Free First Act Celebration Opens Denver’s Performing Arts Season

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is opening its doors for First Act, a free celebration previewing the city’s upcoming performing arts season.

First Act takes place Saturday, September 12, 2026, with performances beginning at 9:30 a.m. Doors open at 9 a.m., giving visitors time to explore the complex before the program begins.

Five Denver arts organizations are joining together for the event: Colorado Ballet, Colorado Symphony, Dazzle, Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Opera Colorado.

The morning begins with Dazzle presenting vocalist Kelsey Wallner and jazz guitarist Ben Parish at 9:30 a.m. A Colorado Symphony brass quintet follows at 9:55 a.m.

At 10:20 a.m., the Denver Center for the Performing Arts will preview its season-opening productions, Destiny of Desire: A Telenovela Play with Music and The Tempest. Opera Colorado’s Resident Artists perform selections from the upcoming season at 10:45 a.m., followed by Colorado Ballet at 11:10 a.m.

The free event also includes activities throughout the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Visitors can explore the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex, Boettcher Concert Hall and the outdoor Galleria. Additional activities include instrument demonstrations, dance activities, theatrical crafts, a costume and prop display and free professional headshots.

After the performances, DCPA will lead a Broadway Bound Community Dance Class featuring choreography from The Outsiders. The class runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Sculpture Park.

First Act is free and open to the community. Advance registration is requested.

Greeblehaus is a Denver-based music and travel blog sharing concert photography, reviews, and stories from live music across Colorado and beyond. You can find more upcoming shows in our Denver concert calendar.