Thousands of worshippers gathered at Red Rocks Amphitheatre early Easter morning for the 79th annual Sunrise Service, a long-standing Colorado tradition hosted by the Colorado Council of Churches.

The free service began at 6 a.m. and drew between 8,000 to 10,000 attendees, filling much of the open-air amphitheater as the sun rose over the Front Range.

“We get people from all over the world that come to this,” said Adrian Miller, executive director of the Colorado Council of Churches.

The Colorado Council of Churches is a statewide ecumenical organization that represents 13 Christian denominations and more than 600 churches across Colorado. The group focuses on building unity among Christian traditions and engaging in social justice work, Miller said. 

“This event is so special because it’s an opportunity for people of goodwill and peace to come together and get a sense of hope and connect with one another,” Miller said. “It can be hard these days to feel that human connection, and this tradition gives us a chance to do that.”

The Easter Sunrise Service featured music, prayer and sermons led by local faith leaders, with the sunrise serving as the backdrop. Musical worship was led by Emerson Rose and the Cherokee Trail High School choir from the Cherry Creek School District.

Kathy Escobar, co-founder of the Refuge Church in north Denver, delivered the sermon, emphasizing community, justice and faith in action.

“Don’t underrate small, unplugged, authentic, brave, scrappy, creative things,” Escobar said. “The world has always needed unique pockets of love, that rise to meet the challenge of our times.”

Additional speakers included the Rev. Fernando Rodriguez and seminary professor Michelle Ferrigno Warren.

The Easter service at Red Rocks dates back to 1947 shortly after World War II. At the time, religious leaders felt the community needed a hopeful gathering following the war, Miller said.

“We were one of the first things to happen in the amphitheater after it opened,” he said.

The council began in 1935 as the Denver Council of Churches and expanded statewide in later years. Since its early days, the Sunrise Service has consistently drawn large crowds, though Miller said the event has evolved.

“It’s become less about national speakers and more about lifting up local faith leaders,” he said, adding that the service reflects a diverse range of Christian traditions.

While the event is free, attendees were encouraged to donate. A portion of the funds raised beyond the cost of the event will be partially donated to the Food Bank of the Rockies.