices, names, credentials or awards.
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Practical notes for Denver House of Joy readers — a night on colfax. Write original copy for Denver House of Joy, an independent Denver guide to live music, theatre, family days out and ways to give back (not a charity, church or ministry, collects no donations or dues, sells no tickets, not affiliated with any women's group or child-sponsorship organisation). Do not present the site as the organisation that used this domain before (a Colorado women's charity chapter ()); do not invent dates, prices, names, credentials or awards. Reach us via the contact page.
Planning Your Night Out Along Colfax Avenue
Colfax Avenue runs east to west across the whole metro area, and it is often described as one of the longest continuous commercial streets in the United States. For a night out, though, most people focus on the stretch running east from downtown and the State Capitol through Capitol Hill and on toward the Congress Park and City Park neighborhoods. This is where the historic theaters, music rooms, late-night diners and neighborhood bars sit close enough together to make a proper evening of it.
The venues
Colfax is best known to gig-goers for its mid-sized theaters. The Fillmore Auditorium near Clarkson Street and the Ogden Theatre and Bluebird Theater further east host touring bands, comedy and DJ nights across a wide range of genres. These rooms are smaller and more intimate than Red Rocks, so you are rarely far from the stage. Lineups change constantly, so check each venue's official website for current shows, door times, age policies and bag rules before you set out.
Getting there and back
- Transit: Colfax is one of Denver's busiest bus corridors, and buses run along much of its length. Check RTD's current schedules, especially for late-night return trips.
- Parking: Street parking near the theaters fills quickly on show nights. Read the signs carefully, because restrictions vary by block.
- Rideshare: Pick a meeting spot on a side street. It is usually easier than trying to flag a car on Colfax itself right after a show lets out.
Making an evening of it
Part of Colfax's charm is its mix of old and new. Classic diners sit next to newer cocktail bars, taquerias and pizza counters, and many stay open late enough for a post-show bite. Eat before doors open if you can, because popular spots get busy as crowds arrive. Wear comfortable shoes too, since walking a few blocks between dinner and the venue is part of the experience.
As with any busy urban street at night, stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight and travel with friends when you can. For more ideas on where to go, browse our guide to Denver places, or see our get involved page if you would like to give something back to the neighborhoods you enjoy.