Where Colorado’s mining history meets modern entertainment
By Lexi Marshall
Five historic opera houses tell a remarkable story of cultural resilience in the heart of Colorado’s mountain towns.

The Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit, established in 2021, connects venues that once brought sophistication to rough-and-tumble mining communities: Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Wright Opera House in Ouray, Tabor Opera House in Leadville and Central City Opera House. Each stands as a testament to the determination of frontier communities to create spaces for art and connection amid the challenges of mountain life.
Today, these architectural treasures balance preservation with innovation, transforming from Victorian-era entertainment halls into year-round cultural hubs. This commitment to evolution will shine through in autumn 2025 when three circuit partners launch an ambitious youth opera initiative: Central City Opera will bring educational shows to the Wright Opera House, the Wheeler Opera House will present youth programming in five Roaring Fork Valley Schools, and the Tabor Opera House will host an opera focused on youth mental health for high school students.
Sheridan Opera House
110 North Oak St.
Telluride
Since 1913, the Sheridan Opera House has been Telluride’s cultural cornerstone. What began as a vaudeville stage for miners and their families has earned its nickname as the “Showplace of the Rockies” through decades of memorable performances.
This February, the intimate 240-seat venue showcases the breadth of modern entertainment. Electronic music producer Manic Focus (February 7) brings his signature fusion of soulful blues and electronic beats. The Grammy Award-winning Infamous Stringdusters take over for three nights (February 8–10), filling the historic space with the band’s groundbreaking bluegrass sound. The venue’s milestone 25th annual Telluride Comedy Festival (February 13–16) promises four nights of stand-up comedy. Singer-songwriter John Craigie shares the stage with Toad the Wet Sprocket’s Glen Phillips (February 19), followed by an evening with acclaimed folk musicians Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius (February 21).

Wheeler Opera House
320 East Hyman Ave.
Aspen
Fresh from a fall 2024 renovation of its theatrical rigging system, the 1889 Wheeler Opera House launches into 2025 with renewed vigor. The historic venue’s latest improvements ensure it can continue supporting the rich array of performances that have graced its stage since the silver mining era.
February’s diverse lineup includes comedian Tom Papa (February 2), whose observational humor spans Netflix specials and best-selling books. The Grammy Award-winning Steep Canyon Rangers (February 3) bring their innovative bluegrass to the historic hall. Families can enjoy “Dog Man: The Musical” (February 8), a critically acclaimed adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s beloved series. DanceAspen presents “Ember Glow” (February 15–16), featuring world premieres and a special piece commissioned by the Wheeler that celebrates Aspen’s heritage.
The month continues with “Counterpoint” (February 18), uniting pianist Conrad Tao and dancer Caleb Teicher in a genre-defying fusion of classical music and tap dance. Emmy-nominated actor Paul Reiser (February 20) and mentalist Colin Cloud (February 21) bring their respective talents to the stage. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates concludes the month with a unique two-night residency (February 28–March 1), combining storytelling and music in his adopted hometown of Aspen.

Wright Opera House
472 Main St.
Ouray
Since 1888, the Wright Opera House has anchored Ouray’s cultural scene. Built by Edward and Letitia Wright to offer an alternative to the town’s saloons and gambling halls, it continues the couple’s mission of enriching mountain life through the arts. Thanks to the Friends of the Wright Opera House, a non-profit that acquired the venue in 2011, and collaboration with the Colorado State Historical Society and local stakeholders, the building has been thoughtfully restored as a premier venue for artistic, cultural and educational events.
February brings two distinctive happenings: the Ouray Winter Wine Festival (February 15), showcasing eight Colorado wineries and a local distillery, and “Murder at the Disco” (February 21), an interactive dinner theater experience. These events perfectly complement Ouray’s winter attractions, from the famous hot springs to the renowned ice park.
Tabor Opera House
308 Harrison Ave.
Leadville

The Tabor Opera House, built by mining magnate Horace Austin Warner (HAW) Tabor in 1879, once hosted luminaries like Oscar Wilde and Harry Houdini. Its robust design, completed in just 100 days with materials hauled by wagon, has stood the test of time. Now owned by the City of Leadville, ongoing preservation efforts by the Tabor Opera House Preservation Foundation aim to restore this historic venue as a cultural hub and economic driver for the community.
While maintaining limited winter hours, the Opera House will open its doors during Leadville’s Ski Joring weekend in early March, offering tours and a glimpse into its storied past. “Colorado’s rich history is truly one of the defining features that makes our community so special,” says Adam Ducharme, tourism and economic development director of Visit Leadville-Twin Lakes. “The opera houses in this circuit are not to be missed. You can feel the history in these spaces, which is part of the reason why they attract such incredible programming year after year.”
Central City Opera House
124 Eureka St.
Central City
The Central City Opera House, dating to 1878, is a historic 550-seat jewel box theater and one of Colorado’s oldest surviving opera houses. It now serves as the centerpiece of Central City Opera, the nation’s fifth-oldest professional opera company.
Founded in 1932, Central City Opera has established itself as a world-renowned institution for its exceptional productions, competitive young artist training program and innovative community engagement initiatives. The summer festival draws visitors to its unique location 8,500 feet above sea level in the historic mountain town of Central City, just 35 miles west of Denver. The organization maintains stewardship of 27 Victorian-era properties in addition to the opera house.
During the winter months, visitors can explore this Victorian architectural gem through guided tours offered Tuesday through Sunday, providing insights into its historical significance and ongoing role in Colorado’s cultural landscape.
Looking Ahead
These five historic venues demonstrate how cultural landmarks can evolve while honoring their roots. As Eliza Voss, vice president of marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, notes, “Colorado is incredibly lucky to offer robust arts and cultural programming throughout the year at our historic opera houses. Complement your time on the slopes with an event that sparks your interest at circuit locations throughout the winter.”
From classical performances to contemporary entertainment, these restored theaters continue their original mission: bringing world-class culture to Colorado’s mountain communities while preserving the architectural legacy of the mining era.
For more information, visit coloradooperahouses.com