My friend and I were visiting Denver for the weekend and I leaned about this Art Walk in the RiNo area of Denver. I had seen pictures of the murals along the way and I love art walks, so I decided we had to go. The reviews all seem pretty positive here, but I noted that they are from many years ago when perhaps it was different. We did not have a positive experience. I looked on the website and found the address of a gallery that said there was a showing that night, and decided to get dropped off there. We figured we would then walk to nearby galleries and follow the festivities. Well, we walked into the first gallery which was really large. There were several artist's workshops inside with artists walking around. However, nothing was displayed, it was more just works in progress and no one said hello or welcomed us. They pretty much looked at us as though we shouldn't be there. After that, we decided to move on the next. The only other gallery we could find was more of a strange bar/club with a few pieces of art hanging up. We wound up in a distillery nearby and talked to a couple who had been trying to go on the art walk as well. The woman said, "We found more bars than art". Those were my sentiments exactly. After that, we spent the evening bar-hopping. I'm giving it two stars instead of one, as it did get us out to a part of town with cool bars and restaurants. As far as the art walk, perhaps it is best not to return. read more

First Friday's are not about the art, they are about the socializing. It is not a bad thing and the whole street lights up with all sorts of people. People seem happy and all the businesses stay open or move their stuff to the sidewalk. Very festive. While I am always about promoting art and artists (I am an art historian), most businesses are not set up to be gallery spaces recognizing flow, placement and lighting. I am leaving the name of one of these places out but as soon as you walk into it, you will know what I am talking about. Viewing and enjoying art is almost an impossibility. Hoping on the bandwagon just because it is going by does not an art gallery make and no, hanging art on the walls does not make a person a curator. The neighborhood has really been under going a renaissance but as we parked and walked toward Tennyson, a carload of kids yelled, "Look, white people!" Hey, dumb*&^% I am not all white and my friend is Native American. Scary teenagers on a dark street....yikes. read more

Any first friday event that gets the people out and about, conversing, walking, and enjoying the night and the shops that stay open late is cool with me. That fact that it turns into a baby fest is less cool, but at least everyone is outside enjoying their time together. Come early to find good parking or be prepared to walk a bit. Takes about an hour to stroll everything, if you don't dawdle. I's suggest starting at one end or the other and enjoyng a beverage and bite, and then continuing your stroll read more

Best time I've had on Friday night in ages...and there wasn't even any karaoke involved! Seriously, the shop owners along this corridor are so cool and friendly, it's hard not to get swept up in the party atmosphere they've created for First Friday. Each shop - no matter how small - finds the space to display the artwork crafted by the area's local artists. Favorite stops - The Wine Jester (a wine-lovers dream); Page Elizabeth Photography (so gracious and friendly); Ooh! Aah! Jewelry; Simply Divine; Sports Optical. Each shop had yummy treats, yummy drinks, and lots of fun things to look at. First Friday on Tennyson totally rocks! read more

The Tennyson First Friday art walk is a far mellower experience than the Santa Fe version. Neighborhood folks walk about looking at random art posted in the various shops, some bring their baby carriages, and it's tradition to stop for coffee, drinks, and browse the shops along the way. It's really... cute. Many of the art spaces on Tennyson are not formal galleries. Some are retail stores that have artwork up to generate foot traffic so quality and content are often all over the board. The owners are usually genuinely happy to see you and you will have a better chance to talk to the artists or mingle with the gallery owners than on other First Friday locations. It's a fun alternative when you want to keep it mellow for the evening. read more

Went here with my husband and met up with my sister and new brother-in-law (and doggy). We started at Big Hoss BBQ as the patio was open and we were able to keep a close eye on their puppy. It was cute to see who would stop to pet said puppy and there were many people who did. This was a very dog friendly evening - many of the shops and galleries welcomed four legged friends and many had treats for them too. We poked around many of the shops, got a sneak peek of a new Mexican restaurant getting ready to open that will feature small batch Tequila and small plates and enjoyed some music from a one man band playing out of his garage! Way less crowded than Santa Fe and very family and pet friendly it was a laid back evening and one we would repeat. read more

The first two times we attended First Friday on Tennyson were by mistake. My wife and I just happened to be driving through the neighborhood and noticed a bunch of people walking around. We stopped to check it out and quickly learned about First Friday! The atmosphere here is much more relaxed than on Santa Fe. There are less people, the people and owners seem more relaxed and the galleries and art are more accessible because you don't have to fight the crowds. Bonus: you can actually find a parking place and a seat at a restaurant (popular locations such as Parisi and Swing Thai are always packed, though). If you enjoy First Friday but don't like the crowds on Santa Fe, head over to Tennyson for a change of pace. If you've never been to a First Friday, this is a great introduction to what it's all about. read more

