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 Adventure Film Festival in the fall. Check out the list below to see what catches your eye.
Ralphie's Independence Day Blast Fireworks Display
July 4, 2017
Fireworks, live music and fun in CU's Folsom Field stadium.
Pearl Street Arts Fest
July 15-16, 2017
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 30-August 11, 2017
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
Saturdays, April 1-November 18, 2017
Wednesdays, May 3-October 4, 2017
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 11-August 13, 2017
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 7-August 9, 2017
A fun, outdoor summer concert series taking place in the heart of Downtown Boulder on the brick-paved Pearl Street Mall.
Meadow Music
Mondays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26; July 3, 11, 24 and 31; August 7 and 14, 2017
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
Mondays, June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2017
The Boulder Concert Band performs for audiences in a different Boulder park each week.
Colorado Music Festival
June 29-August 4, 2017
A six-week summer concert season at Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.
Twenty Ninth Street LIVE Concert Series
Saturdays, June 3-Aug. 26, 2017
Rock, swing and jive at Twenty Ninth Street shopping center Saturday evenings with a view of the Flatirons.
IRONMAN 70.3
August 5, 2017
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 30-August 11, 2017
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 16-27, 2017
Celebrating art outside the box, with a series of thought-provoking performances and events.
Boulder Craft Beer Festival
August 19, 2017
Taste beers from over 25 Boulder County breweries, plus enjoy food trucks, live music and yard games.
Boulder Farmers Market
Saturdays, April 1-November 18, 2017
Wednesdays, May 3-October 4, 2017
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 11-August 13, 2017
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 7-August 9, 2017
A fun, outdoor summer concert series taking place in the heart of Downtown Boulder on the brick-paved Pearl Street Mall.
Meadow Music
Mondays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26; July 3, 11, 24 and 31; August 7 and 14, 2017
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 LIVE Concert Series
Saturdays, June 3-Aug. 26, 2017
Rock, swing and jive at Twenty Ninth Street shopping center Saturday evenings with a view of the Flatirons.
Concerts in the Park
Mondays, June-August, Dates TBD for 2017
The Boulder Concert Band performs for audiences in a different Boulder park each week.
Colorado Music Festival
June 29-August 4, 2017
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 2-4, 2017
Entertainment, chili cook-off, classic car show, food and drink along the banks of Boulder Creek.
Downtown Boulder's Fall Fest
September 15-17, 2017
Three-day autumn festival featuring food, brews and music with the added excitement of a Children’s Carnival.
Buffalo Bicycle Classic
September 10, 2017
The Buffalo Bicycle Classic dates back to 2003, having raised over 3 million dollars in support of student scholarships at CU Boulder.
Fall Into Fashion Weekend
September TDB, 2017
Boulder retailers present fall looks on the Pearl Street Mall catwalk, boutiques host in-store special events, and downtown bustles with live music, food and drinks to mini makeovers and shopping.
Zee Jaipur Literature Festival
September 15-17, 2017
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
Saturdays, April 1-November 18, 2017
Wednesdays, May 3-October 4, 2017
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.
Adventure Film Festival
October 6-8, 2017
Two days of the most inspirational films of the year, shown at the historic Boulder Theater and other local venues. There's also an Adventure Filmmaker’s Workshop, an Adventure Street Fair and a kids’ show.
Open Studios
October 7-8 and 14-15, 2017
Boulder artists open their homes and studios to the public for a unique and intimate arts event that spans two weekends.
Burgundy Wine Festival
October 13-15, 2017
During a three-day extravaganza, guests will taste some of the rarest wines of Burgundy at some of Boulder's most highly acclaimed restaurants.
Munchkin Masquerade
October 31, 2017
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.
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.
Boulder Farmers Market
Saturdays, April 1-November 18, 2017
Wednesdays, May 3-October 4, 2017
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.
First Bite: Boulder's Restaurant Week
November TBD, 2017
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 19, 2017
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
November 24 and Saturdays, November 25-December 23, 2017
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.
Snow Much Fun
Mid-November 2017-mid-February 2018
200,000 lights illuminate Boulder’s Central Park and a glittering ice skating rink, right next door to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
"Nutcracker" by Boulder Ballet and Boulder Philharmonic
November 25, 2017
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
Saturdays, April 1-November 18, 2017
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 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.
Lights of December Parade
December 2, 2017
Crowds enjoy marching bands, floats, fire engines, holiday carolers and more. The grand finale includes an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
St. Nick on the Bricks
November 24 and Saturdays, November 25-December 23, 2017
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.
