DENVER — An annual Denver event has been named the best festival in the world, beating out big gatherings in other cities, states and countries, such as the Kentucky Derby, Rome Future Week, and the Huangling Shaiqiu Cultural Festival in Shangrao, China.
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival took home the Gold Grand Pinnacle award from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA), the largest professional organization for that industry, according to a statement.
The festival won in the largest category, which tracks events with budgets of more than $1 million.
It’s the sixth time that the Cherry Creek Arts Festival has won the award in its 34-year history, and its first time since 2013, producers said.
The 2024 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show won the silver award, while Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses won bronze.
The sprawling Cherry Creek event is the high point of Denver’s summer outdoor art festival season, taking place in the Cherry Creek North shopping district, southeast of downtown Denver. It typically includes about 250 juried artists, live music, art education, and food and drink.