We had a preplanned excursion in/around Boulder for the wknd. Heard about this venue and checked out their concert list. Lo and behold, Tab Benoit (a terrific blues singer and guitarist) was performing Saturday night! Although it appeared sold out, we lucked into 6th row, just off center (on the aisle). At just under $70/ticket it was reasonable. Tab and his bandmates (drummer and bassist) put on a nonstop 90 minute show that really highlighted Tab's extraordinary guitar playing. He also crooned a few ballads in his signature raspy voice (though not enough in our opinion)! In terms of living/performing blues artists, Tab is among the elite. Checkout the 3 video snippets for a glimpse at his versatility. The quaint venue is amazing. At over 125 years old, t's officially listed as historic. And, despite being 50+ feet high, it is made almost entirely of red wood. That yields really warm acoustics that never harshly echo. A quick glance at the calendar and it appears there's something going on 5-6 days/week. Lots of free parking, though you might have to walk a bit, and likely uphill. They sell snacks and drinks at the venue (no bringing in your own). All purses do get checked. The concession prices are high ($6-8 for a single can of beer or a vodka-seltzer) but consistent/average for concert venues. Seats are reasonably comfortable (old movie-house-style, fold up/down, lightly padded) with a nifty cupholder on the back of the seat in front of you. Restrooms are off premises - yep, you gotta exit the auditorium and walk about 75 feet to a small structure that houses the men's/women's bathrooms. Your wrist band that you should have received upon entry, gets you back into the auditorium (don't exit without it)! Oh and maybe don't forget your ear protection - I brought some decent small ones from home and was glad I did, seeing how close we were. Upon exiting the venue it is a little dark along the various walkways to your car and your phone can light the path. Things are congested for about 15-20 minutes but it all moves slowly/surely because it's not massive like an arena or stadium. I can see why so many big names come here! read more

Colorado Chautauqua Association - Interior view 7/12/25 - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

This review is specifically for the Colorado Music Festival Symphony Orchestra. I have accompanied my son to three of these performances this summer, and I couldn't be more impressed. I played in wind ensembles and symphony orchestras as a youngster, but definitely fall in the category of amateur, at best. I do love a good night out at the performing arts, though. The orchestra this summer, led by Maestro Peter Oundjian, is exceptional. I can't remember a symphonic performance that was more intricately perfect in ensemble and intonation than the three I have heard this summer. That each individual performer could be put into a large group and perform as one in such an exceptional way is truly awe-inspiring. I'm going to hear the Dvorak tonight, and simply can't wait! For those who don't know, the Colorado Symphony is now fortuitous in being led by Maestro Oundjian, and under his leadership, I can only imagine that the sky is the limit! That said, there is something very special about driving into the Boulder country/mountains to this little auditorium in Chautauqua Park, with exceptional acoustics and an orchestra composed of some of the best musicians from around the country. What an absolute treat! While the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a national treasure for us in Colorado, I promise you won't miss the traffic and parking fees of downtown Denver! read more

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Over so many years, so many events. Today was their 125th Anniversary Bash. Not nearly as crowded as we expected from past experience of such open, free and welcoming events on the Green. But the weather was tentative and it was at the end of a holiday week when so many were in the mountains or otherwise traveling. I love Chautauqua and have been a frequent visitor for 48 years. I have walked, hiked, taken children to the playground , skied, snowshoed, been to concerts in the auditorium for the classical Colorado Music Festival as well as Brandi Carlile and musical dramas like Fiddler On the Roof, a local production. I sadly, have also been to memorial celebrations in the Community House, a place also used for more politically social events. I have eaten in the Dining Hall every meal of the day, going back to include a 2 hour wait on Father's Day, back when the wonderful Steve Leblang, ran the summer dining experience. I have also visited CU graduate students who lived in the cottages during the academic year, new faculty who lived there during their first winter in Boulder while looking for a house. I have had events at my house in which extended family stayed at some of the rental colleges. One family whose ancestors started their family cottage generations ago, raised their daughters there and these children attended our local elementary school. I doubt many people today remember that at one point in the early 70s, there was a consideration of the idea of tearing the building down and building something newer and "better." With a roof that did not leak into buckets placed all around when seated on old wooden benches to watch a silent film. But by mid 70s the idea was to restore the historical building and in 1978 it opened. It has a good roof and restored theater seating. The Colorado Music Festival had started in 1976, in a downtown church auditorium and I was there for the Richard Stolzman initial concert, as were my parents, here for a visit from 2000 miles away. Fast forward to today to celebrate all of it since 1898. Lots of music, all kinds, lots of food, all kinds, including downtown favorite Zoe Ma Ma and Longmont's Georgia Boys BBQ. I would love to see another big one, but I personally cannot wait another 125 years! read more

