The annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival takes place in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood of Denver every July. The streets of Colorado's capital are transforming into an art gallery with hundreds of curated artists, music, food, and more. A showcase of more than 250 juried artists from around the world is complemented by live concerts, family-friendly activities, information about art education, and more. The festival, which offers free admission, runs from 10 am to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday. The festival grounds are set up on 2nd Avenue from Clayton to Adams Streets and between 2nd and 3rd Avenues from Detroit to Adams Streets.
Festival Highlights
The festival starts with the ticketed Opening Night on July 3, 2024, offering an exclusive sneak peek at the juried artists. Attendees can enjoy a crowd-free shopping opportunity, live entertainment, meets-and-greets with artists, beverages, and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are from $90 to $170. Student Art Buying Showcase takes place on July 5 in the Room & Board parking lot. The CCAF Art Auction ends on July 7. The festival also offers children-friendly activities at Creation Station and food vendors with a variety of delights.
Exhibitors
In 2024, Cherry Creek Arts Festival showcases 250 artist exhibitors, selected from over 1,942 artist applicants. 2024 jurors included Barbara Lewis, owner of Lewis Art Consulting in Denver, Betsy Youngquist, an artist and gallery owner from Illinois, Jane Burke, curator at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, an award-winning artist from Missouri, Paige Whitcomb, and an artist from Oregon, Robert Varela.
Music Lineup
Canvas Credit Union Main Stage, located on Fillmore Street, features a variety of performing arts and live music performances.
On July 5, 2024, Kaitlyn Williams, a pop artist based in Denver, will perform from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm. Dotsero, a Jazz band from Denver, will play from 12:45 pm. to 2:15 pm. Ghost Tapes, a band inspired by 70's funk and soul, 90's hip-hop and late 90's neo-soul will play from 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm. Selasee and the FaFa Family, playing world music, reggae, and highlife with ultra-high energy and plenty of soul, will perform from 4:45 pm to 6:15 pm. Soul School, Colorado's premier party band, will play from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm.
On July 6, 2024, Many Colors, country band will play from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm. Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band will play from 12:45 pm to 2:15 pm. Quemando Salsa band will play from 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm. Iron Prophecy, a Reggae band, will play from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm. Mary Louise Lee Band, playing R&B / Contemporary Jazz, will perform from 12:45 pm to 2:15 pm. Mojomama, Funky Blues Rock band will play from 2:45 p. to 4:15 pm. Groove ‘N Motion, Jazz / Horns band, will play from 4:45 pm to 6:15 pm.
Parking
Parking at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is $3 during the daytime. No overnight parking is available. Clayton Lane Garage, on 2nd Ave. and Columbine St., and Whole Foods garage, on 2nd Ave. and University St., offer $6 parking during the festival to benefit CherryArts.
