KYLE HARRIS 

Levitt Pavilion received the Best Outdoor Venue award in Westword's 2019 Best of Denver edition.Jake Cox

Let's get this out of the way: Denver loves Red Rocks – and when it comes to Best Outdoor Venue, readers have consistently made it their choice, and did so again in 2019. But since Red Rocks has more Best of Denver awards than an Eagle Scout has merit badges, Westword editors decided to give the Best Outdoor Venue award to a different spot: Levitt Pavilion, a new, far-more-affordable and easier-to-navigate option right here in town. 

Here was our explanation: "In Levitt Pavilion, we get two of Denver's greatest assets in one: a beautiful public park and a music venue. The nonprofit-operated outdoor stage is nestled in southwest Denver's Ruby Hill Park, a lovely, accessible green space offering access by car, bus, bike or foot. Fifty free concerts a year means that Levitt is economically approachable, too, giving audiences a chance to check out local, national and international musicians that fill the venue's summer calendar. Bring a blanket and your own picnic, or purchase food from the local food trucks that set up shop during concerts. Enjoy beverages from Levitt's own concession stand and you'll put money right back into the programming that makes this outdoor amphitheater a welcome, all-ages addition to an already bustling live-music scene."

While Levitt Pavilion's 2020 calendar has yet to be fully announced, the nonprofit has already made some big news this year. Longtime Indie 102.3 / OpenAir DJ Jessi Whitten has been appointed Levitt's next development director, and as a steadfast supporter of local music, her addition to the team will only bolster the venue's commitment to amplifying Denver music.