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First Friday Festivals at ArtPark

First Friday Festivals at ArtPark is a free series celebrating the creativity that defines the RiNo Art District. Each month brings a new mix of live music, local Denver artists, hands-on experiences, and vendors—inviting you to wander, discover, and be part of the neighborhood’s ever-evolving creative energy.

As part of First Fridays Denver, this series builds on the long-standing tradition of the First Friday art walk Denver is known for.

Festival Schedule

The First Friday Festival unfolds across the summer, with each month bringing a new lineup of artists, musicians, and vendors as part of the broader First Friday Denver experience.

More About the RiNo Art District First Friday Festival Series

For over 20 years, the RiNo Art District has worked to support artists and sustain the creative energy that defines this Denver creative district. As a nonprofit arts organization, these festivals are part of that ongoing effort, creating space for artists to share their work, for small businesses to connect with new audiences, and for the community to come together around creativity.

First Friday Festivals are just one piece of a much bigger picture. Beyond the RiNo ArtPark, the district comes alive with open galleries, studio visits, street art, and restaurants joining in with their own First Friday offerings.

Start here, then wander. Explore what’s around the corner, follow what catches your eye, and experience the full creative pulse of the RiNo Art Walk and First Friday scene.

What to Expect

Every First Friday Festival follows a familiar rhythm, with a fresh lineup each month. Expect a mix of art, music, food, and hands-on experiences designed for all ages—hallmarks of the First Friday art walk tradition.

  • Live local music
  • Art exhibitions inside Truss House featuring rotating local Denver artists
  • Curated vendor market with RiNo makers, vintage, and one-of-a-kind goods
  • Food trucks with a range of options for dinner and snacks
  • Family activities including drop-in art-making, games, and open play

Come to browse, stay to hang out; there’s space to explore, create, and connect during RiNo First Friday.

About the ArtPark at Arkins Park

This vibrant, evolving campus is a public park and creative hub at the heart of the RiNo Art District—designed as a place where art, community, and everyday life intersect.

Set within open green space along the South Platte River, the ArtPark brings together culture, recreation, and creativity in one shared environment. It’s home to the Truss House, a flexible performance and event space that hosts everything from exhibitions to live music and community gatherings, as well as artist studios and the Bob Ragland Branch of the Denver Public Library.

The site itself reflects RiNo Art District’s commitment to adaptive reuse and community-driven development. Two historic buildings have been reimagined into an interdisciplinary arts campus—creating space for artists, small businesses, education, and neighborhood connection to thrive together.

Throughout the park, you’ll find murals by local artists, public art installations, and places to gather, relax, and explore. Whether you’re here for a festival, a workshop, or just passing through, the ArtPark is meant to be experienced at your own pace.

Take a look at the ArtPark map to get your bearings, or dive into its history—and see how this space continues to grow as a home for creativity in RiNo.

Walk/Bike/Park

Getting Here by Bike or On Foot

RiNo is one of Denver’s most bike-friendly neighborhoods, with bike lanes in both directions on Blake St and Larimer St, protected bike lanes on Brighton Blvd., and multiple pedestrian bridges connecting both sides of the rail lines.

That said, rail crossings in the district can occasionally present challenges for cyclists and guests with mobility needs. The elevators at the 35th St and 38th St pedestrian bridges are operated by RTD and occasionally experience outages. (Contact them here with concerns.)

We recommend checking your route in advance and allowing extra travel time if you’re biking or using mobility devices.

Public Transit

If arriving by bus, take the 48 line to the Brighton Blvd. & 35th Street stop. The ArtPark is one block west on 35th Street. 

If arriving by train, take the A Line to 38th & Blake Station. From there, use the pedestrian bridge south of the station to cross the tracks, then head west along 35th St, crossing Brighton Blvd to reach RiNo ArtPark. The walk from the station is approximately 10–15 minutes.

Parking Information

There is no dedicated festival parking lot, but street parking is often available throughout the surrounding neighborhood, particularly along:

  • Delgany St
  • 35th St
  • Arkins Ct

Please pay attention to posted parking signs and residential restrictions.

There are several paid parking garages and lots located within a short walk of the venue, including:

Parking can be reserved in advance online for most of these lots and garages.

Accessibility & Wayfinding

We’re continuing to improve festival signage and wayfinding as the First Friday Festival series grows. If you experience accessibility barriers or have suggestions that would improve future events, we welcome your feedback. (events@rinoartdistrict.org)

RiNo Art District is a nonprofit arts organization producing the festival series, but some surrounding infrastructure — including bridges, elevators, sidewalks, and transit facilities — is maintained by city and regional partners. Community feedback helps us advocate for a more connected and accessible district for everyone.