Close Menu

Annual Boulder Festivals & Events

Several times a year, the town's annual festivals and events bring the community together in celebration. Below are Boulder's annual festivals and events. Check out the list below to see what catches your eye.

March Events

Boulder International Film Festival
February 29-March 3, 2024
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.

BOCO Flamenco Spring Festival
March 4-7, 2024
The Dairy Arts Center hosts multiple days of music and dance featuring José Maya, Rycardo Moreno and more.

Boulder Ballet's "MINDFIELD"
March 8-10, 2024
Boulder Ballet's winter production will be a contemporary ballet featuring the collaborative voices of three distinct, powerful choreographers – Andrea Schermoly, Brandon Ragland, and Ben Needham-Wood.

Local Lab New Play Festival
March 14-17, 2024
A three-day theater festival of new works with fully-staged concert readings, workshops and the opportunity for playwrights and attendees to participate in conversations.

University of Colorado Women's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the Coors Events Center.

University of Colorado Men's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the Coors Events Center.

April Events

Boulder Arts Week
April 5-13, 2024
During this citywide celebration, Boulder's arts community presents an incredible array of cultural experiences from murals and installations, to music and dance.

Photo by Martha Wirth

AscenDance Bus Performance at Boulder Arts Week

Conference on World Affairs at the University of Colorado
April 9-12, 2024
This year the Conference on World Affairs will feature over 70 panels that explore three exciting themes, including AI, climate change and more — all free and open to the public.

Taste of Pearl
April 14, 2024
Fifteen Boulder restaurants pair up with local wineries and distilleries for a unique experience where participants stroll through downtown and sample food and drinks while perusing galleries and shopping at local boutiques.

Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
April 28, 2024 (Rain date: May 5)
Downtown Boulder's annual awakening of the tulips, where little ones dress up like fairies and elves. Approximately 15,000 tulips adorn Pearl Street's flower beds in the springtime. Participate in scavenger hunts to win prizes all month.

Bluebird Music Festival
April 20-21, 2024
Gregory Alan Isakov, Jeff Tweedy, Joy Oladokun, Langhorne Slim, Andy Shauf and more headline this festival with solo, acoustic performances inside the stunning Macky Auditorium.

Bluebird Music Festival

CU Presents "Takács Quartet"
April 28-May 6, 2024
Grammy Award-winning string quartet with an irresistible blend of virtuosic technique and engaging personality.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

May Events

Boulder Startup Week
May 13-17, 2024
Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.

Colorado MahlerFest
May 15-19, 2024
A celebration of the great composer Gustav Mahler during a week-long festival, culminating in two orchestral performances of one of Mahler’s major symphonic works.

Boulder Creek Festival
May 24-27, 2024
A locals' favorite festival featuring an artisan market, a beer festival, concerts, family activities, food and entertainment — all on the banks of Boulder Creek.

Boulder Creek Festival

BolderBoulder 10k Road Race
May 27, 2024
One of the largest and most highly acclaimed 10Ks in the world, with runners, joggers, walkers and spectators of all ages — many in costume — and a bash at the finish line in Folsom Field stadium.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.

Photo by Denise Chambers/Boulder CVB

Boulder Farmers Market

June Events

Boulder County Pride Month
June 1-30, 2024
Whether you’re looking for something the whole family can take part in or a more 21+ experience, there's something for everyone during Boulder County Pride Month. Sign up for teen art classes, adult networking events, music, trivia, dancing and more.

Boulder Plein Air Festival
June 1-8, 2024
Catch plein air painters — those who paint in the open air, painting all over town during this annual event.

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
TBA, 2024
Taking place at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area, Arts in the Park typically showcases talent from the Boulder Ballet, Boulder Symphony and Boulder Opera in a series of performances.

IRONMAN 70.3
June 8, 2024
This "half Ironman" takes place at the Boulder Reservoir with a spectacular Rocky Mountain backdrop. The event has been an athlete favorite for over a decade and is one of the fastest IRONMAN events to sell out each year.

Photo by IRONMAN Boulder

IRONMAN Boulder Biker

Upslope Get Down 
June 8, 2024
A family-friendly event that features Upslope beer, barbecue and, of course, live music.

Boulder Jewish Festival
June 9, 2024
Live entertainment, fine art and Judaica, food, community organizations and activities for all ages in downtown Boulder.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June 8-August 11, 2024
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

Bands on the Bricks
June 12-July 31, 2024
From oldies to alternative, Bands on the Bricks is Boulder's premier outdoor summer concert series taking place on the bricks of the Pearl Street Mall from 5-9pm.

1940s WWII Era Ball
June 15, 2024
Step back in time with a magical night of dancing and history at the Boulder Airport. At this 40s-era ball with the Glenn Miller Orchestra you can swing dance, take tours of WWII planes, admire classic cars, take dance lessons and more, all against a scenic backdrop with movie-set lights and props.

