Unlikely Colorado Festival Named Best in the World

So often, the most underappreciated things in our state deserve more attention.

Such is the case with one of the most unlikely Colorado events, which gained international acclaim as the best festival in the world.

That event is the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.

I’ve always loved the annual juried art show and festival. It showcases diverse mediums from 250 artists from around the world in a fun street festival environment. Plus, the showcased pieces cater to a variety of budgets.

Recently, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival won a Gold Grand Pinnacle award from the International Festivals and Events Association for events with budgets of more than $1 million. This is the highest award in the largest category in the competition put on by the events industry organization.

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The 2024 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show “United by Flowers” took silver, and the Tournament of Roses won bronze.

That’s some big competition.

We don’t have a nationally televised parade like the Tournament of Roses or an almost 200-year-old tradition like the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

We do have an event that has grown better and better in its 33 years of fundraising for arts education that the nonprofit Cherry Arts produces year-round.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival More Than Art

Too often, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival is brushed off as a snooty art show.

The event itself centers around art but isn’t just a buyers' show like Loveland’s internationally known sculpture show. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival includes food, music, arts education, and events that entertain the whole family. Plus, the art itself is approachable and fun.

The event draws 150,000 people and produces an impressive $4.4 million in annual artist sales.

We’ve always thought of the annual arts event as a can’t-miss Colorado festival. It has also helped to land Colorado on the list of best festival destinations. Below are what we believe are the top events of the year. Make your summer 2025 plans now.