Salida Creative District

SMCS Mountain Masquerade Ball
2025-11-14 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Denver) | A Church, 419 D street, Salida, 81201
Friday, November 14, 2025
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7:00pm-10:00pm
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A Church 419 D Street Salida CO
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Doors open 7:00 p.m.
Tix $60 for one $100 for 2 tix
Price includes entry, mask, live music and 2 drinks.
This is a benefit for Salida Montessori Charter School.
Featuring a live auction, a silent auction and live music by “Marsh Land” from New Orleans.
Dress code fancy to festive; wear what you feel good in!

Rethinking Drawing
2025-11-19 10:00 - 12:00
Resurrect your interest in drawing with a fresh approach. If you carry discouraging or prohibitive ideas about drawing, this course is designed for you. Using modern neuroscience as our basis, we’ll pull your interest in drawing back into focus. Our purpose will be to clear the obstacles that prevent you from drawing, and open you to a regular and non-judgmental practice. We’ll explore methods, principles, and habits that shift your perspective on how drawing can improve your life. This course consists of four two-hour sessions.

Art Matters:
2025-11-21 16:00 - 2025-11-22 19:30
FALL of FREEDOM is calling for artists to host events nationwide on Friday-Saturday 21-22 November. In response, the Museum of Authenticity is hosting ART MATTERS: the Thrill of Mutiny, the Power of Community, a grassroots event designed to acknowledge the value of creative self-expression and to celebrate the role the arts play in social change.
21 november friday
4-7pm: art exhibit: Chaffee County women artists: LANDSCAPES
6-7pm: music: Buena Vista’s MACKLEROY & THE BODHIMANTRA, infectious guitar grooves and spirited West African beats
22 november saturday
noon-8pm: art exhibit: Chaffee County women artists: LANDSCAPES
1-1:30pm: presentation: Denverite LEON LOUGHRIDGE, master reduction block print artist: A Life in Woodblocks
2-3pm: panel discussion: Charting a new course through the arts
3:30-4:30pm: music: AUBREA ALFORD, Salida’s extraordinary genre-bending, classically trained, violinist and recording artist
5-6pm: reading: Salida writer-artist THORDIS NIELA SIMONSEN, stories from Dancing Girl and You May Plow Here that connect us to the land and to each other.
6:30-7:30pm: music: Buena Vista’s MACKLEROY & THE BODHIMANTRA, infectious guitar grooves and spirited West African beats
all events free and open to the public
consider contributing to GARNA.org or GUIDESTONEcolorado.org
@Fall of Freedom FallOfFreedom.com

Holiday gift market
2025-11-23 10:00 - 15:00 | A Church, 419 D street, Salida, 81201
Holiday gift market
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Sunday, November 23, 2025
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10:00am-3:00pm
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A Church 419 D Street Salida CO
We invite you to the Holiday Gift Market.
All are welcome to this event; well behaved dogs included.
Bring cash and come to the shop. This event is specifically local made Holiday Gifts.
There will be homemade accessories, toys, baked goods, and a pop-up Snowflake Photo-booth hosted by Alex and Misty Photography as well as a canned food drive for the Grainery.

Open Mic at A Church
2025-11-30 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-28 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-25 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-22 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-29 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-26 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-31 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-28 12:00 - 14:00 | A Church, 419 D street, Salida, 81201
Open Mic
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Sunday, November 30, 2025
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12:00pm-2:00pm
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A Church 419 D Street Salida CO
Join your friends and neighbors in an Open Mic!

A Winter's Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends return Dec 3 at 7pm to SteamPlant Salida
2025-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Salida SteamPlant
Five-time GRAMMY® nominated recording artist David Arkenstone returns to Salida this holiday season with A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends, his ever-popular concerts that fill audiences with joy and the holiday spirit. On stage, David and his talented ensemble ignite the season with beloved holiday classics reimagined, lively seasonal originals, and surprises that get audiences clapping and celebrating together. Join for a vibrant holiday musical blend of neo-classical crossover, pop, new age, Celtic, orchestral, and world music. David Arkenstone’s performances feature a wide array of instruments—guitars, keyboards, flutes, violin, cello, mandolin, bass, viola, drums, and percussion—brought to life by his band of virtuoso musicians, who infuse every candlelit stage with spirited, festive energy.
Each winter I try to paint the season in sound,” says Arkenstone. “These concerts are joyful gatherings—familiar carols and festive new pieces that bring people together to share the excitement and wonder of the holidays.”
Tickets are on sale now at davidarkenstone.com and the SteamPlant website for this unforgettable concert experience.

Salida Creative District First Fridays!
2025-12-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Salida, Salida, 81201, United States
Mark your calendars to visit Salida, Colorado, the state’s first designated Creative District, during FIRST FRIDAYS held every month of the year! Galleries and creative businesses in downtown Salida’s Creative District will stay open late every first Friday of the month. From painting to sculpture, ceramics, photography, plein air, jewelry, fiber arts, and more, drop into one of Salida’s twenty+ art galleries and creative businesses where you can interact with the artist, ask questions, watch a demo and build your unique collection. Enjoy live music, refreshments, and a festive evening. See individual galleries and businesses for their schedule of events including demos, lectures, live music, and more.