Boulder Comedy Festival
June 19-23, 2024
Nationally touring comics featured on Comedy Central, Netflix and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert come together with festival winners and local comedians to create a sea of hilarity outdoors at the Dairy Arts Center.

Summer Bike to Work Day
June 26, 2024
This is a holy day in Boulder! Commuters ditch their cars, get on their bikes and ride all around town to hit the free breakfast and merch stations to enjoy giveaways and the party atmosphere.

Meadow Music
TBA, 2024
A kid favorite. Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige for evenings of children’s music and nature education. Come see them perform for free on the Chautauqua Green.

Photo by Gwen Gray

Meadow Music Hike

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

July Events

Colorado Music Festival
July 5-August 4, 2024
This internationally acclaimed festival is held four nights per week for several weeks at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing an orchestra of professional classical musicians from all over the world.

Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament
July 3-7, 2024
For more than two decades, this 80-team competitive girls softball tourney has been hosted in Boulder!

Folsom Field’s 4th of July Spectacular
July 4, 2024
Celebrate this Fourth of July at Folsom Field with a spectacular show, live music and more.

Twenty Ninth Street Summer of Love Concert Series
TBA, 2024
Friday concerts take place at Twenty Ninth Street, an outdoor shopping mall that opens up its Central Plaza so concertgoers can sprawl out and soak up the incredible Flatirons views while they listen to local bands.

Twenty Ninth Street Concert Series

Boulder Fine Art Street Festival
TBA, 2024
This vibrant outdoor art festival returns to Twenty Ninth Street and features local and national artists' and crafters' handmade work in a lively open-air setting.

Boulder Environmental/Nature/Outdoors Film Festival (ENOFF)
July 11-14, 2024
The four-day ENOFF makes it fun and entertaining for guests to take in incredible films that celebrate the outdoors. You'll be immersed in film, art, music and discussions.

Tube to Work Day
July 12, 2024
Boulderites don their best business attire and hit the creek in this yearly tubing tradition. The event starts at Eben G. Fine Park, but you can catch the view of the hilarious action (e.g. spectators dangling breakfast from atop bridges for tubers to grab) anywhere along the creek near downtown.

Hanuman Festival 
TBA, 2024
A celebration of yoga and music with world-class yoga instructors, live music, inspirational experiences and community building.

Pearl Street Arts Fest
July 19-21, 2024
Tents line downtown Boulder's Pearl Street for this juried celebration of visual arts — painting, photography, jewelry and more.

Avery Invitational
TBA, 2024
Celebrate Avery Brewing Company's 30th Anniversary with over 100 specialty beers, rare barrel-aged releases and live music.

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
July 29-August 9, 2024
Experience the joy of dancing in the air, for beginners through advanced aerial dancers. Two weeks of classes, lectures/demonstrations, informal discussions and performances.

Boulder Social Streets
TBA, 2024
Grab your loved ones and meet on the streets of downtown Boulder for a series of free and fun events happening all summer long, including Rollerpalooza, Dancing in the Streets, Melanin Funk Festival and more.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June 8-August 11, 2024
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

Colorado Music Festival
July 5-August 4, 2024
This internationally acclaimed festival is held four nights per week for several weeks at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing an orchestra of professional classical musicians from all over the world.

Bands on the Bricks
June 12-July 31, 2024
From oldies to alternative, Bands on the Bricks is Boulder's premier outdoor summer concert series taking place on the bricks of the Pearl Street Mall from 5-9pm. 

Photo by Downtown Boulder Inc.

Bands on the Bricks Boulder

Meadow Music
TBA, 2024
A kid favorite. Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige for evenings of children’s music and nature education. Come see them perform for free on the Chautauqua Green.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

Chautauqua Concert Series
July-October, 2024
Beloved and well-known artists return for Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

August Events

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
July 29-August 9, 2024
Experience the joy of dancing in the air, for beginners through advanced aerial dancers. Two weeks of classes, lectures/demonstrations, informal discussions and performances.

Boulder Philharmonic and Frequent Flyers

Colorado Brazil Fest
August 10-13, 2024
Two rhythmic days of Brazilian music, dancing and more at Boulder's Bandshell.

Boulder Taco Fest
August 10, 2024
Tacos, craft beer, tequila, lucha libre wrestling and live music come together each August in Boulder.

Tyler Childers with Shakey Graves and Laid Back Country Picker at Folsom Field
August 17, 2024
Tyler Childers continues his global “Mule Pull ’24 Tour” to celebrate his acclaimed new album, Rustin’ In The Rain, which recently debuted at #10 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June 8-August 11, 2024
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Chautauqua Concert Series
TBA, 2024
Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

Twenty Ninth Street Summer of Love Concert Series
​TBA, 2024
Friday concerts take place at Twenty Ninth Street, an outdoor shopping mall that opens up its Central Plaza so concertgoers can sprawl out and soak up the incredible Flatirons views while they listen to local bands. 

