Color Outside the Lines: Your Insider’s Guide to Crushing Fraser Mountain Mural Festival Like a Local
Part art battle, part block party, and part open-air museum—plus it supports public art and local businesses while making our town look damn good in the process.
If you’re new to the festival (or just want to level up your mural game), here’s everything you need to know to do it like a seasoned Fraserite. Yes, we made that word up.
1. Dress for Sun, Rain, Wind… and Probably Hail
This isn’t just a festival. It’s a high-altitude adventure. The weather in Fraser is as moody as a teenager who just got ghosted.
One minute: sunny and 75.
Next minute: sideways rain, and you’re using a mural map as a poncho.
Pro move: Wear layers, pack a waterproof jacket, don’t forget sunscreen, and toss a hat in your bag. The kind of outfit that says: “I might get interviewed by a travel magazine… but I’m also ready to hike back to my car through a thunderstorm.”
2. Make the Info Booth Your First Stop
Located smack in the middle of the action, the festival tent is where you can pick up a mural map, grab some sweet Fraser swag, and get insider tips on what’s happening and where. Staffed by helpful humans (often in sunglasses and paint-splattered clothes), this is your command center for all things mural fest.
3. Bid Big, Bid Often – The Auction is Where It’s At
Every artist creates a mural panel during the festival, and you can take it home.
Yep, this isn’t just a look-don’t-touch art experience. These pieces are up for silent auction, and bidding stays open all weekend.
Here’s how to play it like a local art collector:
Scope out your favorites early—Friday is for window shopping.
Bidding happens digitally via QR code, so keep that phone charged.
Watch the bidding—things heat up fast on Sunday afternoon.
Expect a lively auction finale with friendly (and sometimes fierce) competition.
It’s the best way to go home with a piece of Fraser—besides pine needles in your boots.
4. Support Local Businesses (and Fuel Up Along the Way)
The whole point of spreading murals across town is to get people out and exploring our local shops, restaurants, and breweries.
Pop into a coffee shop for a latte and a mural break. Grab tacos while you debate which panel you’re bidding on. Hit up a brewery for a cold one and live music. Your taste buds will thank you—and so will our local business owners.
5. Talk to the Artists
Seriously. These muralists are ridiculously talented, and many love chatting between paint sessions. Ask them about their process, inspiration, favorite spray can colors—whatever. These conversations are one of the festival’s hidden gems, and sometimes they’ll even let you peek at their sketchbooks. (Don’t touch though. That’s the rule.)
6. Show Off Your Street Art Selfies
We want to see your festival experience. Tag @explorefrasercolorado and use #frasermuralfest to share your favorite mural moments, auction victories, and weather-related fashion statements. We’ll be sharing our faves all weekend long.
7. Cast Your Vote for the People’s Choice Award
Think you know the best mural? Then make it official. Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can vote for their favorite mural in the People’s Choice Award.
Voting is digital (QR code style), easy, and super fun—especially if you’re rallying your group to vote for your favorite.
Bonus Tip: Come for the Art, Stay for the Weird
The Fraser Mountain Mural Festival is everything we love about our town: creative, welcoming, just the right amount of chaotic, and always a little weird.
So bring your sense of adventure, your walking shoes, and your love for big bold art.