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Make a date with these communities, which brim with galleries, arts activities and special arts events. 40 West Arts District Lakewood hosts an understated artistic community with more than 20 public-art installations, the 40 West ArtLine, performing-arts venues and a dozen-ish galleries. Art District on Santa Fe With galleries, art studios, theater companies and murals, this Denver neighborhood’s First Friday Art Walk has turned into an all-out street party. Aurora Soak up the diverse culture at the 5th Element Center for Dance, Cultural Concerts on Colfax, the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, the Aurora Fox Arts Center, Downtown Aurora Visual Arts, various artists’ co-ops and much more. Breckenridge This mountain downtown includes Breckenridge Backstage Theatre and National Repertory Orchestra as well as studios, galleries and other creative outfits. Carbondale Explore the Third Street Center’s grassroots galleries and performance venues; or visit during July’s Mountain Fair to celebrate the town’s creative riches. Corazón de Trinidad An influx of artists in residence and galleries have come to the heart of Trinidad. Be sure to ogle the large collection of Victorian-era houses. Crested Butte The hamlet’s Center for the Arts, artist-owned shops and performance venues delight visitors. Stroll Elk Avenue and check the calendar for arts events. Downtown Colorado Springs It’s no surprise the Springs earns marks for creativity with more than 50 pieces of public art, esteemed cultural institutions and a packed schedule of artsy events and festivals. Downtown Longmont Galleries and theaters are surrounded by an eclectic mix of shops and cafes. With its Art in Public Places, there are always delights to stumble upon. Durango Buy a locally crafted souvenir at a downtown shop. Visit for the monthly gallery walk or grab a seat for the latest theater production at the Durango Arts Center. Fort Collins Artisans pay tribute to the area’s great outdoors with galleries, museums and innovative institutions dotting historic Old Town. Golden Triangle This wedge of Denver has a list of adored attractions, including the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum and History Colorado Center. Examine the mix of art galleries, boutiques, coffee shops and bars. Greeley Encompassing downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, you’ll find arts events to inspire, including flash mobs, First Fridays and Concerts Under the Stars. Grand Junction Find a wealth of treasures, including the Avalon Theater and the beloved Art on the Corner outdoor-sculpture program. Snag a seat at sidewalk cafes to soak it all in. Grand Lake This national park gateway town harbors a creative community anchored by the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre and a boardwalk lined with shops and galleries. Gunnison An abundance of artists, writers and makers find inspiration in this natural setting. Shop handcrafted wares, visit galleries on First Friday Art Walks and explore the Gunnison Arts Center exhibits and events. La Junta A crossroads of history and culture, you’ll find artists’ collectives, the Picketwire Players, the Otero Arts Festival (70 years strong), the Arkansas Valley Film Festival, and the Fine Arts League’s annual art show at the Koshare Museum. La Veta Spark your creative flames at events and workshops from the Spanish Peaks Art Council or La Veta School of the Arts. Browse artists’ studios and galleries on summer Fourth Fridays and take part in annual events. Loveland Loveland is home to bronze foundries and nine museums and galleries. Visit for Sculpture in the Park, the Loveland Museum/Gallery and the Chapungu Sculpture Park’s contemporary art from Africa. Mancos Old and new both flourish in a town that’s true to its Western character. Take a maker class at Mancos School of the West or see artist demos on the Mancos Studio Tour. Manitou Springs Downtown is peppered with outdoor art, galleries, concert series and events. Stop at the Commonwheel Artists Co-Op to see what the locals are making. North Fork Valley Farms, orchards, vineyards and mesas have conspired to make Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford a pocket of natural and artist-made riches. Pueblo Creative Corridor A decades-strong First Friday Art Walk; historic buildings housing boutiques, art galleries, studios and cafes; and the Riverwalk add to Pueblo’s artsy atmosphere. Ridgway Galleries, studios, a historic theater and arts-education center come alongside furniture, jewelry, plus candle and clothing makers in this town of 900. River North Art District (RiNo) This Denver spot maintains its industrial origins while a growing crew of galleries, furniture makers and photographers have found a home here alongside some of the city’s most vibrant street art. Salida This Arkansas River-side downtown has the creative spirit. Long loved by rafters and mountain bikers, it’s now reaching new travelers with its arts scene. Steamboat Springs Wild West roots combine with long-standing institutions, workshops, youth art programs, Art in the Park (July) and the Free Summer Concert Series. Sterling In this farming community with a love of art, you’ll find Sacred Matter Glassblowing Studio and creatives at work at the Sterling Creatives Artists Co-Op. Spot the intricate tree sculptures by Bradford Rhea around town. Telluride Arts District Downtown Telluride is renowned for huge events, fine musicians, painters, photographers, bookbinders and more — and all downtown businesses are indie owned. Westwood A Hispanic-centric culture pervades this west Denver district. Murals display generations of heritage, and galleries and arts affairs sprout up each year. Chile Fest showcases the neighborhood at its best. WANT MORE? Find other ways to experience Colorado’s diverse art scene at Colorado.com/Arts-Culture.
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