Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Grand County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, the county boasts a vibrant performing arts scene that enriches the community and attracts visitors from far and wide.

From classical music events, local concert series, and lively theater productions, the performing arts in Grand County offer something for everyone. The library district schedules a variety of programs and supports numerous events throughout the county to add to this rich cultural landscape.

Grand Concerts

Grand Concerts offers a series of classical music performances that bring world-class musicians to the county. Performances provide an intimate setting where audiences can experience the beauty and complexity of classical music up close. The program often features a mix of solo recitals, chamber music, and orchestral performances, ensuring a varied and enriching experience. Collaborations offer special promotions for concertgoers.

Grand Concerts donates tickets each season to the library district for use in the Access Grand Program. The next official concert season will begin in January 2026. However, don’t miss the upcoming free event with the Denver Brass Quintet in Winter Park on July 24. For more information, visit GrandConcerts.org.

HiNote Thursdays

Every week during the summer, Hideaway Park transforms into a lively concert venue with HiNote Thursdays. Outdoor performances feature a variety of musical genres from rock and jazz to folk and blues. The relaxed, open-air setting allows families and friends to enjoy music outdoors, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

Fraser Valley Library staff will be attending on August 14 to provide information about the library and engage with the kids. Here are some books to enjoy along this theme:

“Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay” by Susan Hood
“Classical Music’s Strangest Concerts and Characters” by Brian Levison
“Song & Self: A Singer’s Reflections on Music & Performance” by Ian Bostridge
“Musical Chairs: A 76-year-old’s Quest to Learn Every Instrument in the Orchestra” by James Mitchell

Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre

Grand Lake is a hub for theatrical excellence, showcasing a wide range of productions from classic plays to contemporary works. Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre not only highlights local talent, but also attracts renowned actors and directors, making it a cultural gem. The theater’s commitment to high-quality productions ensures that audiences enjoy compelling and thought-provoking performances.

With your library card, Grand County Library District provides a limited number of free tickets on a first come, first served basis through Access Grand.

Rocky Mountain Puppets

Meghan Casey, an award-winning ventriloquist, has been entertaining audiences at the library each summer with Rocky Mountain Puppets. Her story began over 25 years ago when her dad read books to her using puppets. Meghan’s talents blossomed, and she travels the country performing for audiences of all ages.

Casey will be performing at Grand County libraries July 30-31 with shows at each of the five main branches.

Some books to read along this theme are:

“Stop the Show! A History of Insane Incidents and Absurd Accidents in the Theater” by Brad Schreiber
“Improve: How I Discovered Improv and Conquered Social Anxiety” by Alex Graudins
“Be a Ventriloquist for Fun or Profit” by Dan Williams
“Give My Regards to Nowhere: A Director’s Tale” by Richard Engling

Our libraries have multitudes of resources available. Embracing the performing arts not only enhances the cultural fabric of Grand County, but also fosters a sense of unity and pride within the community.

Chris Newell is the director of public services for Grand County Library District. She can be reached at cnewell@gcld.org.