RiNo First Friday Festival

On the first Friday of each month, neighbors and visitors flock to the RiNo Art District to experience visual art exhibitions, explore artist studios, and take in the district’s creative energy. This year, the art walk expands into a new, FREE First Friday Festival series with live performances, food, visual art, local vendors, and more from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the ArtPark at Arkins Park.

For the Friday, September 4, 2026, you can expect:

Live Music (sets begin at 6 p.m. and 7:10 p.m.)

Live music will be provided by French Kettle Station, the songwriting and synthesizer-based outlet of Denver musician Luke Thinnes.

Active in Denver’s DIY community since 2011, Thinnes’ performances explore the human condition, using movement as a means of catharsis.

Contemporary Visual Art Exhibition

Welcome Back, RiNo Art District’s 20th anniversary exhibition, brings together more than 50 local artists whose work reflects the people, places, and creative communities that have shaped RiNo over the past two decades.

The exhibition continues through September 12, giving visitors another chance to see the full exhibition during First Friday.

Local Vendors

The evening also features a fresh lineup of local artists and makers, with work ranging from handmade ceramics and jewelry to prints, textiles, block prints, and more.

September’s participating vendors include Bone and Dagger Assorted Mercantile, Evan Magill, Heather Decker, Squirrel Bird Pottery, Beijos Brasil, Athollos Jewelry, CR3AM, Nicole Celeste Illustrations, Emerson Art and Herb’s Herbs.

Food will be available for purchase throughout the evening, with options including vegan Americana/Filipino food, Indian homestyle dishes, Mediterranean street food, and Italian ice, gelato, and sorbetto.

Part of Something Bigger

This event is the last of a three-part First Friday Festivals series, inviting the community into a season of free, multi-generational gatherings across RiNo Art District. Additional festivals will take place on August 7 and September 4, with evolving lineups of live music, local vendors, and participating artists.

RiNo ArtPark at Arkins Park, 1900 35th St. in Denver.

Want More Fun Things To Do?

Look at our full events calendar, where you can type in any date, or check out what’s happening over the next few days right here: