The History of Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre was originally designed as a large-scale earth sculpture with rolling grassy slopes and spectacular Rocky Mountain views. Originally built to host community festivals and symphonic music, it was commissioned by the Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA) in 1982 and designed by renowned landscape architect George Hargreaves. Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre received a national award for design the following year from the American Institute of Architecture (AIA).
For several years MOA hosted lunch time concert series, arts festivals, Colorado Symphony concerts and an array of temporary art installations on the property. In the mid-1980s Fiddler’s Green was converted to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre under a long term agreement with MCA Records. This formalized the site as a world-class music venue and added 7,500 fixed seats, over 10,000 lawn seats, a formal stage house, sounds walls and other necessary infrastructure. The venue opened on June 11, 1988 with a concert by Dan Fogelberg, followed by INXS the next evening. Over the years, Fiddler’s Green has hosted a “Who’s Who” of international performing artists, including the Eagles, B.B. King, Sting, Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Tool, the Who, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and a variety of other notable performers.
With a seating capacity of 18,000 people, and optimum stage, sound and lighting systems available, Fiddler’s Green stands as a prestigious Colorado landmark for a range of entertainment and events, including live music concerts, business soirees, operas, weddings and graduation ceremonies and is unrivaled in Colorado for its ability to present the leading musical talent on the performing circuit. The amphitheater has grown to incorporate the Museum of Outdoor Arts mission of “making art a part of everyday life” through the merging of architectural, artistic and landscape development concepts. The venue underwent a massive renovation in 2013-14.
Visitors to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre benefit not only from a memorable concert experience, but become active participants in an excursion within an innovative merging of arts and architecture. During the 2013-14 renovation, a large living wall was added to the inside of the sound walls. MOA plants over 30,000 flowers/plants in this installation every season.
In addition, the adjacent Marjorie Park hosts a variety of artistic offerings viewable to the public and patrons of the amphitheatre hosted by the Museum of Outdoor Arts and has been renovated recently. With over 200,000 annual visitors attending concerts ranging from contemporary to classical, Fiddler’s Green has developed into a popular setting for any music showcase or event. It is a unique venue to enjoy a night under the stars, music with friends, and the breathtaking views.
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre is currently operated in partnership with AEG Presents and remains the life-blood of MOA.
Gaelic silhouette upon the Green
The Legendary Fiddler Slides his bow in Invitation
Beckoning-through the Gates into a land of Song and
Gaiety here at Fiddler’s Green
Pior to being formalized as an amphitheatre, MOA hosted special engagements with the Colorado Symphony. This required the setting up of a temporary stage for musicians. Cranes were brought in to hold rigging, lighting and other design elements to enhance the experience.
