Art festival and community celebrations in Creede Colorado

Creede, Colorado, is gearing up for its annual Taste of Creede Festival, a vibrant celebration of art, music, and culinary delights set to take place over Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, 2026.

 

This year's festival marks the 38th anniversary of the event, originally envisioned by local artist Stephen Quiller. The festival has become a cornerstone of Creede's cultural calendar, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the town's unique charm.

 

The festivities kick off on Saturday, May 23, with a bustling Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main Street will transform into an open-air gallery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring over 25 artists showcasing their latest works. Attendees can also enjoy a beer garden, food samples, craft vendors, and a kids' bounce house. Museum tours and sidewalk sales will add to the day's attractions.

 

A highlight of the day is the Creative Painting session with featured artist Jesse Crock from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Music lovers can look forward to live performances popping up around town between noon and 2 p.m., culminating in an evening concert under the tent at the Creede Hotel from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For theater enthusiasts, the Creede Repertory Theatre will open its production of "Fully Committed" at 7 p.m., a one-person show that promises a whirlwind of characters and comedic moments.

 

Sunday, May 24, continues the artistic fervor with the annual Artists' Quick Draw event at 1:30 p.m. under the blue and white tent. Artists will have one hour to create original pieces, which will be auctioned off at 2:30 p.m. under the tent at the Creede Hotel. The Creede Repertory Theatre will also host a matinee performance of "Fully Committed" at 1 p.m.

 

The festival concludes on Monday, May 25, with a Memorial Day Service at 11 a.m. in Basham Park, honoring veterans in a ceremony provided by the Creede Elk's Lodge BPOE #506.

 

In addition to the scheduled events, visitors can explore the National Small Prints Show at the Creede Repertory Theatre, featuring juried works from artists across the U.S. and Canada. Food enthusiasts won't want to miss the Silver Chef Live Cooking Competition and demonstrations, offering a taste of Creede's culinary talents.

 

For those interested in becoming a Main Street Vendor for the Taste of Creede, contact the Creede Farmer's Market at office@creede.com.

 

As the festival approaches, Creede is also preparing for other upcoming events, including the Headwater's Music Festival scheduled for August 29-30, 2026, featuring a lineup of diverse musical acts set against the backdrop of Creede's stunning landscape.

 

For more information on the Taste of Creede Festival and other events, visit the Creede & Mineral County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.