Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre is a popular outdoor concert venue located in Greenwood Village, Colorado. With a capacity of 18,000, it hosts around 100 concerts and events every year from May through September. If you’re planning on attending a concert at Fiddler’s Green, one question you probably have is what time do the concerts usually end?
Typical Concert Schedule at Fiddler’s Green
Most concerts at Fiddler’s Green follow a similar schedule:
- 5:00 or 6:00 PM – Parking lots open
- 6:30 PM – Gates open
- 7:30-8:00 PM – Opening act
- 9:00-9:30 PM – Headliner starts
- 11:00 PM – Concert ends
- 11:30 PM – Venue closes
This means the headline act usually performs for 1.5-2 hours, with the entire concert lasting around 4-5 hours from the opening act to the end. However, times can vary depending on the performers.
Factors That Affect Concert End Times
Several factors can cause concert end times at Fiddler’s Green to run longer or shorter than the typical 11 PM close:
- Number of opening acts – More opening acts mean an earlier start for the headliner and a later end time.
- Curfews – The venue has noise restrictions that can force concerts to end by a certain time, often 11 PM during weeknights.
- Tour schedules – Artists may need to travel for their next show and cannot play late into the night.
- Encores – Headliners often perform 1-3 encore songs, extending the show.
- Technical issues – Problems with equipment, power, weather delays, etc. can shorten or extend time on stage.
- Artist requests – Some artists negotiate longer or shorter set times in their contract.
So while 11 PM is the typical concert end time, it’s not unusual for shows at Fiddler’s Green to end 30 minutes earlier or later depending on the circumstances.
Estimated End Times for Upcoming Concerts
Here are the estimated end times for some concerts coming up this summer at Fiddler’s Green:
Performer | Date | Estimated End Time |
---|---|---|
Luke Bryan | June 1 | 11:00 PM |
Def Leppard & Motley Crue | June 23 | 11:30 PM |
Zac Brown Band | July 5 | 10:30 PM |
Dave Matthews Band | July 17 | 11:15 PM |
Chris Stapleton | August 2 | 11:00 PM |
These are estimated based on the number of opening acts, tour schedules, and previous concert durations at Fiddler’s Green. End times could vary slightly from these.
How to Plan Transportation With the End Time in Mind
When determining what time to catch a ride home from a concert at Fiddler’s Green, it’s best to plan for after the estimated end time just in case:
- Request Uber/Lyft for 30 minutes past the listed end time.
- Aim to reach your parked car by 15 minutes after the estimated end.
- Schedule transit pickups for no earlier than 45 minutes after the end time.
This helps ensure you don’t end up missing your ride home if the concert runs long. You may end up waiting around awhile for your transportation after the show, but it’s better than not having a ride at all.
Additionally, be prepared for potential traffic delays leaving the venue parking lots after the show ends. It may take 30-60 minutes just to exit the lots, so keep that in mind when arranging transportation.
How to Find Out Exact End Times
If you want to find out definitive concert end times at Fiddler’s Green for specific shows, there are a few ways to get the details:
- Artist websites – Official tour pages often list exact show start/end times.
- Venue website – Fiddler’s Green posts set times a few days before each show.
- Emails from the promoter – Subscribers get update emails with set times.
- Social media – Artists or venue pages give concert details.
- Call the box office – Staff can provide up-to-date schedule info.
Checking these sources 1-2 weeks before your concert date will give you the most accurate rundown of when things are slated to start and end each night.
When to Arrive If You Want to Catch the Opening Act
Since the opening act at Fiddler’s Green typically goes on 30-60 minutes after the gates open at 6:30 PM, you’ll want to plan to arrive by 7:00-7:15 PM if you want to catch the start of the opener.
This ensures you have enough time to park, walk into the venue, go through security, and get to your seats before the opening act takes the stage. Cutting it any closer risks missing part of their set.
Give yourself even more of a buffer if you anticipate long security lines or want time to grab drinks and merchandise before settling in for the show.
Conclusion
While most concerts at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre run until around 11:00 PM, end times can vary each night depending on the artist, tour logistics, encores, and more. Your best bet is to check official tour schedules and venue websites leading up to your show date for the most accurate rundown of start and end times.
Plan your transportation for at least 30 minutes after the estimated end time to ensure you don’t get stuck without a ride home. And if you want to catch the opening act, plan to arrive at the venue by 7:00 PM when gates open at 6:30 PM.
