Top Spring Art Festivals In Denver
Children dressed in traditional Mexican attire dance during a parade at the Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 4, 2013 in Denver. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Springtime in Denver means it is almost festival time. When it comes to art, there are a lot of great festivals coming up that are very much worth your time. The weather may be unpredictable in Denver in the spring, so dress in layers for the outdoor events, and get ready to enjoy art in the springtime in the Rockies.
Festival of Balloons
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
1550 Court Place
Denver, CO 80202
(316) 685-2266
www.worldballoonconvention.com
Date: March 26-30, 2014
You've never seen balloon art quite like this. The Festival of Balloons is held in conjunction with the World Balloon Convention and it is home to thousands of twisty balloon sculptures made by talented balloon artists from all over the world. You'll enjoy huge sculptures featuring music, animation and other special effects, plus you will be amazed as you take in clothing made from balloons and all sorts of unbelievable balloon art pieces. Of course, there will be plenty of fun balloon sculptures to take home as a souvenir from this truly fun festival.
Related: Top Art Walks In Denver
Denver March Powwow
Denver Coliseum
4600 Humboldt St.
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 934-8045
www.denvermarchpowwow.org
Date: March 21-23, 2014
Immerse yourself in a world of amazing music, dance and art from the impressive Native American community in Colorado. The Denver March Powwow is a huge festival, drawing fans of Native American art and culture to the Denver Coliseum since 1984. In fact, it is one of the largest powwows in the country. Nearly 100 tribes from 38 states will be represented, as will a huge variety of dance, art and music. There is sure to be plenty of food and fun for anyone who attends this festival. Plus, you just may learn a little something about this beautiful culture.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Civic Center Park
Broadway and Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
www.cincodemayodenver.com
Date: May 3-4, 2014
This is the 27th annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in Denver and you’ll find a plethora of art and culture to enjoy. This annual festival is all about celebrating the culture of Denver’s Latino population, so you’ll find lots of local Latino arts and artisans showing their work and selling items for you to take home and enjoy. Of course, this is a big festival, so there is also plenty of music, food, dance and more to enjoy as well. More than 400,000 people are expected to attend this annual family-friendly event.
Related: Top Art Galleries In Denver
Downtown Denver Arts Festival
Denver Performing Arts Complex
Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St.
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 330-8237
www.downtowndenverartsfestival.com
Date: May 23-25, 2014
For more than a decade, the Downtown Denver Arts Festival has been a favorite of art fans throughout the Mile High City. It is a festival dedicated to supporting Colorado artists but also showcases talent from all over the world. More than 150,000 people visit this festival every year at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, and you can join them as you explore the many different works of art. If you have never attended the Downtown Denver Arts Festival, then this is the year to check it out. It grows every year and is always a highlight of the local arts scene.
Denver Chalk Art Festival
1430 Larimer Square
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-2367
www.denverchalkart.com
Dates: May 31 - June 1, 2014
Rounding out the art festivals for early spring is the Denver Chalk Art Festival in Larimer Square. This two-day street painting extravaganza invites more than 200 chalk artists to spend hours turning the streets of Larimer Square into a huge street-wide museum of art. The chalk art is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, with amazing works of art and even three-dimensional pieces that make it look like you are stepping into another world. This art washes away after a few days, so it is something you have to see while you have the chance. Plus, this is one art festival that even the kids are sure to love.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
