If you don’t know Denver, you might think the town goes to sleep when the snow melts. If you do know Denver, you see the traffic and the construction and you know Denver is wide awake, year-round.

We’re always looking for new places to enjoy Denver’s culture (admittedly, *nerd* culture is at the top of that list). Come Summer time, all sorts of excellent music, both underground and mainstream, hits the Denver scene.

Some of these venues are probably no-brainers for any Denver local reading this. Regardless, if you happen to spot a place you haven’t been on the list, we’re recommending it because we think it’s worth checking out.

OUR LIST:

Fillmore Auditorium: Cap Hill. the Big Daddy of Denver music at 3,700 seats.

The Marquis Theater: LoDo. indie bands and great pizza.

The Summit: LoDo. The punk and metal scenes live on.

The Walnut Room: Lodo. Food, music and dance workouts.

Lost Lake: City Park. Dive-bar vibe with local and indie bands.

hi-dive: Baker. Good drinks, local and national bands with a future.

Globe Hall: RiNo. classic tavern next to a music hall specializing in anything-goes.

Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom: Curtis Park. been-there-forever joint with updated sounds and a smaller second room.

The Black Buzzard: LoDo. Grill & brew place with music and lotsa comedy.

Streets of London Pub: City Park. British to the hilt, music and events for every nationality.

Larimer Lounge: LoDo. Solid rock venue with local and national acts.

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox: LoDo. ex-cathouse vibe with music and events that defy prediction.

Soiled Dove Underground: Lowry. nightly music of you-name-it genre in a mellow vibe.

Your Mom’s House: Cap Hill. Drinks, live music, comedy, art — the works.