Spring Things to Do in Boulder
Spring is a magical time in Boulder. Thousands of tulips gingerly open their buds all along historic Pearl Street, wildflowers begin to bloom trailside and restaurant patios offer refuge for sun-seekers!
Here are 5 ways to enjoy spring in Boulder:
1. Head to the Boulder Farmers Market
Starting in April, 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 on the shady, green Central Park. Every Saturday 8am-2pm (April-November) and Wednesdays 3:30-7:30pm (May-October).
2. Stop to smell the tulips
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. Go on an e-bike tour
If you’ve never tried an e-bike, you’re in for a treat. You'll feel like a superhero zooming up hills with the greatest of ease. This tour takes you through the historic downtown and up to the foot of the Flatirons. With nubby, fat tires, you can do these tours in most weather. Read our guide to e-biking in Boulder.
4. Go for a wildflower hike
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.
“Flowers have powers when left on their towers.” When left alone, flowers influence the local ecosystem all year-round, but will only last a few days in a vase. Please don’t rob Colorful Colorado of its colors!
5. Go on an art walk
Some of Boulder’s best public art is included on this easy, downtown walking tour, every step of which is detailed here. And you’ll find plenty of spots to stop for beverages and snacks along the way. Boulder's collection of 135+ murals is worth exploring, too, as are downtown's 30 alley doors that have been beautified with artwork.
Spring Events
Ongoing Events
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April-mid-November, 2025 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May-early October, 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.
Chautauqua Community House Series
Ongoing
Stimulating discussions and performances from engaging authors, explorers and creatives at a National Historic Landmark.
Boulder Philharmonic
TBA, 2025
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.
March
International Women's Day Celebration at The New Local
March 8, 2025
Get creative with a full day of artistic demonstrations and workshops focused on the art and ancestral history of craft, taught by local women artists.
Revived: A Spring Production by Boulder Ballet
March 21-23, 2025
Get swept away by moving performances that delve into the depths of human emotion, featuring a collection of powerful works by four renowned choreographers.
April
BoCo Flamenco Festival
April 1, 2025
See world-class Flamenco artists visiting from Spain as they dance on Dairy Arts Center stages.
Boulder Arts Week
April 4-12, 2025
An annual citywide celebration of the arts, with art walks, exhibitions, performances, dance, music, theater, public art, lectures, readings and workshops at venues all over town.
Taste of Pearl
April 6, 2025
Fifteen Boulder restaurants pair up with local wineries and distilleries for a unique experience where participants stroll through downtown and sample food and drinks while perusing galleries and shopping at local boutiques.
Conference on World Affairs at the University of Colorado
April 7-10, 2025
This year the Conference on World Affairs will feature over 70 panels that explore three exciting themes, including AI, climate change and more.
Boulder International Film Festival
April 9-12, 2026
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.
Modern Jazz & Soul Fest
April 11-12, 2025
Inaugural modern jazz and soul festival at Roots Music Project showcasing some of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz and soul music.
CU Presents Takács Quartet
April 13-21, 2025
Grammy Award-winning string quartet with an irresistible blend of virtuosic technique and engaging personality.
Bluebird Music Festival
April 18-20, 2025
Gregory Alan Isakov, Jeff Tweedy, Joy Oladokun, Langhorne Slim, Andy Shauf and more headline this festival with solo, acoustic performances inside the stunning Macky Auditorium.
Local Lab New Play Festival
April 25-27, 2025
A three-day theater festival of new works with fully staged concert readings, workshops and the opportunity for playwrights and attendees to participate in conversations.
Día del Niño
April 26, 2025
A free, family-friendly day of multicultural festivities including art-making, live dance and musical performances at the Civic Park Bandshell.
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
April 27, 2025 (Rain date: May 4)
Downtown Boulder's annual awakening of the tulips, where little ones dress up like fairies and elves. Approximately 15,000 tulips adorn Pearl Street's flower beds in the springtime. Participate in scavenger hunts to win prizes all month.
May
Boulder Startup Week
May 12-16, 2025
Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.
Colorado MahlerFest
May 14-18, 2025
A celebration of the great composer Gustav Mahler during a weeklong festival, culminating in two orchestral performances of one of Mahler’s major symphonic works.
Boulder Creek Festival
May 23-26, 2025
Three days of festivities featuring makers, artists and small businesses; family activities; music; food and entertainment — all on the banks of Boulder Creek.
Boulder Chamber Annual Memorial Day Concert
May 24, 2025
The grand finale of the Boulder Chamber's annual concert series takes place in the historic Macky Auditorium on the beautiful CU Boulder campus over Memorial Day weekend.
BolderBOULDER
May 26, 2025
One of the world's largest and most highly acclaimed 10Ks, with runners, joggers, walkers and spectators of all ages — many in costume — and a bash at the finish line in Folsom Field stadium.
Want more? Check our complete, searchable event calendar for even more ideas.
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