
Dickens Opera House
A historic venue hosting live music and comedy, known for its energetic performances but often criticized for sound and dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Catch live music & comedy

Dickens Opera House
Best Time
Catch live music & comedy
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic venue hosting live music and comedy, known for its energetic performances but often criticized for sound and dining.
"The bands are great, but the venue's sound, food, and comfort leave much to be desired."

🎯 Eat Before You Go
Reviews consistently mention high prices & low quality food. Dine elsewhere for better value & taste.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The venue can get surprisingly cold, even in winter. Bring extra layers for comfort.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Music Performances
Catch talented cover bands and local artists in an intimate setting. The energy of live music is a major draw for visitors.

Comedy Nights
Enjoy a good laugh with decent entertainment from comedians. A fun option for an evening out.

Historic Ambiance
Experience a venue with a unique, albeit dated, atmosphere that adds character to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Food & Drink Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Help finding a local performance venue?
🎯 Eat Before You Go
Reviews consistently mention high prices & low quality food. Dine elsewhere for better value & taste.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The venue can get surprisingly cold, even in winter. Bring extra layers for comfort.
Roots Restaurant moves into Dicken's Opera House (not "Roost" -- confusing)
Weekly open discussion, complaint, rant, and rave thread
🎶 Sound Check Patience
Acoustics can be challenging; sound guys are often criticized. Be patient with the audio quality.
🎟️ Ticket Value
Tickets can be pricier than other venues. Weigh the cost against the band/event you're seeing.
Longmont Gays?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Eat Before You Go
Reviews consistently mention high prices & low quality food. Dine elsewhere for better value & taste.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The venue can get surprisingly cold, even in winter. Bring extra layers for comfort.
🎶 Sound Check Patience
Acoustics can be challenging; sound guys are often criticized. Be patient with the audio quality.
🎟️ Ticket Value
Tickets can be pricier than other venues. Weigh the cost against the band/event you're seeing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Dickens Opera House is a live music and comedy venue that draws crowds for its performances, particularly cover bands. However, many visitors find the experience marred by issues with sound quality, overpriced and inconsistent food, and a dated, uncomfortable atmosphere. While the entertainment can be good, the venue's shortcomings often lead to disappointment.
"They get great cover bands, good drinks and nice staff. Dont order food from downstsirs, they were rude and it took 45min....cold and not edible. No refund!"
janie blythe
"Don’t even bother. We thought it would be fun to try a new live music venue and this place is a complete disappointment. I hate leaving one star reviews and this may be the first one I’ve ever left.
We arrived a few minutes before the show was to start and no one was seated. The decor is mismatched and shabby. We ordered food from our table. It was very overpriced with tiny portions. My husband got the Philly cheese steak which was pretty good. The fries were cold. I ordered the Korean barbecue chicken sandwich which was terrible and rubbery. I would have sent it back but the poor waitress was so overwhelmed, I just couldn’t add to her burdens. They forgot my salad because “the tickets weren’t printing downstairs.” It arrived without silverware, which she eventually got to me. Technically we weren’t here for the food but to see a Fleetwood Mac / Meatloaf cover band I really wanted to see. The band started over a hour late, which was particularly frustrating because my husband and I left work early so we wouldn’t miss the beginning. The band was great but I felt bad for them because the acoustics were so terrible and there was no one mixing the sound or doing lights. The echo was awful. The sound of the audience and the bar was louder than the band.
The tickets were more expensive than the other venues we frequent for live music. We were hoping to add this place to our rotation of live music options we generally frequent. The evening cost us $150 between tickets and food and drinks. What a waste.
And it was absolutely FREEZING inside. My feet felt like little icebergs even wearing my winter coat. I’m disgusted and don’t plan on giving it a second chance."
Jill Groubert
"Sound guy,..,seriously! Take a class or something, all you can hear are drums. Vocals are incredibly muffled.
Second time here and it’s just a weird place. Weird sound, setup and vibe.
I don’t get it.
Sound guy!!!!! It could be so much better"
Erin Waynick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dickens Opera House is located in Longmont, Colorado. Parking availability can vary, especially during popular events. It's recommended to check local parking regulations or consider ride-sharing services if driving.
Parking can be a challenge, especially on event nights. Some street parking is available, but it fills up quickly. Consider arriving early or looking for nearby public lots.
