Boulder sure knows how to put on a party! 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 — from world-famous favorites like the BolderBoulder in May to local picks like the Flatirons Food Film Festival in the fall. Check out the list below to see what catches your eye.
Polar Plunge
January 1, 2020 – Canceled in 2020 due to construction
Take the plunge in the icy waters of the Boulder Reservoir on the first of the year.
Snow Much Fun
Nov. 24, 2019-Jan. 26, 2020
275,000 lights illuminate Boulder’s Central Park right next to the Boulder Creek, BMoCA and the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
Versatility Dance Festival
January 10-11, 2020
Dance, film, choreography and inspiration come together in this festival put on by T2 Dance Project.
University of Colorado Men's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the Coors Events Center.
University of Colorado Women's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the Coors Events Center.
Boulder Philharmonic
October-April
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.
Boulder Bach Festival
October-May
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
Winter Craft Beer Festival
February 29, 2020
A great beer-tasting event at Balch Fieldhouse at Folsom Field, right when you need it: mid-winter!
University of Colorado Men's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the CU Events Center.
University of Colorado Women's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the CU Events Center.
Boulder Philharmonic
October-April
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.
Boulder Bach Festival
October-May
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
Boulder International Film Festival
March 5-8, 2020
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.
Local Lab New Play Festival
March 13-15, 2020
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.
Boulder Jewish Film Festival
March 4-15, 2020
This intimate film festival explores the human experience through film and provides audiences with insight into the Jewish experience.
Boulder Arts Week
March 27-April 4, 2020
A citywide celebration of arts with art walks, First Friday, exhibitions, performances, dance, music, theatre, workshops and symposia at the Dairy Arts Center and all across town.
University of Colorado Women's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the Coors Events Center.
University of Colorado Men's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the Coors Events Center.
Boulder Philharmonic
October-April
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a seasons of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.
Boulder Bach Festival
October-May
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
Chautauqua Author Series
March-May
Stimulating discussions from engaging authors at a National Historic Landmark.
Boulder Arts Week
March 27-April 4, 2020
A citywide celebration of arts with art walks, First Friday, exhibitions, performances, dance, music, theatre, workshops and symposia at the Dairy Arts Center and all across town.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
Rated the No. 1 farmers' market in the country by readers of USA Today. Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
April 26, 2020 (Rain date: May 3, 2020)
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.
Conference on World Affairs at the University of Colorado
April 6–10, 2020
One hundred experts on a huge variety of topics are brought in from around the world to participate in 200 panels, discussions, plenaries, concerts and events — all free and open to the public.
Taste of Pearl
April 19, 2020
Explore Boulder’s culinary arts scene and celebrate Colorado’s distinctive wines while strolling Downtown Boulder’s vibrant galleries and shops.
Boulder Philharmonic
October-April
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a seasons of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.
Boulder Bach Festival
October-May
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
Chautauqua Author Series
March-May
Stimulating discussions from engaging authors at a National Historic Landmark.
Colorado MahlerFest
May 9-17, 2020
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 Startup Week
May 11-15, 2020
Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.
MediaLive
April-May TBD, 2020
This annual festival at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) brings together art, digital culture, and technology with a series of performances, workshops and events.
Upslope Get Down
May TBD, 2020
A free music festival with Upslope beer, food trucks, games, art and more, held at the Upslope Flatiron Park brewery.
Boulder Creek Festival
May 23-25, 2020
Three days of festivities featuring vendor booths, family activities, food and entertainment — all on the banks of Boulder Creek.
BolderBoulder 10k Road Race
May 25, 2020
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 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
Rated the No. 1 farmers' market in the country by readers of USA Today. Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
Boulder Bach Festival
October-May
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
Chautauqua Author Series
March-May
Stimulating discussions from engaging authors at a National Historic Landmark.
Boulder Ballet's Ballet in the Park
June TBD, 2020
Boulder Ballet's dancers put on a family-friendly show and little ones are invited on stage for a lesson in Central Park's bandshell.
Boulder Jewish Festival
June TBD, 2020
Live entertainment, fine art and Judaica, ethnic food, community organizations and activities for all ages in downtown Boulder.
Avery Invitational
June TBD, 2020
A celebration of great beer for the sake of great beer at Avery Brewing Company. Selections are hand-picked from wish-lists submitted by the entire Avery team.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June-August TBD, 2020
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and in the newly renovated indoor University Theatre.
Hanuman Festival
June 11-14, 2020
A celebration of yoga and music with world-class yoga instructors, live music, inspirational experiences and community building.
