RiNo

RiNo, short for the River North Art District, is a neighborhood and cultural district in Denver, Colorado. Located just northeast of downtown, it sits along the Platte River and a former rail corridor, and is known for a dense concentration of galleries, studios, and creative businesses that occupy historic industrial warehouses.

RiNo emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as artists moved into affordable factory spaces. Over time it evolved into a formally recognized arts district, drawing muralists, gallery owners, designers, and performers. The area is renowned for large-scale street art and commissioned murals that transform blank walls into public art.

Today RiNo hosts galleries, performance venues, craft breweries, restaurants, and specialty markets. Notable attractions include The Source Market Hall, a repurposed foundry turned food hall, and a variety of studio spaces that offer open-house events and studio tours. The district also hosts monthly First Friday events and seasonal art festivals that invite visitors to explore multiple venues in a single evening.

As development continues, RiNo has faced pressures related to gentrification and rising rents. Community groups and city planners focus on balancing growth with neighborhood character, affordability for artists, and the preservation of public art. Despite these challenges, RiNo remains a vibrant, evolving hub for Denver’s arts scene.