The Cherry Creek Arts Festival, one of Denver’s largest and most respected annual cultural events, celebrated its 35th year over the July 4 weekend. 265 artists and live music drew crowds to Denver’s Cherry Creek North, with attendees praising the festival’s fresh vibe.
Despite its long history, the festival never rests on its laurels, with 30 percent of this year’s exhibiting artists new to the event. 80 new artists joined 185 returning ones, showcasing a diverse range of work.
We met Kim Harrell, a silversmith from Aurora, who crafts distinctly textured objets d’art. Jonah Ballard, a traveling painter, showcased his signature pink palette, while Ingrid Humphrey, a sculptor from Florida, presented her Sister Dolls series, evoking the best of American folk art.
The festival featured 13 live bands playing free shows, cultural groups with pop-up performances, and attendees from throughout metro Denver and beyond. The hot and sunny weather didn’t deter crowds from enjoying the event.
Keen observers may have noticed students in red shirts on the first day of the festival. These were art buyers from 23 different Colorado schools, participating in CherryArts’ Student Art Buying program, which teaches young people about the business of art.
Related: Elegant Home Found in Pondbank Gardens
Since the program began, students from over 450 schools have added nearly 1,400 works of original art to their schools’ lobbies and hallways. This year, student representatives from each school were given $500 to spend on original art, with their selections showcased in a Student Art Buying showcase.
The festival also featured five emerging artists, who received $5,000 and months of mentorship through the CherryArts Emerging Artist grant program. One of these artists, Linda Bishara, received a 2026 Juror’s Award, including automatic admission into the 2027 show.
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival supports the year-round work of CherryArts, bringing art and art experiences to Coloradans, especially students. The festival also generates significant tourism dollars for Denver businesses, particularly in Cherry Creek North.
Festival organizers look forward to the photographs that arrive after the festival, showcasing art buyers’ purchases in their homes. The 36th annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival will take place from July 2 to July 4, 2027. You can support the year-round work of CherryArts here.
