Convention & Visitors Bureau
2440 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303.442.2911
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See Your TripBoulder 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 to local picks like the Flatirons Food Film Festival. Check out the list below to see what catches your eye.
Please Confirm Events and Happenings
Please check official event websites or call to verify schedules before making plans to attend an event. Conditions can change due to COVID-19 safety measures. Listings on this site may not reflect the most recent updates.
Snow Much Fun Light Displays
November 22, 2020-January 10, 2021
Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate Boulder's Civic Area and downtown Boulder. Visit creative, themed displays, with a map to guide you. Free!
Polar Plunge
Cancelled for 2021
Take the plunge in the icy waters of the Boulder Reservoir on the first of the year.
Flatirons Food Film Festival
January 28-February 5, 2021 – Online
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.
Art in the Park at Chautauqua
December 11, 2020-May 1, 2021
See 15 bear cub sculptures, each decorated by a different artist and adorned in lights, throughout the Colorado Chautauqua Historic District. 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 Philharmonic
October-April - Online
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 TBD, 2021
A great beer-tasting event at Balch Fieldhouse at Folsom Field, right when you need it: mid-winter!
Art in the Park at Chautauqua
December 11, 2020-May 1, 2021
See 15 bear cub sculptures, each decorated by a different artist and adorned in lights, throughout the Colorado Chautauqua Historic District. Free!
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
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.
Local Lab New Play Festival
March TBD, 2021
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 TBD, 2021
This intimate film festival explores the human experience through film and provides audiences with insight into the Jewish experience.
Boulder Arts Week
Late March-early April, 2021
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.
Art in the Park at Chautauqua
December 11, 2020-May 1, 2021
See 15 bear cub sculptures, each decorated by a different artist and adorned in lights, throughout the Colorado Chautauqua Historic District. Free!
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
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
Late March-Early April 2021
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.
Art in the Park at Chautauqua
December 11, 2020-May 1, 2021
See 15 bear cub sculptures, each decorated by a different artist and adorned in lights, throughout the Colorado Chautauqua Historic District. Free!
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 3-Nov. 20, 2021 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 5-Oct. 6, 2021 (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, 2021
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 TBD, 2021
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 TBD, 2021
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 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.
Chautauqua Author Series
March-May
Stimulating discussions from engaging authors at a National Historic Landmark.
Colorado MahlerFest
May TBD, 2021
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 TBD, 2021
Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.
MediaLive
May TBD, 2021
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, 2021
A free music festival with Upslope beer, food trucks, games, art and more, held at the Upslope Flatiron Park brewery.
Boulder Creek Festival
May 29-31, 2021
Three days of festivities featuring vendor booths, family activities, food and entertainment — all on the banks of Boulder Creek.
BolderBoulder 10k Road Race
May 31, 2021
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 3-Nov. 20, 2021 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 5-Oct. 6, 2021 (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
May TBD, 2021
Stimulating discussions from engaging authors at a National Historic Landmark.
Boulder Ballet's Ballet in the Park
May TBD, 2021
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 International Film Festival
June 24-27, 2021
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.
Boulder Jewish Festival
June TBD, 2021
Live entertainment, fine art and Judaica, ethnic food, community organizations and activities for all ages in downtown Boulder.
Avery Invitational
June TBD, 2021
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 TBD, 2021
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 TBD, 2021
A celebration of yoga and music with world-class yoga instructors, live music, inspirational experiences and community building.
Boulder International Festival
June TBD, 2021
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, 2021
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
TBD 2021
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
TBD 2021
The Boulder Concert Band performs for audiences in a different Boulder park each week.
Colorado Music Festival
June-August TBD, 2021
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 3-Nov. 20, 2021 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 5-Oct. 6, 2021 (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, June-September TBD 2021
Free summer concerts every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm in the Central Plaza.
Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament
July TBA, 2021
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, 2021
Fireworks, live music and fun in CU's Folsom Field stadium. See all 4th of July Boulder happenings >
Dead and Company
July TBA, 2021
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 TBA, 2021
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 TBA, 2021
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 TBA, 2021
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 3-Nov. 20, 2021 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 5-Oct. 6, 2021 (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
Dates TBD, 2021
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and in the newly renovated indoor University Theatre.
Bands Above the Bricks
Dates TBD, 2021
Join virtually every Wednesday evening starting July 15th for a live-streamed concert of your favorite local artists from the rooftops of downtown Boulder, 7-8pm.
Meadow Music
Dates TBD, 2021
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
Dates TBD, 2021
The Boulder Concert Band performs for audiences in a different Boulder park each week.
Colorado Music Festival
Dates TBD, 2021
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
Dates TBD, 2021
Free summer concerts every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm in the Central Plaza.
