Acts that are popular across the country will often play large venues such as the Pepsi Center, Red Rocks or Fiddler’s Green. But other spots are known for supporting native acts when they are just getting started. A few of these hangouts are DIY, meaning they do not have official venue status and are run by the community, and often host bands that do everything themselves. This includes marketing, recording and more, so make sure to give them a little extra love. Check out some of the best off-beat places to watch Denver bands below.
1) Rhinoceropolis:
Address: 3553 Brighton Blvd, Denver
All ages
Perhaps the most famous venue in the Denver DIY scene, Rhinoceropolis, nicknamed Rhino, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. On the outside, Rhino seems unassuming; it’s located in an inconspicuous warehouse on Brighton Blvd, a quiet industrial street.. But take a step in, and the venue is revealed for what it really is—a wonderful space for creativity and fun to flow. Graffiti decorates the walls in one room, couches and chairs litter the floor and there’s even a lone black cat who is a pet to the site. DIY vibes are heavy at Rhino, as they host many DIY bands and do not have restrictions. You can even bring in your own booze if you’re of age. Rhino often hosts local groups such as psych group Sunboy and space rock band Tjutjuna to play, and requires only a small donation, usually around $5. Browse through Rhino’s Facebook schedule and see if any local bands are playing that interest you.
2) Seventh Circle Music Collective:
Address: 2935 W 7th Avenue, Denver
All ages
Seventh Circle Music Collective has a huge lure for literally everyone in the Denver music scene. While a lot of venues often have age requirements for certain shows, Seventh Circle is all-ages all the time, and specifically asks that their guests refrain from any type of disrespectful conduct, including racism, homophobia, sexism and any other attitude that’s just plain rude. This space focuses on cultivating DIY and underground music, and also welcomes other types of art like visual art and film, and self declares as a “place for ALL to feel safe, welcome, and comfortable to express who they are.” If this venue isn’t already a dream come true, the inside makes it even better—drumsticks hang out of the ceiling and a large print of Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction” era) is hangs on one of the walls. Local bands like the punk Potato Pirates play frequently, but keep updated with the Seventh Circle Event page to keep in the know.
A documentary about Seventh Circle Music Collective’s beginnings. Video Courtesy of YouTube user Pab Doe
3) The Hi-Dive:
Address: 7 S Broadway, Denver
Age limit varies with show
While the Hi-Dive does indeed host a lot of non-native acts, the local support flows strongly from this dive bar. The Hi-Dive has gladly hosted single releases for Denver bands such as Bud Bronson & The Good Timers, party rockers, and Plum, seventies psych group. This spot isn’t DIY, but it does get rowdy; think heavy consumption of beer, an alcohol-stained and sticky floor and mosh pits on the daily. The venue is just big enough for some out-of-town acts, but small enough for those Denver artists that are making a name for themselves in the local limelight. Check out the Hi-Dive schedule for upcoming shows.
These are a mere three out of a myriad of Denver spots for local acts to play, but they are three of the best, nonetheless. Your favorite local act might be heading to one of these venues soon, so make sure you keep an eye on each spot’s social media accounts and websites.
A bird’s eye view of all three venues via Google Maps.
