The Crested Butte Arts Festival produces an annual, nationally recognized Festival presenting a broad spectrum of the arts, whose proceeds provide year round arts funding for the Gunnison Valley.

Born from the vision of a dedicated group of local residents known as the Crested Butte Society, the Crested Butte Arts Festival was created to celebrate both artistic expression and the preservation of the town’s architectural heritage. In the late 1960s, these founders recognized the importance of supporting a growing creative community while honoring the character and history that make Crested Butte unique.

That vision became a reality with the first Crested Butte Arts Fair in 1971, offering artists a meaningful platform to showcase their work, earn income, and build lasting connections within the community. What began as a modest gathering of local artisans has grown into one of the most respected and competitive juried fine art festivals in the Western United States, drawing exceptional talent and art enthusiasts from across the region.