Denver has a thriving music scene, with a particular emphasis on country and folk music. The city has produced many famous musicians, including John Denver, Judy Collins, and The Lumineers. Venues like the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Fillmore Auditorium, and the Bluebird Theater host concerts year-round, and festivals such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Underground Music Showcase draw in crowds from around the country. Denver is also home to a thriving electronic dance music scene, with several nightclubs and venues catering to fans of the genre.
Denver has a rich cultural heritage, showcased in its museums, galleries, theaters, and festivals. The Denver Art Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers, with more than 70,000 works of art from around the world. Other notable cultural venues include the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Buell Theatre, and the Paramount Theatre. Denver is also home to several festivals throughout the year, such as the Denver Film Festival, the Great American Beer Festival, and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.
Denver was founded in 1858 during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, which brought thousands of people to the area in search of fortune. The city grew rapidly during the late 19th century due to the mining and railroad industries. Today, visitors can explore Denver's history at sites like the Molly Brown House Museum, the Colorado State Capitol, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Denver has also been at the forefront of social justice movements, with landmarks like the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center and the Chicano Humanities & Arts Council celebrating the contributions of underrepresented communities to the city's history.