The Cherry Creek Arts Festival Celebrates Its 35th Year This Summer

Photo: Rob Horner

In the early 1990s, a small group of Denverites decided to start a fine arts festival in Cherry Creek. Over the next three decades, that modest beginning grew into one of Denver’s largest and most significant annual arts events and, indeed, one of the great American festivals: the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, produced by CherryArts, and celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Photo: Liz Levy

Free and open to the public, this year’s Cherry Creek Arts Festival runs from Friday, July 3, to Sunday, July 5. The festival brings more than 265 artists from all over the United States and two other countries—selected from nearly 2,000 applicants—to the streets of Cherry Creek North. The festival holds the prestigious Gold Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association for the second year in a row.

Photo: Liz Levy

Highlights of this year’s festival include:

• Original work from 265 national and international artists in thirteen different mediums, including 80 first-time exhibitors
• Student Art Buying, which gives students from 25 Colorado schools a $500 budget to purchase original art from festival artists for permanent display in their schools, with a Student Art Buying showcase on Friday, July 3, at 1:30 p.m., in the parking lot of Room and Board
• Creation Station, a perennial family favorite offering free, hands-on art activities for children and families inspired this year by Colorado’s rich cultural landscape and creative spirit, including collaborative experiences with diverse community partners and daily live performances.
• Free live music from thirteen different acts that will perform on the festival’s main stage during the three-day event
• Food and beverage offerings from more than 25 Colorado businesses

Photo: Gigi Youngblood

For the third year, CherryArts has awarded $5,000 grants to five artists in the early stages of their careers, as part of the festival’s Emerging Artists Program. A special preview of the festival takes place during opening night on Thursday, July 2, and offers an exclusive, crowd-free preview with a block full of artists, live entertainment, and food and beverages. Proceeds support CherryArts’ year-round mission to bring art and art experiences to Colorado students. Tickets are available here.

This year’s featured artist is Bennett, whose pop-inspired mixed media piece Well Wishes and Dirty Dishes is used for the festival poster and merchandise.

Photo: Tom Arnold

DATES AND HOURS

The festival is free and open to the public, no ticket required.

Friday, July 3: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with an accessibility hour from 9 to 10 a.m.

Saturday, July 4: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 5: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photo: Liz Levy

VIP passes are available each day of the festival and include air-conditioned lounge access, complimentary valet parking, and gourmet food and beverages. Visit cherryarts.org for more info.