The Colorado Black Arts Festival returns this year for its 31st annual celebration. From July 7 to 9, folks will gather at Denver City Park West to check out professional visual artists, hands-on activities, live performances, a parade, food and more. The event is free, open to the public and will feature over 50 vendors and community organizations.

Photo courtesy of Colorado Black Arts Festival.

This year will feature the Opalanga D. Pugh Children’s Pavilion where curious kids can work on tie dye and mudd cloth activities. Also, the Boogaloo Celebration Parade will bring back Al Your Pal as the emcee and will feature the Marching Saints, the Bella Diva Dance Company and the Samba Colorado Drum and Dance Company along with many beautiful floats. The Kuumba stage will feature live music of the neo-soul, R&B, gospel, blues, jazz and reggae varieties and there will also be a Health Highways section that will provide free health screenings and information about health, safety and wellness. On Sunday there will be a special performance by renowned gospel artist Melvin Williams of the Williams Brothers.

Photo courtesy of Colorado Black Arts Festival.

Plenty of old favorites from the festival will be returning as well, such as the car show, the scavenger hunt, the food court, the community mural and the Watu-Sakoni Marketplace where you can purchase goods such as jewelry, music, handmade crafts, incense and more.

Photo courtesy of Colorado Black Arts Festival.

The Colorado Black Arts Festival was founded in 1986 and the first festival was in 1987. The festival draws a crowd of over 50,000 people every year and has become the fifth largest event of its kind in the country. The festival was created as a way to both show appreciation for black arts and culture as well as provide a medium for black talent to be showcased. Head out to Denver City Park West to explore black and African culture through art, food, activities and celebration. Find more information about the festival at the Colorado Black Arts Festival’s website.