Quick Info
When: Ten days each November (dates vary). Highlights: Free museum admission, First Friday Art Walks, open studios, discounted performance tickets. Key districts: Santa Fe, RiNo, Golden Triangle. Cost: Many events free; some performances discounted.
Denver Arts Week showcases the city's thriving creative community with ten days of gallery openings, studio tours, performances, and special events. Free admission to major museums, discounted tickets to shows, and First Friday Art Walks draw art lovers from across the region.
The celebration spans every artistic discipline - visual arts, theater, dance, music, film, and literary arts. Major institutions like the Denver Art Museum offer free days, while smaller galleries open their doors for special receptions with artists.
First Friday Art Walks anchor the week, with the Santa Fe Arts District, RiNo Art District, and Golden Triangle galleries staying open late with free refreshments and live demonstrations. It's the perfect introduction to Denver's art world.
First Friday Art Walks
Santa Fe Arts District is Denver's original art district. Galleries line Santa Fe Drive between 5th and 11th Avenues, opening late with receptions and refreshments. The district has an established, professional feel - serious galleries showing serious work.
RiNo Art District has a younger, edgier vibe. Warehouses converted to galleries showcase emerging artists. Street art murals provide outdoor gallery experiences. The neighborhood's breweries and restaurants make for easy combined outings.
Golden Triangle near the Denver Art Museum features galleries in historic buildings. More concentrated than other districts, it's easy to visit multiple spaces on foot.
Free Museum Days
Denver Art Museum offers free general admission during Arts Week. The museum's collection spans global cultures and centuries, with particular strength in Western American and Indigenous arts.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver participates with free or reduced admission. The contemporary focus complements DAM's broader collection.
Open Studios
Working artists open their studios to the public during Arts Week. See creative processes, meet artists, and purchase work directly. Some buildings organize coordinated open studio events; others participate individually.
Performance Discounts
Theater, dance, and music venues offer discounted tickets during Arts Week. Colorado Ballet, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and smaller companies participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tickets for First Friday Art Walks?
No - galleries are free and open to the public. Just show up and walk in. Some offer refreshments.
Which art district should I visit?
Santa Fe for established galleries. RiNo for emerging artists and edgier work. Golden Triangle for convenient downtown location.
Is Denver Arts Week good for kids?
Museums offer family programming. Art walks are generally adult-oriented in the evening but appropriate for all ages.
How do I find the schedule?
The official Denver Arts Week website lists all participating venues, events, and schedules. Published several weeks before the event.