Information on public transport routes to the Dickens Opera House can be found on the local transit authority's website. It's advisable to check schedules in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available for purchase online through the venue's website or third-party ticketing platforms. Some tickets may also be available at the door, but it's best to buy in advance for popular shows.
Operating hours vary depending on the event schedule. It's best to check the specific event details for doors open times and show start times.
Age restrictions can vary by event. Most live music and comedy shows are 21+, but it's crucial to check the event listing for specific age requirements.
Refund policies are generally set by the ticketing platform or the venue. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
Arriving a bit before the scheduled start time is recommended, especially if you want to secure good seating or order drinks. Some reviews mention bands starting late, so flexibility is key.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The venue offers a menu with items like sandwiches and appetizers. However, reviews frequently suggest that the food quality is inconsistent and prices are high, with small portions.
Based on numerous reviews, many visitors find the food overpriced and not worth the cost. It's often recommended to eat before or after your visit.
One review mentioned an excellent vegan option for a hosted event, suggesting that dietary needs can be accommodated. However, it's best to confirm current offerings.
The venue offers a selection of drinks. Some patrons find the drink prices to be on the higher side, and the preparation process (e.g., shaking drinks) can be distracting during performances.
Yes, you can order food from your table, but the process can be disorganized. Some reviews mention issues with orders being forgotten or delivered without utensils.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The sound quality is a frequent point of criticism. Many reviews mention poor acoustics, muffled vocals, and an imbalance where drums or crowd noise overpower the performers.
While it hosts live music, the experience can be mixed. The bands themselves are often praised, but the venue's sound system and acoustics detract from the performance for many.
The atmosphere is described as 'weird' by some, with mismatched decor and an outdated feel. It's a historic space, but many feel it needs a significant remodel to improve functionality and aesthetics.
Several reviews highlight that the venue can be extremely cold, even in winter, making it uncomfortable for patrons.
Seating arrangements can vary. Some events might have traditional seating, while others could be more standing-room focused. The decor is described as old tables and chairs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by event. It's best to check with the venue or event organizer beforehand. Professional photography might require special permission.
Given the venue's dated decor, unique angles or shots capturing the stage during a performance might be most interesting. Focus on the performers or architectural details if any stand out.
Lighting can be inconsistent, especially with the sound issues. Stage lighting for performances might be adequate, but general ambient lighting could be dim.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you are considering a private event, the space can be suitable for around 40 people, with potential to host double that. The food for hosted events has received positive remarks, including a standout vegan sandwich. However, for general public events, families should carefully check age restrictions and the suitability of the entertainment for younger audiences.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make the most of a visit on a budget, it's highly recommended to eat a substantial meal before arriving and to limit drink purchases. Consider looking for events with lower ticket prices or focusing on the entertainment value rather than the overall dining experience.
🎶 Live Music Enthusiasts
However, be prepared for potential drawbacks. The acoustics and sound system are frequently criticized, which can significantly impact the listening experience. Additionally, the venue's atmosphere and comfort levels (like temperature) may not be ideal for everyone. It's a place where the quality of the performers can sometimes outshine the venue's shortcomings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sound System
If you're attending a show, it's advisable to manage your expectations regarding the audio experience. While some events might have better sound mixing than others, the general consensus points to a venue that struggles with its sound system. For those sensitive to audio quality, this might be a factor to consider when deciding whether to attend an event here.
The Dining Dilemma
Furthermore, the service and ordering process for food can be disorganized. Some patrons have experienced forgotten orders or a lack of basic amenities like silverware. While the venue does offer a vegan option that has been praised in the context of a hosted event, the general dining experience is not a highlight for most visitors. It's a common recommendation to eat before or after your visit to avoid disappointment and save money.
Venue Atmosphere and Comfort
Beyond the visual aspect, comfort is another concern. Multiple reviews mention that the venue can be uncomfortably cold, even during winter months, leading to a less pleasant experience. The proximity of the bar to the stage, with the noise of drink preparation being distracting, also adds to the unique, and for some, problematic, ambiance. Many feel the owner should consider a remodel to improve functionality and update the entire space.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit