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    First Friday Art Walks on Santa Fe

    4.5 (77 reviews)
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    Reviews With Photos - First Friday Art Walks on Santa Fe

    Alexandra F.

    If you must, pretend that you enjoy art so you can get the free wine and chips at this monthly Denver treat. Some art is cool, others are boring, and well the others, just plane stupid... But of course, all in the name of art, it is beautiful in the artist's eyes, and that is all that is important... At least it is getting a reaction out of me right? That's great... Because any PR is good PR. Located on Santa Fe Drive from 5th Ave. to 10th Avenues, you can cruise up and down the strip walking in and out of 30 participating galleries.... Not all have wine, but if you get there early enough, you can mingle with the older crowds and you are sure to find some luscious treats. Lush it up and the art becomes even more fun to try to interpret. The sidewalk life outside of the art walk is great itself... Getting a flavor of other Denverites that you normally can't see in the winter because they are usually all covered up with snow gear... Here, at least in the summer, check out the Denverites in their schmoozed up-going out gear, or jeans and sweatshirt attire... Anything goes at this event... Which is great, because it pulls in a great diverse crowd. * Date-me-now star one is for being a great event for the start (or end, depending on how it goes) date (this is highly impressive folks... especially if you have a friend who either works at one of the studios, or is showing their art in one of the studios). ** Hook-it-up star two is for being a place to meet date potentials... Lots of groups here, and lots of singles starting out their night with free booze *** Middle child three is for the creative aspect of the event... **** Buzzed star four is for free wine (until it runs out) and sometimes pretzels... ***** Score star five is for free street parking... Even if you do have to walk a couple blocks Star five was almost lost due to the walk not having any nice or classy restaurants/bars for people to include in their night... Maybe that is for a reason?

    Alice Q.

    This is a free and enjoyable way to enjoy a Friday evening. Sculptures, paintings, jewelry, restaurants are literally everywhere and it's not on the walls of Santa Fe. Most art galleries are open to the public eye, free and accessible to look at. There is no reason to avoid this fun, educational activity and explore more on culture, ideas and perspective. Parking is very limited, so do what I do. Park in the residential area, or the high school nearby. We saw veteran VFW offices #1, who also sponsored art that donated money to their fellow veterans in need. There is lots of vendors, and very open-minded artists who are more than willing to answer your questions.

    They block off the main street
    Christian B.

    I love art. paintings, sculptures, video, photography and the occasional contemporary pieces here and there. I was so amazed at what great local artistic talent Denver has, each gallery was filled with fantastic works of art, I just wanted to take it all home. Most galleries also served free food from full sandwiches to cheese and crackers with cookies and other little nibbles, some places also gave out wine and beer. To get the most out of your art viewing experience, its highly advisable to come early, once the sun went down, the whole area (which is several city blocks) was so extremely crowded that it was unbearable. I literately had to push and shove my way through a massive horde of people just to get from one place to another and this is with the streets blocked off, also the earlier you come the easier it is to find parking. overall I had a good time and will probably come back again.

    Art on Sante Fe
    Andrew W.

    I am so mixed on this FREE event. So, I will break it down for ya'll. 5 stars for FREE art. Giving everyone the opportunity to view and mingle about beautiful things. To see what local artists are doing, so buy a personalized work that no one else in the world has. To talk and understand what the artist's are thinking, why they painted a line a certain color, why they sculpted how they did, why it looks like it is not finished. You know, art. 2 stars for all those people cramming into these galleries. I love the exposure, I love the support for the artists, but it's too much. I wish there could be a simple little guide for edicate [like golf edicate - unknown but know rules for how to act] and how to carry yourself. I did not have a bad experience, I just would like art to influence people a little more and have a better respect for it. Get a little dressed up, make it a night out, pretend to be a little snobby, it's art, act a little. 5 stars for the area of Denver becoming a district, known by not those who live in the area, but for many people around the United States. I've heard the area has flipped 100% from what it use to be. Yeah, it has some rough edges, so does art...it is what it is. Appreciate it and watch it grow. I am not an artist, I consider myself a designer, an architect. I have an appreciation for art of all forms, shapes and mediums. I studied art [I still do], I travel and appreciate art, I create - in a sense also work in art. I'd like to see more people on First Friday's Art Walk, but then at the same time, that is why I started writing about it, because too many people were there. So, I guess, I myself am mixed. Just understand, you're not going to walk into a gallery and be able to stand back, appreciate it and think to yourself. No way, you will be bumped into, interested maybe more in the people around you as you get your glass of cheap wine or overpriced beer. Which, I think is the best way to experience galleries, keepin' the alcohol flowing, makes it easier to talk to strangers and you might even see something you would not have sober. I would love to have you read this, understand what I am saying and let you decide. Wouldn't it be fun to put on your nice suit or nice dress and meet up with friends, loved ones or coworkers and spoil yourself a bit? Do it, you will love yourself for it.

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    Ask the Community - First Friday Art Walks on Santa Fe

    Review Highlights - First Friday Art Walks on Santa Fe

    Now that I finally have, I intend to sashay on down to the Art District on Santa Fe Drive more often.

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    Denver Chalk Art Festival

    Denver Chalk Art Festival

    4.4
    (34 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    This is a quintessential cultural event must-do for anyone in Denver. Started over 20 years ago,…read morethis annual gathering has become a fan favorite for people who love art and Denver festival celebrations. What started in downtown at Larimer Square with dozens of artists has now become over two hundred talents chalking it up over several blocks around the Denver Art Museum. The way this festival works is sponsor-driven. Local businesses and organizations buy "squares" to which carefully curated artists are assigned with full autonomy in theme and execution to create, as long as the sponsors' names are chalked first. The artists are then given two days to create their design in real time, rain or shine. It's an opportunity to witness visual art in all shapes and colors. With the youth group and school opportunities as well, you've got kids of all ages being represented on the pavement. In addition to the visual arts, the festival includes live music and vendors. I strongly recommend planning your weekend around it. This is an event to build a tradition around, for sure!

    I had never been to the Denver Chalk Art Festival and was really glad my friends convinced me to…read moreattend. We went early on day one to try to avoid crowds and the 90+ degree heat. Armed with a charged phone, a hat, water, and plenty of sunscreen, we were ready. Crowds weren't too bad at 10am, and several artists were lucky to be either shaded by the tall buildings or by the tents they brought. Being this early, we got to see works in progress, and I appreciated seeing all the detailed labor that goes into these beautiful, colorful, sadly temporary pieces. A free event, it is worth making the trip downtown. There are food and drink vendors throughout, as well as popular restaurants and bars nearby to pop into if you need a break. (The 2026 Event was near the Denver Art Museum.)

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    Talk about good art!
    Talk about good art!
    Denver Chalk Art Festival
    Denver Chalk Art Festival

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    Cherry Creek Arts Festival

    Cherry Creek Arts Festival

    3.8
    (61 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    I dragged my girlfriend to the Arts Festival on Sunday, midmorning. It was warm, but not scorching,…read moreand the crowd was manageable, but not overwhelming. This year (2026) is the 35th anniversary of the show and there were 265 participating artists. Going to 265 booths is a marathon, particularly on a hot day, but we were energized by the quality of the work and made it to every single location. Major categories on display included ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and wood. Five early-career artists received grants to further their practice and were included in the show. The displays mostly ran down 2nd Avenue in Cherry Creek North from Clayton to Adams with branches going up to 3rd Avenue along Detroit, St. Paul, and Steele (down to 1st Avenue also). We gamely marched the 20 blocks this entailed, alrhough my girlfriend got a little wobbly by the time we made it back to 2nd and Clayton. I parked her in a shady spot and went to retrieve the car and collect her. Despite being tired out by the scope of the show, we were both glad we went. The quality of the art was very high and many displays were quite impressive.

    The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a juried art show with many media being represented…read more We arrived shortly before the show officially opened at 10 AM. It was already crowded with art lovers. The crowds made it somewhat difficult to see the various booths. The artists are friendly and will talk to you about their techniques and inspirations. We saw some familiar as well as new emerging artists. Porta potties and food courts are available. There is also a children's art area to keep the young tykes busy. Food, beverages and stores are also in the area when you need a break. There are plenty of benches for a rest. The show is absolutely free to enter. The amount of people decreased as the day wore on. The streets are closed to automobile traffic. You will find many different lots to park in with a fee.

