Going to Red Rocks might be a luxury you can’t afford this summer.
According to a new survey from Red Rocks Credit Union, nearly one-third of Coloradans are waving goodbye to concerts and festivals this year—not because they don’t want to go, but because their wallets are staging a protest.
The Summer Squeeze Survey paints a picture that’ll feel familiar to anyone who’s checked their bank account lately. About 32% of Colorado residents plan to skip live music events entirely due to cost, while another 24% are still on the fence. Translation: Whether you’re seeing your favorite band this summer might come down to whether your budget has any breathing room left.
It’s Not Just the Ticket Price (Though That Hurts Too)
If you think ticket prices are the only villain in this story, think again. Sure, 59% of survey respondents pointed to ticket costs as a barrier—but that’s just the opening act. The real headliner? The total cost of actually attending an event.
Here’s how the expenses stack up:
- 54% say the general cost of living has eaten into their entertainment budget
- 64% cite transportation costs as a major factor
- 46% are wincing at food and drink prices once they’re there
- 35% mention lodging costs for multi-day events
What we’re seeing is pretty straightforward: Coloradans haven’t stopped wanting to make memories. They’ve just gotten pickier about which memories are worth the price tag. And honestly? Can you blame them?
These transportation concerns echo what Red Rocks Credit Union found in earlier research this summer—people are choosing road trips over flights as the cost of, well, everything continues climbing.
“We’re seeing people become much more intentional about how they spend their discretionary income,” said Darius Wise, president and CEO of Red Rocks Credit Union. “Whether it’s a concert, a weekend getaway or another summer tradition, households are asking tougher questions before they spend.”
Every Generation Is Feeling the Pinch
Plot twist: This isn’t just a Gen Z problem or a Boomer complaint. The cost crunch is hitting across generational lines, though the reasons vary slightly.
About 32% of both Gen Z and Millennials plan to skip concerts and festivals, with Gen X not far behind at 28%. Meanwhile, over 40% across all groups are sitting out the summer concert scene entirely.
The differences show up in the “why.” Gen X respondents were most likely to say everyday expenses have drained their entertainment fund—63% cited the broader cost of living, compared to 53% of Millennials and 47% of Gen Z. Millennials, meanwhile, were especially bothered by those $18 festival beers and $12 nachos. And transportation costs? Those topped the barrier list for everyone.
What Coloradans Won’t Give Up
Even when money’s tight, Coloradans have their priorities straight. When asked which summer experiences still feel essential, outdoor recreation and adventure dominated with 26% of the vote—nearly double the 14% who chose travel and vacations, and more than double the 10% who picked concerts and festivals.
Dining out and social outings came in second at 18%, which makes sense. Brunch with friends costs less than a festival weekend, even if you order the fancy mimosa.
The outdoor recreation preference was especially strong among men (33%) compared to women (19%). Millennials were the generation most likely to prioritize getting outside, while Gen Z leaned toward dining out and social hangouts.
Here’s the sobering part: Nearly one-third of Gen X respondents said none of these summer experiences felt essential when budgets are tight. Some households are just cutting discretionary spending across the board.
And this squeeze isn’t only hitting lower-income families. Respondents earning between $50,000 and $100,000 annually were actually the most likely to cite both transportation and ticket costs as barriers—proof that middle-income households are feeling the pressure too.
The Bigger Picture
This entertainment data caps off Red Rocks Credit Union’s three-part Summer Squeeze Survey, which has been tracking how rising costs are reshaping Colorado’s summer spending habits.
Earlier findings showed inflation changing wedding season (couples and guests are scaling back celebrations) and pushing people toward road trips instead of flights. Put it all together, and you’ve got a pretty clear picture: Coloradans are making tougher choices about how they celebrate, travel, and spend time together.
The bottom line? Summer 2024 looks different. Not because people don’t value experiences, but because those experiences now require some serious budget Tetris. Concert at Red Rocks or groceries for the week? Weekend festival or fixing that weird noise your car’s been making? These are the tradeoffs happening in households across Colorado.
For complete survey findings or to discuss the research, contact redrocks@maven-pr.com.
Survey Methodology
The Summer Squeeze Survey was commissioned by Red Rocks Credit Union and conducted online by Pollfish between June 2-4, 2026, among 300 Colorado residents. The survey has a margin of error of ±5.66%.