Salida Arts & Culture Holiday Pop Up Shop Art Market
2025-12-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Salida SteamPlant
Join us for Salida Arts & Culture’s 6th annual Holiday Art Pop-Up Shop Art Market at the Salida SteamPlant Ballroom presenting high quality art and handmade products by local and regional artists! We are planning a fun and festive day of art and holiday shopping with music and refreshments! Join us Saturday, December 13 from 10am-4pm in the SteamPlant Ballroom.
Shop local this Holiday!

A Merry Little Christmas Carol presented by Salida Theater Project
2025-12-13 14:00 - 15:30 | A Church, 419 D street, Salida, 81201
A live script-in-hand performance adapted from Charles Dickens classic tale. This 75-minute contemporary adaptation, complete with Scrooge, the Spirits, the Cratchits and all of your favorites plus a few new ones, brings this story to life.
Following the 2PM matinee, stay for the holiday party and have hot cocoa and cookies with Tiny Tim and the rest of the cast. If you are able, bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to our Share the Joy drive for local children.

A Merry Little Christmas Carol - Produced by Salida Theater Project
2025-12-13 19:00 - 20:30 | A Church, 419 D street, Salida, 81201
A live script-in-hand performance adapted from Charles Dickens classic tale. This 75-minute contemporary adaptation, complete with Scrooge, the Spirits, the Cratchits and all of your favorites plus a few new ones, brings this story to life.
After the 7PM performance, audience members are invited to take part in Salida Theater Project/ A Church’s First Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest for prizes in fun categories.

Oil and Cold Wax Workshop with Sally Mather
2026-01-13 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-14 09:00 - 15:00
This workshop will explore the use of cold wax medium with oil paints. I will demonstrate a variety of different techniques that can be used with cold wax and oil. The workshop will also focus on exploration, taking risks and finding your creative voice.
January 13 and 14 9am-3pm at Chaffee County Fairgrounds and Event Center
$150 ($75 deposit required to hold your spot)
Limit 8 people
Please contact Sally Mather at
sally@smgm.org or 719-221-5470 for
more information or to register
Proceeds go to Ark Valley Humane Society.

Valentine's Card making & Craft Workshop
2026-02-06 09:00 - 12:00
Valentine’s Card making & Craft Workshop for Kids.
Friday, Feb 6 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Salida Arts & Culture presents a Valentine’s Card making & Craft Workshop for children ages 6 to 9. Enjoy a creative morning at the Scout Hut as you paint, draw, create, and explore Valentine’s card making and crafts. Children ages 6 to 9 explore paint, pastels, printing and collage techniques and create ~30 Valentine’s cards for friends and family and other heart themed art projects! Art, stories, play, and fun! Bring snack, lunch, water bottle and dress for painting and play. $25. Limited space.

☝🏽To register and for more info, see Amilia/Smart Rec link here:
https://app.amilia.com/store/en/city-of-salida-recreation/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yKEm8nR

First Friday "Art & Chocolate"
2026-02-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Salida, Salida, 81201, United States
FIRST FRIDAY ART & CHOCOLATE
February 6 at 5pm in the Salida Creative District

Salida Arts & Culture and downtown businesses present the February First Friday! Join us for a festive evening downtown as galleries and businesses stay open later! Enjoy art, live music, chocolate, Valentine’s activities, refreshments and conversation.

The host gallery for February is Eye Candy Art & Treasure with live music by Todd Loubsky. Stop in at participating businesses Sage Mountain Gallery, Arts Collective Salida, The Maverick Potter, Kaleidoscope Toys, Eyedia Designs, Patti Vincent Studio, HomeSmart Preferred Realty featuring Katwin Hinerman, Sandy Crawford photographer, and Gary Ginther sculptor. Visit Opal Boutique, Eyedia Designs and more. Also stop in at Naters Art Artoon Workshop at Salida Regional Library. View the Banana Show by Katharine Nelson at Brinkley Nelson Messick studio. Check out Salida Ceramics Warehouse Studios with events and demos by Compact HQ, Wendy Mitchell Art, and Poor Taste and more! Hope to see you at First Friday!

JAZZ MUSICIANS WANTED, a monthly jazz open mic night!
2026-02-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Salida SteamPlant
JAZZ MUSICIANS WANTED, a monthly jazz open mic night!
Wednesday, February 11 | 7:00pm-9:00pm
Salida SteamPlant Paquette Gallery (graphic attached)

Introducing “JAZZ MUSICIANS WANTED,” a new monthly open mic series for jazz players and music lovers presented by Salida Arts & Culture! Join us for an intimate evening of jazz in the Paquette where musicians of all levels can take the stage with our house rhythm section and share their favorite tunes. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, bring your instrument and your passion—the stage is yours! Throughout the night, you’ll experience the magic of jazz as players sign up and rotate in and out, creating fresh combos and unexpected musical moments. Listeners are welcome, too! Settle in and soak up the improvisational energy and community spirit that makes live jazz so special. Everyone is welcome to this celebration of music, so come ready to listen, play, and simply enjoy the rhythm of a truly special evening! Jazz Musicians Wanted hosted by pianist Andrew Callaway.

Save the dates Wednesdays Feb 11, March 11, April 15, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11, and December 9!

Free to attend. Cash bar available.

TRAVELING LENS, a photography exhibit Jan 28-Feb 20
2026-02-12 17:00 - 18:30 | Salida SteamPlant
TRAVELING LENS, a photography exhibit.
Artist Reception & Creative Mixer | Feb 12 | 5PM-6:30PM
Salida SteamPlant Gallery (see graphic attached)

Salida Arts & Culture presents TRAVELING LENS an exhibit of local Salida photographers showing images of elsewhere. From New Orleans to San Francisco, Ireland, Texas, Japan, the Balkans and more, view these artful impressions through the lenses of Greg Arguello, Cailey McDermott, Michael Frankenfield, and Mark Dean on exhibit in the Paquette Gallery at the Salida SteamPlant from January 28 to February 20.

Join us for an Artist Reception and Creative Mixer with Salida Council for the Arts February 12 from 5-6:30pm. Talk with the photographers and stay for the Soapbox tradition- where artists and organizations can make announcements about upcoming events, shows, and programs. From visual art, dance, music, theatre, and more, discover ways to get involved in Salida’s vibrant arts scene. Enjoy live music by Joan Lobeck and light refreshments. A cash bar is available. The Artist Reception & Mixer is free and open to the public.

Proof: An Award-Winning Drama from Salida Theater Project
2026-02-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-21 19:00 - 21:00 | A Church, 419 D street, Salida, 81201
Salida Theatre Project presents Proof, an award-winning drama about trust, doubt, and the need to be believed. A young woman living in the shadow of her father, a renowned mathematician, says she wrote a groundbreaking mathematical proof connected to his work. When others question her claim, relationships are strained and assumptions are challenged. Smart, emotionally charged, and deeply human, Proof draws audiences into a story where credibility matters and belief is never simple.
The play is written by David Auburn and directed by Susan McQuade.
Performance Dates & Times:
February 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7:00 p.m.
February 15 at 3:00 p.m.
Location:
A Church, Salida

Claude Stuart Comedian and funny guy
2026-02-26 18:30 - 21:00 | A Church, 419 D street, Salida, 81201
Claude Stuart Comedian and funny guy
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Thursday, February 26, 2026
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A Church 419 D Street Salida CO
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Doors 6:15 P.M.
Entertainment 7:00 P.M.
Tix $25
Claude’s explosive, in-your-face, rapid-fire, madman stage style is truly an exhilarating assault on the senses; and it has evoked comparisons to golden era physical comedians such as Steve Martin, Robin Williams and Jim Carrey.
Cladue’s Drybar, Tubi, & Open Bar Comedy Specials have helped me earn over 285,000 followers; I write for the TV show “FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK” starring Howie Mandel and Tiffany Haddish; I recently filmed a movie with Sean Astin and John Cleese; I just performed standup on TBN’s “HUCKABEE” show; and I’m starring on the Amazon Prime show, “HIGH LAND PARKING”.
Claude’s credits include “THE TONIGHT SHOW”, “THE LATE, LATE SHOW”, “THAT 70S SHOW”, “SCRUBS”, “WILL & GRACE”, “LAST COMIC STANDING”, “LAST MAN STANDING”, and “COMICS UNLEASHED”.

Birds of Play return to A Church
2026-03-06 18:20 - 22:20 | A Church, 419 D street, Salida, 81201
Birds of Play is an Americawna Roots Collective based in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. Their distinct sound is rooted in and inspired by their connection to the land in which they reside.
Their arrangements and compositions reflect their vast and teaming pools of inspiration from artists such as Wood Brothers, Punch Brothers, Andrew Bird, Watchouse, and Gregory Alan Isakov. Birds of Play’s high-caliber musicianship and song craft are laced with imagination and a vibrant, intuitive understanding of the human condition – while their live shows weave together an intricate tapestry of place, authenticity, magic, and humor.
The core of the band is Alex Paul (guitar, banjo, mandolin, vocals) Anneke Dean (violin, guitar, vocals) Charles Parker Mertens (upright bass) and Jack Tolan (guitar, mandolin, vocals) with a rotating cast of special guests and honorary Birds.

Embracing Space
2026-03-13 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Salida SteamPlant
Grounded Dance Company presents ‘Embracing Space, a dance concert that embodies the concept of space and movement as an art. By exploring kinetic energy and how it can be used to create depth and dimension, ‘Embracing Space’ is a showing of manipulating areas around and within the dancers to create aesthetic lines and balance. Expect a varietal showcase of original choreography by Artistic Director Kelsey Franco and Grounded Dancers Lisa Bartley and Diana Shepherd.
March 13 & 14 2026 at 7pm (doors open at 6:20) and held at the SteamPlant Theater.
Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased in advance at www.groundeddancecompany.com or at the door. Recommend buying tickets in advance since there is limited seating.Link directly to event tickets: https://www.groundeddancecompany.com/events-and-shows
