Top Art Walks In Denver
If you haven't ever participated in one of the many First Friday Art Walks around Denver, what are you waiting for? Each arts district in town opens its doors on the first Friday of every month to show off their work, get to know the artists and even enjoy a little wine as you peruse the art. It's not uncommon to find many of the best food trucks in Denver parked at the many First Friday Art Walks around town, so you'll also be able to find lots of great places to eat while you explore. The best part about attending a First Friday Art Walk? It's totally free.
Arts District on Santa Fe
Santa Fe Drive from 6th Ave. to 13th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
www.artdistrictonsantafe.com
The most popular and busiest art walk of them all, the Arts District on Santa Fe is a great place to start your First Friday Art Walk education. There are more than 60 different galleries here that open their doors to show off the incredible local talent contained within. Many galleries offer free wine and you can often run into the artists themselves, so you'll have a chance to chat with them and learn a little more about the work they've created. The streets are also vibrant and full of life with more artists that show up to display their work, street musicians, food trucks and so much more. Parking can be difficult, so park at the light rail station at 10th Avenue and Osage Street and you can take the free shuttle to the Arts District.
Tennyson Street Arts District
Tennyson St. from 38th Ave. to 44th Ave.
Denver, CO 80212
www.denverartwalk.com
If the Santa Fe Arts District is the busiest, the Tennyson Street Arts District is the longest, with about six blocks of galleries showing off their stuff on the first Friday of every month. The 13 galleries all work together on First Friday, with showings of their work, often with a central theme. The galleries here also often offer free wine during the First Friday Art Walk, plus there are a few wonderful neighborhood restaurants that you can pop in when you get hungry and want a quick bite. Depending on the month, you can also find live music and performers here. If you crave something a little more laid back and relaxed on First Friday, but you still want a lot of galleries to peruse, then this is the one to visit.
Related: Top Art Studios In The Denver Area
South Pearl Street Arts District
Pearl St. from Buchtel Blvd. to Evans Ave.
Denver, CO 80210
www.southpearlstreet.com
If you aren't familiar with this lovely neighborhood, you'll definitely want to stop by to check out the First Friday events. This neighborhood, however, only runs the First Friday events from April through December, so you'll have to wait out the winter months before you stop by. Once spring hits, you'll be able to explore this funky little neighborhood gem with several galleries and lots of places to take in all the local flavor. There are only four galleries here, but they all have something great to enjoy, plus you can stop in the many fantastic little shops or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants and coffee houses here.
RiNo Arts District
Between I-70 and I-25, from Park Ave. W. to Arapahoe St.
Denver, CO 80205
www.rivernorthart.com
This industrial area often features as many as 25 different galleries open for the First Friday Art Walks every month. The entire neighborhood here is made up of creative businesses. From artists and art galleries to furniture makers and architects, there are lots of amazing people with incredible work in this district. Since it's more spread out, you may want a bike or car to travel around the district on First Friday, but visiting all of the different spaces will be totally worth the extra effort. There are also 11 different restaurants and bars open on First Friday, so you have plenty of places to fuel up for the walk.
Related: Top Art Galleries In Denver
Navajo Street Arts District
Navajo St. at 37th Ave.
Denver, CO 80211
www.navajostreetartdistrict.com
This is the smallest of the art districts to explore, but it's a great, funky spot if you are in the mood for something a little quicker on a First Friday. There are five galleries along one block in this neighborhood, most of which feature contemporary works and some really fascinating art. The biggest of the galleries is Pirate Art Gallery, which is one of the more well-known art galleries in town, thanks to its cutting-edge, contemporary exhibitions. If you are hungry, stop in Patsy's Restaurant for the best homemade Italian food in town. Or, if you want to take a break, visit The Bug Theatre across the street, as there is often a play, musical or film event happening at this historic neighborhood theatre.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