Boulder International Festival
June TBD, 2020
This dance-focused festival happens on Pearl Street, with an international marketplace brimming with arts and crafts, music and dance performances from around the world, and lots of opportunities to get up and move.
Bands on the Bricks
Wednesdays, June-August TBD, 2020
A fun, outdoor summer concert series taking place in the heart of Downtown Boulder on the brick-paved Pearl Street Mall. Beer garden opens at 5:30. Musical acts run 6-9pm.
Meadow Music
Select Mondays, June-August 2020
A kid favorite. Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige for evenings of children’s music and nature education. The evening consists of a short hike, followed by 45 minutes of nature music at the foot of the Flatirons.
Concerts in the Park
June-July dates TBD, 2020
The Boulder Concert Band performs for audiences in a different Boulder park each week.
Colorado Music Festival
June-August 2020
A six-week summer concert season at Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
Rated the No. 1 farmers' market in the country by readers of USA Today. Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
Twenty Ninth Street LOVE the Tunes Concert Series
Fridays and Saturdays, May-August, 2020
Free summer concerts every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm in the Central Plaza.
Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament
July TBD, 2020
For more than two decades, this 80-team competitive girls softball tourney has been hosted in Boulder!
Ralphie's Independence Day Blast Fireworks Display
July 4, 2020
Fireworks, live music and fun in CU's Folsom Field stadium. See all 4th of July Boulder happenings >
Dead and Company
July TBD, 2020
Dead and Company (comprised of members of the Grateful Dead plus John Mayer) comes to the University of Colorado's Folsom Field for two nights.
Boulder Environmental/Nature/Outdoors Film Festival (ENOFF)
July TBD, 2020
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, with special events and parties, too.
Pearl Street Arts Fest
July TBD, 2020
Tents line downtown Boulder's Pearl Street for this juried celebration of visual arts — painting, photography, jewelry and more.
Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
July-August TBD, 2020
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 Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
Rated the No. 1 farmers' market in the country by readers of USA Today. Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June-August TBD, 2020
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and in the newly renovated indoor University Theatre.
Bands on the Bricks
Wednesdays, June-August TBD, 2020
A fun, outdoor summer concert series taking place in the heart of Downtown Boulder on the brick-paved Pearl Street Mall. Beer garden opens at 5:30. Musical acts run 6-9pm.
Meadow Music
Select Mondays, June-August 2020
A kid favorite. Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige for evenings of children’s music and nature education. The evening consists of a short hike, followed by 45 minutes of nature music at the foot of the Flatirons.
Concerts in the Park
July TBD, 2020
The Boulder Concert Band performs for audiences in a different Boulder park each week.
Colorado Music Festival
June-August 2020
A six-week summer concert season at Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.
Twenty Ninth Street LOVE the Tunes Concert Series
Fridays and Saturdays, May-August, 2020
Free summer concerts every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm in the Central Plaza.
IRONMAN 70.3
August 1, 2020
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.
Colorado Latino Festival
August TBD, 2020
A family-oriented event with special attractions, musical acts, cultural offerings and some of the most delicious Latin American cuisine found in Colorado.
Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
Late July-early August, 2020
Experience the joy of dancing in the air, for beginners through advanced aerial dancers. Two weeks of classes, lectures/demonstrations, informal discussions and performances.
Colorado Brazil Fest
August TBD, 2020
Three rhythmic days of Brazilian dancing, capoeira, music, food and more on downtown's Pearl Street Mall.
Boulder International Fringe Festival
August TBD, 2020
Celebrating art outside the box, with a series of thought-provoking performances and events.
Boulder Craft Beer Festival
August TBD, 2020
Taste beers from over 25 Boulder County breweries, plus enjoy food trucks, live music and yard games.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
Rated the No. 1 farmers' market in the country by readers of USA Today. Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June-August TBD, 2020
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and in the newly renovated indoor University Theatre.
Bands on the Bricks
Wednesdays, June-August TBD, 2020
A fun, outdoor summer concert series taking place in the heart of Downtown Boulder on the brick-paved Pearl Street Mall. Beer garden opens at 5:30. Musical acts run 6-9pm.
Meadow Music
Select Mondays, June-August 2020
A kid favorite. Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige for evenings of children’s music and nature education. The evening consists of a short hike, followed by 45 minutes of nature music at the foot of the Flatirons.
Twenty Ninth Street LOVE the Tunes Concert Series
Fridays and Saturdays, May-August, 2020
Free summer concerts every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm in the Central Plaza.
Colorado Music Festival
June-August 2020
A six-week summer concert season at Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.