Located on the spectacular Chautauqua grounds and celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, this building houses numerous Chautauqua events, such as concerts, talks, films, and family theatre. The nearby Flatirons are an amazing visual, especially when the Boulder Star is illuminated during the Winter Holiday season. Plenty of photo opportunities! So much history in this building, which is a short walk from the fabled Chautauqua Auditorium, and adjacent to the great Chautauqua Dining Hall. It features hardwood floors, a beautiful interior that has an intimate, 125-seat capacity on its main floor, amazing photos all over the building reflecting the site's National Landmark status, and a balcony that provides a great perspective to enjoy an event. They'll conveniently hold your Will Call tickets on-site at the entrance. Parking is available, but the majority requires a walk from Baseline Road or the trailhead lot, both about a Trevor Story home run distance away. Nearest RTD stop is about a half-mile away. I'd suggest getting to Chautauqua early, and get a meal at the Dining House to alleviate any parking or traffic concerns. As I walked into the Chautauqua grounds, I was greeted by a herd of five peaceful deer just a few feet away, an incredible way to begin my visit. They remained in place, so calming. Enjoyed a "Canine Confidential" presentation by Marc Bekoff here last night. Sold-out event was comfortable with a quality sound level. Folding chairs, good sight lines. No refreshments served, aside from water in compostable cups. Restrooms downstairs. read more

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A Boulder experience is not complete without enjoying a performance at the Chautauqua Auditorium. For over a century, the Auditorium has held a special place in the hearts of artists, speakers, and all who visit and has brought the latest in arts, culture, and education to the Boulder community. We went to the Fresh Fridays program and saw the orchestra play famous tunes from West Side Story. The Staff is most helpful and will get you an answer to any of your questions. I highly recommend packing some food and beverage and getting there early so you can secure a parking space near the auditorium, otherwise, you will be parking and walking from the neighborhood. Want to enjoy good music in an unbelievable venue then I suggest you get your tickets and come enjoy the show, both inside and outside The Barn. read more

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I saw José González here last night and he was amazing, as expected. However, the venue, while surrounded by beauty, was underwhelming. I paid $48 for a GA ticket, and was required to sit in the outside sections (many of these seats with an obstructed view due to beams). There was a pretty loud whirring sound that lasted most of the show. I'm still not sure whether it was a cricket or creaky machinery... I'm hoping that next time he's around, he'll play somewhere else. read more

No coordination between the dinning hall and the theatre? Booked a loud ass wedding next door during a classical type show. Needless to say the show was ruined. Unbelievable. Don't come here without making sure the dinning hall next door is not hosting a dance party/wedding. Oh and dogs locked in a car outside the venue barking their ass off. What a huge disappointment. I can understand if this was completely out of their control. A perfect storm perhaps. However, out of your control or not, if shows people are paying a lot of money for and traveling very far to attend are simply at the mercy of the area surrounding the venue; then it's a roll of the dice every time. No thanks, not interested in taking that risk. So unfortunate. read more

Great old barn with local history. Unique experience with excellent acoustics and experience. Come early and enjoy your picnic, bottle of wine on rolling green park surrounding the auditorium. Plan to use the easy and free public transportation to/from the concert. read more

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Boulder has managed to remain a small town with a big reputation, and we visit here every time we're in CO. This time, we happened to hit town on a night when Trombone Shorty & Co were playing at this auditorium. We got tickets online and were greeted and seated by a friendly staff that seemed like volunteers who were as excited about the musical offerings as we were. This building is about 100 years old and looks and feels like an old barn, complete with high ceilings and large attic fans instead of climate control. The brochure warns that it's heated and cooled by Mother Nature, so to bundle up if you go see a show in winter. It was summer, and I'm not gonna lie here: the place can get a little rank when it's full of dancing music fans. But everyone was polite and the show felt intimate and big at the same time, which made up a little for the echoing sound of music being played in such a cavernous place. The venue is right next to the beautiful Chatauqua Park, and parking is on the streets as you can find it. Arrive early so you have time to walk to the venue. They seem to not sell food or beverages, aside from water. Check their website for tips before you go. In all my years of seeing live music shows, I've never seen one in a venue like this. One of a kind, for sure. read more

