The Longmont arts scene is blowing up (in a good way) and the returning Summer on the Streets festival is tangible proof of flourishing creativity. Curated by Firehouse Art Center, Summer on the Streets — which returns for its second installment of the summer on Saturday — began during the pandemic as a small-format free festival series to help keep creatives afloat during difficult times. Now the series has evolved into something bigger: more music, more vendors and more fun.
Summer on the Streets is truly reflective of Longmont’s growing art scene. Elaine Waterman, executive director of Firehouse Art Center, remarked on the abundance of creative spaces in the city, which, in addition to Firehouse, include places like Tinker Mill, Tumbleweed Art Collective, Fettle and Fire, Helios Public Art House, Longmont Artist Guild, East Boulder County Arts, Lefthand Artist Group and the Longmont Creative District. “I think Longmont has really exploded in the range of artists, and the services available to artists,” Waterman said.
“We are extremely happy to be a part of the bustling art ecosystem in Longmont, which consists of artists, art organizations, artist networks and maker spaces. There are so many, and I think that is why people are starting to take the Longmont art scene seriously — and it is well deserved.” Waterman said that the series helps to support artists, musicians and performers while familiarizing the community with Firehouse’s role in the Longmont a.
