BY  MELANIE ULLE

Every year around March, my husband looks at me and says, “you made it.” I was built for spring and summer (not winter, never ever winter) and after a season that has been very strange, and totally unsatisfying the shift to spring feels more earned than usual. 

We’ve spent months enduring a depressing, dry, snowless landscape, brown grass and naked trees. I don’t know about you, but I’m so ready for warm evenings on a blanket with a cold drink and some tunes. Here we go- our sweet city is ready to be done with this dumb, weird and dry winter, and the music scene is ready to pop. 

If you’re as anxious as I am, allow me to share what’s on my radar for the early 2026 season of our beloved Mile High City.

For many, (or even most of you?) the real start of spring is marked by the first time you trek up those red stairs and get your sneakers filthy at Red Rocks. The April lineup looks like fun. We’ve got Sublime on April 17–18, which is actually the perfect antidote to our bland boring winter. I saw them a few years ago in the spring and it snow-rained but still felt so much like summer because… it’s Sublime!

Alesso will be there on April 25 if you’re into EDM, but I’m more interested in Bob Moses + Cannons on April 26. Whiz Khalifa and Ice Cube are also coming to Red Rocks in April, as is John Mulaney, who is not a musician, but sure makes me laugh.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Denver in April without the annual 4/20 festivities and this year the event is hosted by Tommy Chong. I can already smell it. I am more excited about my girl, Raye, coming to the Fillmore on April 6.

In May, the schedule gets even better. A few I’m putting on my calendar are Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Bright Eyes, and Khalid.

But most importantly, we have Outside Days taking over the Auraria Campus from May 29–31. This is the one I’m most pumped about. As you know, this event is a celebration of the awesome Colorado outdoor lifestyle we’ve been craving all winter, and the lineup is outstanding! Death Cab for Cutie, My Morning Jacket, and Cage The Elephant and many more. In my opinion, it’s the strongest multi-artist bill Denver has seen in years.

Looking into summer, the biggest news is the return of the Underground Music Showcase (UMS). It’s been a tradition on Broadway for ages, but this year it’s officially moving to the RiNo Art District (July 24–26). I’ll miss Broadway, but I think it’s an awesome fresh start. 

The lineup for Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series has been announced and tickets go on sale this month so move fast. You know how quickly they sellout and so help me gawd, if I don’t get tickets to Band of Horses on August 6… You know how it works. Make your selections now and put reminders in your iCal.

Hey, we missed out on the snow this year, but we aren’t going to miss out on our fun in the sun. I’ll see you at the beer tent, party people.