Art District on Santa Fe is one of Denver's premier arts districts and a participant in Denver Arts Week — Photo courtesy of Visit Denver
Denver has a deep connection to the arts. And for nearly a decade, it's celebrated that connection during Denver Arts Week, the annual event devoted to all things art.
Festivities during this November celebration showcase the city’s creative citizens, facilities and communities. Events include art walks, museum nights, access to galleries and artists and live theatrical and music performances, among other things.
There are events to engage art-lovers of all ages at Denver Arts Week.
Children can learn about the Day of the Dead at Museo de las Americas during Denver Arts Week's First Friday event — Photo courtesy of Visit Denver
The 2015 Denver Arts Week will run Nov. 6 to Nov. 14. The week kicks off with a free Know Your Arts First Friday citywide event, an evening of art walks and entertainment in Denver’s multiple art-centric neighborhoods.
Galleries stay open late, and festivities include live music, art demonstrations, food trucks and opportunities to interact with local artists.
Exploring galleries during Denver Arts Week is a good way to get a sense of what contemporary artists are creating — Photo courtesy of Visit Denver
Art-lovers can browse more than 100 galleries and display spaces across the city, including in the Art District on Santa Fe, Belmar Block 7, Golden Triangle Museum District, Navajo Street Arts District, Tennyson Street Cultural District, 40 West Art District and RiNo (River North) Art District.
Some galleries will sell original works for the “mile-high” price of $52.80, a reference to the city’s mile-high elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level.
Visit the excellent Denver Art Museum for free during Night at the Museums — Photo courtesy of Visit Denver
One of the most popular events of the week takes place on Saturday, Nov. 7. Night at the Museums annually draws more than 22,000 attendees who take advantage of extended Saturday hours (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and free admission at more than 20 of the city’s top museums.
The museums offer special programming, family-friendly activities and live entertainment. Plus, complimentary shuttles make it easy to hop on and hop off at multiple museums.
In Denver proper, participating facilities include Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, Black American West Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Firefighters Museum, History Colorado Center, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art and Denver Botanic Gardens.
In nearby Golden, Colo., participating museums include the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, Dinosaur Ridge and the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum.
Chance to Dance during the festival is put on by Denver Arts & Venues and Bringing Back the Arts — Photo courtesy of Visit Denver
Film is art, too, and the Denver Film Festival coincides with Denver Arts Week.
Celebrating its 38th year, the festival runs from Nov. 4 to Nov. 15 this year, showcasing films from around the world and offering seminars with internationally acclaimed actors and directors, as well as don’t-miss, red-carpet events. Films are shown at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the SIE FilmCenter.
There are opportunities to get involved in performing arts, too. Chance to Dance, for example, gives participants a place to kick up their heels with demonstrations and lessons.
For visitors from out of state or just out of town, there are also discounts and deals on tickets and hotels.
For more information, visit Denver.org.
