First Friday Festival - RiNo Art District

The First Friday event that you know and love gets even better during May’s First Friday Festival, a free event celebrating the creativity that electrifies the RiNo Art District. 

Live Music (sets begin at 6pm and 7:10pm)

Denver locals Chouette will provide the musical backdrop for the evening. Featuring Jill Fredericksen on drums, Robery Kerley on accordion, and Andrea Asali on violin and vocals, Chouette melds rhythms and melodies from around the globe. Each set features a whimsical combination of jazz, bossa nova, musette, and pop tunes.

Contemporary Visual Art Exhibitions & Hands-On Art Experiences

In the Studio opens at the Truss House Gallery, featuring work by more than 20 artists currently based in RiNo Art District’s subsidized studio space programs. This invitational exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the processes and ideas unfolding within these working spaces today, including reflections on their studio practice and the creative lives behind the work on view, ultimately highlighting the vital role that artist studios have played in shaping the district over the past 20 years.

Courtney Ozaki-Durgin (Japanese Arts Network + AKAIYA Productions) will host hands-on workshops exploring immersive theatre and creative storytelling.

Local Vendors

May’s participating vendors include: 

• TacoNation's authentic, freshly made street tacos
• Black Knife Bakery macarons & baked goods
• ghosttownglazed handcrafted pottery
• Mactzil Mexican Artisan Boutique 
• stayfoolish vintage clothing
• Pardon My French & Co. natural cosmetics & fragrances
• Visual artists including Marcus Macabre, Shadae Hunt, JUHB, & Oak Bloak Creations

Beyond the ArtPark, First Friday extends throughout the district with the full scale of its creativity on display. Linger, explore, and discover all that RiNo Art District has to offer.