Every August, Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland transforms into one of the most celebrated outdoor art events in the country. Sculpture in the Park celebrates its 42nd year, drawing collectors, art lovers and first-time visitors from across the nation to walk among more than 2,300 works by 170 juried artists. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for the tenth time, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your weekend in the Sweetheart City.
What is Sculpture in the Park?
Held each August at Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland, Colorado, Sculpture in the Park is one of the top fine art shows in the nation. Organized by the High Plains Arts Council, the annual show and sale brings together 170 juried artists displaying approximately 2,300 works spanning bronze, stone, steel, glass, wood and mixed media. The setting, a beautifully landscaped garden nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, makes it as much a destination as it is an art event. The 42nd annual show takes place Aug. 7–9, 2026.
Plan your arrival: Tickets, hours and getting there
Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $10 per person; children 13 and under are free. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Arriving at opening is one of the best moves you can make, as the morning hours are cooler and the garden is quieter. Tickets are available in advance at www.sculptureinthepark.org/.
Parking is available at Loveland High School, directly across from the park, for a small fee. All parking proceeds benefit Loveland High School’s sports and activities programs, so you’re supporting the community simply by showing up. For a stress-free arrival, take advantage of the free shuttle service running from four convenient locations: Orchard’s Shopping Center, Loveland Olde Golf Course, Cattail Creek Golf Course and King of Glory Church. The shuttle drops visitors right at the front gates.
The insider move: Attend the Patron Party on Friday night
If there’s one thing seasoned Sculpture in the Park attendees will tell you, it’s this: get a ticket to the Patron Party. Held Friday, Aug. 7, from 3 to 8 p.m., the Patron Party is an exclusive, catered preview event that gives guests first access to the show before the public weekend crowds arrive. The atmosphere is relaxed, the wine is flowing and the sculptures are all yours to browse without the Saturday buzz. Tickets go fast, so purchase early.
New in 2026: What’s different this year
The 2026 show welcomes 22 new artists from across the nation, rounding out a roster that spans emerging voices and longtime favorites. Visitors will also notice upgraded display pedestals throughout the garden, designed for better viewing and presentation of each piece. The shuttle fleet has been refreshed with comfortable new buses and the show’s popular silent auction moves to a new digital platform this year, making it easier than ever to place a bid on donated pieces from attending artists.
Artists to watch: Jade Windell and the Honeycomb Calcite collection
Among the returning artists drawing attention in 2026 is Jade Windell, a 12-year veteran of the show who also serves on the Executive Director team for the High Plains Arts Council. Windell is bringing a new large selection of Honeycomb Calcite sculptures this year, a striking translucent stone sourced from Utah that glows with warm, amber light. For collectors and first-timers alike, his booth is a must-visit.
Orobeat is also slated to perform live at the Friday evening Patron Party, adding music to the mix for a full sensory evening in the garden.
Beyond the show: Benson Sculpture Garden year-round
Even after the last tent comes down, Benson Sculpture Garden remains one of Loveland’s most treasured public spaces. The permanent collection, grown in part through past Sculpture in the Park shows, features world-class bronze and stone works scattered across manicured grounds with mountain views. Admission is free year-round, making it one of the most accessible fine art experiences in the region.
During the show, the Piece of the Park tent offers a unique opportunity: visitors can browse and purchase maquettes (small-scale models) of works that are part of the garden’s permanent collection. It’s a chance to take home a piece of Loveland’s sculptural legacy.
How works enter the permanent collection
Not every sculpture on display is available to purchase and take home, some are destined for greater permanence. Each October, the High Plains Arts Council opens a call for entry to sculptors around the world who want to be considered for Benson Sculpture Garden’s permanent collection. The jury process begins in November, with pieces evaluated on size, subject matter, price, uniqueness and durability in Colorado’s outdoor climate. The result is a garden that keeps growing, evolving and reflecting the best of contemporary sculpture.
Make a weekend of it in Loveland
Sculpture in the Park is reason enough to book a Loveland hotel for the weekend, but the city offers much more to fill your itinerary. Loveland is widely recognized as the bronze sculpture capital of the world, home to internationally acclaimed foundries and galleries, a vibrant downtown arts district and stunning Rocky Mountain scenery just minutes away. From dining and craft beverages to hiking and boutique shopping, the Sweetheart City makes it easy to turn an art show into a full destination getaway.
Explore accommodations, itineraries and more at visitloveland.com.
Quick reference: Sculpture in the Park 2026
- Dates: Aug. 7–9, 2026 (Patron Party: Friday, Aug. 7, 3–8 p.m.; public show: Saturday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.)
- Location: Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland, Colorado
- Admission: $10 per person (Saturday and Sunday); children 13 and under free; Patron Party tickets sold separately
- Parking: Loveland High School (small fee, proceeds benefit school programs)
- Shuttles: Free service from Orchard’s Shopping Center and King of Glory Church
- Tickets and info: sculptureinthepark.org