Going to a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is unlike seeing a show at almost any other venue, but the outdoor setting also means there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive—especially when it comes to what you can bring inside.
The Red Rocks bag policy allows certain single-pocket bags, small purses, fanny packs and hydration packs, while oversized and multi-pocket bags are prohibited. There are also specific rules for water bottles, food, coolers, cameras, blankets and other items you might want to bring to a concert.
Knowing the rules before you leave can save you from having to take something back to your vehicle—or potentially missing part of the show.
Here’s what you need to know before packing for Red Rocks.
What Is the Red Rocks Bag Policy?
Red Rocks currently allows single-pocket bags and clear bags no larger than 13 inches wide, 15 inches tall and 8 inches deep.
Small purses and fanny packs measuring 6 inches by 9 inches or smaller are also permitted.
The biggest thing to remember is that multi-pocket bags are not permitted, even if the overall size of the bag falls within the dimensions above. All possessions must also fit beneath your designated seat, which has an area of approximately 18 by 12 inches.
Red Rocks staff inspect bags at the entrances, and venue management has final discretion over what can be brought inside.
What Size Bag Can You Bring Into Red Rocks?
For most concertgoers, there are two important size limits to remember:
- Single-pocket or clear bag: up to 13" × 15" × 8"
- Small purse or fanny pack: up to 6" × 9"
Diaper bags and bags used for breast pumps are also permitted.
Because everything you bring into the amphitheatre needs to fit beneath your seat, packing light is usually the easiest approach.
If you’re unsure whether a particular bag qualifies, check the official Red Rocks permitted and prohibited items list shortly before your concert. Policies can change, and individual events may have additional restrictions.
Does Red Rocks Require Clear Bags?
No. Red Rocks does not currently require every bag to be clear.
Clear bags that meet the size requirements are permitted, but you can also bring a non-clear single-pocket bag as long as it is no larger than 13" × 15" × 8".
This distinction is important because many stadiums and concert venues have clear-bag-only policies. Red Rocks currently allows both qualifying clear bags and qualifying single-pocket bags.
Can You Bring a Backpack Into Red Rocks?
It depends on the backpack.
The current Red Rocks bag rules prohibit bags with multiple pockets, which means many traditional backpacks won’t qualify.
A single-pocket bag may be allowed if it stays within the 13" × 15" × 8" size limit, but a standard backpack containing multiple compartments or pockets should be left behind.
If you don’t need much for the show, a small compliant bag, purse or fanny pack can make getting through security much simpler.
Can You Bring a Fanny Pack or Purse Into Red Rocks?
Yes.
Red Rocks allows small purses and fanny packs measuring 6" × 9" or smaller.
They’re a convenient option if you only need to carry essentials such as your phone, wallet, keys and other small personal items. Remember that your bag will still be subject to inspection when entering the venue.
Can You Bring a CamelBak or Hydration Pack Into Red Rocks?
Yes. Hydration packs such as CamelBaks are permitted, but there are specific restrictions.
The hydration pack must:
- Have a capacity of 2 liters or less
- Be empty of liquid when you enter
- Have no more than one additional pocket besides the compartment holding the water reservoir
This can be especially useful at Red Rocks because of the venue’s elevation and the amount of walking and stair climbing that can be involved in attending a show.
Red Rocks sits at approximately 6,450 feet above sea level, and the venue encourages visitors to stay hydrated and take their time when navigating the stairs.
Can You Bring Water Into Red Rocks?
Yes, with some restrictions.
You can currently bring an empty reusable water bottle of 32 ounces or less, including reusable bottles made from materials such as aluminum or stainless steel.
Factory-sealed nonalcoholic beverages in plastic containers of 32 ounces or less are also generally permitted, although individual shows can prohibit them and some events may require bottle lids to be removed at entry.
Refillable water stations are available throughout the amphitheatre.
Because Red Rocks is outdoors and located at a relatively high elevation, bringing a compliant water bottle is one of the simplest ways to prepare for your visit.
Can You Bring Food Into Red Rocks Amphitheatre?
Yes. Red Rocks currently allows food intended for personal consumption.
However, the food needs to follow the venue’s requirements:
- Food must be carried in a clear plastic bag of one gallon or smaller
- Fruit and vegetables must be sliced
- Only plastic utensils are permitted
Small soft-sided coolers are also allowed as long as they are no larger than approximately 10" × 7" × 7", or about six-pack size. Larger soft-sided coolers and hard-sided coolers are prohibited.
This can be useful if you plan to arrive early and spend some time at Red Rocks before the concert begins.
What Can You Bring Into Red Rocks?
In addition to qualifying bags, food and water, Red Rocks currently permits a number of useful concert items.
- Single-pocket and clear bags within the permitted dimensions
- Small purses and fanny packs
- Diaper bags and breast pumps
- Empty reusable water bottles up to 32 oz.
- Qualifying hydration packs
- Factory-sealed nonalcoholic beverages up to 32 oz., unless restricted by the show
- Food for personal consumption that follows the venue’s food policy
- Small soft-sided coolers
- Binoculars
- Blankets no larger than 40" × 60"
- Stadium seats and seat cushions under 18 inches wide without legs
- Personal point-and-shoot cameras without removable lenses, unless prohibited by the performer
- Small paper signs that meet venue requirements
- Small factory-packaged hand sanitizer
Blankets must remain within your ticketed seating area and cannot extend into walkways. Camera rules can also vary by performer, so it’s worth checking your particular event before bringing photography equipment.
What Can’t You Bring Into Red Rocks?
