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Live music: 10 must-see concerts at Red Rocks this year

The iconic music venue will have everything from TKTK...

Local Brief

Red Rocks Amphitheatre&#x27;s 2026 lineup boasts more than 130 events, but we wanted to pick 10 can&#x27;t-miss musical performances ranging from chart-topping pop acts, an iconic Mexican band and a French EDM maestro.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ice Cube (April 20) " data-vars-click-url="https://www.redrocksonline.com/events/ice-cube-1231930/" data-vars-content-id="b85c393b-0abd-4b42-8fce-c9a0d3f93ef3" data-vars-headline="Live music: 10 must-see concerts at Red Rocks this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redrocksonline.com/events/ice-cube-1231930/" target="_blank">Ice Cube (April 20) </a></h2>Spend the 4/20 holiday with a true California OG and author of classics like &quot;It Was a Good Day&quot; and &quot;Gangsta Nation.&quot;

5 new Denver and Boulder restaurants opening this spring

Colorado's restaurant scene continues to grab our attention with new openings on the horizon this spring.

Colorado&#x27;s restaurant scene continues to grab our attention with new openings on the horizon this spring.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a tough time for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the restaurant industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/09/restaurant-report-tipped-minimum-wage" data-vars-content-id="013c2017-ce10-4fae-aeaf-b61341906f8d" data-vars-headline="5 new Denver and Boulder restaurants opening this spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/09/restaurant-report-tipped-minimum-wage" target="_self">the restaurant industry</a>, but a handful of chefs are making big moves.

Denver's rent dip among nation's highest

The median rent fell by nearly 5% year over year.

News

New data shows the Denver metro area recorded one of the steepest rent declines in the country over the past year.State of play: The median rent in metro Denver was down nearly 5% this February from a year earlier, to $1,600 a month, according to data from Apartment List, a rental site.

Dozens of No Kings protests planned across Colorado

Millions are expected to attend thousands of events in the U.S.

More than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="70 No Kings protests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/local/colorado/2026/03/22/colorado-no-kings-march-28-protests-update-locations/89250262007/" data-vars-content-id="dff040c1-4d9e-4aee-81ad-46fd1559433c" data-vars-headline="Dozens of No Kings protests planned across Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/local/colorado/2026/03/22/colorado-no-kings-march-28-protests-update-locations/89250262007/" target="_blank">70 No Kings protests</a> against President Trump are planned across Colorado this Saturday, with a marquee event at the State Capitol. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the third time protesters will take to the streets for the No Kings rallies since Trump took office in January 2025.

Denver's proposed license plate reader company has ties to DHS

DHS says Axon helps "fulfill its mission of protecting American citizens."

Axon, the company Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s administration tapped to take over the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="automated license plate reader system," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/24/denver-replace-flock-surveillance-axon-license-plate-readers" data-vars-content-id="1941b8dd-6b04-47fe-b803-387f43c2bee4" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s proposed license plate reader company has ties to DHS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/24/denver-replace-flock-surveillance-axon-license-plate-readers" target="_self">automated license plate reader system,</a> currently has a contract with the Department of Homeland Security, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="USASpending.gov" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70VT1525F00015_7004_70B03C23D00000006_7014" data-vars-content-id="1941b8dd-6b04-47fe-b803-387f43c2bee4" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s proposed license plate reader company has ties to DHS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70VT1525F00015_7004_70B03C23D00000006_7014" target="_blank">USASpending.gov</a>.Why it matters: Axon&#x27;s direct ties to a federal agency overseeing Immigration and Customs Enforcement put it at odds with a city whose leaders publicly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="denounced ICE&#x27;s tactics and policies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/26/denver-mayor-bars-federal-immigration-city-buildings" data-vars-content-id="1941b8dd-6b04-47fe-b803-387f43c2bee4" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s proposed license plate reader company has ties to DHS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/26/denver-mayor-bars-federal-immigration-city-buildings" target="_self">denounced ICE&#x27;s tactics and policies</a>.

Johnston bans federal immigration authorities from city property

His order bans ICE from city property and calls for arrests over excessive force.

Flanked by top local officials, Mayor Mike Johnston announced Thursday that Denver will bar federal agents from city property, a step he said will help protect residents from federal overreach.Why it matters: It&#x27;s among the most combative ways the Democratic mayor has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flexed his executive authority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/20/denver-mayor-johnston-defends-layoffs-trash" data-vars-content-id="3fed46e0-8c37-4617-9217-447dd2ab3468" data-vars-headline="Johnston bans federal immigration authorities from city property" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/20/denver-mayor-johnston-defends-layoffs-trash" target="_self">flexed his executive authority</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confront the Trump administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/25/mike-johnston-trump-allies-immigration-deportation" data-vars-content-id="3fed46e0-8c37-4617-9217-447dd2ab3468" data-vars-headline="Johnston bans federal immigration authorities from city property" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/25/mike-johnston-trump-allies-immigration-deportation" target="_self">confront the Trump administration</a>, and by staging a press conference at the steps of city hall, he made clear he wanted to maximize visibility.

Exclusive: Dems demand DHS abandon plans for new Colorado ICE facility

The planned facility would be in a dormant prison in Hudson, roughly 30 miles northeast of Denver.

