New Music Festival 'Bluecifer's First Rodeo' Planned for Broadway in Denver This July

The new festival aims to rival the Underground Music Showcase's move to RiNo with a focus on local DIY music culture.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:20am

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A new local music festival called Bluecifer's First Rodeo is planned to take place on Broadway in Denver this July, potentially coinciding with the dates of the revived Underground Music Showcase (UMS) which is moving to the RiNo neighborhood. Bluecifer's First Rodeo is being organized by local artists and aims to spotlight Denver's DIY music scene, in contrast to the changes at UMS.

Why it matters

The announcement of Bluecifer's First Rodeo comes after UMS, a long-running local music festival, announced it would be moving from its traditional home on Broadway to RiNo in 2026. This has sparked some controversy, with Bluecifer's First Rodeo positioning itself as a more grassroots, community-focused alternative to the changes at UMS.

The details

Bluecifer's First Rodeo will take place at several venues along Broadway in late July, including Bar 404, Skylark, hi-dive, HQ, Seventh Circle, Sputnik, Ten Penny and Wax Trax. The festival is being organized by local artists and aims to highlight Denver's diverse DIY music scenes. The festival's name is a nod to the controversial 'Blucifer' sculpture at Denver International Airport.

  • Bluecifer's First Rodeo is planned for late July 2026.
  • The festival may coincide with the dates of the revived Underground Music Showcase (UMS) in RiNo, which is scheduled for July 25-27, 2026.

The players

Bluecifer's First Rodeo

A new local music festival planned for Broadway in Denver, organized by local artists to spotlight the city's DIY music scene.

Underground Music Showcase (UMS)

A long-running local music festival in Denver that is moving from its traditional home on Broadway to the RiNo neighborhood in 2026.

Two Parts

The marketing and production company that owns a portion of the Underground Music Showcase.

Youth on Record

The organization that previously owned a portion of the Underground Music Showcase, which has now been transferred to the RiNo Business District.

Blucifer

The controversial sculpture of a blue mustang at Denver International Airport, which the new Bluecifer's First Rodeo festival is named after.

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What’s next

The organizers of Bluecifer's First Rodeo have said they will provide more information about the festival soon, including specific dates.

The takeaway

The announcement of Bluecifer's First Rodeo highlights the ongoing tensions and changes in Denver's local music scene, as longtime festivals like UMS evolve and new events emerge to champion the city's DIY culture and grassroots music communities.