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While Boulder is one of the most enthusiastically outdoor-recreation focused communities, the arts scene is vigorous and diverse.
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and a distinct four-season climate, it's no wonder Boulder hosts so many arts and cultural events. Plays and concerts are often performed under a canopy of stars, while festivals are held with the backdrop of the majestic Flatirons.
See our new, 24-page "Boulder Arts & Culture Guide".
In the heart of the historic preservation district, sits the Pearl Street Mall — a five-block outdoor mecca overflowing with sidewalk cafés, bookstores, galleries and street theater. As you stroll along the mall, you may be tempted by local vendors selling their crafts, the rich scent of coffee brewing in nearby cafes or street performers astonishing the crowd with their quirky antics.
Each summer, more than 50,000 people enjoy Shakespeare at its finest. Performances are held under the stars at the University of Colorado's Mary Rippon Theater.
http://www.coloradoshakes.org/ June-August
A 7-week celebration showcasing Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss and more each summer at the Chautauqua Auditorium.
http://www.comusic.org/ June-August
Sculptors, painters, woodworkers and weavers...working in a dozen media, these artists welcome you into their world. Visit the studios of over 130 local artisans as they create, exhibit, discuss and sell their works in progress and finished pieces. Demonstrations are also offered during this free, self-guided tour.
http://www.openstudios.org/ October
Celebrate spring with live entertainment, art exhibits, handcrafted items, street performers and more. Held in the Boulder Creek / downtown area.
http://www.bceproductions.com/ Memorial Day Weekend
A week devoted to the arts scene in Boulder each April. For 10 straight days, the town is packed with arts events.
www.boulderartsweek.org April
Located at the foot of Boulder's mountains, the Colorado Chautauqua is a historic 23-acre compound that includes the Dining Hall, 100 cottages, an auditorium and a park. The views are stunning. In 2006, The Colorado Chautauqua was named a National Historic Landmark. The district is host to events such as the Silent Film Series, The Colorado Music Festival, local art exhibits, guided nature hikes, concert performances, educational speakers and historic cottage tours.
www.chautauqua.com
The museum is one of the nation's largest private collections of Western art and is made up of an outstanding, 400-piece collection of original paintings and bronze sculptures by contemporary artists. See paintings and magnificent bronze sculptures, including cowboy, Native American and wildlife subjects, as well as desert and mountain landscapes. Admission is free.
www.leanintreemuseum.com
Boulder is rich with museums, including The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, the University of Colorado Natural History Museum, the Heritage Center, Dairy Arts Center, the Boulder History Museum, Leanin' Tree Museum and more. All are worth a visit.
