Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-02-23
Anchored by the historic Folsom Field at the University of Colorado Boulder, AEG Presents Rocky Mountains is expanding its long-term investment in Boulder as a premier national destination for large-scale live music underscored by a 2026 lineup that includes GRAMMY-winning RÜFÜS DU SOL, Mumford & Sons, Tyler Childers, and Boulder native Disco Lines.
Long recognized for its natural beauty, countercultural roots, and deep musical heritage, Boulder is entering a new era in which Folsom Field serves as the centerpiece for destination-level concerts – supported by a broader ecosystem of historic theaters, campus venues, and independent stages throughout the city, and further elevated by the Sundance Film Festival’s relocation to Boulder beginning in 2027.
Set against the Flatirons and Rocky Mountain backdrop, Folsom Field’s 50,000+ capacity and nearly century-long legacy position it among the most scenic and culturally significant stadium venues in the country.
A Century of Music, Reimagined for a New Era
Since opening in 1924, Folsom Field has been central to Boulder’s large-scale music legacy, hosting landmark performances from The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Phish, Dead & Company, ODESZA, and more – cementing the city’s ability to support culturally significant, stadium-level events.
Beyond the stadium, Boulder’s music history stretches back more than a century, from classical traditions at CU in the late 1800s to genre-defining moments across rock, folk, jam, and electronic music. Venues such as the Fox Theatre, Boulder Theater, Chautauqua Auditorium, and Macky Auditorium have helped shape global music culture – from Radiohead to Skrillex, Dave Matthews Band to GRiZ, Coldplay to deadmau5.
For Don Strasburg, President of AEG Presents Rocky Mountains, Folsom Field represents both a personal and professional milestone in Boulder’s evolution as a national music destination. Strasburg moved to Boulder in 1991 and, in 1992, opened the Fox Theatre with partners – an experience that helped define his long-standing connection to the city’s music ecosystem and now informs the vision for Folsom Field’s continued growth.
Quote from Don Strasburg, President of AEG Presents Rocky Mountains:
“There’s something unique about the combination of longtime residents, CU students, traveling visitors, and artists all meeting in one place. The setting – the Flatirons, the Rocky Mountain backdrop, the walkable downtown – creates an atmosphere that artists immediately feel. When artists play Folsom Field, they understand how special it is. They don’t just perform here – they take over the town. You feel the imprint of that artist community on the atmosphere of Boulder. It changes the energy of the city in a way that’s incredibly powerful.”
Quote from Ryan Gottlieb, Senior Associate AD/Revenue Generating Officer:
“We’re incredibly proud of the momentum we’ve built with our partners at AEG to bring a variety of artists across multiple genres to the Boulder community. There is simply nothing better than live music at Folsom Field, which is an iconic venue nestled against the Flatirons in one of most beautiful towns in the nation. We’re proud that we’re able to bring the highest caliber of entertainment to one of the best outdoor concert venues in the country, which attracts fans from all over the world. Thanks to our strong relationship with AEG, we look forward to continuing to bring amazing artists to the Boulder community for years to come.”
Momentum Builds Through Strategic Partnership
In recent years, Boulder has experienced renewed momentum as a live music destination, driven by thoughtful collaboration between the city, CU Boulder, and AEG Presents Rocky Mountains.
2026 AEG x Boulder calendar includes:
Disco Lines at Farrand Field (April 18, 2026) — the Boulder native and CU alumnus’ largest hometown headline to date, following his sold-out Red Rocks debut in 2025
Mumford & Sons at Folsom Field (June 6, 2026) — the GRAMMY-winning British folk-rock band, alongside support acts Sierra Ferrell and Dylan Gossett, brings their globally celebrated stadium show to Boulder, marking one of Colorado’s most anticipated summer concerts and reinforcing Folsom Field’s status as a premier destination for arena-scale touring acts
Tyler Childers at Folsom Field (July 18, 2026) — further reinforcing Boulder’s emergence as a premier destination for large-scale, culturally resonant live music events
RÜFÜS DU SOL at Folsom Field (August 22, 2026) — the GRAMMY-winning trio’s largest North American tour to date brings their Inhale / Exhale stadium production to the 50,000+ capacity venue, placing Boulder alongside Madison Square Garden, Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and the Kia Forum as one of the band’s premier tour stops
Together, these moments reflect growing confidence in Boulder’s ability to host destination-level concerts that attract national audiences while remaining rooted in local culture. Located just 30 minutes from Denver yet distinctly its own experience, Boulder offers what Strasburg describes as “a quintessential town and a gateway to the Rockies.”
“It’s bucolic, it’s youthful, it’s vibrant,” Strasburg added. “You can walk Pearl Street, shop and dine at world-famous restaurants, hike the foothills , check out neat spots like the Dushanbe Teahouse in the afternoon, and then attend a landmark show at Folsom Field at night and maybe catch a late show at the Fox or Boulder Theatre after.. Boulder is a really special space.”
A Broader Cultural Inflection Point: Sundance Arrives
As live music continues to play a growing role in Boulder’s cultural and tourism strategy, the city is increasingly recognized not only as a college town or outdoor hub – but as a national destination for landmark music experiences.
Boulder’s emergence as a national live music destination arrives amid a larger cultural milestone: beginning in 2027, the Sundance Film Festival will relocate to Boulder as its new permanent home.
The Sundance Institute’s decision positions Boulder at the center of independent film, global storytelling, and creative innovation – further reinforcing the city’s reputation as a place where arts, culture, technology, and community converge. Centered in downtown Boulder and incorporating venues along Pearl Street and the University of Colorado campus, the Festival’s move underscores the city’s growing appeal as a walkable, artist-forward destination framed by the Rocky Mountains.
Together, the arrival of Sundance and the continued expansion of large-scale concerts at Folsom Field reflect a broader evolution: Boulder is not simply hosting events – it is becoming a year-round cultural capital where music, film, travel, and creative industries intersect.
A Long-Term Vision for Boulder: More Than a Concert Destination
With projections indicating continued population growth, increased tourism, and sustained interest in experiential travel, Boulder is uniquely positioned to scale its live music footprint responsibly.
AEG Presents Rocky Mountains has signaled a long-term investment strategy that balances:
Local club shows and artist development
Campus-based outdoor programming
Large-scale productions at Folsom Field
Thoughtful integration with city infrastructure, sustainability goals, and community values
Rather than chasing volume, the focus remains on culturally meaningful, well-produced events that enhance Boulder’s identity and contribute to its broader economic and creative ecosystem.
What sets Boulder apart is not just its venues, but its setting. Fans travel for shows and stay for:
Immediate access to hiking and open space
A nationally recognized food and beverage scene
A walkable downtown anchored by Pearl Street
A strong connection between the university, arts, and innovation communities
