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Event History

35 years in Denver's Cherry Creek North, Each year, the festival welcomes 150,000+ visitors

What Makes this event different?

Offer a $5000 Grant Opportunity for the Emerging Artist

Apply Now: 2026 Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Be part of one of the nation’s top fine art festivals! The Cherry Creek Arts Festival (CCAF) invites artists nationwide to apply for the 2026 event in Denver’s lively Cherry Creek North neighborhood. Each year, thousands of collectors and art enthusiasts attend to discover, connect with, and purchase original artwork across all mediums.

Hosted by CherryArts, a Denver-based nonprofit, this three-day festival celebrates the belief that art should be accessible to everyone and that artists are essential to community life. Proceeds from the festival help fund year-round arts education and outreach programs throughout Colorado. With estimated annual sales exceeding $4.5 million, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival continues to be a meaningful opportunity for artists to connect with serious buyers and grow their careers.

Key Dates

• October 1, 2025: Applications open

• December 1, 2025: Final application deadline

• January 2026: Jury of five art professionals convenes to select approximately 250 artists

• January 29, 2026: Notifications sent via email and posted at CherryArts.org

• February 20, 2026: Deadline to confirm participation, sign contract, and submit booth fee

• March 27, 2026: Final cancellation date for a 90% refund

  2026 Festival Dates

  Friday, July 3 – 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Accessibility hour begins at 9 a.m.)
  Saturday, July 4 – 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
  Sunday, July 5 – 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Festival Snapshot

• Location: Cherry Creek North, Denver, CO

• Attendance: 150,000+ visitors

• Average Artist Sales: $17,470 (2025 Artist Survey)

• Contact: hello@cherryarts.org | www.CherryArts.org

• Mailing Address: 2 Steele Street, B-100, Denver, CO 80206

• Security: 24-hour coverage

• Load-in: Day prior to event with assigned times

Artists retain 100% of their sales revenue and are responsible for collecting and remitting applicable state and local sales tax.

$5,000 Emerging Artist Grant

The Emerging Artist Program is tailored for artists in the early stages of their careers with limited exhibition experience. Accepted artists receive:

• Reduced booth fee ($350)

• Tent provided by CherryArts

• Mentorship and professional development workshops

• Support for lodging

• A platform to present and sell work at the 2026 Cherry Creek Arts Festival

In addition, selected Emerging Artists will be awarded unrestricted $5,000 grants to advance their creative practice. Funds may support any aspect of professional development—materials, travel, studio expenses, or education. Ninety percent of funds are distributed upon signing the grant contract, with the remainder released after completion of a short final report and exit interview in September.

Apply today to be part of this nationally recognized celebration of art, community, and creativity—and share your work with an audience that values and supports artists.

For ore information about this opportunity, please visit the Event Website.