Go Leaf Peeping
Here are just a few ideas on where to see the fall colors in and around Boulder.
Walk
- Mapleton Hill: One of Boulder’s most historic and beautiful neighborhoods, Mapleton Hill bursts with fall color each year. Stroll Mapleton Avenue between Broadway and 4th Streets to admire the stately homes and old-growth trees.
- Mesa Trail: The south end of the Mesa Trail is a great place to walk among the turning leaves. Yellow cottonwoods and red sumac are prevalent in this area. The trailhead is on the north side of Eldorado Springs Drive.
- Wonderland Lake: A gentle loop trail at Wonderland Lake provides reflecting views of the golden cottonwoods and the Flatirons in the distance.
Bike
- Bobolink Trail: For a mellow, 2-mile cruise with excellent bird-spotting opportunities, follow the path south from the Bobolink Trailhead. Bikes are allowed on the paved section of trail (just be careful not to veer onto the unpaved pedestrian section that parallels the creek through the trees). Because this trail is on the eastern edge of town, you’ll get to admire foothills views and open space vistas along the way, with yellow Aspens lining your path.
Drive
- Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway: For a scenic fall drive from Boulder, take Hwy. 119 (Canyon Blvd.) west up to Nederland and you’ll hit Hwy. 72, part of the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway. The byway runs from Black Hawk to Estes Park and is one of the best places in Colorado to see fall colors.
Please use caution when driving mountain roads. It's best to download a map before you leave in case you go into areas with no cell coverage. In winter (or even late fall!), ensure you have snow tires or chains. And if you need to take a moment to enjoy the scenery or consult your map, pull over in a safe, out-of-the-way spot.
Take a Mural Tour
Boulder has seen an explosion of murals in the last handful of years, largely thanks to the local nonprofit Street Wise Arts. Be on the lookout for new murals created during their summer, fall and spring festival series that bring community-informed and accessible mural projects to Boulder. Check out our mural page for current mural maps, grab a hot drink from a coffee shop and hit the streets.
Stroll Pearl Street
With mountain views and a canopy of changing trees, Pearl Street is a sight to see in autumn. You'll likely catch street performers, shop sidewalk sales and grab a patio seat for open-air dining on our chefs' incredible fall flavors.
2025 Fall Events
September Events | October Events | November Events
Plan your visit around a fall festival or event. Below are a few annual events to get you started, with a complete calendar available here.
Ongoing
CU Buffs Football Season
August-November, 2025
Watch the Pac-12 CU Buffs compete on beautiful Folsom Field.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 5-November 22, 2025 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 7-October 8, 2025 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
CU Family Weekend
September 18-21, 2025
CU welcomes families of students for a football game, 5K run/walk, educational sessions and more family fun.
Festival del Sol
September 21, 2025
Disfrute de caminatas guiadas, clases de baile latino, música en vivo, taberna al aire libre, actividades familiares y juegos. ¡Inicie el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana celebrando la vitalidad de la cultura latina en el impresionante entorno de Chautauqua!
Enjoy guided hikes, Latin dance lessons, live music, beer garden, family activities and games. Kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the vibrancy of Latino culture in the stunning surroundings of Chautauqua!
Mapleton Hill Porchfest
September 21, 2025
A free event where dozens of local musicians play and sing on quaint porches of the historic homes in the Mapleton Hill neighborhood.
Street Wise Mural Festival
September 26-27, 2025
Street Wise Mural Festival explores the intersection of art and activism while centering womxn, BIPOC, LGBTQIA and emerging artists.
October
Open Studios
October 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 2025
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 13, 2025
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.
Roots Music Fest
October 17-19, 2025
For three days, 600 artists play across 12 stages at this community-focused music festival in Boulder, bringing together rising stars to accomplished veteran talent from across Colorado. Headliners this year include Andy Frasco & The U.N., Yonder Mountain String Band and North Mississippi Allstars.
Roots Music Project
World Singing Day Boulder
October 18, 2025
A free community sing-along where people of all ages, backgrounds, and singing abilities are invited. No rehearsals or preparation needed. Just show up!
Boulder Jewish Film Festival
October 26-November 2, 2025
This intimate film festival explores the human experience through film and provides audiences with insight into the Jewish experience.
CU Homecoming
October 30-November 1, 2025
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.
Munchkin Masquerade
October 31, 2025
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.
November
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
November 15-16, 2025
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 23, 2025
Come see the lighting of downtown in holiday lights and an appearance by Santa Claus, too.
St. Nick on the Bricks
Friday, November 28 and Saturdays November 29, December 6 and December 13, 2025
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for free.
Snow Much Fun Light Displays
Mid-November through mid-January
During Snow Much Fun, 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.
More Ideas for You
5 Farm Activities for Families
Meet some furry friends, pick pumpkins and learn while you're having fun
Boulder Event Calendar
See what's happening during your visit