On a summer evening as the sun sinks below the Rocky Mountains, many locals and visitors can be found at one of Denver’s popular First Fridays — monthly, self-guided art walks where galleries and studios open to the public. These free events give you a real sense of the local arts scene. You might find yourself navigating industrial, mural-lined alleys, where the bass from live music at a nearby brewpub mixes with gallery chatter. A few miles away, another art district comes alive with street food and packed studios giving behind-the-easel looks. Or, opt for a casual stroll between shiny boutiques and live-art pop-ups in another creative neighborhood. Wherever you land, you are stepping into a vibrant, city-wide celebration of art.
 

Art District on Santa Fe First Friday

The Art District on Santa Fe’s First Friday is inarguably the art walk of all art walks in Denver, with more than 100 galleries and studios open for the public to wander through. Head to this artist enclave year-round, rain or shine, as thousands descend upon Santa Fe Drive in the southwest corner of the city on the first Friday of the month. Hit as many galleries as possible in one night while listening to live music, noshing on local food-truck specials and discovering treasures from street vendors in between.
 

River North Art District (RiNo) First Friday

Just north of downtown, the River North Art District (RiNo) is home to impressive art and creative studios of architects, illustrators, designers and photographers. With a cool, contemporary industrial vibe, the art often extends beyond the gallery walls, with vibrant murals covering many buildings and alleyways. RiNo is also known to be an incubator for Denver’s craft-beverage scene, so if a lower-key meander around a curated selection of open galleries between brews and bites sounds more your speed, this is the art walk for you.

 

Tennyson Street First Friday

First Friday on Tennyson feels less like a gallery crawl and more like an evening spent strolling one of Denver's most beloved avenues. Along this stretch of the Denver Berkeley neighborhood, art vendors share the spotlight with independent bookstores, corner cafes, bakeries, outdoor gear shops and restaurants that keep their doors open late. One minute you're studying a new exhibition, the next you're carrying a ice-cream cone down the block or lingering over a drink on a patio at sunset.
 

40 West Arts District First Friday

The streets come alive with food trucks and locals kickin’ up dust to live music during warmer months at this grassroots, community-oriented art walk. Directly west of downtown Denver, the 40 West Arts enclave is home to more than 10 galleries and dozens of artist studios — including a metal-working commune — that open for First Fridays. Home of the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, this neighborhood has more than two dozen public art installations, many being giant, colorful murals. It’s a fun and funky vibe for folks who want to be in the mix with the local art scene.
 

South Pearl Street Final Friday

While not technically a “first” Friday, local artists pop up and sell their colorful, affordably priced work under expansive skies on South Pearl Street during “Final Friday” art walks in warmer months. See art being made live in-person, browse unique finds from vintage vendors and discover the South Pearl shops at this intimate, family-friendly event. Pair the art walk with dining at a charming bistro or sipping at a local wine bar — an ideal date night or relaxing time out on the town with friends and family.
 

Aurora Cultural Arts District First Friday

A bit farther out of the city on East Colfax, a small but growing creative community centered around The People’s Building gathers for a free monthly block party and art walk every First Friday. This vibrant, diverse event hosts rotating gallery exhibitions and local artists popping up to show and sell their work. Local breweries host open mic nights, live bands and performances. It’s a walkable, welcoming neighborhood event and great way to genuinely connect with local artists and support small businesses.

 

Denver Arts Week Art Walks

Denver Arts Week takes place every fall as a city-wide celebration of our thriving local and international arts scene. Kicking off on First Friday, the week showcases hundreds of art pop-ups and experiences, discounted museum admissions and extended gallery programming across the city’s creative neighborhoods. Additionally, during Free Night at the Museums, more than a dozen of the city's top cultural institutions welcome guests with free admission and extended hours. The event also runs free shuttles so you can easily hop around town. It’s a great opportunity to spend time getting to know multiple creative districts and cultural institutions during your visit.
 

More Art Walks in and Around Denver