IRONMAN 70.3
August 7, 2021
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
August TBD, 2021
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, 2021
Three rhythmic days of Brazilian dancing, capoeira, music, food and more on downtown's Pearl Street Mall.
Boulder International Fringe Festival
August TBD, 2021
Celebrating art outside the box, with a series of thought-provoking performances and events.
Boulder Craft Beer Festival
August TBD, 2021
Taste beers from over 25 Boulder County breweries, plus enjoy food trucks, live music and yard games.
Colorado Classic
August TBD, 2021
Support 100 of the top female cyclists from around the world as they race through Colorado's iconic mountain and urban terrains. Stage 3, on Aug. 29, 2020, happens in Boulder. Watch on TV or online.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 3-Nov. 20, 2021 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 5-Oct. 6, 2021 (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
August TBD, 2021
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and in the newly renovated indoor University Theatre.
Bands Above the Bricks
Dates TBD, 2021
Join virtually every Wednesday evening starting July 15th for a live-streamed concert of your favorite local artists from the rooftops of downtown Boulder, 7-8pm.
Meadow Music
Dates TBD, 2021
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
Dates TBD, 2021
Free summer concerts every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm in the Central Plaza.
Colorado Music Festival
Dates TBD, 2021
A six-week summer concert season at Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.
Street Wise Boulder Mural Festival
September TBA, 2021
Large-scale murals by 39 artists are being created all over town in the span of just a few days in Boulder.
Boulder Creek Hometown Festival
September TBA, 2021
Entertainment, chili cook-off, classic car show, food and drink along the banks of Boulder Creek.
Buffalo Bicycle Classic
September TBA, 2021
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 TBA, 2021
A three-day autumn festival featuring food, brews and music with the added excitement of a Children’s Carnival.
Studio Arts Chili Bowl
September TBA, 2021
Chili Bowl is Studio Arts Boulder's annual fundraiser. Guests can shop for beautiful pottery, handmade by students, staff, and friends of Studio Arts Boulder. In 2020, purchase a chili bowl and enjoy a complimentary take-home tasting of chili.
CU Buffs Football Season
September TBA, 2021
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 3-Nov. 20, 2021 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 5-Oct. 6, 2021 (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 TBA, 2021
Boulder artists open their homes and studios to the public for a unique and intimate arts event that spans three weekends.
CU Family Weekend
October TBA, 2021
This fall, Homecoming and Family Weekends will be combined to offer alumni, students, parents and friends more opportunities to celebrate their Buffs pride together. Homecoming and Family Weekends Wherever You Roam will feature a virtual 5K, an online presentation of our annual alumni awards, a virtual trivia night and much more.
CU Homecoming
October TBA, 2021
This fall, Homecoming and Family Weekends will be combined to offer alumni, students, parents and friends more opportunities to celebrate their Buffs pride together. Homecoming and Family Weekends Wherever You Roam will feature a virtual 5K, an online presentation of our annual alumni awards, a virtual trivia night and much more.
Boulder Valley Indigenous Peoples Day
October TBA, 2021
Learn about Indigenous culture through artist talks, films, discussions, panels and more.
Downtown's Spooky Munchkin Bingo
October 31, 2021
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.
Boulder Philharmonic
October-April - Virtual
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 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 (4-7:30pm)
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
October 2021 TBA
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.
Snow Much Fun Light Displays
November 22, 2020-January 10, 2021
Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate Boulder's Civic Area and downtown Boulder. Visit creative, themed displays, with a map to guide you.
Trance Blues Festival
November TBD, 2021
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."
St. Nick on the Bricks
November TBD, 2021
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.
"Nutcracker" by Boulder Ballet and Boulder Philharmonic
November TBD, 2021
A seasonal favorite of classic ballet, accompanied by the Boulder Philharmonic.
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 3-Nov. 20, 2021 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 5-Oct. 6, 2021 (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
November-December 2020 - Televised only
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.
Snow Much Fun Light Displays
November 22, 2020-January 10, 2021
Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate Boulder's Civic Area and downtown Boulder. Visit creative, themed displays, with a map to guide you. Free!
Art in the Park at Chautauqua
December 11, 2020-May 1, 2021
See 15 bear cub sculptures, each decorated by a different artist and adorned in lights, throughout the Colorado Chautauqua Historic District. Free!
Freezie Fest
Dates TBD, 2021
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.
"Nutcracker" by Boulder Ballet and Boulder Philharmonic
November TBD-December TBD, 2021
A seasonal favorite of classic ballet, accompanied by the Boulder Philharmonic.
Lights of December Parade
December TBD, 2021
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, 2021
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
December TBD, 2021
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 Philharmonic
October-April - Online
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.