Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Wins Again!

Cherry Creek Arts Festival Celebrates Back-to-Back Wins as World’s Best Festival!

For the second year in a row, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival has earned the Gold Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA), the highest honor recognizing the world’s best festivals and events.

This marks the seventh Gold Grand Pinnacle in the Festival’s 35-year history, and the second consecutive win since last year’s surprise victory. The award honors the best festival or event in the world, recognizing those that excel in every key area of production and community impact.

Through the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and year-round programs, CherryArts supports artists and arts education, nurturing future generations of art supporters and creative thinkers. Your support makes this possible, thank you! Here’s a look at how we’ve impacted artists and students this year.

More than 150,000 art enthusiasts attended the 2025 Cherry Creek Arts Festival, experiencing art over three vibrant days. This year’s event featured 261 exhibiting artists from 41 states and 4 countries, each selected through a highly competitive national jury process that celebrates artistic excellence and diversity of mediums and styles. Each artist retains 100% of their sales, underscoring CherryArts’ commitment to supporting artists and creative entrepreneurship.

“CCAF attracts more qualified art lovers and buyers than any art festival I attend! The diversity of attendees means a wide range of art is both appreciated and purchased, there’s truly something for everyone!” 2025 Participating Artist

The 2026 artist application is open and closes December 1st. Apply Today!

This year, 66 students from 22 schools participated in the Student Art Buying Program, experiencing the Cherry Creek Arts Festival through the eyes of young collectors. Students explored artist booths, learned about art appreciation, curation, and the business of art while building teamwork, communication, and financial literacy skills.

After the festival, students shared their new purchases and insights with classmates, bringing original artwork and real-world learning back to their schools. These student-selected pieces will reach and inspire more than 15,580 students across Colorado classrooms, connecting young people to creativity and culture in a lasting way. Learn more about supporting this incredible program.

The Emerging Artist Program continues to be a cornerstone of CherryArts’ mission to support artists at the start of their careers. The program’s impact extends far beyond the festival weekend, building confidence, community, and career momentum. Artists leave encouraged to pursue their calling, many participants shared that the experience affirmed their path as artists.

“My three-day experience at the festival was truly wonderful. Sales went beyond my expectations, and with the strong promotion and support from the CherryArts organizers, I felt the public showed great interest in emerging artists.” 2025 Emerging Artist

Learn more about this program here, the application is open for 2026.

Each kit sparks creativity and gives young artists the tools to explore their talents.

Enjoy 20% off of Art Kits during our Holiday Sale! Use code HOLIDAYSALE20

Learn more about our art education programs, The Mobile Art Gallery, Mobile Art Cart & Art kits!

Email: education@cherryarts.org to book your program today!

We Turn Art into Impact

Students need art now more than ever. In fact, multiple studies have shown that art has the power to improve mental health, boost confidence, and increase resiliency. Those are just a few of the ways art is good for us. CherryArts education programs bring art to students throughout Colorado all year long through innovative programs.

Support programs that reach over 40,000 students annually.

Orders received by December 16th will ensure delivery by 12/25. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate art and share the beauty of creativity with your loved ones!

Order now with code HOLIDAYSALE20

CherryArts, a Denver-based nonprofit, believes that access to art is for everyone, and artists are essential.www.CherryArts.org