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    Sculpture
    Sculpture
    Food truck
    Food truck
    Fobots

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    Fobots
    Taste of Colorado

    Taste of Colorado

    2.0
    (164 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    I haven't been to the Taste in quite a while but decided to give it a go on rock and roll music…read moreday. I spent about 5 hours touring the area. The layout makes sense and flows well with the exception of the food area. The music and vendors are placed for optimal traffic and viewing. The porta-potties were off to the side, music in front of courthouse, and the food along Broadway. The music and vendors were great I ended up spending $40 on socks and beef jerky. I listened to a few songs by the Police cover band, a Zeppelin cover band, and REO. I cannot offer a way to improve these aspects of the festival and award them 4-5 stars. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the music even though organizers turned it into musical clique days. Parish the thought of different genres on the same day. The lineups are reminiscent of seating in a middle school cafeteria. The porta-potties get 3 stars mainly due to the lines. While you're waiting in a 15 deep line it's interesting to see who can muster the most appalling grimace as they step out into the fresh air. Academy Awards for sure. The technology has improved over the years with a side urinal to keep the seat somewhat usable. The odor control has improved immensely. Hand sanitizer is available too. They should have a few retro potties from the 90s for comparison giving performers a real reason to grimace. Now, the food, 1 maybe 2 stars at best. This is what crashes the overall rating. This festival is the Taste of Colorado-- it's about food, right? 30 tickets or $20, for a gyro sandwich? Is the meat marinated in Macallan? All the prices are out of wack. How much do these restaurants have to pay to be here? 50% of sales?? Everything is double what it should be. This festival is supposed to be about food! Let's represent. I spent $30 for 45 tickets. The pictures below show the ticket amounts and what I got. You be the judge. The best was the Top Sirloin from Rodizio. (Expert tip: skip the 4 ticket rice enjoy the meat.) Worst: Jaegerschnitzel for 15 tickets. The mushroom sauce was ok but way too salty; bring a sharp knife for the patti. 2 little ramekins of alligator giblets will set you back. $5.33. Jell-O shots have more substance. Street tacos were good. The lines and pedestrian flow in the food area-- ridiculous, the food--meh, the music/vendors and people watching-- much better. Recommendations: double or triple the food vendors by creating an atmosphere where they can make money and showcase and prepare their offerings. Raise the stage 10' and add a couple of big screens by the half-way-satellite-speaker extensions.

    My dad and I had some free time to kill before I needed to head to the airport on Labor Day. We…read moredecided to check out Taste of Colorado because, to be frank, there wasn't too much else going on. While the whole weekend I heard "Taste of Colorado sucks" come out of his mouth a handful of times, I think we were both mildly impressed deciding it doesn't "suck" but is simply A-OK. In terms of getting bang for your buck, this certainly isn't the place to do that. I paid nearly $7 (in tickets) for a shot of nitro cold brew coffee. For my main dish of the day, I got a lamb sandwich from Bistro Colorado which was actually pretty darn delicious and worth it in my opinion. You really had to do a few laps to scout out to find the hidden gems amid the typical fair food. For that reason, maybe Taste of Colorado isn't quite the best name for it. Besides that, we had fun scanning all the stalls with cool arts and crafts, as well as random knick knacks. There is also the carnival area with rides and games which we stayed far away from, as well as three stages with different music happening. On the main stage during the time we were there, Granger Smith was performing who is an up and coming country singer. Pretty cool to see him for free. Would I recommend this to everyone I know? Probably not; however, if you have some time to kill, you can't really beat hanging out in the beautiful Colorado sunshine with free music, funny people watching and some good eats (if you can find them).

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    Taste of Colorado
    Taste of Colorado
    Where is all the FUN???

