Opening Night of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival By the Numbers

Celebrate the banner anniversary year of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival by attending the ticketed Opening Night preview event. It’s the kick-off for the three-day Festival that, year-after-year, is 100% free to attend. The In Good Taste Denver Team is all about this sneak peek because we’ve been attending the Cherry Creek Arts Festival since it began. That’s why we’re so proud to partner with the CherryArts organization to bring you this sponsored By the Numbers article about the Opening Night event AND an exclusive discount promo code to score $10 off tickets. Here’s everything you need to know.

12 Reasons to Attend the CherryArts Opening Night Event for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival

1. Be there to launch the 35^th anniversary of the iconic Cherry Creek Arts Festival, that, year-after-year, makes immersing in art accessible for everyone.
2. Enjoy the crowd-free setting.
3. The event is one, very doable block long, with a wide variety of artists and works to meet and connect with.
4. Partake of delicious food and drink and vibrant live entertainment.
5. It’s a fabulous way to enjoy a beautiful summer evening in Denver in charming Cherry Creek North.
6. Your fellow art-lovers will be there too. Take friends and meet new ones who appreciate art as much as you do.
7. Have fun with the attire suggestion of “Creative Cocktail.” Here’s your chance to grab that clever/cheeky/outrageous/gorgeous outfit you’ve been dying to wear but haven’t quite had the right occasion for.
8. Meet some of the juried artists who’ll be in the Festival July 3-5, taking the opportunity of no crowds to talk to them and ask questions like “How did you get started?” “What made you choose this medium? “Which piece in the show do you really connect with?” etc.
9. Scope out some of art you will want to buy during the festival.
10. Your ticket price supports CherryArts’ mission of bringing art education to Colorado schools through mobile programs and innovative initiatives. This helps local students connect with the arts, nurture their own creativity and gain social and mental health benefits.
11. There’s a choice of ticket to purchase: Individual Opening Night tickets, which include being able to stroll the block-long preview of art and artists, bites and beverages and live music is $115/person. Or, get the Opening Night + One-Day VIP Pass for $190.00 for the Thursday preview plus access to air-conditioned comfort at Hotel Clio, complimentary lunch and beverages, 2 BOGO drink tickets to use at any on-site bar, a 2026 CCAF commemorative poster and one-year subscription to Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine which can be used during the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 3-5. BUT, before you click that link…
12. Use our exclusive discount code, 10CCQF2026 at checkout to receive $10 off either level of ticket!

The 4 Essentials of the Opening Night Event

1. When: Thursday, July 2, 5-9pm. (Note: The Cherry Creek Arts Festival runs Friday, July 3-Sunday, July 5).
2. Where: Detroit street between 2^nd and 3^rd Avenues in Cherry Creek North.
3. Who: Meet 49 juried artists including Lauri Dunn-Peterson, Digital Art; Yanfang Inlow, Fiber: Peter Karner, Ceramics: Sarah Kharatyan, Jewelry; Kerry Rolewicz, Drawing; Mai Wyn Schantz, Painting; Wendy Stevens, Metalworks; and Steve Uren, Wood.
4. How: Click this link to purchase tickets and use 10CCAF2026 at checkout for $10 off.

BONUS: 6 In Good Taste Denver tips for making the most of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 3-5

1. Scope out your home in advance to see where you need something new and how much space you have for it. But also be willing to be inspired by a piece of art you just have to have (you’ll figure out where it should go).
2. Plan to attend the Festival several times to split it up so you can go at a leisurely pace and not feel like you have to see absolutely everything in one day. First thing in the morning and early evenings are a fantastic time to go due to cooler temperatures. We also suggest going once with the kids, letting them have fun at the Creation Station, then go again for some adult-time, perusing the art itself.
3. Buy something! Everything at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival is for sale and there’s something for just about every budget from a post-card-sized version of a painting to a real investment. You’ll be supporting the artists and bringing all the benefits of owning art to yourself.
4. Don’t hesitate to talk to the artists. They want to connect with you, share their passion for their art, explain it to you, tell you about the process, etc. Then, when you purchase a piece of art, you can recall the great conversation you had with the actual artist.
5. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and wear a comfortable outfit and even more comfortable footwear.
6. Make the most of being in Cherry Creek North to dine and shop.

For more information about the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, visit the main website, CherryArts.org.

-By Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, InGoodTasteDenver.com