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.

October

Street Wise Boulder Mural Festival
September 29-October 2, 2022
Large-scale murals by 39 artists are being created all over town in the span of just a few days in Boulder. 

First Bite: Boulder's Restaurant Week
September 29-October 9, 2022
Chef-curated prix-fixe meals at Boulder's best restaurants all over town.

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.

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 13-16, 2022
CU welcomes families of students for a football game, 5K run/walk, educational sessions and more family fun.

World Singing Day Boulder
October 15, 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.

Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
September 2-December, 2022
Check out a stellar selection of international dance films, along with workshops, installations and performances. 

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 2-December 2, 2022
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.

November

CU Homecoming
September 2-November 19, 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 10-12, 2022
Each year, Warren Miller kicks off winter with a new, groundbreaking ski film in Boulder. 

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
November TBA, 2022-January TBA, 2023
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.

Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
September 2-December, 2022
Check out a stellar selection of international dance films, along with workshops, installations and performances. 

Boulder Jewish Film Festival
November 3-13, 2022
This intimate film festival explores the human experience through film and provides audiences with insight into the Jewish experience.

Switch on the Holidays
November 20, 2022
Come see the lighting of downtown in holiday lights and an appearance by Santa Claus, too.

St. Nick on the Bricks
November 25-December 24, 2022
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 2-December 2, 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 TBA, 2022-January TBA, 2023
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.

Right Now Global Climate Summit
December 1-4, 2022
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.

CU Presents Holiday Festival
December 2-4, 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 3, 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 9-11, 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 10, 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 TBA, 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
November 25-December 24, 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.

January

Snow Much Fun Light Displays
November-January, 2023
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
TBA 2023
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-May, 2023
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

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.

Bike to Work Day
February TBD, 2023
This is a holy day in Boulder! Even in winter, 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.

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.

Winter Craft Beer Festival
TBD, 2023
A great beer-tasting event at Balch Fieldhouse at Folsom Field, right when you need it: mid-winter! 

March

Boulder International Film Festival
March 2-5, 2023
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.

Boulder Arts Week
March TBA-April TBA, 2023
This annual citywide celebration of arts is on! Come enjoy an inclusive celebration of Boulder's vibrant arts and culture offerings, including art walks, exhibitions, performances, music, theater, public art, lectures, film screenings and workshops at venues throughout the city.

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
TBD, 2023
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
TBD, 2023
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, TBD, 2023 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, TBD, 2023 (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. 

Conference on World Affairs at the University of Colorado
TBD, 2023
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
TBD, 2023
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
TBD, 2023
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
TBD, 2023
Explore Boulder’s culinary arts scene and celebrate Colorado’s distinctive wines while strolling Downtown Boulder’s vibrant galleries and shops.

First Sip
TBD, 2023
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.

Boulder Philharmonic
TBD, 2023
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

Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
TBD, 2023
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.

First Sip
TBD, 2023
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.

Boulder Bach Festival Week
TBD, 2023
A celebration of Bach’s music alongside contemporaries and later composers. 

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
TBD, 2023
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
TBD, 2023
Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.

Colorado MahlerFest
TBD, 2023
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
TBD, 2023
Three days of festivities featuring makers, artists and small businesses; family activities; music; food and entertainment — all on the banks of Boulder Creek.

BolderBoulder 10k Road Race
TBD, 2023
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, TBD, 2023 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, TBD, 2023 (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
TBD, 2023
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 – Festival Week
TBD, 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.

June

Boulder Plein Air Festival
TBD, 2023
Catch plein air painters — those who paint in the open air, painting all over town during this annual event.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
TBD, 2023
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

Boulder County Pride Week
TBD, 2023
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.

Boulder Jewish Festival
TBD, 2023
Live entertainment, fine art and Judaica, food, community organizations and activities for all ages in downtown Boulder.

Hanuman Festival 
TBD, 2023
A celebration of yoga and music with world-class yoga instructors, live music, inspirational experiences and community building.

Dead & Company
TBD, 2023
This summer Dead & Company (comprised of members of the Grateful Dead plus John Mayer) returns to the University of Colorado's iconic Folsom Field, a venue frequented by the Grateful Dead in the 70s. Join deadheads from across the world as they gather in Boulder for two nights of unforgettable performances.

Boulder Comedy Festival
TBD, 2023
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.

Bike to Work Day
TBD, 2023
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.

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
TBD, 2023
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
TBD, 2023
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 Farmers Market
Every Saturday, TBD, 2023 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, TBD, 2023 (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. 

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

July

Twenty Ninth Street Summer of Love Concert Series
​TBA, 2023
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. 

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

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
May-September, 2023
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, 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.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
TBA, 2023
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus.

Colorado Music Festival
TBA, 2023
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)
TBA, 2023
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.

Pearl Street Arts Fest
TBA, 2023
Tents line downtown Boulder's Pearl Street for this juried celebration of visual arts — painting, photography, jewelry and more.

Boulder Fine Art Street Festival
TBA, 2023
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.

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
TBA, 2023
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, TBA, 2023 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, TBA, 2023 (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
TBA, 2023
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
TBA, 2023
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.

August

Boulder Taco Fest
August 6, 2022
Tacos, craft beer, tequila, luche libre wrestling and live music come together each August in Boulder

IRONMAN 70.3
August 6, 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.

Colorado Brazil Fest
August 12-13, 2022
Two rhythmic days of Brazilian music, dancing and more at Boulder's Bandshell.

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
July 31-August 12, 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. 

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
May-September, 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 Craft Beer Festival
Postponed until 2023
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 5-August 7, 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
Wednesdays, June 15-August 3, 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
June 4-Aug. 28, 2022
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.

Twenty Ninth Street Summer of Love Concert Series
​July 8-August 26, 2022
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. 

Colorado Music Festival
June 30-August 7, 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 Creek Hometown Festival
August 19-21, 2022
Entertainment, chili cook-off, classic car show, food and drink along the banks of Boulder Creek.

September

Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
September 2-November 27, 2022
Check out a stellar selection of international dance films, along with workshops, installations and performances. 

Street Wise Boulder Mural Festival
September 29-October 2, 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 11, 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 16-18, 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.

JLF Colorado
September 16-18, 2022
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.

Festival del Sol
September 18, 2022
Disfrute musica en vivo, camìon 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
September 18, 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 18, 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 purchase 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
May-September, 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 2-November 19, 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. 

First Bite: Boulder's Restaurant Week
September 30-October 9, 2022
Chef-curated prix-fixe meals at Boulder's best restaurants all over town.