The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has announced that Boulder, Colorado will host NIVA '27, the organization's sixth annual conference, taking place June 27 through July 1, 2027.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of NIVA '26 in Minneapolis yesterday, which drew more than 1,400 venue operators, promoters, festivals, talent buyers, and industry partners from across the independent live entertainment sector.
Presented by Eventim, NIVA '27 will bring the independent live music, comedy, festival, and promoter community together for five days of networking, educational programming, panel discussions, and live performances.
Several Boulder-area venues are expected to serve as conference hubs, including the Boulder Theater, Fox Theatre, eTown Hall, Rembrandt Yard, Chautauqua Auditorium, Roots Music Project, and Velvet Elk Lodge. Conference activities will extend throughout the region and conclude with a closing event at Colorado's famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre on July 1.
NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker said:
“Boulder’s vibrant independent live music community embodies everything NIVA looks for in a host city, from the venues, promoters, and festivals that anchor its entertainment and cultural scene to the artists who have grown up on these iconic stages...We look forward to bringing the community together once again to foster meaningful, long-lasting connections.”
The conference also marks a significant moment for Colorado's independent venue community, which played an active role in NIVA's formation during the industry's pandemic-era shutdowns.
"When NIVA formed in 2020, Colorado was there from day one, and bringing the conference home to Boulder in 2027 feels like a full-circle moment," said David Weingarden, Vice President of Concerts + Events at Z2 Entertainment and Co-Founder/Chair of the Colorado Independent Venue Association.
Founded in 2020, NIVA has become one of the most influential advocacy organizations representing independent venues, festivals, and promoters in the United States. Its annual conference has evolved into one of the sector's largest gatherings, providing a forum for education, policy discussions, and collaboration across the independent live entertainment ecosystem.
Additional programming details for NIVA '27 will be announced in the coming months. Early registration is now available at first-release pricing.