Please note that this review is for the Chautauqua Auditorium specifically; not the park or the dining hall (those are very different areas, and deserve to be reviewed separately). Anyway, the Auditorium is host to many entertainment events a year, from concerts to film screenings to local talent. It has the feel (may actually be) an old barn - but, it doesn't smell. :) It's a mid-size venue which seats over 1,000 people. The downside is that there is no air conditioning, so if you're seeing a show during the summer - be prepared. They will open the side doors if it's just too hot, but there's only so much a breeze can do in July. Also, seating isn't terribly comfortable. The upside is that they get some neat talent in, and the surroundings are absolutely beautiful! (See all the reviews for the park itself.) We had some ongoing issues with sound, but the staff seemed very quick to react and were able to smooth things out. Staff outside the venue were also quick, and got 1300 people in and seated pretty efficiently. Quick tip - if you're coming here for a popular show, consider taking one of the many shuttle buses in from downtown Boulder - parking is a nightmare. read more

After years and years on my Colorado bucket list, I finally got to cross Chautauqua off with not one but two concerts this past summer! Before the first show, I studied the website so I wouldn't be surprised about what I could bring and what things were not allowed inside. I found the actual experience at Chautauqua to be a little bit different from the description on the website. I fully expected a crumbling old barn with a dirt floor, drafty walls and exposed roof in the middle of a pristine mountain meadow. I thought I'd have to hike to the restroom and have nothing but the water in the bottle I brought with me available to drink. After I got there and checked out the place for myself, I re-evaluated my expectations of "primitive" verses "rustic." The website makes clear that the building is "heated and cooled by Mother Nature" and suggests "keeping an eye on the weather forecast and dressing appropriately." Since it was a bit chilly and rainy on the evening of our first concert, I brought a blanket, a light fleece jacket and gloves, in addition to the rain jacket I wore. None of these extras were remotely necessary for that particular night (perhaps, in part, because our seats were in the middle of the building) but I probably would have needed them if it was truly cold. Even though the Auditorium backs up to a neighborhood, the website states that "the Auditorium is situated at a major intersection with wildlife and its walls are porous to the outdoors." Also, "food and beverages are attractants to animals and are therefore not permitted in the Auditorium" but water in clear, plastic bottles is permitted (and your bags are searched upon entry). What the website doesn't mention is that a bar serving beer, wine, sandwiches and snacks sits about 40 yards outside the back door. You aren't allowed to take food or drinks outside the designated bar area but you can still kind of hear the music from outside. Additionally, modern and clean restrooms are located just outside the back entrance on the west side of the building or you could walk down to the Dining Hall restrooms (also modern and clean) if you'd rather. Now that I know all of the ins and outs of a concert at Chautauqua, I'm definitely looking forward to my next experience. The sound is excellent and it's a unique and fun place to see a show. Oh, and don't try to park at Chautauqua. The City of Boulder provides a free shuttle service on concert days. read more

I saw Andrew Bird play here last night. Seeing live music in this 100 year old historic venue is a very special experience that you won't find anywhere else. It feels intimate and even though we didn't have very good seats (we were right in front of s pathway people were walking on the entire show) I'm still very glad we went. It was an August evening and I was surprised that the temperature inside was comfortable even without air conditioning. Bring a picnic and eat in the park beforehand. read more

We attended a Bruce Hornsby concert at Chataqua Auditorium last weekend and it was spectacular! The evening was cool, and doors remained open so that a breeze blew through. Several giant fans twirled overhead, maintaining the temperature. It was a packed house, but we didn't feel that we were crowded in our seats, which had plenty of leg room. Great acoustics. All in all, a perfect venue for this musical performance! Wish we had brought a picnic because there are nice places to spread out a blanket outside. read more

Just went to the Melissa Etheridge concert here and it was amazing! It is such a quaint venue... loved every part of it! There was a bit of a storm going on and every once in a whole you could feel the mist coming through the roof... (it was like an old barn inside)... the staff working the event were so nice! Loved it! There's also a cute little restaurant and bar right next to it... it was super busy, so I assume it's delicious, but didn't get to try it out... maybe next time! read more

This is a stunning environment and if you are a music lover, the acoustics are truly spectacular. True, it is not air-conditioned, but Chautauqua recently added extra-large fans to help with the air circulation. Also, the side panels of the "barn" open up and allow a beautiful breeze. The chairs and barn have been renovated, but are original. When in the space, you can feel the history. It's a national treasure and everyone should experience it! I do recommend the HOP bus in Boulder, for those who don't want to work. Also, Chautauqua's dining hall is a great add-on to a concert for those who want to arrive early. The views from the deck are unbeatable. read more