Spectacular sunsets, full moons and shooting stars are perks you won’t see included in the price of a concert ticket at any of Colorado’s amphitheaters. But they’re all part of the overall experience — an experience that’s quickly become a rite of summer for residents and visitors alike.

Besides, you haven’t really seen a show until you listen to jazz trumpeter Chris Botti belt out a brassy “Ava Maria” as the moon brightens behind him at Red Rocks. Or until you watch dramatic storm clouds cloaking Pikes Peak suddenly shift to reveal a canopy of stars while rock band OneRepublic dances across the stage at Ford Amphitheater, the latest open-air venue to decorate the state.

“I wanted to build the Sphere of amphitheaters,” entrepreneur JW Roth said, referencing the one-of-a-kind destination in Las Vegas.

Ford Amphitheater features firepits in each of its 90 luxury suites. Food trucks selling burgers, corn dogs, funnel cakes and ice cream dot the inside of the state-of-the-art venue. Premium canned beers and canned cocktails also are on the menu. And a fine dining restaurant and specialty bar will open later this year.

“Ford Amphitheater is gorgeous,” Gov. Jared Polis said on opening night. “It’s going to be such a great asset for Colorado Springs — attracting world-class acts, activating the economy and culture. It’s part of Colorado’s great ecosystem of entertainment venues.”

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That ecosystem has a different feel come summer. Country, rock, hip-hop, Americana. You name the genre and you’ll find it floating on the current around seemingly every scenic peak. There’s nothing to do but pack your rain gear and pull up a seat alongside Mother Nature.

Here’s a look at some summer highlights at six of the state’s outdoor stages.

Ford Amphitheater, Colorado Springs

The 8,000-seat venue with a grand view of Pikes Peak opened in August on the city’s north side. Its first full season, which runs from April through October, will feature 40 shows spotlighting an array of styles. “We’ve got shows for all the demographics,” Roth said.

• June 13: Three 6 Mafia & Yelawolf

• July 26: Beck with Colorado Symphony

• Aug. 8: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

• Aug. 30: Little Big Town

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison

Monolithic, 300-foot sandstone walls stand sentinel around an amphitheater filled with concrete and wood seats. Musicians have performed in the space since the early 1900s and it’s easy to see why, with a stunning backdrop of the night sky and the plains stretching behind them.

• June 27-29: Widespread Panic

• July 21-22: Mumford & Sons

• Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Gregory Alan Isakov

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Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village

This locale on the south side of the Mile High City is very popular, and it meets the high demand with a seating capacity of 17,000. In addition to the quality entertainment on stage, visitors relish watching the sun set behind the Rocky Mountains.

• June 14: Earth, Wind and Fire

• July 4: Wu-Tang Clan

• July 17: Keith Urban

• Aug. 12: Cyndi Lauper

• Aug. 23: Counting Crows

UMB Bank Amphitheater, Denver

Nestled inside Denver Botanic Gardens, this site is unique. Nowhere else can you wander through 24 acres of gardens between musical acts. The exhibits are filled with diverse plant life and include ornamental gardens and gardens that showcase plants native to Colorado.

• June 25: Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark

• July 1: The California Honeydrops

• July 14: Blind Pilot and Phosphorescent

• July 30: Toad The Wet Sprocket, Semisonic and Sixpence None the Richer

• Aug. 11: Melissa Etheridge

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Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

More than 2,500 guests are invited to partake in lawn and pavilion seating at The Amp, offering yet another incredible view of the state’s majestic landscape. In addition to concerts, The Amp plays host to Vail Dance Festival and Bravo! Vail Music Festival.

• June 14: Trevor Hall

• Aug. 8-9: The String Cheese Incident

• Aug. 17: Wilco

Dillon Amphitheater, Dillon

Built on the edge of Lake Dillon and tucked between the Tenmile and Gore mountain ranges, the lawn and pavilion seating provide compelling options to take in the show and the scenery. Despite the mountain town’s small size, the venue boasts a summer lineup of big names.

• June 20: Alison Krauss and Union Station

• June 23: Drive-By Truckers and Deer Tick

• June 27: Modest Mouse

• Aug. 13: My Morning Jacket

• Sept. 7: Train