Summer Beats: Where To See Live Music On The Western Slope
What beats live music on a summer night? Free live music, complete with mountain views, good friends and cold beverages.
Across the Western Slope, multiple free music series promise great performances and great memories all season long. These concerts bring small communities together to dance until the sun goes down with neighbors and visitors alike.
Whether rock and roll, jazz or rootsy bluegrass is your vibe, chances are you can catch an act that suits your taste at one of these shows. And, who knows — you might even discover a new favorite genre or artist.
FRIDAY NIGHTS LIVE
Parking is a $10 donation at Big B’s, or guests can park free in Paonia and take shuttles provided by the venue. Photo courtesy of Pickin’ Productions.
Fridays from May to October
7:30-10 p.m.
Big B’s Delicious Orchards, Hotchkiss
With 24 shows planned on Friday nights between May 2 and Oct. 10, 2025, this series has something for everyone, and the location is hard to beat.
“The stage is literally in the midst of the orchard, with peaches, cherries and apples,” says promoter Rob Miller. His company, Pickin’ Productions, organizes multiple concerts across the region each summer. He’s also planning one big ticketed show July 19 at Big B’s, which will feature country act The Wood Brothers.
Miller aims to bring communities together with his shows, and says they draw a mix of locals and tourists, hippies and old ranchers alike sitting side by side. “We take pride in diversity in all ways,” he says.
While shows are free, onsite parking costs $10, which is donated to a local charity each week. Guests can also park for free in Paonia and catch a ride on colorful Big B’s buses which run all evening.
MOUNTAIN AIR MUSIC SERIES
Thursdays in June
6-10 p.m.
Fellin Park, Ouray
Guests don’t just get mountain views at this Ouray series; they’re literally surrounded by the mountains as two to three unique acts play all evening.
Food trucks and libations are always on-site, and each week organizers pair up with a local organization like the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team to run the alcohol tent and collect tip proceeds for the cause.
Dave Jordan & the NIA, a roots rock group from New Orleans, will kick off the series June 5, 2025. This year’s lineup boasts lots of rock and roll, but performers from multiple genres including country and soul will also take the stage.
Promoter Teddy Errico says the Sunset Music Series brings together locals, second home owners and music lovers alike. Photo courtesy of Sunset Music Series.
SUNSET MUSIC SERIES
Wednesdays from late June to mid August
6-8 p.m.
Sunset Plaza, Telluride
With a 25-year track record, the Sunset Music Series has brought lots of music to Mountain Village.
“The talent differs from week to week, but the sense of community remains the same,” says producer Teddy Errico. “We provide an event that brings people together — locals, second homeowners, tourists and music lovers alike.”
Concerts are set for each Wednesday night from June 25 to Aug. 13, 2025, but more dates may be added later in the summer.
According to Errico, the series brings diverse, nationally-touring artists each week. “You might hear reggae followed by mariachi, funk, pop, bluegrass and so much more,” he says.
RIDGWAY CONCERT SERIES
Thursdays in July
6-10 p.m.
Hartwell Park, Ridgway
More than 3,000 guests come out each Thursday in July to enjoy the Ridgway Concert Series. Photo courtesy of Pickin’ Productions.
The population of Ridgway more than doubles each night of this concert series, as each show brings in around 3,000 attendees.
“The field is just packed,” says Miller, whose company Pickin’ Productions also organizes the Ridgway concerts. “The series just takes over the entire town for the night.”
He says the series started small nearly 20 years ago, and he considers it “the best-kept secret in the West.” These days, it draws crowds from all over the region as well as plenty of tourists.
In addition to a diverse musical lineup, it always boasts a lot full of food trucks and a beverage tent where guests can get cocktails and brews from local companies.
There’s no shortage of free music to be found on the Western Slope, and these are just a few of the series the region has to offer. If you’re looking for more, check out Pickin’ in The Park in Paonia, Music on the Green in Mountain Village, the Thursday Night Concert Series in Fruita and Music on the Mesa in Norwood.
Originally published in the summer 2025 issue of Spoke+Blossom.