Previously known as West Colfax MuralFest, this vibrant arts festival evolved into its 5th year with even more to offer as Colfax ArtFest.

The festivities started on First Friday, August 2nd with a plethora of creative actives and a VIP party that went until midnight, then continued all day Saturday with vendors, music, and live mini-murals at Lamar Station Plaza. Read on to see some of the highlights from the jam-packed, art-filled weekend.

Friday, August 2nd in 40 West Arts District was one for the books.

Word on the street is that a new visitor to the district said, “This is my first time out for a First Friday in Denver, I didn’t know that I came to THE first Friday.” Thank you, kind sir. We hope you return.

He was right, because we celebrated THREE grand openings for art spaces in the districrt, along with an interactive fence art project along the ArtLine, Lakewood’s 50th Anniversary ping pong activity, open galleries for a dynamic art walk, and the first ever Colfax ArtFest VIP Party.

Welcome to the district, Kanon Collective, CORE New Art Space, and Handsome Little Devils!

The Colfax ArtFest VIP Party was a Poetic Success.

Held in the outdoor courtyard of Pasternack’s Art Hub, the first ever Colfax ArtFest VIP party featured 1960’s pricing on WestFax brews and craft cocktails. Guests enjoyed a silent film, Kerouac themed selfie-stations, a $1 typewriter poet, a Colfax-themed community collage project lead by NEXT gallery artist Karen Bennet, and a dynamic open mic experience that had folks sharing everything from vulnerable tales to their very best puns. Thank you to all who contributed to make this the ultimate First Friday after party and first ever Colfax ArtFest VIP party.

Saturday was hot, but we still found ways to #keepcolfaxcool.

The cold beer provided by WestFax Brewing and frozen treats by Em’s Ice Cream helped festival goers stay cool. This year also featured a “pop-up dive bar” which consisted of mis-matching rugs and furniture with water pong and yard games in front of the stage. The dynamic village of creative vendors, free trolley tours of murals and public art, classic car show, and surprise pop-up performances by Lakewood Dance Academy kept folks engaged throughout the afternoon.

The mini-murals painted live stunned viewers, AND they’re for sale!

You can have your own original art piece to display at your place of business or home. All proceeds go to support the mission of 40 West Arts (a 501(c)3 non-profit) to revitalize the West Colfax corridor through hosting free arts events and supporting local artists. These murals are first come, first serve, so don’t wait to pull the trigger on these Colfax ArtFest commemorative works!