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, and know that safety measures, such as social distancing and limited capacities will be employed to keep attendees safe.

January

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
November 21, 2021-January 9, 2022
Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate Boulder's Civic Area and downtown Boulder. Visit creative, themed displays. This year, also enjoy warm refreshments, seasonal caroling, free train rides around the park, and self-guided tours each Friday, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, 2021, 5-7pm in the Civic Plaza next to the Boulder Dushane Teahouse.

Flatirons Food Film Festival
TBD 2022
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.

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.

Boulder Philharmonic
Jan. 22-May 28, 2022
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues. This year, it will be largely virtual.

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.

February

Winter Craft Beer Festival
February TBD, 2022
A great beer-tasting event at Balch Fieldhouse at Folsom Field, right when you need it: mid-winter! 

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.

Boulder Philharmonic
Jan. 22-May 28, 2022
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues. This year, it will be largely virtual.

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.

March

Boulder International Film Festival
March 3-6, 2022
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.

Boulder Jewish Film Festival
March TBD, 2022
This intimate film festival explores the human experience through film and provides audiences with insight into the Jewish experience.

Boulder Arts Week
March 25-April 2, 2022
This annual citywide celebration of arts is on! Check out an innovative, pandemic-friendly lineup from a dance/climb fusion performance outside on the side of a bus to in-person, socially distanced workshops on figure-drawing and training to be a fine arts model to self-guided mural walks.

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.

Boulder Philharmonic
Jan. 22-May 28, 2022
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues. This year, it will be largely virtual.

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

April

Boulder Arts Week
March 25-April 2, 2022
This annual citywide celebration of arts is on! Check out an innovative, pandemic-friendly lineup from a dance/climb fusion performance outside on the side of a bus to in-person, socially distanced workshops on figure-drawing and training to be a fine arts model to self-guided mural walks.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 2-Nov. 19, 2022 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 4-Oct. 5, 2022 (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 TBD, 2022
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.

Conference on World Affairs at the University of Colorado
April 6-9, 2022
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. 

Local Lab New Play Festival
April 22-24, 2022
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.

Bluebird Music Festival
April 23-24, 2022
A must-see music fest featuring acts like Margo Price, Colin Meloy of The Decemberists, Waxahatchee, and many more at the historic Macky Auditorium.

Taste of Pearl
Canceled for 2022
Explore Boulder’s culinary arts scene and celebrate Colorado’s distinctive wines while strolling Downtown Boulder’s vibrant galleries and shops.

Boulder Philharmonic
Jan. 22-May 28, 2022
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues. This year, it will be largely virtual.

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.

May

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
Dates TBD, 2022
Music, dance, theater, opera, hippy bluegrass church (no joke!) and more are all happening as part of Arts in the Park at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area.

Boulder Startup Week
May TBD, 2022
Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.

BolderBoulder 10k Road Race
May 30, 2022
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 2-Nov. 19, 2022 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 4-Oct. 5, 2022 (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 Philharmonic
Jan. 22-May 28, 2022
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues. This year, it will be largely virtual.

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.

June

Boulder Comedy Festival
June TBD, 2022
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.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June TBD, 2022
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

Hanuman Festival 
June 16-19, 2022
A celebration of yoga and music with world-class yoga instructors, live music, inspirational experiences and community building.

Boulder International Festival
June TBD, 2022
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.

Colorado Brazil Fest
June TBD, 2022
Two rhythmic days of Brazilian music, dancing and more at Boulder's Bandshell.

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
Dates TBD, 2022
Music, dance, theater, opera, hippy bluegrass church (no joke!) and more are all happening as part of Arts in the Park at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area.

Meadow Music
May-June TBD, 2022
A kid favorite. Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige for evenings of children’s music and nature education. This year, they are happening at the Boulder Bandshell.

Boulder Jewish Festival
June TBD, 2022
Live entertainment, fine art and Judaica, ethnic food, community organizations and activities for all ages in downtown Boulder.

Avery Invitational
June TBD, 2022
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.

Concerts in the Park
TBD 2022
The Boulder Concert Band performs for audiences in a different Boulder park each week.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 2-Nov. 19, 2022 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 4-Oct. 5, 2022 (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
TBD 2022
Free summer concerts every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm in the Central Plaza. 

July

Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament
July TBD, 2022
For more than two decades, this 80-team competitive girls softball tourney has been hosted in Boulder!

Boulder Creek Festival
TBD 2022
Three days of festivities featuring makers, artists and small businesses; family activities; music; food and entertainment — all on the banks of Boulder Creek.

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
Dates TBD, 2022
Music, dance, theater, opera, hippy bluegrass church (no joke!) and more are all happening as part of Arts in the Park at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area.

Chautauqua Concert Series
July-October 2021
Indigo Girls, Keb' Mo', The Jayhawks and more return this year for Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June-August TBD, 2022
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

Colorado Music Festival
July-August TBD, 2022
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 Environmental/Nature/Outdoors Film Festival (ENOFF)
July 14-17, 2022
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.

Ralphie's Independence Day Blast Fireworks Display
July 4, 2022
Fireworks, live music and fun in CU's Folsom Field stadium. See all 4th of July Boulder happenings >

Dead and Company
TBA for 2022
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.

Pearl Street Arts Fest
July 15-17, 2022
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 TBD, 2022
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 2-Nov. 19, 2022 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 4-Oct. 5, 2022 (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. 

Bands on the Bricks
Wednesdays, July-August TBD, 2022
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. 

Meadow Music
May-August TBD, 2022
A kid favorite. Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige for evenings of children’s music and nature education. This year, they are happening at the Boulder Bandshell.

