The Best Denver Street Art

Denver's Colorful, Mind-Blowing Walls

Denver street artists have been busy brightening (and enlightening) the urban landscape for decades by making canvases of the city’s alleyways, building exteriors, warehouses, garage doors and storefronts. Now with local news source Westword reporting a proliferation of more than 100 new creations in just one summer, there’s more Denver street art to see in Denver than ever before.

If you’re interested in tracking down thought-provoking murals, graffiti and street art in Denver, we invite you to embark on a tour of the neighborhoods listed below. Be prepared to stumble across surprises along the way and in other neighborhoods throughout the city.

We’re using the term “street art” fairly broadly here. Street art, by its nature, is often found in alleyways, under bridges or in abandoned lots. Please use common sense and don’t go traipsing into unfamiliar areas alone or at night.

Street art in Denver's River North Art District.

Denver is brimming with street art all over town. Get out and explore.

Best Neighborhoods for Seeing Denver Street Art

RiNo

One of Denver’s creative hubs, River North Art District (RiNo) leans heavily on its industrial past, preferring to revitalize historic warehouses and factories rather than tearing things down. In that same spirit, it’s fitting that the district’s creative expression extends well beyond its galleries’ walls, with colorful and innovative street art around nearly every corner. One of the most photographed spots in the city is the "Love This City" mural by Pat Milbery (see below) at Broadway and Arapahoe. Also see RiNo's interactive murals map. Or take a guided two-hour stroll with Denver Graffiti Tour.

East Colfax

Like one of its iconic neon marquees, East Colfax is abuzz with energy 24/7. Some of Denver’s best live music venues are here, and its solidly urban, slightly gritty nature is both a draw and incubator for artistic expression. With a grant program in the works, expect to see even more street art coming to East Colfax soon.

The Art District on Santa Fe

The Art District on Santa Fe is a designated Colorado Creative District, with the largest concentration of art galleries in Colorado — more than 30 of them. The neighborhood is splashed in brilliant color and covered in artwork from head to toe, inside its galleries and outside on it doors, alleys, hallways, sidewalks, walls, mailboxes, windows…you get the picture.

Confluence Park

A hip enclave within the Highland neighborhood, Confluence Park is nestled just east of I-25 where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek converge. The area enjoys acres of riverside parkland and a trendy collection of eateries, boutiques and condominiums — plus a significant number of colorful paintings adorning bars, breweries and building walls.

South Broadway

As South Broadway undergoes a major renaissance — with theaters, music venues, bars, restaurants, galleries and shops flourishing like mad — the district’s open-air art tradition continues to thrive as well. Much of it is more of the “renegrade” strain of street art, with nearly every alleyway and side street on the west side of South Broadway sporting some kind of expression — from graffiti tags to elaborate masterpieces.

5 Denver Street Artists to Know

Pat Milbery

This former pro snowboarder is also now a prolific muralist (more than 500 murals around the world!) who has worked with the likes of Adidas, Red Bull, the X Games and more. As if that wasnʼt enough, Milbery is also the co-owner of So-Gnar, a clothing line with the mission to inspire kids to learn how to snowboard and, most importantly, embrace their individuality. Check out one of his “Love This Cityˮ murals at Broadway and Arapahoe in RiNo. Other versions are located at 12th and Bannock in the Golden Triangle Creative District and at 7th and Santa Fe in the Art District on Santa Fe.

Sandra Fittingis

Known for her abstract, award-winning geometric murals and sculptural installations, Fettingis reflects the natural environment in her street art through repetitive organic elements that mirror local plant life. Keep an eye out for her on the train! She has designed glass windscreens for the Regional Transportation Districtʼs A and E, F and R lines, as well as installed a massive, four-story LED wall sculpture for Denizen apartment complex in Denverʼs Baker neighborhood.

Nalye Lor

Pat Milbery

Nalye Lor

Colorado-born Lor creates colorful illustrations that translate into meaningful, vibrant works. You can see her larger-than-life mural at Denver Fire Station 4 near Sakura Square in a part of downtown that was once Denverʼs Chinatown. Lorʼs mural commemorates the areaʼs history and the contributions of Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian community members to the city.

Thomas ‘Detour’ Evans

A true Denver art icon, itʼs impossible to describe Detourʼs diverse art practice in just a few words, but hereʼs a try. An innovator, experimenter, builder and thought leader, Evansʼ work often includes vibrant, large-scale portraits, expressive murals and conceptual installations, but his art knows no bounds. You may recognize his Denver Nuggets mural at 1919 E. Colfax Ave. or his rainbow luggage sculpture installation at Denver International Airport.

Casey Kawaguchi

Coming from a line of samurai (seriously!), Kawaguchi draws inspiration from his own ancestral roots to create minimalist, graphic murals often centered around a female warrior character. He works entirely freehand and has painted on monumental walls, beneath overpasses, on garage doors and more across the city. Look for his signature red, black and white palette, including his “The Seeds We Sowˮ at Sakura Square.

More Ways to Explore Denver Street Art

Denver Chalk Art Festival

If you like street art, you will dig this festival inspired by the Italian tradition of beautifying city streets. Now held in the Golden Triangle Creative District each summer, watch artists while they work — making vibrant chalk art on the pavement to the delight of (carefully stepping) passersby. Students, as well as professional artists, create designs that range from traditional to contemporary.

Walls of Gratitude

Austin Zucchini Fowler is a Denver muralist whose mission is to spread gratitude across Denver by highlighting essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis. He works in a unique pointillism style mixing in spray paint and acrylic brushwork. Check out his ongoing body of work, “Walls of Gratitude,” by taking a self-guided tour of completed murals throughout the city.

Denver Graffiti Tour

See a different side of the city as you explore street art, murals and graffiti. Denver Graffiti Tour provides leisurely two-hour strolls through vibrant RiNo. Not only will you learn about the artists and their work, but get insider tips on go-to bars and hip restaurants.

Knit Wits

Denver has its own gang of crocheting street artists. The Ladies Fancywork Society has “crochet bombed” benches and signs around town, but also has been commissioned for large-scale installations, such as creating a temporary giant legwarmer for the “Dancers” sculpture outside the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Rad.