Colorado Music Festival
July 5-August 4, 2024
This internationally acclaimed festival is held four nights per week for several weeks at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing an orchestra of professional classical musicians from all over the world.

Boulder Social Streets
TBA, 2024
Grab your loved ones and meet on the streets of downtown Boulder for a series of free and fun events happening all summer long, including Rollerpalooza, Dancing in the Streets, Melanin Funk Festival and more.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

September Events

Community Roots Art Festival (CRAFt)
September 7-8, 2024
Highlighting Black, Indigenous and brown self-identified artists. Head to VisionQuest Brewing for one special day of local artwork, performances, giveaways and tasty treats.

Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
TBA, 2024
Check out a stellar selection of international dance films, along with workshops, installations and performances. 

Photo by J. Akiyama

Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema

Buffalo Bicycle Classic
September 8, 2024
The Buffalo Bicycle Classic dates back to 2003, having raised over 3 million dollars in support of student scholarships at CU Boulder.

Studio Arts Chili Bowl
TBA, 2024
Chili Bowl is Studio Arts Boulder's annual fundraiser. Chefs from local restaurants compete in a chili competition. Guests can taste chili with the purchase of a bowl, plus shop for beautiful handmade pottery.

Festival del Sol
TBA, 2024
Disfrute musica en vivo, camión de comida, bebidas en el jardìn, bailes tradicionales, juegos, actividades para ni­ños, cabina de fotos, y ventas de arte local ubicadas en el auditorio de Chautauqua y jardines circundantes. 
Enjoy live music, food trucks, outdoor beer/wine garden, traditional dance, games, children’s activities, photo booth, and local art vendors at the Chautauqua Auditorium and surrounding gardens.

Mapleton Hill Porchfest
TBA, 2024
A free event where dozens of local musicians play and sing on quaint porches of the historic homes in the Mapleton Hill neighborhood.

Boulder Fall Fest
September 13-15, 2024
This three-day autumn festival features live music, great food, local microbrews, wine and margaritas, with the added excitement of children’s activities and featuring Firefly Handmade Markets.

CU Homecoming
September 19-21, 2024
Buff return to Boulder for the homecoming football game, Ralphie’s Corral tailgate and more exciting events at CU.

Boulderthon
September 22, 2024
The signature Boulder marathon with a downtown twist.

JLF Colorado
TBA, 2024
Boulder's Jaipur Literature Festival welcomes the public for a series of author talks and events for the camaraderie, the caravan of ideas, and the magical flow of conversations.

Dancer at Jaipur Literature Festival Boulder

Boulder Social Streets
TBA, 2024
Grab your loved ones and meet on the streets of downtown Boulder for a series of free and fun events happening all summer long, including Rollerpalooza, Dancing in the Streets, Melanin Funk Festival and more.

Chautauqua Concert Series
TBA, 2024
Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

CU Buffs Football Season
August 31-November 29, 2024
Watch the CU Buffaloes and Coach Prime take on their competitors on beautiful Folsom Field.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

October Events

Open Studios
October 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, 2024
Boulder artists open their homes and studios to the public for a unique and intimate arts event that spans three weekends.

Open Studios

Indigenous Peoples Day
October 14, 2024
A series of events across Boulder become part of a national effort to recognize and honor the existence, culture and contributions of the original inhabitants of North America.

BOCO Flamenco Fall Festival
TBA, 2024
The Dairy Arts Center hosts two days of flamenco music and dancing.

CU Family Weekend
October 24-27, 2024
CU welcomes families of students for a football game, 5K run/walk, educational sessions and more family fun.

Photo by University of Colorado

Families at CU Boulder

Q BBQ Fest
TBA, 2024
Grab an ice-cold brew and sample pure smoked bliss from award-winning pitmasters at Folsom Field.

World Singing Day Boulder
TBA, 2024
A free community sing-along where people of all ages, backgrounds, and singing abilities are invited. No rehearsals or preparation needed. Just show up!

Munchkin Masquerade
October 31, 2024
Each Halloween, Downtown Boulder is invaded by tiny ghosts and goblins, dinosaurs and dragons, fairies and princes, superheroes and animals of every size for trick-or-treating along Pearl Street.

Munchkin Masquerade

Chautauqua Concert Series
TBA, 2024
Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

CU Buffs Football Season
August 31-November 29, 2024
Watch the CU Buffaloes and Coach Prime take on their competitors on beautiful Folsom Field.

November Events

Boulder Jewish Film Festival
TBA, 2024
This intimate film festival explores the human experience through film and provides audiences with insight into the Jewish experience.

