Although there are endless outdoor activities to enjoy in the area, one thing that should not be overlooked is the rich artistic side of Crested Butte. Historic downtown is filled with galleries, art walks and events, which celebrate the talent of both local and regional artists.
Featured Event
Back on Elk Avenue for 2024, the Arts Fest continues to attract unique and talented fine artists from both Colorado and around the world. Expect delicious food trucks, music and dance, and family friendly activities to go along with over 100 artist exhibits showcased outdoors.
Center for the Arts
Center for the Arts Crested Butte is home to popular signature events and a wide variety of indoor and outdoor attractions. Visitors young and old enjoy a year-round schedule of live music, dance and theater performances as well as art exhibits, speakers and much more. For more than 20 years, Center for the Arts has been committed to providing arts and cultural experiences that inspire and entertain all audiences, whether they call Crested Butte home everyday or just for the weekend.
As the premier visual and performing arts venue in the region, Center for the Arts hosts events throughout the year on our outdoor stage, expansive indoor auditorium (The Steddy Theatre), and at the Kinder Padon Gallery, a popular in-house gallery for local and regional exhibitions.
Check out their calendar for a full list of culinary, performing, literary, and visual arts.
Art Walks
On the last Thursday of each month take the opportunity to leisurely stroll through the galleries of Crested Butte to experience and be inspired by the diverse expressions of local artists. The walk takes place from 5pm to 8pm and visits participating galleries in the heart of downtown. Check out the Artists of Crested Butte for more information.
Performances
Crested Butte is host to a wide range of performances every year. Between the CB Dance collective and their annual “Move the Butte” performance and The Crested Butte Mountain Theatre’s yearly theatrical performance, there is something for everyone.
Galleries in Crested Butte
| Galleries | Type | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Redline Gallery | Paintings, photography, sculpture | 429 Elk Ave |
| Artisan Rug Gallery | Fine handmade rugs | 311 Elk Ave |
| Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum | Crested Butte's Local Museum | 331 Elk Ave |
| Shaun Horne Gallery | Large Plein Air Paintings | 429 Elk Ave |
| Oh Be Joyful Gallery | Investment-quality original landscape paintings. | 232 Elk Ave |
| Paragon Gallery | A Crested Butte Art Co-Op | 132 Elk Ave |
| Piper Gallery | Visual Arts of local and regional artists | 606 6th St |
| Rendezvous Gallery and Framing | Art gallery and framing | 427 Belleview Ave |
| Rijks Family Gallery | Antiques, paintings, pottery, photography, posters and prints of the CB area. | 310 2nd St |
| The Art Studio | Rotating Artists: Watercolor, Acrylics, paintings, clay | 111 Elk Ave |
| Kinder Padon Gallery | Rotating Artists: Watercolor, Acrylics, paintings, photography | 606 6th St |
Crested Butte is an officially recognized Creative District in Colorado, due to its vibrant creative arts community and unique identity. The creative and historic downtown is filled with galleries, artwalks, cultural events, and more. Pick up a walking map at the Visitors Center to explore downtown Crested Butte’s creative businesses, unique public art installations, and events that you won’t want to miss.
