What to Bring to a Red Rocks Event

Red Rocks Guide > What to Bring


What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Red Rocks is an experience. It's not like any other venue in the world. As a result of this, many people come underprepared. We're going to outline everything that you should (and shouldn't) bring to make the most out of your Red Rocks trip.


Prohibited Items at Red Rocks

Red Rocks enforces a very strict bag policy and prohibited items list. We've outlined that below so you know exactly what to expect

  • Bags with multiple pockets, as well as any bag larger than 13″ x 15″ x 8″
  • Alcoholic beverages, marijuana and illegal drugs
  • Glass bottles/objects or aluminum cans
  • Liquids in non-factory sealed containers
  • Umbrellas
  • Aerosols (e.g. hairspray, sunscreen and oxygen canisters)
  • Animals including emotional support animals (with the exception of service animals as defined by the ADA)
  • Remote controlled flying devices or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles, drones)
  • Weapons of any kind (e.g. guns, knives, pepper spray / mace, chains, studded / spiked jewelry
  • Tarps
  • Yoga mats / camping + sleeping mats (except for Yoga on the Rocks events)
  • Poi (e.g. sticks, ropes, balls, flow stars)
  • Bubbles
  • Audio or video recording devices, Go Pros, 360-degree cameras, tablets and cameras with removable lenses
  • Laser pointers
  • Hard-sided coolers or soft-sided coolers larger than 10″ x 7″ x 7″
  • Selfie sticks
  • Totems (self-crafted, decorated sticks or poles)
  • Bullhorns and noisemakers
  • Strollers of any kind
  • Full face masks / helmets which obscure the identity of the wearer
  • Confetti, glitter and other items that can be thrown
  • Stickers
  • Hula hoops
  • Gum

Permitted Items

Red Rocks also defines a clear list of permitted items. By no means is this list exclusive, but it does a great job of clarifying what is okay and gives you a better idea of what you should bring to the venue. That list includes:

  • Single pocket bags and clear bags no larger than 13" x 15" x 8"
  • Small purses and fanny packs that are 6″ x 9″ or smaller
  • Non-alcoholic beverages in factory sealed plastic containers (32 oz. or less), unless prohibited by the show. Some shows may require the removal of lids upon entering the amphitheatre.
  • Empty, reusable water bottles e.g., Nalgene bottles, aluminum bottles (32 oz. or less)
  • Hydration packs (Camelbaks, etc.) are allowed but limited to 2L in size, must be emptied of all liquid and have no more than one pocket in addition to the one holding the water reservoir
  • Soft-sided coolers, six-pack size (10″ x 7″ x 7″ or smaller)
  • Food for personal consumption. All food must be in a clear plastic bag (one gallon or less).
  • Fruit and vegetables must be sliced. Plastic utensils only.
  • Binoculars
  • Blankets: Can be no larger than 40″ x 60". They must not extend beyond ticketed seating area and are not permitted on any walkways
  • Stadium seats and seat cushions (must be under 18″ wide, cannot have legs)
  • Personal point and shoot cameras without removable lenses (unless prohibited by the show)
  • Empty poster tubes

What to Bring: Pro-Tips

Keeping in mind what is and isn't allowed into the venue, we're here to help you prepare for your next trip to Red Rocks

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the weather is ever changing in Colorado. A beautiful sunny and 75 degree day can quickly turn dark and gray with hail storms. Red Rocks can get extremely cold especially between September and May. That being said, it's always important to check the weather and look at the forecasts for the duration of the event. It's never a bad idea to bring an extra layer (and possibly a hat or gloves if necessary) and/or a rain jacket, even in the middle of the summer concert season.

The hikes from the parking lots to the venue can be long, hot, and tough. It's a good idea to bring a few water bottles for that trek. If you want to avoid paying for water inside the venue at inflated prices, then it would be wise to bring a soft sided cooler and pack a few water bottles in there as well

The seats in Red Rocks are all wooden benches. They can get uncomfortable (and wet depending on the weather), so a blanket is a great idea. Also, if you are sitting in general admission, the blanket can act as a spot saver if you get up to go to the bathroom or get concessions at any point.

Personal food items like a sandwich or other snacks are a great option too if you prefer not to eat the food from concessions stands in the venue (Though the food is outstanding for a concert venue).

If you're tailgating, a speaker is a must. You're going to want to have some music filling the air to get the vibes right going into the concert. Other necessities for the tailgates include lawn chairs, drinks, ice, and food. Open flames are often discouraged due to the risk of wildfires in the Rocky Mountains.

So, to finalize the list of items to bring to maximize your Red Rocks experience:

  • Extra layer
  • Possibly a hat and gloves if the weather deems it necessary
  • Soft-sided cooler with factory sealed water bottles
  • Blanket no larger than 40″ x 60"
  • Snacks in a clear plastic bag

If tailgating:

  • Speaker
  • Cooler
  • Drinks
  • Lawn Chairs
  • Ice
  • Food

Red Rocks Tickets

If you're attending a classic Red Rocks event like Film on the Rocks or Yoga on the Rocks, or are looking to get the full Red Rocks experience out of the perfect event, you can find the perfect tickets for you on our Red Rocks tickets page. Browse events and buy tickets, and make sure you plan ahead and bring everything you need, so you'll be covered for whatever Red Rocks brings.