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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.

October Events

Boulderthon
October 7-8, 2023
The signature Boulder marathon with a downtown twist.

Open Studios
October 7-22, 2023
Boulder artists open their homes and studios to the public for a unique and intimate arts event that spans three weekends.

Open StudiosIndigenous Peoples Day
October 9, 2023
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 Festival
October 10-11, 2023
The Dairy Arts Center hosts two days of music with 2021 Grammy Nominee Rafael Riqueni headlining along with well-known guitarist Juani de la Isla and singer El Cañejo.

CU Family Weekend
October 12-15, 2023
CU welcomes families of students for a football game, 5K run/walk, educational sessions and more family fun.

CU HomecomingQ BBQ Fest
October 20-21, 2023
Grab an ice-cold brew and sample pure smoked bliss from award-winning pitmasters at Folsom Field.

World Singing Day Boulder
October 21, 2023
A free community sing-along where people of all ages, backgrounds, and singing abilities are invited. No rehearsals or preparation needed. Just show up!

First Bite: Boulder's Restaurant Week
October 20-29, 2023
Enjoy chef-curated prix-fixe meals at Boulder's best restaurants and take part in experiences like an e-bike food tour or a farmers market tour with a chef.

Munchkin Masquerade
October 31, 2023
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 MasqueradeChautauqua Concert Series
July-October, 2023
Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

Boulder Bach Festival
October 15, 2022-May 13, 2023
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 1-November 18, 2023 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 3-October 4, 2023 (4-8pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

Boulder Farmers Market Shopper with a Basket

CU Buffs Football Season
September 2-December 1, 2023
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.

November Events

Boulder Jewish Film Festival
November 2-12, 2023
This intimate film festival explores the human experience through film and provides audiences with insight into the Jewish experience.

CU Homecoming
November 4, 2023
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 9-11, 2023
Each year, Warren Miller kicks off winter with a new, groundbreaking ski film in Boulder. 

Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
November 11-12, 2023
Artisans fill the blocks of Pearl Street to shop the best of local, handmade craft, art and design in a festive setting.

Switch on the Holidays
November 19, 2023
Come see the lighting of downtown in holiday lights and an appearance by Santa Claus, too.

Snow Much Fun

St. Nick on the Bricks
Friday, November 24, and Saturdays, November 24-December 23, 2023
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
TBA, 2023-24
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. Each year there are fun, themed light displays. Grab a hot cup of cocoa and enjoy a wonder-filled stroll outside. This year, explore holiday lights both real and virtual on a self-guided, augmented-reality tour throughout the district. Meet a snowman, an orca, polar bears and more as you scan QR codes and explore downtown. View a map of the winter wonderland AR trail and follow along on each block!

Small Business Saturday
November 25, 2023
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
September 2-December 1, 2023
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.

CU Buffs Folsom Field

Boulder Bach Festival
October 15, 2022-May 13, 2023
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 Events

Lights of December Parade
December 2, 2023
Marching bands, floats, fire engines, holiday carolers and more. The grand finale includes an appearance by Santa Claus himself.

Boulder CVB VW Delilah covered in lights at the December Parade

CU Presents Holiday Festival
December 8-10, 2023
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.

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit
TBA, 2023
This summit will gather some of the world's foremost human rights, scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry leaders to commit to specific outcomes that will address the adverse effects of climate change on human rights.

WinterFest at Colorado Chautauqua
TBA, 2023
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 9, 2023
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
TBA, 2023
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 24, and Saturdays, November 24-December 23, 2023
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
TBA, 2023-2024
Explore holiday lights both real and virtual in downtown Boulder this season. Check out holiday lights near the library and take a self-guided, augmented-reality tour throughout the district. Meet a snowman, an orca, polar bears and more as you scan QR codes and journey from the East End, the Pearl Street Mall, and the West End all the way to the Civic Area and library. Take selfies and use Instagram filters as you follow this winter wonderland trail!

Snow Much Fun Light Displays Downtown 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 Women's Basketball Coors Center

Boulder Bach Festival
October 15, 2022-May 13, 2023
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.

January Events

New Year’s Eve Party at License No. 1
TBA, 2024
Ring in the New Year at Hotel Boulderado's speakeasy-style bar starting at 8pm. Dress to impress and enjoy live music, champagne toast and late-night bites.

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
TBA, 2023-24
Explore holiday lights both real and virtual in downtown Boulder this season. Check out holiday lights near the library and take a self-guided, augmented-reality tour throughout the district. Meet a snowman, an orca, polar bears and more as you scan QR codes and journey from the East End, the Pearl Street Mall, and the West End all the way to the Civic Area and library. Take selfies and use Instagram filters as you follow this winter wonderland trail!

Snow Much Fun

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
November 10, 2022-May 6, 2023
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues. 

February Events

Winter Bike to Work Day
TBA 2024
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.

Boulder Ballet's "New Moves"
TBA, 2024
A line-up of all-female choreographers with newly commissioned contemporary pieces that will introduce you to a variety of choreographic voices.

