Biennial of the Americas 2025 festival aims for joy amid "pessimistic" times

• Scurry, an LGBTQ Black athlete and advocate for equal pay for the U.S. women's team, said she's excited by this moment in women's sports: "Around the world, the air is different somehow."

Why it matters: The festival's optimism stands in stark contrast to the fraught political backdrop created by a presidential administration actively discouraging DEI initiatives and supercharging anti-immigration policies.

State of play: The Biennial's executive director, FloraJane DiRienzo, told us the festival's purpose is for people "to leave with joy" by showcasing cultures from across the Western Hemisphere.

• It's not just a cultural touchstone for the Mile High City — it's an economic catalyst for downtown Denver, activating seven vacant retail spaces near the newly reopened 16th Street Mall.

Context: Events take over Writer's Square daily through Oct. 26 and include art exhibits, live performances, pop-up shops and panel discussions rooted in uplifting unity and diversity.

What they're saying: "In a world currently dominated by dark and pessimistic narratives, our role is to bring forward uplifting stories," Biennial chair and local lobbyist Maria Garcia Berry said Wednesday.

The bottom line: Denver's Biennial, which takes place every two years, is a colorful local reminder that international collaboration and cultural exchange can be powerful — albeit temporary — antidotes to political strife.

If you go: The Biennial will host a family-friendly free Party on the Plaza from 2 to 10pm Saturday with music and pop-up shops.

• Find the full festival schedule online.