Memorial Day has come and gone, which means it’s officially summer time in the Mile High City.
While summer months in Denver usually consist of pool days, mountain getaways, patio drinks and cooling off with a sweet treat, the city’s arts scene is just as much a part of the season’s charm.
Whether it’s taking in a concert in an iconic outdoor venue, studying street murals downtown or supporting local artists at festivals, there’s no better time to tap into Denver’s creative side.
Here are our recommendations for making the most of summer arts season in Denver:
1.)
Spend a Friday night wandering Sante Fe Art District
If there’s one classic Denver arts experience everyone should do at least once each summer, it’s First Friday on Santa Fe Drive.
On the first Friday of every month, thousands of people flood the Sante Fe Arts District to take in what the area has to offer. With hundreds of galleries, pop-up exhibits, live mural paintings and vendor booths from local artists, it’s perhaps the best way to experience Denver’s art scene all in one place.
This summer’s First Friday events will take place on June 5, July 3 and August 7, making it a perfect excuse to enjoy a warm evening surrounded by neighbors and fellow art lovers. Between the crowds filling the streets and the galleries staying open late into the night, the atmosphere feels more like a neighborhood celebration than a traditional art walk.
2.)
Take in RiNo’s booming street mural scene
Denver’s River North Art District, better known as RiNo, has become one of the city’s most recognizable creative hubs thanks to its colorful and constantly changing mural scene.
Nearly every alleyway, warehouse wall and side street in the neighborhood doubles as a canvas, showcasing work from local artists. With over 100 murals plastered throughout the neighborhood that are consistently rotating, you never truly know what amazing artwork you’ll see until you start exploring.
Grab a coffee (or beer), rent a bike and roam around the neighbor. It’s the best way to cover the most ground in the least amount of time. RiNo’s murals are best experienced without much of a plan, allowing you to stumble upon hidden artwork, small galleries and local shops.
3.)
Catch a concert at Red Rocks
Yes, it’s obvious. Yes, it’s touristy. But no Denver summer arts list would be complete without mentioning Red Rocks.
With a strong summer lineup of acts like Paul Simon, Mt. Joy, The Strokes, Train, Goose and countless more, there’s bound to be a show that fits your taste. Still, the appeal of Red Rocks goes far beyond who’s on stage.
Summer and Red Rocks and practically inseparable in Colorado culture. Few experiences compare to watching live music surrounded by towering rock formations as the sun sets over the foothills. It’s one of the most iconic concert venues in the world, and having it just outside Denver is something locals should never take for granted.
Even if concerts aren’t your thing, Red Rocks stays busy by hosting film screenings, yoga classes and other unique events all summer long. It doesn’t matter what your excuse is, just make sure to get out there at least once.
4.)
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of City Park Jazz
For four decades, City Park Jazz has been one of Denver’s favorite summer traditions.
The free Sunday evening concert series brings live jazz performances to City Park throughout the summer, with crowds gathering on picnic blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy music beside the lake and listen to acts like renowned local bands DJ Williams Band, Hazel Miller & The Collective and Badda Boom Brass Band.
This summer’s series will come with a minor change in scenery. Back in March, City Park’s iconic bandstand was burned down in an act of arson. However, that hasn’t stopped the community from enjoying one of their favorite local events, as the festival has moved to a temporary stage just a few hundred feet south of the original while the city works to rebuild the structure.
Part of what makes City Park Jazz special is the atmosphere surrounding it. Families, friend groups and neighbors all come together for a relaxed evening that has united community members for generations. Whether you stay for an hour or the entire concert, it’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to enjoy the city’s arts scene during the summer.
5.)
Visit a local art festival
Denver’s summer arts scene rivals cities much larger than itself, thanks in part to festivals like the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.
Each summer, local arts festivals transform city streets into open-air galleries featuring painters, photographers, sculptors and other artists from across the country. The level of talent and variety of art on display is sure to wow you.
For locals, it’s a unique chance to experience world-class art without leaving the city. Whether you’re looking to buy a piece or simply wander between booths for an afternoon, these festivals are a reminder of how lucky Denver is to have such a strong arts culture right in its backyard.
Even if you can’t make it to the bigger festivals like Cherry Creek, there are countless smaller art markets spread across the city this summer. There are ample opportunities to get out and upgrade your art collection at Park Hill Art Festival from June 6-7 and Golden Fine Arts Festival from August 15-16, so make sure to take advantage of it!
By the time summer wraps up, Denver’s arts scene will have done what it does best—spill out of galleries and into parks, streets, and open-air venues across the city.
From murals and festivals to live music and outdoor performances, it’s a season built for going outside and getting in touch with your creative side. We’re lucky to have such a great art scene right here in Denver.
With so many arts and culture options the city offers over the summer, it’s hard to go wrong. The only real mistake is not taking advantage of it while it’s here.
Do you have a listicle in mind? Any ideas can be sent to ryland.c.scholes@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in our area.
See you next Tuesday with another Bucket Listicle.
Ryland Scholes
Production Manager & Senior Reporter/ Bucket List Community News
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