Winter Craft Beer Festival
TBA, 2024
A great beer-tasting event at Balch Fieldhouse at Folsom Field, right when you need it: mid-winter! 

Winter Craft Beer Festival Boulder

Boulder Philharmonic
November 10, 2022-May 6, 2023
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues. 

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 Bach Festival
October 15, 2022-May 13, 2023
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 Events

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

Après Street Fest 
TBA, 2024
Enjoy a cozy mountain town ambiance, reminiscent of a quaint French "après-ski," on Pearl Street's West End. This free event is open to the public and includes live music, fire pits, outdoor picnic-style seating, games and hot cocoa.

West end Pearl Street storefronts in Wintertime

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
November 10, 2022-May 6, 2023
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.

Boulder Bach Festival
October 15, 2022-May 13, 2023
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.

April Events

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

AscenDance Bus PerformanceConference on World Affairs at the University of Colorado
TBA, 2024
This year the Conference on World Affairs will focus on climate change, as it continues to be one of the fastest-growing issues and conversations globally. Keynote speakers James Balog and Rose Marcario as well as a diverse range of climate experts will present — all free and open to the public.

CU Presents
TBA, 2024
Grammy Award-winning string quartet with an irresistible blend of virtuosic technique and engaging personality.

Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
TBA, 2024
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.

Local Lab New Play Festival
TBA, 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.

First Sip
TBA, 2024
Toast to Boulder's beverage scene. Celebrate with drink specials at several local restaurants, unique pairing and tasting opportunities and a variety of intimate events all weekend long.

Bluebird Music Festival
TBA, 2024
Ben Harper, Watchhouse (previously Mandolin Orange), Shovels & Rope, Haley Heynderickx and more headline this festival with solo, acoustic performances inside the stunning Macky Auditorium.

Bluebird Music FestivalBoulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 1-November 18, 2023 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 3-October 4, 2023 (4-8pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

Boulder Farmers MarketBoulder Philharmonic
November 10, 2022-May 6, 2023
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues. 

Boulder Bach Festival
October 15, 2022-May 13, 2023
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 Events

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

Colorado MahlerFest
TBA, 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
TBA, 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
TBA, 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, TBA, April-November, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, TBA, May-October, 2024 (4-8pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.

Boulder Farmers Market Shopper with a Basket

Boulder Philharmonic
TBA, 2024
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues. 

Boulder Bach Festival
TBA, 2024
A celebration of Bach’s music alongside contemporaries and later composers. 

June Events

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
TBA, 2024
Taking place at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area, this year's Arts in the Park will showcase talent from the Boulder Ballet, Boulder Symphony and Boulder Opera in four performances through June and July.

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

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.

IRONMAN Boulder Biker

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

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
TBA, 2024
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

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

Bands on the Bricks
TBA, 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.

Boulder Comedy Festival
TBA, 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
TBA, 2024
This is a holy day in Boulder! Folks ditch the 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.

Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament
TBA, 2024
​For more than two decades, this 80-team competitive girls' softball tourney has been hosted in 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.

People gathered on the grass listening to a band at the Meadow Music Concert

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, TBA, April-November, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, TBA, May-October, 2024 (4-8pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

Colorado Music Festival
TBA, 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.

July Events

Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament
TBA, 2023
For more than two decades, this 80-team competitive girls softball tourney has been hosted in Boulder!

July 4th Celebration with Boulder Symphony
TBA, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day with symphonic classics, from Rodeo and William Tell to the 1812 Overture at the historic Boulder Bandshell.

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 Love the Tunes Concert

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.

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 Environmental/Nature/Outdoors Film Festival (ENOFF)
TBA, 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.

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
TBA, 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.

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
TBA, 2024
Taking place at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area, this year's Arts in the Park will showcase talent from the Boulder Ballet, Boulder Symphony and Boulder Opera in four performances through June and July.

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
TBA, 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
TBA, 2024
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

Colorado Music Festival
TBA, 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
TBA, 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. 

Bands on the Bricks Boulder

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 1-November 18, 2023 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 3-October 4, 2023 (4-8pm)
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, 2023
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.

August Events

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

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
TBA, 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 Shakespeare Festival
TBA, 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.

Bands on the Bricks
TBA, 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.

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 Love the Tunes Concert

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

Colorado Music Festival
TBA, 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
TBA, 2024
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

September Events

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

Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema

Buffalo Bicycle Classic
TBA, 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kelly Cushing (@kellcush)

Boulder Fall Fest
TBA, 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.

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.

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.

Street Wise Fall Mural Series
TBA, 2024
In partnership with the Museum of Boulder, Street Wise's Fall Mural Series, “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History," will bring murals to walls at various locations throughout Boulder. Murals will feature themes of building community, Afro-Futurism and social justice.

Street Wise Boulder Mural

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
TBA, 2024
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, TBA, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, TBA, 2024 (4-8pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

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