Convention & Visitors Bureau
2440 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303.442.2911

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See Your TripEvery fall, the cottonwoods, aspen, maples and other trees in and around Boulder put on a dazzling autumn show. Crimson and golden leaves float down to be whisked away by Boulder Creek and set the foothills aglow with brilliant color. Here’s a short guide to enjoying fall foliage — and fall events — in Boulder.
While the exact timing is different each year, the fall foliage in Boulder tends to be best Sept. 27–Oct. 25, and it’s at its very best Oct. 5–20. If you want to capture that quintessential Colorado photograph of the golden trees against a snow-capped mountain peak, nearby Longs Peak usually gets its first snowfall around Oct. 5–20.
Here are just a few ideas on where to see the fall colors in and around Boulder.
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
Chautauqua Community House Concerts
Beginning Sept. 29, 2019
Live music in one of the region's most intimate listening rooms.
September
Boulder Creek Hometown Festival
Aug. 31–Sept. 2, 2019
Entertainment, zucchini and rubber duck races, a chili cook-off, a classic car show, a beer festival and food and drink along the banks of Boulder Creek.
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest
Sept. 13–15, 2019
Three-day autumn festival featuring food, brews, music children’s activities and one of the country's best craft fairs.
Firefly Handmade Market
Sept. 13–15, 2019
This exceptional craft fair featuring local artisans was named one of the best craft fairs in the country. The fall market is happening in conjunction with the Downtown Boulder Fall Fest (see above).
Jaipur Literature Festival
Sept. 20–22, 2019
Visitors can attend talks, readings, musical performances and writing workshops as part of this free, three-day festival at the Boulder Public Library.
October
Warren Miller Wednesdays
Oct. 9-30, 2019
Vintage Warren Miller ski movies show at the West End Tavern on Wednesdays October 9-30, 2019. Drink specials and epic skiing — oh yeah! And don't miss the screening of the newest Warren Miller Film at the Boulder Theater in early November. Movie starts at 8:30pm.
Open Studios Fall Artist Tour
Oct. 5–6, Oct. 12–13 and Oct. 19–20, 2019
Boulder artists open their homes and studios to the public for a unique and intimate arts event that spans three weekends.
Burgundy Wine Festival
Oct. 31–Nov. 3, 2019
During a four-day extravaganza, guests will taste some of the rarest wines of Burgundy at some of Boulder's most highly acclaimed restaurants.
Munchkin Masquerade
Oct. 31, 2019
Each Halloween, Downtown Boulder is invaded by tiny ghosts and goblins, dinosaurs, dragons, fairies, princes, super heroes, and animals of every size trick-or-treating along Pearl Street.
November
CU Homecoming
Nov. 7-9, 2019
Alumni can come back to Boulder to enjoy an award ceremony, BuffTalks, a homecoming parade and pep rally, tailgating and, of course, the annual homecoming football game at Folsom Field.
First Bite: Boulder County Restaurant Week
Nov. 8–16, 2019
For one full week, more than 50 of Boulder’s top restaurants offer a special three-course, prix-fixe menu.
Switch on the Holidays
Nov. 24, 2019
Santa counts down to the grand illumination of the Boulder County Courthouse and the Pearl Street Mall. Featuring a holiday concert.
Boulder Ballet’s Nutcracker
Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2019
A seasonal favorite of classic ballet, accompanied by the Boulder Philharmonic.
Meet some furry friends, pick pumpkins and learn while you're having fun
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