Warren Miller Film Premiere
TBA, 2024
Each year, Warren Miller kicks off winter with a new, groundbreaking ski film in Boulder. 

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
November 9-10, 2024
Artisans fill the blocks of Pearl Street to shop the best of local, handmade craft, art and design in a festive setting.

FireFly Holiday Market

Switch on the Holidays
November 24, 2024
Come see the lighting of downtown in holiday lights and an appearance by Santa Claus, too.

St. Nick on the Bricks
Friday, November 29, and Saturdays, November 20-December 21, 2024
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
TBA, 2024
Hundreds of thousands of colorful LED lights illuminate Boulder’s Civic Area, next to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, and throughout downtown Boulder, including all along historic Pearl Street

Photo by Downtown Boulder

Snow Much Fun

Small Business Saturday
November 23, 2024
Shop great deals at small businesses throughout Boulder.

University of Colorado Men's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the Coors Events Center.

University of Colorado Women's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the Coors Events Center.

CU Buffs Football Season
August 31-November 29, 2024
Watch the CU Buffaloes and Coach Prime take on their competitors on beautiful Folsom Field.

Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado

Folsom Field CU Cheer Team

December Events

ColderBOLDER 5K
TBA, 2024
“Polar opposite” sister race to the BOLDERBoulder, this popular 5K race finishes in the University’s field house where festivities and the holiday spirit fill the air.

Lights of December Parade
December 7, 2024
Marching bands, floats, fire engines, holiday carolers and more. The grand finale includes an appearance by Santa Claus himself.

Visit Boulder's VW, Delilah, covered in lights at the December Parade

CU Presents Holiday Festival
TBA, 2024
​The decades-old celebration brings together student choirs, bands and orchestras — along with world-class faculty performers — for a concert of holiday favorites and new surprises.

WinterFest at Colorado Chautauqua
TBA, 2024
​Each year, at the foot of the Flatirons, the Colorado Chautauqua hosts a classic winter celebration. Enjoy carriage rides, Santa's cottage, historic cottage tours, a family holiday concert with Jeff and Paige, a guided caroling hike and much more.

Freezie Fest
December 14, 2024
​Hunt for little stuffed snowmen hidden inside participating shops and you could win big prizes! Plus, enjoy visits with Santa, train rides on the Snowflake Express and loads of holiday crafts and activities along the Pearl Street Mall.

Photo by Downtown Boulder

Freezie Fest snowman

Chanukah on Pearl Street
TBA, 2024
​Music, fresh soufganiot (jelly donuts), hot latkes, hot cocoa, tossed gelt to take home and the lighting of the giant menorah.

St. Nick on the Bricks
Friday, November 29 and Saturdays, November 20-December 21, 2024
​Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
TBA, 2024
​Hundreds of thousands of colorful LED lights illuminate Boulder’s Civic Area, next to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, and throughout downtown Boulder, including all along historic Pearl Street.

Photo by Downtown Boulder Partnership

Downtown Boulder Holiday Lights

University of Colorado Men's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the Coors Events Center.

University of Colorado Women's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the Coors Events Center.

CU Women's Basketball at Coors Center

January Events

New Year’s Eve Parties
TBA, 2025
Ring in the New Year at fetes and bashes all across Boulder. New Year's Eve in Boulder.

Versatility Dance Festival
TBA, 2025
Versatility Dance Festival presents the best in emerging and established dance companies and dance filmmakers from around the country and beyond.

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
TBA, 2024-2025
Hundreds of thousands of colorful LED lights illuminate Boulder’s Civic Area, next to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, and throughout downtown Boulder, including all along historic Pearl Street.

Photo by Justin Bilancieri

Snow Much Fun Downtown Boulder Light Displays

University of Colorado Men's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the Coors Events Center.

University of Colorado Women's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the Coors Events Center.

 

February Events

Winter Bike to Work Day
TBA, 2025
This is a holy day in Boulder! Even in winter, folks ditch their cars, get on their bikes and ride all around town to hit the free breakfast and merch stations to enjoy giveaways and the party atmosphere.

Black Movement Festival
TBA, 2025
Black Movement Festival, presented by Jarrett Rashad Dance Theater in collaboration with the Dairy Art Center and Boulder Ballet, is a celebration of Black History Month. Experience performances by Black artists and speakers, and take classes in visual arts, dance, film, holistic lifestyle, history and more.

Winter Craft Beer Festival
TBA, 2025
A great beer-tasting event at Balch Fieldhouse at Folsom Field, right when you need it: mid-winter!

Folsom Field

Boulder International Film Festival
TBA, 2025
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.

University of Colorado Men's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the CU Events Center.

University of Colorado Women's Basketball
Through March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the CU Events Center.

Browse All Events

Search and filter our entire events calendar

View All