Knowing when concerts end at Fiddler’s Green allows you to maximize your live music experience and arrange seamless transportation. With some savvy planning based on the factors above, you’ll never have to miss an encore or post-show fireworks again!
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History of Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre first opened in 1988 with a capacity of 8,000 people. It was originally constructed for around $3 million as a temporary venue for the city of Greenwood Village, with the stage set on a 30-foot trailer bed that could be moved for other purposes in the park when not in use.
After quickly becoming a popular concert destination, the city invested $6.5 million in 1995 to upgrade Fiddler’s Green into a permanent amphitheatre. This expanded the capacity to 18,000 with reserved seats and lawn seating.
Further renovations in 2005 and 2013 improved amenities with larger bathrooms, expanded concessions, VIP areas, and more parking. The venue now spans over 37 acres and hosts 100+ events every summer.
Notable Concerts Over the Years
As one of the largest outdoor amphitheatres in Colorado, Fiddler’s Green has hosted huge rock, pop, and country concerts over the past few decades. Some memorable shows include:
- Grateful Dead – 1988, 1992
- Jimmy Buffett – Annual shows since 1991
- Metallica – 1992, 2017
- Pearl Jam – 1993, 1995, 1998
- Dave Matthews Band – Annual shows since 1994
- OzzFest – 1999, 2001, 2003
- Kenny Chesney – Annual shows since 2009
- Taylor Swift – 2011, 2018
The venue continues to draw major acts every summer, with upcoming 2022 concerts including The Eagles, Rod Stewart, Backstreet Boys, Steve Miller Band, and more.
Guidelines for Attending Concerts
To make sure you have the best experience when attending a show at Fiddler’s Green, keep these venue guidelines in mind:
- Allow enough time – Parking lots open 3-4 hours pre-show.
- Print tickets in advance – Or save them on your phone for scanning.
- Expect bag checks – Venue rules only allow small clutches or clear bags.
- No re-entry – If you leave during the show, you can’t come back in.
- Cashless payments – Concessions only accept credit/debit cards.
- Uber/Lyft pickups – Are directed to a designated lot, follow signs.
- Review weather policy – Rain or lightning can delay or cancel outdoor shows.
Planning ahead helps make for a smooth, enjoyable concert experience from arrival through the final encore.
Nearby Restaurants to Grab a Bite Before the Show
Since Fiddler’s Green doesn’t allow outside food or drinks, you’ll want to grab dinner beforehand at one of these restaurants nearby:
Restaurant | Distance | Cuisine |
---|---|---|
Mountain View Bistro | 0.3 miles | American |
Park Hill Pub | 1 mile | Pub fare |
Chick-fil-A | 1.2 miles | Fast food |
Romano’s Italian Restaurant | 1.5 miles | Italian |
New Saigon | 2 miles | Vietnamese |
With options for casual fare, upscale dining, and quick bites, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes that’s an easy drive from the amphitheatre.
Weather Policy for Inclement Conditions
Since Fiddler’s Green is an open-air venue, weather can impact shows from time to time. Here’s an overview of their inclement weather policy:
- Light rain – Show will play as scheduled.
- Thunder/lightning – Performance paused until 30 min. after last lightning strike within 8 miles.
- Severe storms – Show may be delayed over an hour or postponed/rescheduled if severe weather persists.
- Extreme heat – Additional water stations and cooling buses provided.
- Smoke/fire – Conditions monitored and delays/cancellations at discretion of fire department.
Before heading to a show, check the venue’s social media pages and website for any weather advisories that may impact performance times or postpone the concert.
Getting Home Safe After the Show
When leaving a concert at Fiddler’s Green, keep these tips in mind for getting home safely and smoothly:
- Use the buddy system – Stay with friends and keep track of each other.
- Follow posted rideshare pickup points – Don’t wander looking for your Uber/Lyft.
- Wait inside if possible – Don’t stand alone outside after the show.
- Ask security to escort you – If walking to your car alone at night.
- Drive cautiously – Watch for pedestrians leaving the lots.
- Arrange a designated driver – To avoid driving impaired.
- Limit alcohol intake – And drink water to stay hydrated.
With some smart planning, you can have fun at the show and get home safely afterwards!