Alt Denver: Goth Nights, Horror Bars and Record Shops

Denver sits a mile up, and its alt scene has the energy to match. The city has an annual goth prom, a horror bar with goth nights, one of the best DIY punk spaces in the country and record shops that have been going since the 70s. This guide to alt Denver covers where to dance, where to see bands and how to spend your days.

One quick tip: nights and venues change. Check each place's socials before you head out.

Goth Nights and Dark Parties

Denver Goth Prom

Denver Goth Prom is the big event of the year. It's an annual formal goth party with live bands and DJs, and people dress in gowns, suits, veils, corsets and anything dramatic. It reached its ninth edition in 2025 at Reelworks, with Clan of Xymox headlining. Watch for announcements and get tickets early.

Need outfit ideas? Our what to wear on a goth date guide works for prom too.

The Crypt

The Crypt on East 17th Avenue is a horror-themed bar full of death-culture decor and underground music references. It hosts goth nights, live music, drag and themed events, including a queer goth night called Necropolis and a goth brunch. It's the easiest place in Denver to find dark-clad people on a random weeknight, and it goes all out for Halloween.

Other Dark Nights

Goth, post-punk and new wave nights pop up at venues around the city. Recent ones include Ola Oscura, a goth, post-punk, new wave and alt rock night at Ophelia's Electric Soapbox. Local promoters also run industrial and EBM nights. Follow Denver goth DJs to stay in the loop. Our industrial music guide is good prep if that's new to you.

DIY Punk and Live Music

Seventh Circle Music Collective

Seventh Circle Music Collective is a DIY music venue and arts space that has been running since 2012. It's all-ages, sober and donation-based, which makes it one of the most welcoming spaces in the city. Expect punk, hardcore, folk punk and underground touring bands. It also hosts festivals and fest pre-parties.

The Gothic Theatre

The Gothic Theatre in Englewood is a historic theater and mid-size concert venue. Despite the name, it books all kinds of music, but many touring alt, punk, metal and indie bands play here, and the old theater setting is great for a dark show.

Red Rocks

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, just outside the city, is one of the most famous outdoor venues in the world. The setting between giant red rock formations is unreal. If a band you love plays there, go. Bring layers, since nights cool down fast.

Record Shops

Wax Trax Records opened its Capitol Hill store in 1975 and is the oldest record store in Colorado. The current owners took over in 1978, and it has grown into several shops around the metro, but the original 13th Avenue location is still the flagship. Go there for punk, post-punk, goth and metal vinyl, plus a deep used section.

Record Store Day lines at Wax Trax are a Denver tradition. If you're building a collection, our best goth bands list is a great shopping list.

Daytime Ideas

Explore Capitol Hill. The neighborhood around Wax Trax has old Victorian houses, cafés and a laid-back alt vibe.
Go for a mountain drive. The Rockies are close, and moody fall and winter mountain days are gorgeous.
Visit Riverside Cemetery. It's Denver's oldest operating cemetery, with historic graves and a quiet, eerie feel. Be respectful.
Plan a Halloween visit. The Crypt goes all out for October, and the city's goth promoters usually line up costume nights. It's a fun month to be in town if you love dressing up.
Thrift on South Broadway. The strip near the Gothic Theatre has vintage shops, bars and plenty of character.

A Perfect Alt Weekend in Denver

Friday: Start at The Crypt on East 17th Avenue for horror decor and goth night energy, then see where the night takes you.
Saturday afternoon: Dig through the bins at Wax Trax on 13th Avenue, then wander Capitol Hill's old Victorian streets.
Saturday night: Catch an all-ages DIY show at Seventh Circle, or a bigger touring act at the Gothic Theatre on South Broadway.
Sunday: Drive into the foothills for a mountain hike, or check whether Red Rocks has a show. Even without a concert, the park around the amphitheater is stunning.

If you can only pick one weekend, make it Denver Goth Prom. It's the night when every corner of the city's dark scene shows up in their best outfits, and it's an easy place to meet people.

Tips for Alt Denver

Hydrate. The altitude and dry air are real. Drink water, especially if you're dancing.
Wear sunscreen. The sun is stronger up here, even in winter.
Dress in layers. Weather can swing quickly, and evenings get cold.
Plan your ride home. Venues are spread across the city, so think about transport before the night starts.

Meeting People

The Crypt and Seventh Circle are the friendliest places to start, and Denver Goth Prom is the one night when the whole scene comes together. Become a regular somewhere and people will remember you.

If you'd like to meet someone before your first night out, Alt Chat lets you browse alt people nearby and chat first. Road trip coming up? Our Austin guide is another great stop.

FAQ

What is Denver Goth Prom?

Denver Goth Prom is an annual formal goth party with live bands, DJs and a crowd in their most dramatic outfits. It reached its ninth edition in 2025, when Clan of Xymox headlined. Watch for announcements in spring.

Is there a goth bar in Denver?

The Crypt on East 17th Avenue is a horror-themed bar with goth nights, live music and drag. Other goth, post-punk and industrial nights pop up at venues around the city.

Where do punks go in Denver?

Seventh Circle Music Collective is Denver's all-ages, sober, donation-based DIY punk venue, running since 2012. It's a great place to see local and touring underground bands.