Old Town Lafayette knows how to throw a party. We’re talking live music, 50 artists and makers, multicultural performances, face painting, street performers, tacos, beer, balloon animals, and about 5,000 of your soon-to-be closest friends at each event. Welcome to Art Night Out, Lafayette’s signature summer block party-and honestly, one of the most joyful, come-as-you-are events in Colorado. It’s free. It’s funky. It’s family-friendly. And it happens every second Friday from May to September, 5-9 p.m. on S. Public Road.

How It All Started (Because We Love a Good Origin Story)

Art Night Out began in 2009, a grassroots collaboration between the Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC), the Lafayette Old Town Association (now defunct), pARTiculars Art Gallery, and some visionary volunteers. Old Town Lafayette didn’t have many restaurants or shops back then, and Festival Plaza had just opened. The idea? Use art and music as economic drivers to bring energy and activity to the area. In 2012, the event leveled up: Public Road was closed to traffic, the beer garden was added, and Art Night Out became the full-block street festival we know and love today.

Only in Old Town Lafayette: This Is How We Friday

Live Music, Original Vibes

Every night features a handpicked headliner band. Sometimes it’s someone you know, sometimes it’s a new Colorado band you’ll be texting your friends about mid-set. The event organizers spend all year hunting down the best musicians who play original music or new twists on old songs and know how to work a crowd. One night in August even features a teen Battle of the Bands, and these kids bring it.

The Art Market

50+ artists and fine crafters fill the streets with locally made goods-from funky jewelry to bold prints and handcrafted homewares. Cool, quality stuff that sparks joy and makes you say, “I need this.” (Yes. You do.).

Food Trucks + Craft Drink Garden

Craving something tasty? You’ll find some of the Front Range’s best food trucks serving up tacos, BBQ, ice cream, and more. And don’t miss the beer, wine, and cider garden-proceeds help support local arts and culture programs. Sip for a cause.

Free Family Fun (Yes, Free!)

Art Night Out is 100% family-friendly. Starting at 5 p.m., kids can enjoy:

• Face painting
• Caricature drawings
• Balloon twisters
• Stilt walkers

Multicultural Performances at 6 p.m. Under the shade structure at Festival Plaza, enjoy a free 30-minute cultural performance-from Japanese drummers and Native American powwow dancers to hula performances and more. Our favorite part? Watching kids sit front and center, mesmerized, sometimes dancing, sometimes trying to mimic a move they just saw, and definitely creating a core memory. “You can see it in their faces-wide-eyed, completely locked in,” said Mark Moffett, Arts & Cultural Resources Event Coordinator. “For many of these kids, it’s their first time experiencing something like this. It’s pure curiosity and joy. Those little moments? It’s kind of magical-it just makes you smile.”

Want to Get Involved?

• Volunteer: Help with setup, clean-up or Lafayette’s reusable cup program
• Become a Friend of Art Night Out: $150 gets you a t-shirt, stickers, and eternal glory (okay, maybe not eternal-but you’ll feel great supporting it).

The Details

📍 Location: Festival Plaza, S. Public Rd, between Cannon St and Emma St.

🗓️ Dates: Second Fridays – May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12

🕔 Time: 5:00-9:00 p.m.

💸 Cost: FREE (yes, really)

Tips & Tricks

Just Follow the Music (and maybe a balloon or two) There’s no giant parking lot downtown, so if you live nearby, walk or bike. There’s bike parking and plenty of friendly volunteers to point you in the right direction. If you are driving in, there is street parking but you may get a few steps in on your way to the party. The event is fully accessible, too-flat terrain, open entrances, and good vibes all around.

This Is What Community Looks Like

“At every Art Night Out, I always have a moment where I pause and look around. I see longtime residents, new families, high school kids-people from all walks of life-enjoying the night together,” said Rachel Hanson, Arts & Cultural Resources Director for the City of Lafayette. “Some people are dancing, some are shopping, others are catching up with friends over a beer or a bite to eat. And in that moment, I’m reminded that we’ve created something really special-a place where everyone is welcome, where you might run into an old neighbor or meet someone new. Art Night Out is a true community space where everyone can find something.” So, if you’ve been looking for a reason to get out of the house, meet new people, support local artists, and fall a little more in love with Lafayette… This is it. We’ll see you out there.

More Info:
Mark Moffett
Arts & Cultural Resources Event Coordinator
📧 Mark.Moffett@lafayetteco.gov