Denver’s Historic Federal Theatre to Reopen as Independent Music Venue in 2025
One of Denver’s oldest theaters is getting a second (or third… or fourth) life. The 102-year-old Federal Theatre, located at 38th Avenue and Federal Boulevard, is set to reopen in September 2025 as a 650-seat independent live-music venue. The revival comes from the team behind the Oriental Theater and HQ, who have spent the last year working with the City of Denver to secure permits and breathe new life into the storied space.
Built in 1923 and remodeled in 1948, the Federal has served as a movie theater, church, live performance space, and even a carpet warehouse. It’s also had a string of owners and temporary tenants over the decades, including the Industrial Arts Theatre, which staged everything from Neil Simon to political dramas before shutting down in 2004 due to failing infrastructure and outdated wiring. The building briefly reopened as a church in 2009 before sitting idle again in 2023—until the current owners got a call from the landlord asking if they’d be interested in restoring it.
Now, with a liquor license in progress, inspections underway, and restoration of the historic neon marquee planned through Denver’s Morry’s Neon, the venue is preparing to join the city’s growing northwest arts corridor alongside the Bug Theatre, Holiday Theatre, and Ballyhoo. Like their work at the Oriental and HQ, owners Scott Happel, Andy Bercaw, and Peter Ore are focused on preserving the bones of the space while creating a welcoming, high-energy venue for live music, comedy, podcasts, burlesque, wrestling, and more.
To help fund the relaunch, the team has launched “Club Fed”, a membership program offering fans exclusive perks, early ticket access, and locally made merch. Memberships range from $50 to $500 and are open through July 31. While the opening night lineup hasn’t been announced yet, Happel hinted they’re hoping to land a prominent Colorado act to kick things off with a bit of surprise star power.
“It won’t be a $10 million renovation,” said Happel, “but it will be the start of something special—and something local.”