Colorado Democrats are urging the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Homeland Security" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/ice-detention-centers-jails-noem-trump" data-vars-content-id="22dd5b7a-350d-472f-968e-91a6cec26ca4" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Dems demand DHS abandon plans for new Colorado ICE facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/ice-detention-centers-jails-noem-trump" target="_self">Department of Homeland Security</a> to scrap plans for a new ICE detention facility in rural Weld County.Why it matters: The move is intended to pressure the Trump administration to rein in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aggressive expansion of immigration detention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/ice-immigrant-detention-warehouses-spending" data-vars-content-id="22dd5b7a-350d-472f-968e-91a6cec26ca4" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Dems demand DHS abandon plans for new Colorado ICE facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/ice-immigrant-detention-warehouses-spending" target="_self">aggressive expansion of immigration detention</a> as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public confidence in ICE sours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/ice-trump-alex-pretti-minnesota-minneapolis-americans-poll" data-vars-content-id="22dd5b7a-350d-472f-968e-91a6cec26ca4" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Dems demand DHS abandon plans for new Colorado ICE facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/ice-trump-alex-pretti-minnesota-minneapolis-americans-poll" target="_self">public confidence in ICE sours</a>.

Denver council advances police mask ban

Council moves to bar most officers, including ICE agents, from wearing masks.

Denver City Council tentatively approved a bill that would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make it illegal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/09/denver-considers-ice-face-mask-ban" data-vars-content-id="672fd098-2043-42b4-b4e3-b9e334fe33c7" data-vars-headline="Denver council advances police mask ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/09/denver-considers-ice-face-mask-ban" target="_self">make it illegal</a> for police officers — including federal immigration agents — to wear face coverings while operating in the city. Friction point: A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Axios last month the agency <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would not comply" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/dhs-blasts-city-council-ice-face-coverings" data-vars-content-id="672fd098-2043-42b4-b4e3-b9e334fe33c7" data-vars-headline="Denver council advances police mask ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/dhs-blasts-city-council-ice-face-coverings" target="_self">would not comply</a> if the measure becomes law — setting up a potential clash between Denver and the federal government.

Community leaders rally, demand unity amid increased ICE activity

Immigrant advocates, community leaders, artists and a state lawmaker urged unity against what they characterize as aggressive immigration enforcement.

Parents are afraid to take their children to school. People are skipping important cultural celebrations. Others are hesitant to go to work.State of play: Those are some of the ripple effects described Friday by community leaders, who say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Immigration and Customs Enforcement&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/27/colorado-immigration-ice-state-lawmakers" data-vars-content-id="f559426e-8e44-47e6-8327-9fe1dce57448" data-vars-headline="Community leaders rally, demand unity amid increased ICE activity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/27/colorado-immigration-ice-state-lawmakers" target="_self">Immigration and Customs Enforcement&#x27;s</a> increased activity is affecting daily routines in parts of Denver&#x27;s Indigenous, Asian American, Black and Latino communities.

Colorado Dems call for independent probe over ICE ace of spade cards

The cards were found in a Western Slope county last month.

Colorado Democrats are calling on the Department of Homeland Security to investigate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the ace of spade cards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/23/ice-launches-investigation-ace-of-spade-cards" data-vars-content-id="4acab937-054b-4fb2-839d-80d8c65e69b3" data-vars-headline="Colorado Dems call for independent probe over ICE ace of spade cards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/23/ice-launches-investigation-ace-of-spade-cards" target="_self">the ace of spade cards</a> that ICE agents allegedly placed on abandoned vehicles in Eagle County last month.The latest: U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper and his Democratic colleagues in Congress issued a letter Tuesday to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem demanding a detailed briefing on ICE activities in Eagle County.

National boycott taps Denver's surging anti-ICE sentiment

At least three National Shutdown events are planned in the city proper.

Protesters in Denver are joining a nationwide demonstration on Friday, calling for no work, school or shopping to denounce ICE.Why it matters: The movement underscores <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how outrage over federal immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/ice-trump-alex-pretti-minnesota-minneapolis-americans-poll" data-vars-content-id="a164101b-2246-4ebc-99a7-64ffba856d8a" data-vars-headline="National boycott taps Denver&#x27;s surging anti-ICE sentiment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/ice-trump-alex-pretti-minnesota-minneapolis-americans-poll" target="_self">how outrage over federal immigration</a> enforcement is intensifying in Denver, with organizers applying economic pressure in a city where immigration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="policy is a frequent flashpoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/03/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-doj-colorado-lawsuit-ice-trump" data-vars-content-id="a164101b-2246-4ebc-99a7-64ffba856d8a" data-vars-headline="National boycott taps Denver&#x27;s surging anti-ICE sentiment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/03/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-doj-colorado-lawsuit-ice-trump" target="_self">policy is a frequent flashpoint</a>.

ICE launches investigation into ace of spade cards

Family members of ICE detainees found the cards in abandoned cars after ICE carried out arrests.

ICE condemned the placing of ace of spade cards on vehicles in Eagle County, adding it&#x27;s investigating the incident, the agency said Friday. The big picture: The cards were found inside two abandoned cars belonging to people who ICE detained in the Western Slope county on Wednesday, Alex Sanchez, president and CEO of Voces Unidas, tells us.

DHS blasts City Council plan targeting ICE face coverings

The ban on some kinds of face coverings would apply to any law enforcement officer operating in the city.

The Department of Homeland Security says it won&#x27;t comply with a Denver City Council proposal targeting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE agents who wear face coverings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/09/denver-considers-ice-face-mask-ban" data-vars-content-id="456ff40d-0e2d-49d0-8231-7670e05e3ea6" data-vars-headline="DHS blasts City Council plan targeting ICE face coverings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/09/denver-considers-ice-face-mask-ban" target="_self">ICE agents who wear face coverings</a>.The big picture: Council&#x27;s proposal would ban face coverings for any law enforcement officer operating in the city, including Denver police and sheriff&#x27;s deputies, according to a presentation Monday.

Immigration