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    Where is all the FUN???
    Great American Beer Festival

    Great American Beer Festival

    4.6
    (164 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    This is the ultimate craft beer festival in the United States. I'm glad I finally got to complete…read morethis three-day pilgrimage. There were some 500 breweries pouring at this year's event. Initially, this volume was discouraging, because it didn't seem like I would be able to make a dent in it. However, this feeling soon gave way to the joy of adventure. No matter where I happened to land, I could find plenty of styles that interested me. Strong ales, in particular. The size of the convention floor is immense, so you can only go back and forth, from one end to the other, so many times. It helps to follow some sort of strategy. Early on, I completed a series of small missions. I tasted everything that interested me from the section featuring collaboration beers, followed by the section with medal-winning brews from previous years. Next, the section with international beers. From there, I treated my favorites from the most well-known regional brewers like an aircraft carrier. These included the likes of AleSmith, Dogfish Head, Firestone Walker, Pizza Port, Russian River, and Sierra Nevada. I sampled at random from the rest of the lot. I made sure not to overexert myself during the day, and to get adequate sleep each night. Also, to be well-fed and hydrated before, during, and after each of the three, four-day sessions. The entire convention floor is concrete, so my feet progressively tired from walking on it over the course of three days. This makes it important to wear shoes with optimal cushioning. The Thursday evening session is great, because it's not too crowded. The Friday and Saturday sessions, on the other hand, are dense with people. However, this is easily absorbed by the vast array of tasting stations. For certain breweries, the lines are ridiculous, so I never bothered with those. There is no re-entry after you leave the event. However, the four hours go by fast, and there are plenty of areas with seating to rest from walking. The food selection was nearly devoid of vegan options. I was able to get a vegan noodle and rice bowl from Cupbop, but they didn't have tofu or other plant-based protein to put in it.

    I'm surprised I haven't reviewed this event. I've been going every year (except for when it closed…read morefor Covid obv) since 2015, I think. It's been a great event each time. The organizers have done a good job organizing the event into unique sections with different ambiance. That seems hard to do with no walls, but they have managed it with surprising results. The beer has been great of course. The variety and also the option to try new stuff that I normally wouldn't have an opportunity to try. Fun crowd. Whenever someone drops a glass, it has gotten a fun reaction. They have had silent disco at some of the events and I've had fun with complete strangers doing that. The staff was efficient getting us in each time. But try to leave before close. It was easier to get an Uber or Lyft that way.

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    Great American Beer Festival
    Great American Beer Festival
    Great American Beer Festival

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    The Denver Flea

    The Denver Flea

    3.7
    (38 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    Denver Flea is taking on the holidays four weekends strong this year, with a Union Station setup…read moreuntil mid-December. $5 per person gets you admission Friday-Sunday, which is a very easy price point. Even if it's not the most expansive showing of vendors, you can't really argue with the low cost. Also, I appreciate the warming tents serving adult beverages like bourbon spiked cider. Even on a "warm" December day downtown, it gets chilly. If you arrive before noon, there's plenty of room to relax and enjoy mid-shopping moment. Yesterday I purchased some buffalo leather gloves for myself as well as an incense burning kit + 2019 lunar calendar for a holiday present. And I'm going back for the final weekend while my parents are visiting. A festive (and brisk) way to get into the holiday spirit!

    The Denver Flea was fabulous (and free admission!) when I first attended a couple of years ago…read more There were loads of interesting vendors with items I'd never seen anywhere else, live music, good food, busy but not overwhelming and loads of fun! Now the secret's out and the Flea busts at the seams. There's an admission fee, long lines, and impossible parking. Vendors and food trucks become redundant in that the same ones come to every Flea, and many carry similar goods- candles and soaps: CHECK. Colorado/Outdoorsy t-shirts: CHECK. Salsa and similar food items: CHECK. Jewelry made from rocks: CHECK. Succulent plants: CHECK. A Denver hipster's delight for sure! All of the his is super cool if you haven't seen all the very same makers before, but I have, so... I'm over it. The new space, Denver Rock and Drill, is pretty rad. It's an old warehouse that feels haunted by ghosts of the past. Old machinery and even metal and materials still lurk in some places, a liability issue waiting to happen I'm sure, but interesting none the less. My fave part about this Flea was the photo booth, Whoa Pony! Be sure to hunt them down as they wee wedged far in the corner, but they're free! Ultimately, I think I'll skip the next few fleas in hopes that fresh vendors and some new ideas and surprises may work their way in in the future.

    Photos
    This girl. Winning at life!
    This girl. Winning at life!
    Yep-there is alcohol-imagine that
    Yep-there is alcohol-imagine that
    The Denver Flea

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    First Friday Art Walks on Santa Fe - festivals - Updated July 2026

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