Photo by: sightseeingsam.com

You don’t have to head south on I-25 to get some Sante Fe peace of mind; just cruise over to north Denver to experience the Mile High City’s esteemed art district.

Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe is a nationally recognized art and culture hang out boasts over 60 galleries, shops and restaurants. The Santa Fe art walk been featured in such national publications as Travel+Leisure, USA Today, CNN, Sunset Magazine and the New York Times.

Over 5,000 people gather every first Friday of the month for the popular First Friday Art Walk. Art lovers browse through the local galleries, gawk at street performers and munch on snacks from food trucks. Live music also adds to the fun atmosphere, with various bands playing on outside patios. Be sure to check out El Noa Noa for a taste of authentic Denver Mexican food.

If art criticism isn’t your forte, then people watching is at its finest at this monthly gathering. Denver’s more eclectic crowd seems to come out from hiding in all their skinny jean’d glory. The summer months attract the biggest crowds, which means one should try it out beforehand by going in the upcoming months. The energy is contagious.  

Collector’s preview nights are every third Friday of the month, and offer a more mellow viewing experience and opportunities to meet the artists.

First Friday is free and lasts from 6-9 pm. Parking is a mess, but the free guided shuttles will pick you up at the light rail station at 10th Avenue and Osage Street and take you around the district. The next First Friday Art Walk is this Friday, March 2.