Denver's legendary venue honors 85 years of music and history

DENVER, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 8, 1941, the soon-to-be iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre held a pre-opening ceremony where city, state and federal officials spoke, and the Denver Junior Symphony Orchestra performed. During this event, officials spoke of the significance of the venue and paid tribute to the 500 Civilian Conservation Corps men who spent four years building the amphitheatre. The official grand opening gala was held on June 15, 1941, featuring a Native American ceremony and a performance by the Denver Municipal Chorus. The gala was broadcast nationally over the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), propelling Red Rocks Amphitheatre into the spotlight. The event captured national attention and was reviewed in "Time Magazine."