What a fun, interesting way to spend an evening. Wandering in and about of the local boutiques, scattered with art, photography, eats, and libations. It's certainly less crowded than its Santa Fe counterpart, but don't let that fool you. The crowds are out for First Friday here on Tennyson. There's great people-watching and fantastic eye-candy (Art, people. Art.) You might even see the Denver Cupcake Truck! (I Did!) I love seeing the "real" artwork of local artists, chatting with residents and business owners, and drinking and noshing my way up, down, and across the street for a certainly budget-minded way to spend a full evening! read more

We didn't think to look at our calendar to see the exact date while eating at Hops & Pies on Tennyson. There were quite a few people, with more arriving on Tennyson: young, older, families, singles, couples, dogs, baby srtollers, you name it. Turns out, it was the First Friday Walk on Tennyson. Lots of people, lots of shops, lots of relaxing family fun. After finishing our wonderful dinner at Hops & Pies (see my review), and after realizing that it was the First Friday Art Walk, we decided to stroll along the street too. Fun, relaxing, and comfortable. This is such a nice, wonderful change, to the First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe (see my review). You seem to "step back into time," where people are happy, relaxed, and care free. You don't need to be worried about anyone getting carried away with a "mob mentality." People just walked along, stopping to look in the various shops, chatting with your neighbor, stopping by to get an ice cream at the local book store, or a toy for the family furry friend, or enjoy the 4 piece band of young people - quite good by the way, or PickinonTennyson (go see, I'll let you check it out yourself). Whatever your flavor, whatever your taste, you will find it on the First Friday Art Walk on Tennyson. See you there. Next time, I think I'll be one of the people enjoying an ice cream. Relax and Enjoy! read more

Even when I forget that it's First Friday, I'm always reminded as soon as I pull into the hood on my way home from work. I live right behind Tennyson Street and have watched this little FF event grow from "so-so" with mediocre attendance to being what seems like the biggest thing to hit Denver on a Friday night. All in under a year. It's a more digestible version of Santa Fe, and yet I still think they should close the street off for the night. There's not a lot of vehicle traffic anyway, and it would improve the experience - with the sidewalks being pretty small, and plenty of baby carriages. Comfort Cafe always has something pretty nifty going on, so make sure you stop by and have a glass of wine. Your donation goes to Namaste Hospice and it's all volunteers that work there. read more

A lot Quieter than Santa Fe and with fewer galleries but a few nice stores to wander in it is a nice alternative once in a while especially if you are looking for gifts read more

I had a great time at this art walk! Its small, contained, and everyone is really friendly! I love talking to local artists! However, one of them made sure everyone knew that he made all the paintings with blood in it, and made sure to loudly comment that the only things that sell these days are dolphins and landscapes... well... maybe its because its winter time and people want warm and fuzzy things... NOT tortured looking half humans and creepy murder weapons! haha! Besides the twisted humor of certain starving artists, there are lots of hidden gems around the art walk, like Herbst Metal Art. This place has lots of great art, I wanted to buy the whole store! Everything from jewelry holders to the gigantic wall pieces. And the artist is super friendly and positive! Love it... There were also a few places with live music and a DJ.... Wait to go in the summer, so you can enjoy walking around:) read more

Boring, disappointing. I've lived in the area for 16 years. This was my first Friday in a year and I was so disappointed. When this first started, it was AWESOME. Now, there's a couple of semi-ok art galleries, nothing I would go back to; plenty of coffee shops, book shops, restuarants/bars & real estate agencies. However, what was most plentiful were the number of boarded up businesses, signs up on businesses indicating they are moving, construction and dark corners. It is so sad that what once made a neighborhood great - eclectic shops, etc., is exactly the first thing to leave once the neighborhood becomes popular...it's all about $$ and not maintaining the beauty....:-( read more

After living mere blocks from this happening monthly event for over two years, we finally made it last Friday on a whirlwind Mother's Day weekend partaking in Denver's art, wine and food. Unfortunately we had overindulged already in the wine and food department on this particular evening, leaving us stuffed and searching for water rather than snacks and drinks...though those were plentiful. Won't make that mistake again. So, we didn't make it into every boutique and gallery and we'll have to come back. I most enjoyed the wacky sculptures and busts inside EvB and the four tiny galleries next to Tenn Street Coffee. How convenient to be able to duck into Parisi for some chocolate caramel sea salt gelato mid-art walk. Also cool to walk by The Oriental Theater and listen to free music. Tip to the dude selling hot dogs out front - it's spelled caramelized not carmalized and when you have onions in every menu option, I would spell check before repeating that typo eight times! Luckily your chalkboard appeared to be erasable. Fun to see lots of people out in my 'hood with their kids, dogs, strollers and coffee cups. A few galleries seemed to be "friends only" in vibe so I will have to get to know them better :) read more