NoBo Art District: North Boulder's Artist-Run Arts District

Apr 5, 2026 · 7 min read · NoBo Art District Art Galleries 80304 Boulder Colorado NoBo ·

Share on:

NoBo Art District: How North Boulder Became an Arts District

The NoBo Art District is a nonprofit, member-run group of artists, studios, galleries and creative businesses along North Broadway. It started in the winter of 2009, when a few local artists and shop owners joined together to keep Boulder's First Friday art nights alive during the recession. Today the district says it has the city's recognition as Boulder's only arts district, and its First Friday evenings bring hundreds of people to North Boulder every month.

Where is it? The district runs between Broadway and US 36, from Quince Avenue north to where Broadway meets US 36 — the heart of North Boulder, CO 80304.

How It Started

The district's FAQ tells the story. In 2009, many artists and small businesses were struggling. There was the 2008 recession, real estate closures downtown, and construction on Broadway. Boulder's First Friday tradition was fading.

Danice Crawford of Marisol Imports got in touch with two local artists, Annette Coleman and Carol Garnand. Together they reached out to artists and businesses along the Broadway corridor. They held monthly meetings, made a map of First Friday art shows, did their own publicity, and gave the evening a name: "The NoBo Nite Out."

With advice and support from Charlotte LaSasso of the Boulder County Arts Alliance, the NoBo Nite Out grew from a shared First Friday event into a membership arts organization. Its early leaders included Annette Coleman, Lisa Nesmith, Carol Garnand, Diane Stum Fekete and many members of the First Congregational Church.

What the District Is Today

The district describes itself as "a grassroots, membership-based nonprofit organization." Its about page says its members include artists, makers, galleries, studios, nonprofits and creative businesses, working in painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, performance, design and multimedia. The FAQ counts more than 400 creative businesses, organizations and professional artists in the district.

Its stated mission is "to elevate the arts in Boulder, foster the artistic and economic development of North Boulder, and strengthen the local community." The district notes that old industrial buildings in North Boulder now hold artist studios next to newer mixed-use buildings, restaurants and shops.

All of its programs are free and open to the public.

First Friday

First Friday is the district's main event. On the first Friday of each month, from 6 to 9 p.m., artists, galleries, studios and businesses open their doors. The First Friday page says it happens every month except January, so there is art on display from February through December.

Visitors take a self-guided tour using a monthly map of studios and creative businesses. The FAQ says that on average 20 to 30 artist studios take part, hosting NoBo artists and guest artists, musicians, poets and dancers, and that 800 to 1,000 people come each month. There is live music at the Roots Music Project stage, food trucks, and artist demonstrations.

Getting There by Bus

In July 2026, the city backed a plan to link Boulder's two First Fridays by bus, the Daily Camera reported. Downtown's First Friday runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and NoBo's from 6 to 9 p.m., so visitors can see both: walk downtown, then ride RTD's SKIP north on Broadway. The project was paid for with an $8,500 city grant to the Boulder Chamber Foundation. Liz Compos, the district's executive director, suggested getting off the SKIP near Violet Avenue or Yarmouth Avenue and walking through the district from there. The July map had 25 stops.

Taking Part

Only members can put a First Friday listing on the map. Artists who want to take part can contact the district for help opening their studio, joining another artist's space or finding a venue.

The First Friday Market

The First Friday Market is a pop-up market of artists, makers, food trucks, musicians and small businesses. In 2026 it is held at 4871 Broadway, in an indoor and outdoor space lent by Thistle Communities, on First Fridays from March to December. The 2026 dates are March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6 and December 4.

Vendors pay a $20 application fee for the year. A booth costs $50 per market for NoBo members and $100 for non-members; nonprofit members pay nothing. Booths are 10 feet by 10 feet, and vendors bring their own tables and tents.

The District's Spaces

NoBo Bus Stop Gallery — 4895 Broadway. The gallery shows work by the district's members alongside artists from across the Front Range, with new shows each month, and is a main stop on First Friday. It also holds the NoBo Artisan Gift Shop, with original home goods and gifts. The space is made possible by Thistle Communities and can be rented for private events. In October 2026 it showed Eternal Return, a solo exhibition by Cassandra Chalfant.

NoBo on the Corner — 4600 Broadway. A community and education space with rotating exhibits by NoBo artists, workshops such as a monthly collage group, and other events. It is a partnership with Boulder Housing Partners and is open by appointment.

NoBo Art Center — 4929 Broadway. The Art Center opened in 2019 as the district's first gallery, with exhibitions, classes, workshops and performances. Hundreds of artists showed or taught there. It closed at its 4929 Broadway location at the end of September 2026, with a closing party on September 25. The district thanked Emerald Properties, whose sponsorship made the space possible, and says it is preparing to move into a new space.

Public Art

The district supports murals, sculpture and art installations along North Broadway. Its FAQ describes a rotating series of murals on the Emerald Mural Fence at 4949 Broadway, a 150-foot fence where artists can practice mural painting and add public art to their portfolios. It has also worked with The Armory Apartments to add murals and sculpture to that development.

Through its Art + Place program, the district places members' art in local businesses, so people see it in everyday settings and artists have more chances to sell. It also produces the Boulder Artist Podcast, with interviews about Boulder's arts community.

Who Pays for It

The district is funded by its members, volunteers and donors. Its about page lists grants from the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District, the City of Boulder's Boulder Arts Commission, Visit Boulder, Create Boulder, Colorado Creative Industries and the National Endowment for the Arts. Thistle Communities, Emerald Management and Boulder Housing Partners give space and other support.

Visiting and Joining

The easiest way to see the district is on a First Friday evening. At other times, many artists open their studios or teach classes by appointment, so contact an artist you like to set up a visit. Businesses in the district include shops such as The Amazing Garage Sale, a mid-century consignment store at 4919 Broadway.

Artists and businesses can join as members. Membership is needed to list a venue on the First Friday map, and it lowers market booth fees.

Practical Information

Where: Broadway corridor in North Boulder, between Broadway and US 36 from Quince Avenue north
First Friday: first Friday of each month, 6–9 p.m., February to December; free
First Friday Market: 4871 Broadway, March to December
Bus Stop Gallery: 4895 Broadway
NoBo on the Corner: 4600 Broadway (by appointment)
Email: info@noboartdistrict.org
Website: noboartdistrict.org

Should You Go?

Yes, on a First Friday. Pick up the monthly map, start at the Bus Stop Gallery, and walk the studios along Broadway. It is free, and it is in our own neighborhood.