There’s nothing more "Denver in the summer" than the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. From Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6, the streets of Cherry Creek North will be filled with color, creativity, and seriously talented artists. With 260 professionally chosen artists from around the world, this free outdoor event brings the neighborhood to life with art, good vibes, and lots to explore. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (with a special accessibility hour from 9–10 a.m. on Friday) and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, giving you plenty of time to wander, shop, and take it all in.
Now in its 34th year, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival isn’t just a local favorite, it’s a nationally recognized event that recently took home the top honor from the International Festivals & Events Association. That kind of reputation draws top talent, including this year’s featured poster artists, Signe & Genna Grushovenko, whose piece Northern Lights captures the festival’s collaborative spirit. You’ll also find 20 award winning return artists from 2024 and five new up and coming artists, making it a great chance to meet creators at all stages and take home something truly original. But the art isn’t just in the booths. Families can jump into hands on fun at Creation Station, where this year’s global theme includes necklace making, Greek-inspired scratch art, and a colorful community mural. There are also pop up performances of various types and styles to enjoy all throughout the festival, so be sure to see as much as you can. Don't forget to check out the Canvas Credit Union Main Stage & Beer Garden for free live music all weekend long!
When you get hungry, the Art of Food corridor has you covered with eats from Island Noodles, Shake Shack, Koco Street Food, and Sweet Action along with international bites like pierogi and Brazilian cheese bread. Want early access? Check out the ticketed Opening Night preview on Thursday, July 3 for a more relaxed stroll, chef tastings, and live entertainment. Bonus: proceeds support CherryArts' year round education programs, which brought in over $4.6 million last year to fund artists, school residencies, and creative camps across Colorado.
Getting to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival is easy. There are bike valets, RTD stops, and $3 parking at the mall make it hassle-free (and your parking fee supports the nonprofit). Inside, it’s cash free, so bring a card or tap to pay. Restrooms, first aid, and friendly volunteers are all easy to find. So whether you’re there for the art, the eats, or just the vibes, this fest is Denver at its best. Mark your calendar, grab a refillable water bottle, and get ready for a fun, inspiring Fourth of July weekend. For more information, visit the official website.
