The creative spirit in Denver is vibrant with life! At the beginning of each month, art districts across the city prepare for the monthly “First Friday Art Walk”.Here is a list of our top 5 favorite Mile High art walks.
Tennyson Street Art Walk
For over 14 years, this Berkeley neighborhood has held its First Friday monthly art walk tradition, which features local artists along with independently owned boutiques and shops. Musicians jam on street corners for gathering families and crowds, while delicious aromas from local food trucks and restaurants fill the air.
First Fridays monthly, 6pm – 10pm
Tennyson between 38th Ave. & 44th Ave.
Santa Fe Arts District
Boasting over 60 galleries, this eclectic art and cultural district features everything from high end galleries to working artists’ studios. There are so many studios packed next to, and above each other, that it’s easy to miss galleries tucked between and above the obvious street side spaces.
Santa Fe Arts District makes sure First Friday is done right, with DJs, string quartets, live bands, along with plenty of free wine and snacks, the celebrations of First Friday livens up these galleries, courtyards, studios and alleyways along this route. Avoid the parking hassles with a free shuttle from the 10th and Osage light rail station from 5:30 – 9:30pm.
First Fridays monthly, 6pm – 9pm
Santa Fe Drive between Sixth & 13th Ave.
RiNo Art District
Located in north Denver, this industrialized neighborhood known as RiNo, short for River North, hosts both First Fridays and Second Saturdays.
As each art walk offers its own particular flare, in RiNo you’ll find much more than wall art. Holding true to the industrialized roots of the neighborhood, graffiti artists, sculptors, architects, furniture designers, and metal workers also call this district home. First Fridays in the RiNo district offers an urban-inspired art experience unlike any other. Check the online directory for a list of studios open during upcoming events.
First Fridays and second Saturdays monthly, times vary per studio
Bounded by I-70, I-25, Park Avenue West and Arapahoe St.
Old South Pearl Street
This fun and offbeat neighborhood celebrates the diversity of local flavors in art, food and drink. South Pearl is an affordable, friendly, and easy place to find original art, handmade jewelry as well as classic and whimsical home pieces.
First Fridays monthly, April – Dec., 4pm – 8pm
S. Pearl Street between Buchtel Blvd. & Evans Ave.
Gaylord Street Galleries Art Walk
One of the city’s newest art walks, the art walk along Gaylord Street is also one of the smallest. With just a handful of galleries involved in this tree-lined Wash Park neighborhood, it’s easily accessible, and blends high end art with casual comfort. This walk gets started at 11am, which leaves time to hop to another art walk!
First Fridays monthly, 11am – 8pm
1000 Block of S. Gaylord Street between Mississippi St. & Tennessee St.