Boulder has never lacked for music. For decades, the city has existed just adjacent to Colorado’s larger live music conversation, close enough to feel the ripple effects of Denver’s booming scene, but distinct in its identity. Red Rocks may have defined the state’s global reputation, and Denver its volume, but Boulder has always carried something quieter. A history rooted in community, culture, and a long-standing connection to the University of Colorado.

What’s changed recently isn’t the presence of music, but the intention behind it. In 2026, that shift is becoming more visible. With a growing slate of concerts at Folsom Field, AEG Presents is helping reposition the nearly century-old stadium as a modern concert destination. It’s not a reinvention so much as a reintroduction. One that leans into Boulder’s scale rather than trying to compete with Denver’s.

At the center of that effort is Don Strasburg, whose role in shaping Colorado’s live music landscape has long extended beyond a single city. Through AEG’s broader footprint, the company has played a defining role in building Denver into one of the country’s most consistent music markets. Now, that experience is being applied to Boulder in a way that feels measured and intentional.


Part of that shift comes from a deeper alignment with the University of Colorado Boulder, which has become more actively engaged in elevating live music as part of the city’s cultural fabric. For Strasburg, that collaboration isn’t about creating something new, but enhancing something that has always been there.

Folsom Field sits at the center of that opportunity. With its natural setting, historic presence, and proximity to the heart of Boulder, the venue offers something fundamentally different from larger urban stadiums. It doesn’t exist in isolation. It bleeds directly into the city around it and that proximity changes everything.

This spring saw Disco Lines return home for his largest hometown headline to date at Farrand Field, a full circle moment for the Boulder native and University of Colorado Boulder alumnus following his sold-out Red Rocks debut in 2025. From there, the scale only expands. Mumford & Sons will bring their globally celebrated stadium production to Folsom Field on June 6 alongside Sierra Ferrell and Dylan Gossett, marking one of the most anticipated shows of the summer. Later in the season, Tyler Childers and RÜFÜS DU SOL will follow, the latter bringing its largest North American tour to date and placing Boulder alongside venues like Madison Square Garden and Fenway Park as a premier stop on a global routing.

When artists come through Boulder, they aren’t just stepping onto a stage. They’re stepping into a town that, for a night, becomes part of the show itself. With a population hovering around 100,000, the influx of fans is immediately felt. Restaurants fill, streets buzz, and the energy of a single event radiates outward in a way that’s harder to replicate in larger markets.

The result is an experience that feels immersive without needing to be designed that way. That philosophy also shapes the programming. The 2026 calendar spans genres, from electronic to folk to country, reflecting a broader goal of building something inclusive rather than niche. It’s less about defining Boulder through one sound and more about creating a space where multiple audiences can see themselves reflected.

For AEG, success in Boulder isn’t measured purely by scale. It’s measured by repetition, by artists wanting to return, and by fans continuing to show up. It’s about creating moments that feel distinct enough to stand on their own, but consistent enough to build momentum over time. And if that momentum continues, Boulder may not just sit adjacent to Colorado’s live music conversation much longer. It may become a defining part of it.

We caught up with Don Strasburg to talk about Boulder’s evolution, the vision for Folsom Field, and what success looks like for the city as a growing live music destination. Check out our conversation below!

[Rooster]: Boulder has always had a deep musical history, but this recent push feels more intentional. From your perspective, what’s changed that’s allowing the city to step into this next phase as a live music destination?

[Don Strasburg]: You’re right, Boulder has incredibly deep live music roots. I believe it’s always been vibrant. What’s changed is the University of Colorado is engaged to enhance what is part of the tapestry of Boulder.

AEG has a strong footprint across Colorado, especially in Denver. What made Boulder the right place to expand this kind of long-term investment?

Folsom Field is a beautiful venue in such an iconic quintessential Colorado community. It’s our responsibility to look for tons of ways to make the Colorado music fan happy.

Folsom Field has existed for nearly a century, but it now feels like it’s being reintroduced in a new way. What is the vision for the venue as a modern concert destination?

We work to create incredible platforms for artists to entertain the community. Folsom better helps us deliver for everyone.

You mentioned that when artists play Folsom Field, they don’t just perform, they take over the town. What does that kind of artist and fan experience look like in Boulder compared to other markets?

Boulder’s population is around 100,000 people, compared to around 750,000 in Denver. The physical experience of all the fans in town is really noticeable and impactful. The impact creates an energy, a vitality that makes the town feel like an extension of the show.

The 2026 calendar spans electronic, folk, country, and more. How intentional is that genre diversity when you’re building Boulder’s identity as a music destination?

Like I said earlier, we try and create great experiences for everyone. Diversity of programming, while being appropriate, is critical.

From conversations you’ve had, what has the reaction been from artists when they experience Boulder and Folsom Field for the first time?

They love it for the town, the audience and the venue. A trifecta.

Looking ahead, what does success actually look like for Boulder in this space? Is it about scale, consistency, cultural impact, or something else entirely?

Success is when we feel the audience and artists have a special experience. When more and more artists ask to go to Folsom, when fans speak by coming to the events, we know it’s working the way it should.