From street musicians and professional painters to craft brewers and master chefs, Denver is home to a vast and eclectic mix of artists. In the summer, the work of these skilled individuals is on display at dozens of festivals throughout the area.
If you want to venture out of your apartment on a sunny weekend day, here are a few art-centered events to consider.
Denver Chalk Art Festival
The streets of Larimer Square are transformed during the Denver Chalk Art Festival, one of the most popular summer art fests in the Mile-High city. More than 200 artists, ranging from talented young students to professional painters and muralists, add some temporary flair to Larimer Square.
As a spectator, you can watch artists in action while enjoying live music and great local food. There’s also a Kids Corner where your child’s imagination can run wild, chalk in hand. This year’s Denver Chalk Art Festival, walking distance from AMLI Riverfront Park and AMLI Park Avenue, takes place June 6, 2015 from 10 AM until 10 PM and June 7, 2015 from 10 AM until 7 PM.
Juneteenth Music Festival
On June 19 and 20, 2015 the Five Points neighborhood will echo with the sounds of musical talent and bask in the glow of a range of art and cultural exhibits. An art walk, a youth engagement zone, a colorful parade, and a Ms. Juneteenth pageant fosters creativity and promotes education. The Juneteenth Music Festival is organized by and benefits organizations devoted to the causes of economic and educational empowerment. The festival takes place at the confluence of Welton, Washington, 26th, and 27th, just a short walk from AMLI Park Avenue.
Westword Music Showcase
The Westword Music Showcase is a huge, single-day event featuring popular Australian DJ Flume and the Austin-sourced Black Angels along with more than 100 local bands and artists. The showcase takes place on 12 stages in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood on Saturday, June 20, 2015.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
One of the largest events of its kind in the area, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival celebrates visual, performance, and culinary arts. Aside from admiring fine art in a beautiful outdoor setting, something cool about attending the festival is the opportunity to engage with the artists of the work on display. This year’s festival, scheduled for July 3 to 5, 2015, will showcase handcrafted art by more than 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, and woodworkers. A diverse selection of treats will ensure you don’t go hungry while browsing.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is designed for athletes and spectators charmed by novel affairs. On July 18 and 19, 2015, registered rowers will board their dragon boats and compete in races on Sloan’s Lake, just west of downtown Denver. In addition to boat races, the event features artwork, song and dance performances, and plenty of food. If you don’t have your own team but want to participate in the rowing competition, you can join a community pickup team.
Denver County Fair
Made up of 16 interlocking indoor pavilions, the Denver County Fair is an occasion to celebrate. Head to the National Western Complex Denver north of downtown between July 31 and August 2, 2015, for fun, food, and ideas everyone will love. Browse and purchase seasonal attire and one-of-a-kind decor for your apartment. Play on classic carnival rides and feast on food truck grub. The Denver County Fair is a truly special event, and it only lasts one weekend. Mark your calendar!
Golden Fine Arts Festival
If the Cherry Creek Arts Festival doesn’t quench your thirst for art, a similar festival will be held up in downtown Golden the weekend of August 15 and 16, 2015. Live music, a Kids Art Zone, and plenty of food will supplement over 130 exhibitions at this summer’s Golden Fine Arts Festival.
Do you appreciate art? Indulge your passion and support local artists by attending one or more of these fun-filled festivals this summer. When it comes to summer festivals, Denver knows what it’s doing.
What’s your favorite annual Denver art festival or event?
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst