Grand Lake Creative District

CREATIVE BUZZ/FEATURED EVENTS:

photo by Cody Swalting Photography
photo by Cody Swalting Photography

Groundbreaking of Space To Create

On September 13, 2025, the Town of Grand Lake officially broke ground on Space to Create Grand Lake, marking an exciting new chapter for our creative community. What began in 2019 with more than 350 survey responses (including over 150 from Grand Lake residents) has now taken shape as a project designed to give artists, makers, and locals more space to live, work, and create. The development will feature nine workforce live/work rental units with storefronts, a 3,000 sq. ft. Makerspace for year-round creative programming, and a new home for the Grand Lake Creative District. In partnership with the Rocky Mountain Folk School, Wooden Boat School, and Cowboy Trades Association, the Makerspace will host classes in woodworking, leatherworking, metal, fiber arts, and traditional crafts. Designed with inclusion and accessibility at its core, Space to Create Grand Lake will support intergenerational learning, creative workforce development, and rural revitalization — proudly making Grand Lake the third Colorado Space to Create community.

Investing in Creativity: The Space to Create at Grand Lake
Big things are coming to downtown Grand Lake! The newly redesigned Space to Create project will feature affordable housing, workspaces, and a 3,000 sq ft Creative Hub—an exciting new home for year-round arts programming, Western heritage skills, and community events. Ready to see how creativity is transforming our town? Read more and help bring the vision to life
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Reviving Western Heritage: How Rocky Mountain Folk School is Preserving Cowboy Artisan Traditions in Grand Lake
Learn how a new grant is helping preserve traditional cowboy arts in Grand Lake and supporting the next generation of folk artists. Check out the full story—and don’t miss the upcoming leather workshops happening soon.
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Grand Lake’s New Marquee Welcomes with Art, History, and Heart
Discover how art, history, and community come together in Grand Lake’s newest landmark. The Creative District and Town of Grand Lake unveil a powerful tribute to nature, culture, and resilience.
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Leather Workshops
Create a custom leather belt from start to finish in this hands-on 2.5-hour workshop! You’ll learn the basics of leather tooling and construction as you craft a belt that fits your style and size...
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Annual Ice Sculpting Workhsop
This is a fun class with hands-on instruction provided by the team at Colorado Ice Works. Attendees will receive a clear block of ice, some hand tools (sorry, no chainsaws!) and reference material.
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GRAND LAKE CREATIVE DISTRICT

Welcome to the Grand Lake Creative District, where nature’s splendor and artistic ingenuity converge to create a haven of inspiration and expression. Nestled in the heart of pristine landscapes and framed by the majestic Rocky Mountains, our district stands as a testament to the harmonious relationship between creativity and the great outdoors.

At the Grand Lake Creative District, we envision a Grand Lake that not only captivates with its natural beauty but also thrives as a flourishing hub for the arts. Our dream is to foster a community where the arts take center stage, seamlessly blending with the breathtaking surroundings to craft an unparalleled tapestry of experiences. As we set our sights on the horizon, we are committed to nurturing Grand Lake’s identity as a champion and incubator for artistic innovation, where imagination knows no bounds.

Together with esteemed partners like the Grand Arts Council, Grand County Library District, Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge, Rocky Mountain Folk School, Troublesome Fest, Grand Lake Area Historical Society, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, and Rocky Mountain Wooden Boat School, we’ve woven a vibrant cultural fabric that envelops both locals and visitors in a world where art, culture, and nature intertwine. From captivating performances at the Repertory Theatre to the intimate workshops offered by the Wooden Boat School, every brushstroke and melody echoes the essence of our surroundings.

Join us in celebrating a thriving year-round community that embraces family-friendly creative encounters amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Grand Lake. As you wander through our district, you’ll discover a symphony of colors, stories, and experiences that reflect the very essence of life in this enchanting corner of the world. Welcome to the Grand Lake Creative District, where nature’s canvas meets the artist’s touch in a harmonious dance of creativity and wonder.

CREATIVE
PARTNERS & SPONSORS: