With the third-highest concentration of artists in the country, Boulder overflows with creativity. And this is the time of year when their amazing creations overflow, too — from rows of booths at Boulder's many artisan markets, craft fairs, makers marts, and holiday markets. If you want to shop Boulder's arts and crafts this season, here's where to do it.
Jump to: October 2019 | November 2019 | December 2019
Oct. 4, 2019
North Boulder
On the first Friday of every month, NoBo Art District welcomes visitors for self-guided tours of artists’ studios and creative businesses. There’s live music, refreshments, demos and special activities in several of the locations, which range from galleries and studios to churches, coffeehouses and framing shops. There are more than 40 artist studios open.
Oct. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, 2019
Across Boulder
Every fall, over 100 artists invite the public into their private studios during Boulder’s Open Studios Tour, which happens during the first three weekends in October. Watch an oil painting appear on canvas before your eyes, hear the story behind a sculpture and have a chance to buy art directly from the artists — from pottery and ceramics to furniture and photography. The tour will get you out exploring some of Boulder’s coolest local neighborhoods, too. The best way to participate is to download the free annual map at openstudios.org.
Oct. 5-6, 2019
Sat. 9 am ‑ 6 pm, Sun. 11 am ‑ 6 pm
Central Park
This showcase is juried, so you are sure to find high-quality handcrafted products curated from only Colorado artisans. Everything on sale here is handmade in Colorado and sold direct by the artisan.
Oct. 12, 2019
Sat., 8 am-2 pm
13th Street Between Canyon & Arapahoe
Join local craft artists as they display and sell their creations — jewelry, paintings, pottery and so much more — adjacent to the Boulder Farmers Market in Central Park along Boulder Creek. Be sure to also stroll through the market for delicious samples and a bite to eat at the "food court," with local dumplings, stone-oven pizzas, fresh salads and more. Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) is also on-site, with thought-provoking installations, a modest $2 entry fee and a great, artsy gift section.
Oct. 26-27, 2019
Sat.-Sun., 10 am-5 pm
Pearl Street
Head to downtown Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall to kick off the holiday season with some holiday cheer and festivities. Shop the independent retailers on historic Pearl Street, alongside the open-air holiday festival’s one-of-a-kind creations and handmade treasures crafted by local artisans. This holiday shopping spectacular will include live music, a free holiday craft design area and fun for the whole family. Deck the Mall is also raising funds for the Imagine! Foundation, an amazing organization that assists the local families of those with developmental delays and disabilities.
Nov. 1, 2019
Fri., 6-9 pm
North Boulder
On the first Friday of every month, NoBo Art District welcomes visitors for self-guided tours of artists’ studios and creative businesses. There’s live music, refreshments, demos and special activities in several of the locations, which range from galleries and studios to churches, coffeehouses and framing shops. There are more than 40 artist studios open.
Nov. 9-10, 2019
Sat. and Sun., 10 am-4 pm
Boulder Elks Lodge
Now in its 45th year, this longtime Boulder tradition brings an outstanding selection of crafters, local artists, photographers, potters, fiber artists and bakers together to support the Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District. There will be fire truck tours and free kids’ art activities at the event, too.
Nov. 23, 2019
Sat., 10am-5pm
Central Park
The Boulder Holiday Market really is an awesome selection of one-of-a-kind seasonal items, high-quality handcrafted goods, fabulous holiday gift ideas, delicious specialty foods, and more, made from a diverse collection of local artists and crafters.
Nov. 30, 2019
Downtown
Shopping local is the Boulder way, and Small Business Saturday is a great day to join in. Head to Pearl Street, where historic buildings are filled with boutiques and indie shops, plus cute eateries, bookstores, and coffee shops. Holiday lights will be twinkling overhead and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Visitor Information Center from 11 am to 2 pm. Kiddos can enjoy rides on the Snowflake Express kiddie train and Holiday carolers in nostalgic attire will stroll downtown throughout the day. Don’t forget to explore “off the bricks” on West Pearl and East Pearl, too.
Dec. 6, 2019
North Boulder
On the first Friday of every month, NoBo Art District welcomes visitors for self-guided tours of artists’ studios and creative businesses. There’s live music, refreshments, demos and special activities in several of the locations, which range from galleries and studios to churches, coffeehouses and framing shops. There are more than 40 artist studios open.
Dec. 6, 2019
Fri., 11am-2:30pm
Horizons K8
This impressive craft market has been happening for 16 years and benefits Horizons K8. Shop for beautiful, unique gifts made by the school's creative community and beyond — and feel good about supporting a positive learning environment.
Dec. 8, 2019
Sun., 11am-5pm
Boulder YMCA
With over 100 booths, this is one of Boulder’s biggest holiday artisan markets, with a vast array of amazing, high-quality gifts that are locally made. The whole family is welcome to come shop. Admission is free and there is a holiday concert starting at noon.
Dec. 13, 14 and 15, 2019
Fri., 3-7pm; Sat, 10am-5pm; and Sun, 11am-4pm
Prana
This annual sale features the handmade work of Studio Arts Boulder instructors, staff and board members. You’ll find pottery and ceramic work, prints, and other handcrafted goods, with proceeds from the Holiday Sale benefiting the participating artists and Studio Arts Boulder's programming.
Dec. 14-15, 2019
Sat., 10am-5pm and Sun., 10am-4pm
Balch Fieldhouse, University of Colorado
Perhaps the most buzzed-about artisan market in Boulder, Firefly Handmade is eagerly awaited four times a year, and its holiday market is especially impressive. Come shop a tastefully curated selection of some 100 artisans, with rows and rows of charming artist booths for as far as the eye can see. You'll find woodworking, clothing, candles, home decor, jewelry, skincare, ceramics, stationery and so much more — all made by the friendly vendors on site.
Photo: Shaleen DeStephano
If there's not a gift market or artisan fair going on while you're in town, don't worry. There are lots of places to shop made-in-Boulder gifts. Right on Pearl Street are two artist emporiums that sell the wares of many local makers under one roof: Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery and Art Mart. On East Pearl Street (between 17th and 21st streets), you'll find a cluster of makers: By Elke (handmade purses), Bohemi (jewelry made on site), Sherpani (bags designed in Boulder) and Madelife (jewelry, pottery, furniture and so much more).