Some items that might seem normal for an outdoor event are prohibited at Red Rocks.
- Multi-pocket bags
- Bags larger than 13" × 15" × 8"
- Alcoholic beverages inside the amphitheatre
- Marijuana and illegal drugs
- Glass bottles or objects
- Aluminum cans
- Umbrellas
- Aerosol products, including aerosol sunscreen
- Weapons
- Drones
- Tarps
- Yoga or camping mats, except at certain designated events
- Laptops and tablets
- GoPros and 360-degree cameras
- Cameras with removable lenses
- Audio or video recording equipment
- Laser pointers
- Hard-sided or oversized coolers
- Selfie sticks
- Strollers
- Confetti and glitter
- Inflatables
- Gum
Red Rocks also prohibits full-face masks or helmets that obscure a person’s identity and various other items that could interfere with the experience or safety of other guests.
One item worth emphasizing is the umbrella. Colorado weather can change quickly, but umbrellas are prohibited inside the amphitheatre. A poncho or rain jacket is a much better option.
What Happens During Bag Check at Red Rocks?
Everyone entering Red Rocks is subject to screening.
When you reach the entrance, Red Rocks asks guests to have their bags open and ready for inspection. Venue management ultimately has final say over whether an item can be brought inside.
Packing light can make this process easier.
It’s also a good reason to check your bag and belongings before leaving your hotel, home or vehicle rather than discovering at the gate that something isn’t permitted.
If you’re carrying prescription medication, Red Rocks advises bringing only the amount needed for the show in the original prescription container bearing the patient’s name and dosage information.
What Should You Bring to a Red Rocks Concert?
Beyond following the Red Rocks bag policy, packing for the venue is a little different from packing for a typical indoor concert.
Red Rocks is an outdoor amphitheatre at approximately 6,450 feet elevation, and Colorado weather can include strong sunshine, wind, rain and even snow depending on the time of year. Shows generally continue through a variety of weather conditions.
A practical Red Rocks concert packing list might include:
- A compliant small bag or fanny pack
- Empty reusable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Non-aerosol sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Phone and portable charger
- Your digital tickets
- Any permitted personal necessities
Comfortable shoes are particularly important. Depending on where you arrive, reaching the amphitheatre can involve a considerable uphill walk, dirt paths and plenty of stairs. Red Rocks recommends arriving early and allowing additional time to reach the venue and enter.
Getting to Red Rocks Without Worrying About Parking or Driving
Packing your bag is only one part of planning a Red Rocks concert. You also need to decide how you’re getting there—and, just as importantly, how you’re getting back after the show.
Visitors coming from Denver can drive themselves, use a rideshare or shuttle, or arrange private transportation to Red Rocks.
For travelers who would rather avoid coordinating parking, navigating unfamiliar roads or figuring out transportation after the concert, Denver Luxury Limousines provides private transportation to and from Red Rocks for individuals and groups.
Private transportation can also be especially useful if you’re visiting Colorado, traveling with a group or want your transportation arranged before concert day.
At the end of events, Red Rocks directs passenger pickups—including taxis and Uber/Lyft—to the Jurassic Lot near Entrance 2.
For more planning help, see our Complete Red Rocks Transportation Guide.
Red Rocks Bag Policy FAQ
What size bag can you bring to Red Rocks?
Red Rocks currently allows single-pocket and clear bags up to 13" × 15" × 8". Small purses and fanny packs measuring 6" × 9" or smaller are also permitted. Multi-pocket bags are prohibited.
Do bags have to be clear at Red Rocks?
No. Red Rocks permits qualifying clear bags, but your bag does not have to be clear. A non-clear single-pocket bag is permitted as long as it meets the venue’s size requirements.
Can I bring a backpack to Red Rocks?
Only if it complies with the bag policy. Red Rocks prohibits multi-pocket bags, which excludes many conventional backpacks. A qualifying single-pocket bag no larger than 13" × 15" × 8" may be permitted.
Can I bring a water bottle to Red Rocks?
Yes. Empty reusable water bottles up to 32 ounces are permitted. Factory-sealed nonalcoholic beverages in plastic containers up to 32 ounces are generally permitted as well, although individual events can impose additional restrictions.
Can I bring food into Red Rocks?
Yes. Food for personal consumption is permitted if it is contained in a clear plastic bag of one gallon or less. Fruit and vegetables must be sliced, and only plastic utensils are permitted.
Can I bring a blanket to Red Rocks?
Yes. Blankets measuring up to 40" × 60" are permitted. They must stay within your ticketed seating area and cannot extend into walkways.
Can I bring a camera to Red Rocks?
Personal point-and-shoot cameras without removable lenses are generally permitted, but individual performers can establish their own camera restrictions. Cameras with removable lenses, GoPros, 360-degree cameras and audio/video recording devices are prohibited under the venue’s general policy.
Can I bring an umbrella to Red Rocks?
No. Umbrellas are prohibited. Since Red Rocks is an outdoor venue and Colorado weather can change quickly, consider bringing a rain jacket or poncho instead.
Check the Latest Red Rocks Rules Before Your Show
Red Rocks policies can change, and certain artists or individual events may impose additional restrictions. Before heading to the amphitheatre, check the official Red Rocks permitted and prohibited items page for the latest information.
It only takes a minute to double-check the rules, and doing so can prevent an unnecessary trip back to your vehicle once you reach the entrance.
Once you’ve got your bag packed, your tickets ready and your transportation arranged, you can focus on the reason you’re going in the first place: enjoying one of Colorado’s most memorable concert experiences.