Boulder Creek Hometown Festival
September 5-7, 2020
Entertainment, chili cook-off, classic car show, food and drink along the banks of Boulder Creek.
Buffalo Bicycle Classic
September 13, 2020
The Buffalo Bicycle Classic dates back to 2003, having raised over 3 million dollars in support of student scholarships at CU Boulder.
Downtown Boulder's Fall Fest
September TBD, 2020
A three-day autumn festival featuring food, brews and music with the added excitement of a Children’s Carnival.
Zee Jaipur Literature Festival
September TBD, 2020
Visitors can attend talks, readings, musical performances and writing workshops as part of this free, three-day festival.
CU Buffs Football Season
September-December
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
Rated the No. 1 farmers' market in the country by readers of USA Today. Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
Open Studios
October TBD, 2020
Boulder artists open their homes and studios to the public for a unique and intimate arts event that spans three weekends.
Flatirons Food Film Festival
October TBD, 2020
Take in this extended weekend extravaganza of food-related films, expert speakers and fun culinary events for those interested in eating, food culture or food issues.
Boulder Valley Indigenous Peoples Day
October TBD, 2020
Learn about Indigenous culture through traditional dress and crafting techniques and observe and participate in traditional dance and song, a marketplace, parade and art exhibit.
Sing Along Boulder
October TBD, 2020
Come celebrate World Singing Day in downtown Boulder with the feel-good event of the year: the great Sing Along Boulder. Experience the power and connection of belting out pop songs en masse in a beautiful setting on historic Pearl Street.
Munchkin Masquerade
October 31, 2020
Each Halloween, Downtown Boulder is invaded by tiny ghosts and goblins, dinosaurs and dragons, fairies and princes, superheroes and animals of every size trick-or-treating along Pearl Street.
Burgundy Wine Festival
October TBD, 2020
During a three-day extravaganza, guests will taste some of the rarest wines of Burgundy at some of Boulder's most highly acclaimed restaurants.
Boulder Philharmonic
October-April
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.
Boulder Bach Festival
October-May
A concentrated series of Bach-focused and -inspired concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
Rated the No. 1 farmers' market in the country by readers of USA Today. Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
CU Buffs Football Season
September-December
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.
Trance Blues Festival
November TBD, 2020
Join international blues artist Otis Taylor in his hometown for one-of-a-kind jams, workshops and performances that help you "live your musical dreams."
Burgundy Wine Festival
October TBD-November TBD, 2020
During a three-day extravaganza, guests will taste some of the rarest wines of Burgundy at some of Boulder's most highly acclaimed restaurants.
First Bite: Boulder's Restaurant Week
November TBD, 2020
For one full week, more than 40 of Boulder’s top restaurants offer a special three-course, prix-fixe menu.
Switch on the Holidays
November TBD, 2020
Santa counts down to the grand illumination of the Boulder County Courthouse and the Pearl Street Mall. Featuring a holiday concert.
St. Nick on the Bricks
Nov. 29, 2019, and Saturdays Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2019
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.
Snow Much Fun
Nov. 24, 2019-Jan. 26, 2020
275,000 lights illuminate Boulder’s Central Park right next to the Boulder Creek, BMoCA and the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
"Nutcracker" by Boulder Ballet and Boulder Philharmonic
November TBD–December TBD, 2020
A seasonal favorite of classic ballet, accompanied by the Boulder Philharmonic.
University of Colorado Men's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the Coors Events Center.
University of Colorado Women's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the Coors Events Center.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
Rated the No. 1 farmers' market in the country by readers of USA Today. Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
CU Buffs Football Season
September-December
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.
Boulder Philharmonic
October-April
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.
Boulder Bach Festival
October-May
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
"Nutcracker" by Boulder Ballet and Boulder Philharmonic
November TBD-December TBD, 2020
A seasonal favorite of classic ballet, accompanied by the Boulder Philharmonic.
Lights of December Parade
December TBD, 2020
Crowds enjoy marching bands, floats, fire engines, holiday carolers and more. The grand finale includes an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Chanukah on Pearl Street
December TBD, 2020
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
TBD, 2020
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.
Freezie Fest
Dec. TBD, 2020
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.
Snow Much Fun
Nov. 24, 2019-Jan. 26, 2020
275,000 lights illuminate Boulder’s Central Park right next to the Boulder Creek, BMoCA and the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
University of Colorado Men's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on the men's basketball team at the Coors Events Center.
University of Colorado Women's Basketball
November-March
Cheer on CU's women on the court at the Coors Events Center.
Boulder Philharmonic
October-April
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.
Boulder Bach Festival
October-May
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
