Spring Things to Do in Boulder

2020 Spring Things to Do

Spring is a magical time in Boulder. Thousands of tulips gingerly open their buds all along historic Pearl Street, wildflowers begin to bloom trailside, restaurant patios fill with sun-seekers and festival season gets underway!

Here are 5 ways to enjoy spring in Boulder:

1. Head to the Boulder Farmers’ Market

Starting on April 4, 2020, the beloved farmers' market will fill with local farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, winemakers, and flower-growers. Pick up goodies, or simply grab a meal from the food court and enjoy a picnic beside Boulder Creek or on the shady, green Central Park. Every Saturday 8am-2pm (April-November) and Wednesdays 4-8pm (May-October).

2. Stop to smell the flowers

Downtown Boulder’s brick-paved Pearl Street Mall is filled with flowerbeds that bloom with upwards of 15,000 tulips in springtime. The timing of the buds’ opening is, of course, up to Mother Nature, but it’s usually mid to late April. Bring a camera and make a day of it with Pearl Street’s amazing shopping and dining. 

3. Rent a bike

Check one out from a B-Cycle station or rent one from a bike shop. You can cruise down the Boulder Creek Path, named No. 2 in USA Today’s “top urban bike paths across the USA,” or just pedal around town. You’ll fit in with the locals here in the town that Bicycling magazine ranked No. 3 in “America’s Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities.”

4. Hit the trails

Either by foot or by bike, Boulder’s hiking and biking trails are lovely and fresh in springtime, and there are close to 150 miles of them in Boulder. Here's a guide to Boulder's wildflowers and which trails to find them on.

Jump to events in:  

April

Boulder Arts Week
March 27-April 4, 2020
Boulder’s annual citywide celebration of art, jam-packed with performances and events all week long. 

Boulder Farmers' Market
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
A feast for the eyes, palate and soul! Perfect for spring picnics. 

Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
April 26, 2020 (Rain date: May 3, 2020)
The Tulip Fairy and hundreds of tiny fairies and elves wake up 15,000+ tulips with a parade and festival on Pearl Street in historic downtown. 

Conference on World Affairs
April 6-10, 2020
Hundreds of free lectures and discussions on all subjects from free trade to postmodernism in film — on the beautiful CU campus. 

Taste of Pearl
April TBD, 2020
Spend an afternoon in America’s Foodiest Town tasting delicious chef creations and Colorado wines.

May

Boulder Farmers' Market
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 21, 2020 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 6-Oct. 7, 2020 (4-8pm)
A feast for the eyes, palate and soul! Perfect for spring picnics. 

Boulder Startup Week
May 11-15, 2020
Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.

Colorado MahlerFest
May 12-17, 2020
A weeklong festival, culminating in two orchestral performances of one of Mahler's major symphonic works.

Firefly Handmade
May 18-19, 2020
This handmade marketplace is chock full of artisan-crafted goods — modern remixed, upcycled, vintage-inspired and small-batch art, accessories, stationery, home goods and so much more.

MediaLive
April TBD-May TBD, 2020
This annual festival at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) brings together art, digital culture, and technology with a series of performances, workshops and events. The spring market takes place in a tent at Twenty Ninth Street next to Trader Joe's.

Upslope Get Down
May 9, 2020
A free music festival with Upslope beer, food trucks, games, art and more, held at the Upslope Flatiron Park brewery.

Chautauqua Summer Concert Series
May–September 2020
Spring brings the kickoff to Chautauqua’s series featuring concerts, films, theater, dance, forums and family events — all beside the stunning Flatirons.

Boulder Creek Festival
May 23-25, 2020
The famous rubber ducky creek race, performances, carnival rides, bazar and much more — all beside the beautiful Boulder Creek.

BolderBOULDER
May 25, 2020
This famous 10K race gets the whole town celebrating on the streets. There’s music, costumes and revelry as top runners and locals take part. 

Want more? Check our complete, searchable event calendar for even more ideas.