Concerts in the Park
Dates TBD, 2022
The Boulder Concert Band performs for audiences in a different Boulder park each week.

Twenty Ninth Street LOVE the Tunes Concert Series
Dates TBD, 2022
Free summer concerts every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm in the Central Plaza. 

August

IRONMAN 70.3
Dates TBD, 2022
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.

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
July-August TBD, 2022
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 International Fringe Festival
August TBD, 2022
Celebrating art outside the box, with a series of thought-provoking performances and events.

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
Dates TBD, 2022
Music, dance, theater, opera, hippy bluegrass church (no joke!) and more are all happening as part of Arts in the Park at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area.

Colorado MahlerFest
August TBD, 2022
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 Craft Beer Festival
Postponed until 2022
Taste beers from over 25 Boulder County breweries, plus enjoy food trucks, live music and yard games. 

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 2-Nov. 19, 2022 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 4-Oct. 5, 2022 (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, 2022
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

Chautauqua Concert Series
July-October 2022
Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

Bands on the Bricks
Dates TBD, 2022
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.

Meadow Music
Dates TBD, 2022
A kid favorite. Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige for evenings of children’s music and nature education. This year, they are happening at the Boulder Bandshell.

Twenty Ninth Street LOVE the Tunes Concert Series
Dates TBD, 2022
Free summer concerts every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm in the Central Plaza. 

Colorado Music Festival
July-Aug. TBD, 2022
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.

September

Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
September TBD, 2022
Check out a stellar selection of international dance films, along with workshops, installations and performances. 

Boulder Creek Hometown Festival
September TBD, 2022
Entertainment, chili cook-off, classic car show, food and drink along the banks of Boulder Creek.

Street Wise Boulder Mural Festival
September TBD, 2022
Large-scale murals by 39 artists are being created all over town in the span of just a few days in Boulder. 

Buffalo Bicycle Classic
September TBD, 2022
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, 2022
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.

Mapleton Hill Porchfest
September TBD, 2022
A free event where dozens of local musicians play and sing on quaint porches of the historic homes in the Mapleton Hill neighborhood.

Studio Arts Chili Bowl
September TBD, 2022
Chili Bowl is Studio Arts Boulder's annual fundraiser. Chefs from local restaurants compete in a chili competition. Guests can taste chili with the puchase of a bowl, plus shop for beautiful handmade pottery.

Chautauqua Concert Series
July-October 2022
Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
Dates TBD, 2022
Music, dance, theater, opera, hippy bluegrass church (no joke!) and more are all happening as part of Arts in the Park at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area.

CU Buffs Football Season
September TBD-November TBD, 2022
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 2-Nov. 19, 2022 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 4-Oct. 5, 2022 (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. 

October

Open Studios
October 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16, 2022
Boulder artists open their homes and studios to the public for a unique and intimate arts event that spans three weekends.

First Bite: Boulder's Restaurant Week
October TBA, 2022
Chef-curated prix-fixe meals at some of Boulder's best restaurants, plus preview Tours with Local Table Tours and a dessert competition.

Indigenous Peoples Day
October 10, 2022
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. 

CU Family Weekend
October TBA, 2022
CU welcomes families of students for a football game, 5K run/walk, educational sessions and more family fun.

World Singing Day Boulder
October TBA, 2022
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, 2022
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.

Chautauqua Concert Series
July-October 2022
Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

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 2-Nov. 19, 2022 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 4-Oct. 5, 2022 (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 TBD-November TBD, 2022
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.

November

CU Homecoming
November TBD, 2022​
In-person events will include the annual Alumni Awards ceremony, Spirit Days on the Quad, Buffs on Tap, the 50-Year Reunion for the class of 1971 and the Ralphie’s Corral tailgate.

Warren Miller Film Premiere
November TBD, 2022
Each year, Warren Miller kicks off winter with a new, groundbreaking ski film in Boulder. 

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
November 21, 2021-January 9, 2022
Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate Boulder's Civic Area and downtown Boulder. Visit creative, themed displays. This year, also enjoy warm refreshments, seasonal caroling, free train rides around the park, and self-guided tours each Friday, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, 2021, 5-7pm in the Civic Plaza next to the Boulder Dushane Teahouse.

Trance Blues Festival
TBD 2022
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."

Switch on the Holidays
November TBD, 2022
Come see the lighting of downtown in holiday lights and an appearance by Santa Claus, too.

St. Nick on the Bricks
Friday, November 26 and Saturdays, November 27-December 18, 2021
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.

Small Business Saturday
November 26, 2022
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.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 2-Nov. 19, 2022 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 4-Oct. 5, 2022 (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 TBD-November TBD, 2022
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.

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.

December

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
November 21, 2021-January 9, 2022
Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate Boulder's Civic Area and downtown Boulder. Visit creative, themed displays. This year, also enjoy warm refreshments, seasonal caroling, free train rides around the park, and self-guided tours each Friday, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, 2021, 5-7pm in the Civic Plaza next to the Boulder Dushane Teahouse.

CU Presents Holiday Festival
December TBD, 2022
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.

Lights of December Parade
December TBD, 2022
Marching bands, floats, fire engines, holiday carolers and more. The grand finale includes an appearance by Santa Claus himself.

WinterFest at Colorado Chautauqua
December TBD, 2022
Each year, at the foot of the Flatirons, the Colorado Chautauqua hosts a classic winter celebration. In 2021, it includes a festival of lights, a kids concert, breakfast with Santa, Santa's Cottage, horse-drawn carriage rides, historic tours, public art, a Winterfest market, a scavenger hunt and a photo station.

Freezie Fest
December TBD, 2022
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. 

Chanukah on Pearl Street
December TBD, 2022
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
Dates TBD 2022
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.

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.

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.