Rock the Lot: Ultimate Tailgating Tips for Red Rocks Concert Nights
The 2025 concert season at Red Rocks Amphitheatre has launched!
If you know, you know, there’s just something electric about tailgating at Red Rocks.
The view? Unreal.
The energy? Next-level.
The food and pre-show vibes? Absolutely essential.
If you’re heading up the hill to catch a sold-out show or rolling in with your crew for a spontaneous night under the stars, tailgating at Red Rocks is a rite of passage. Ready to rock the lot like a seasoned concert pro? Grab your cooler, pack your snacks and cue the playlist! Here are the ultimate tips to take your Red Rocks pre-show party to headliner status.
Arrive Early—Like, Really Early
The upper and lower south lots fill up fast, and trust us, you want to be close. Not only is the post-show hike back to your car way shorter, but the best tailgate parties? They start early and roll deep. Gates typically open 2–3 hours before showtime, so plan ahead and get there with time to chill, grill and soak in the experience.
Pack Smart, Party Smarter
Red Rocks isn’t your average parking lot tailgate. You're nestled in the foothills of Colorado and the weather changes fast and elevation is real. So come prepared.
Here’s your tailgate starter pack:
Lawn chairs or picnic blanket
Small table or trunk space for food spread
Portable cooler (with ice that lasts!)
Sunscreen & hats for sunny shows
Layers! (Even in July, it cools off quick after dark)
Trash bags - be sure to leave no trace and keep the vibe clean
Bring Food That Travels Well
You’re tailgating, not hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Keep it simple, tasty and handheld. Some fan-favorite Red Rocks eats:
BBQ sliders or pulled pork sandwiches
Veggie wraps or burritos
Pasta salad, potato salad or couscous bowls
Fresh fruit skewers or trail mix
Pre-packed charcuterie boards
And if you’re grilling, make it count: sausages, burgers or kebabs are always a win.
Be Sure to Stay Hydrated
The altitude is no joke, especially when you’re dancing, singing and sipping adult beverages. Keep a cooler stocked with plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to balance things out. Sparkling water with citrus slices? Fancy and functional.
Red Rocks Rules You Should Know
Let’s keep it fun AND compliant. Outside alcohol is technically allowed in the parking lots but not inside the amphitheatre. So sip and savor before heading through security. Also:
No glass bottles
No open flames or fire pits
Grills must be off the ground and fully extinguished before showtime
Pack out all your trash
Set the Mood with Music
You’re literally tailgating at one of the most iconic music venues in the world. Bring a Bluetooth speaker, queue up your favorite tracks from the night’s artist and turn your tailgate into a warm-up party. Pro tip: Create a collaborative playlist with your crew ahead of time.
Make It Instagram-Worthy
Okay, not essential, but c’mon. The red rocks, the skyline, the sunset… it’s a moment. Fun tablecloths and colorful food spreads go a long way in creating a vibe that looks as good as it feels.
Know When to Pack Up
Red Rocks concerts don’t run all night. Start wrapping things up 30–45 minutes before showtime so you’re not sprinting to the gate during the first song. Give yourself time to hit the restroom, finish your drink and take in the magic at a relaxed pace.
Keep the Vibes Rolling Post-Show
Tailgating doesn’t have to end when the encore is over. Pack a few late-night snacks, an extra cozy hoodie and let the parking lot playlist play on while the traffic clears. Pro move? Keep a thermos of hot tea or cocoa in the car for the ride home.
Red Rocks tailgating is as much a part of the experience as the concert itself. It’s about the people, the music, the food and the memory-making. With a little prep you’ll be rocking the lot like a legend.
See you in the lot. I’ll be the one with the buffalo chicken sliders and the extra sunscreen!