Snow Much Fun
mid-November 2017-mid-February 2018
200,000 lights illuminate Boulder’s Central Park and a glittering ice skating rink, right next door to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
Santa on the Snow
Dec 24-25, 2017
Join Santa on the ski slopes at Eldora Mountain Resort.
Annual Ugly Sweater and Best Elf Costume Contest at Eldora Mountain Resort
Dec. 24, 2017
Don your ugliest holiday sweater or elf costume and join in a fun day of skiing and laughing at Eldora Mountain Resort.
CU Buffs Football Season
September-December
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.
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 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.
Snow Much Fun
mid-November 2017-mid-February 2018
200,000 lights illuminate Boulder’s Central Park and a glittering ice skating rink, right next door to 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 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
Through April
Stimulating discussions from engaging authors at a National Historic Landmark.
Snow Much Fun
mid-November 2017-mid-February 2018
200,000 lights illuminate Boulder’s Central Park and a glittering ice skating rink, right next door to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
Boulder International Film Festival
February 22-25, 2018
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.
Winter Craft Beer Festival
February TBD 2018
A great beer-tasting event at Twenty Ninth Street shopping center, right when you need it: mid-winter!
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 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
Through April
Stimulating discussions from engaging authors at a National Historic Landmark.
Boulder Arts Week
March TBD-April TBD
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.
Local Lab New Play Festival
March TBD 2018
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 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 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
Through April
Stimulating discussions from engaging authors at a National Historic Landmark.
Boulder Arts Week
March 30-April 7
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.
High West Oyster Fest
April TBD
Oyster eating and shucking competitions, live music, plus lots of food, drinks and of course, oysters — all at the historic Boulder Theater.
Boulder Farmers Market
Saturdays, April 1-November 18, 2017
Wednesdays, May 3-October 4, 2017
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
Downtown Boulder's annual awakening of the tulips, where little ones dress up like fairies and elves.
Retro Days at Eldora Mountain Resort
April TBD
Dress in your 70s or 80s ski attire and disco down the slopes!
Conference on World Affairs at University of Colorado
April TBD
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. Big names from NASA, the NFL and the silver screen will join CWA in 2017.
Taste of Pearl
April TBD
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
Through April
Stimulating discussions from engaging authors at a National Historic Landmark.
MediaLive
May TBD, 2018
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, 2018
A free music festival with Upslope beer, food trucks, games, art and more, held at the Upslope Flatiron Park brewery.
Boulder Creek Festival
May TBD, 2018
Three days of festivities featuring vendor booths, family activities, food and entertainment — all on the banks of Boulder Creek.
Colorado MahlerFest
May TBD, 2018
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.
BolderBoulder 10k Road Race
May 28, 2018
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
Saturdays, April 1-November 18, 2017
Wednesdays, May 3-October 4, 2017
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.
Dead and Company at Folsom Field
TBD 2018
John Mayer and Grateful Dead band members take to the stage for what promises to be another epic show at Folsom Field for the second year in a row.
IRONMAN Boulder
June 10, 2018
Watch the largest IRONMAN race in the world at the finish line and throughout the day as over 2,000 incredible athletes compete.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June 11-August 13, 2017
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and in the newly renovated indoor University Theatre.
Boulder Home and Garden Fair
TBD 2018
Dozens of vendors including local builders, landscape and garden specialists, an array of home improvement and green living experts and displays to give you ideas and inspiration.
Boulder International Festival
TBD 2018
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 7-August 9, 2017
A fun, outdoor summer concert series taking place in the heart of Downtown Boulder on the brick-paved Pearl Street Mall.
Meadow Music
Mondays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26; July 3, 11, 24 and 31; August 7 and 14, 2017
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.
Boulder Plein Air Festival
TBD 2018
A week-long celebration, with workshops, receptions, exhibitions, lectures, the chance to create your own art and opportunities to observe 20 master painters while they make their art on location in Boulder.
Hanuman Festival
TBD 2018
A celebration of yoga and music with world-class yoga instructors, live music, inspirational experiences and community building.
Concerts in the Park
Mondays, Mondays, June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2017
The Boulder Concert Band performs for audiences in a different Boulder park each week.
Boulder Ballet's Ballet in the Park
TBD 2018
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.
Colorado Music Festival
June 29-August 4, 2017
A six-week summer concert season at Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.
Boulder Farmers Market
Saturdays, April 1-November 18, 2017
Wednesdays, May 3-October 4, 2017
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 LIVE Concert Series
Saturdays, June 3-Aug. 26, 2017
Rock, swing and jive at Twenty Ninth Street shopping center Saturday evenings with a view of the Flatirons.
