Festival Information
Colorado Black Arts Festival proudly presents its 36th annual celebration of African American art and culture. A Colorado experience like no other takes place July 8, 9, and 10, 2022 in historic Denver City Park West.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Festival Hours:
- Friday, July 8 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 9 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, July 10 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Parking is available in the blocks surrounding the West end of City Park with the three main gates at 21st and York, off 17th Avenue park roadway and next to the Martin Luther King, Jr. monument. Please observe all City of Denver rules and regulations regarding vehicle parking. Be kind to the neighborhood residents and not block driveways or alleyways. On Friday and Saturday, July 9 and 10th only, there is paid parking at the East High School parking lot.
Public transportation is encouraged as we are a green festival.
ATMs will be located on festival grounds for your convenience.
Major credit cards are accepted everywhere.
Pets are not allowed at the festival. We understand how hard it is to leave our furry friend behind, however, it will be hot, crowded, and noisy. Please be kind to your pets and leave them home when visiting the Colorado Black Arts Festival. ONLY qualified and bona fide service dogs are allowed on festival grounds. Comfort pets and non-service dogs are NOT permitted. This is for the safety of your pet and festival patrons. Patrons that arrive with their animal other than a service animal will not be allowed admittance.
Portable toilets will be available near the 17th Ave, Cottonwood Circle, and MLK gates.
First Aid will be located in the Health Highways Pavilion along the York Street roadway; a first aid sign will be prominently displayed.
Beverages in glass or bottles are not allowed in the park. Please patronize CBAF beverage concessions. All sales help support your free community event and non-profit vending partners.
A few rules……
No bottles or containers are allowed in the park.
No coolers are allowed to be brought into the event. Support food vendors and CBAF beverage stations
No distribution or selling of items is allowed on festival grounds by anyone other than registered vendors/sponsors.
Security will strictly enforce this rule.
No petitioners are allowed within 100 feet of the festival gates.
No unauthorized performers are allowed on festival grounds.
No open containers are allowed to be brought into the festival.
No smoking is allowed inside the tents or in any seating area on the festival grounds.
No riding of bicycles, skateboards, or use of roller blades on festival grounds for the safety of festival patrons.
All bags, backpacks, and purses, are subject to search.
No photos or video of artwork without the attendant’s permission.
No drones are allowed.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought into the festival and alcoholic beverages bought at the festival are NOT allowed to be taken out the gates. Denver Police Officers will strictly enforce this policy.
The Colorado Black Arts Festival reserves the right to decline admittance to anyone who violates the rules established for public safety.
Lost children and lost and found items will be located in the Information booth near the 17th Avenue and Esplanade gate. If you have a lost child(ren), ask any CBAF volunteer, staff or Police Officer for assistance.
Thank you for supporting the Colorado Black Arts Festival and its mission to celebrate Colorado’s African diaspora arts and culture.