Underground Music Showcase Plans Return Under New Partnership

Beloved Music Festival Plans Move to RiNo Art District in 2026

DENVER — (Feb. 9, 2026) — The RiNo Art District Business Improvement District (RiNo BID), and experiential and creative agency Two Parts today announced a new partnership with the intent to bring the iconic Underground Music Showcase (UMS) music festival to Denver’s River North (RiNo) community beginning in 2026. The RiNo BID Board approved an LOI outlining the BID’s intent to acquire a 50% ownership stake in UMS, marking a significant step toward securing the future of one of Denver’s most influential cultural events while positioning it as a signature economic driver for the district.

As part of the anticipated transaction, current co-owner Two Parts will remain while Youth on Record is expected to transition out of ownership, marking a thoughtful passing of the torch and recognizing the organization’s crucial role in the festival’s history while allowing UMS to move forward. 

"UMS was a critical part of Youth on Record’s story, but ultimately young creatives are our North Star,” said Jami Duffy, Executive Director of Youth on Record. “Choosing to step out of the co-ownership and management of UMS allows us to fully meet this moment in our city and across the country. Young people and families are navigating real and growing challenges, and they need us to provide more opportunity, creative spaces, and pathways to meaningful work. Right now, Youth on Record’s strongest contribution to our community is to focus our full energy on young people—and to help build the future they deserve."

Founded in 2001, the Underground Music Showcase has spent more than two decades celebrating music discovery and supporting emerging artists. After organizers announced that the 2025 festival would be the final edition in its existing form, RiNo BID leadership began exploring how to secure the festival’s future in a way that aligned with the district’s creative identity and long-term economic goals. 

“The BID saw this partnership as an intentional way of investing in RiNo’s creative ecosystem, not just funding a festival, but actively stewarding it,” said Terry Madeksza, Executive Director of the RiNo Business Improvement District. “With hundreds of shows activating venues, businesses and public spaces across the district, UMS creates opportunities for us to build stronger partnerships with our local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and arts community while driving exploration and economic activity throughout RiNo.”

The 26th annual Underground Music Showcase would take place July 24–26, 2026, and is expected to draw more than 10,000 guests each day to more than 200 performances activating spaces throughout the RiNo Art District. From established music halls to unexpected creative settings that will serve as stages, the proposed new iteration of the festival will invite audiences to explore the full breadth of RiNo’s cultural ecosystem while reinforcing the district’s reputation as a center for creativity.

“UMS has always been about discovery,” said Keanan Stoner, previously CEO of Two Parts, transitioning to Festival Director for UMS 2026. “This partnership allows us to deepen that idea, helping people discover new music, new venues and new ways to experience Denver through a district that has always championed art and artists. We’re so thankful for all the amazing years on South Broadway, and are excited to bring the magic of UMS to RiNo and build this next era of the festival.”

Under the proposed partnership, UMS will remain rooted in its core mission of music discovery while expanding opportunities for collaboration with RiNo’s restaurants, hotels, retailers, artists and cultural organizations. The festival will continue to spotlight discovery artists across genres and locations, encouraging attendees to explore the district itself, while also welcoming national headliner acts that draw new visitors and fans.

“I love music and the arts because they bring people together, get folks dancing and reflect who we are as a city,” said Denver City Council Member Darrell Watson. “With the RiNo BID’s investment, the Underground Music Showcase is positioned to continue thriving and supporting Denver’s vibrant creative economy.”

Final agreements are expected to be executed in mid-February. The RiNo BID is expected to serve as UMS’s presenting sponsor for at least the next three years, committing $250,000 annually, pending final agreements. Additional festival details, including venues and programming partners for the 26th annual Underground Music Showcase, will be announced in the coming weeks. For the latest updates, visit www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com.

About the RiNo Business Improvement District
Established in 2015, the RiNo Business Improvement District (BID) works to support a vibrant, inclusive and economically strong River North community by championing local artists, creatives and businesses. Funded by commercial property owners within the district, the RiNo BID invests in programs and services prioritized by the community to strengthen the creative economy, enhance the public realm and support the long-term vitality of the district. For more information, please visit: www.rinoartdistrict.org/about/rino-bid/about.

About Two Parts
Founded in 2012, Two Parts is a Denver-based experiential and creative agency specializing in the design and execution of festivals and events and the brands behind them. Drawing inspiration from art, design, entertainment, food, music, and culture, Two Parts brings bold ideas to life through strategic creativity, meticulous production, and collaborative partnerships. With end-to-end capabilities spanning creative strategy, event management, and experiential marketing, Two Parts creates memorable moments that foster engagement and build community. Learn more at www.twoparts.com.
About UMS
Founded in 2001, the Underground Music Showcase (UMS) was started with a mission to celebrate the diverse music scene growing in Denver. Over the next 25 years, UMS has evolved into Denver's largest and longest-running music festival, drawing thousands of music lovers to shows each summer. In 2025, the festival announced it would be the last version in its current form. Now, with new co-ownership with the RiNo Art District, UMS is poised to keep its historic run alive with a 26th annual festival on all new grounds. Expect the same spirit, but with all new stages and venues, and a shared vision for continuing to build a festival focused on music discovery and exploration. Learn more at www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com