From May until September, Lafayette’s vibrant community unites to showcase its diversity, creativity, and support for local talent and businesses through music, art, and storytelling.

For over a decade, Art Night Out has been an annual tradition in Old Town Lafayette that celebrates local art, musicians, food, drinks, culture, and so much more. Located on S. Public Road between Emma and Cannon Street, this always-free event is open to the public every second Friday of the month throughout summer from 5-9 pm.

Debuting in 2011, this local event began with only a handful of vendors. Some of the original vendors include businesses that are still with us today, such as Particulars Art Gallery and Eats & Sweets. Now growing to over 50+ arts and craft vendors curated and produced by Firsthand Markets, this event has become a county favorite.

Beginning this year on May 12th, Art Night Out is coming in hot with some exciting improvements including a new stage, new bands, increased sustainability efforts, and special surprise appearances – all with the same collaborative culture and groovy energy that makes Lafayette unique. Watch Public Road transformed into a lively and colorful marketplace filled with local artists, unique food trucks, and talented musical appearances that rotate every month.

Last year’s event was such a hit, it won gold as the Best Community Event in East Boulder County by Colorado Hometown Weekly. This year’s event promises to be even better, with a lineup of talented musical guests, including:

• May 12 – Conjunto Colores
• June 9 – Brandywine and the Mighty Fines
• July 14 – Hazel Miller and the Collective
• Aug. 11 – Dog House Music and Tier Two Live present: Hemlock, who won Tier Two Live’s Youth Battle of the Bands, Thunderboogie, and Roka Hueka
• Sept. 8 – Cass Clayton

Along with musical performers, every Art Night Out celebration will have stilt walkers, face painters, caricature artists, magicians, and more. Plus, the local businesses along Public Road and the surrounding streets will also be open for business. Visitors can pop in to check out the art galleries or boutiques, or even join in on some of the private events hosted by these businesses. The event will also be partnering with Sister Carmen community center to collect food bank items.

As you stroll through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the event, feel free to bring along your own picnic supplies and snacks to enjoy on the grass. And, if you’re feeling thirsty, there’s plenty of tasty beer from The Post and Liquid Mechanics, cider from Stem Ciders, and wine to enjoy.

This year, the event is also taking a big step towards sustainability by partnering with Sustainability and Resilience Advisory Committee (SRAC) to bring the r.Cup to Art Night Out. This reusable cup is being used at venues across the country to reduce waste, and Art Night Out is proud to be one of the first city events in Colorado to adopt it.

As the night winds down, and the last notes of music fade away, Art Night Out will leave a lasting impression on all who attended. It’s a time for the entire community to come together and appreciate the creativity, talent, and support that make Lafayette such a special place to call home.

Join us on May 12th at 5 pm to kick off the first Art Night Out of the year! You can stay up to date on event details and learn more by visiting www.lafayetteco.gov and following @anolafayetteco and @oldtownlafayette on social media!