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Top Summer Activities & Festivals in Boulder

Ah, summer in Boulder. Things take on a different pace as the days lengthen, a lush canopy of trees comes into full leaf, and outdoor lovers happily spend even more time outside. Here are just a few reasons to join in the fun — our list of things to do in Boulder in summer.

Splash and Play

On warm, sunny days, water is especially refreshing at the foot of the Rocky Mountains:

Boulder Reservoir Beach

Summer Hiking

In the summertime, trails are sprinkled with wildflowers and the long days mean more time for hiking. On warm days, try these shady hikes:

  • Much of Lion's Lair is shaded by towering (and fragrant) ponderosa pines, with a steep summit that overlooks all of Boulder Valley.
  • Ranger Trail is quite lush in summer, providing shade. Connect with E.M. Greenman Trail, the lower portion of which is also shady.
  • Anne U. White is also known for being in the shade of a narrow canyon in Boulder's foothills yet is a good choice for a lower-intensity hike.

Note: Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) periodically has trail closures throughout the year. We recommend checking for the most current closures here before you go.

E.M. Greenman Trail

Imbibe and Refresh

Boulder loves its summer bevies. Try these ideas:

Group Dining on Patio Boulder

Indulge in a Cool, Sweet Treat

There's nothing like a cold-and-creamy ice cream cone, frozen yogurt or popsicle to help you cool down and enjoy summer. Some of Boulder's most popular shops include Gelato Boy, Glacier Homemade Ice Cream and Sweet Cow, but we have a whole page of spots to snag some of Boulder's sweet and frozen treats.

Family Eating Ice Cream

Boulder Outdoor Performances

Music just sounds better on a Boulder breeze! And in Boulder, even the arts happen outdoors, from dance concerts to theater performances on the trails. Summer concerts are held outside in Boulder every week in gorgeous locations at the foot of the Flatirons, on beautiful Pearl Street and beyond. Read more on our Hot Summer Music page.

Bands on the Bricks Boulder

 

2024 Festivals and Events

Jump to: Ongoing Through Summer  |  June  |  July  |  August

Plan your visit around one of the dozens of summertime festivals or events. Below are a few annual events to get you started, with a complete calendar available here

Ongoing Through Summer

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food. 

NoBo Art District First Friday Art Walk
First Friday of every month, 2024, 6-9pm
Every First Friday is your chance to discover Boulder's art scene up close. Come nibble on snacks, stroll a cool neighborhood and discover inspiration in a city that lives, sleeps, eats and breathes creativity.

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
June 1-August 31, 2024
Taking place at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell in Boulder’s Civic Area, this year's Arts in the Park will showcase talent from the Boulder Ballet, Boulder Symphony and Boulder Opera in four performances through June and July.

Chautauqua Concert Series
July-October, 2024
Beloved and well-known artists return for Chautauqua’s entertainment series, featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events at the foot of the Flatirons.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
June 8-August 11, 2024
Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU Campus. Please note: All shows are currently being held inside the Roe Green Theatre due to ongoing construction at Mary Rippon Theater.

Shakespeare

Bands on the Bricks
June 11-July 30, 2025
From oldies to alternative, Bands on the Bricks is Boulder's premier outdoor summer concert series taking place on the bricks of the Pearl Street Mall from 5:30-9pm.

Colorado Music Festival
July 5-August 4, 2024
This internationally acclaimed festival is held four nights per week for several weeks at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing an orchestra of professional classical musicians from all over the world.

June

Celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month
Each June, the City of Boulder celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM). IHM is an annual celebration recognizing immigrants’ experiences, contributions and achievements throughout our country’s history. More details about this developing celebration will be announced soon.

Boulder Plein Air Festival
June 1-8, 2024
Catch plein air painters — those who paint in the open air, painting all over town during this annual event.

Painting the Flatirons en plein air in Boulder, CO

IRONMAN 70.3
June 8, 2024
This "half Ironman" takes place at the Boulder Reservoir with a spectacular Rocky Mountain backdrop. The event has been an athlete favorite for over a decade and is one of the fastest IRONMAN events to sell out each year.

Boulder Jewish Festival
June 9, 2024
Live entertainment, fine art and Judaica, food, community organizations and activities for all ages in downtown Boulder.

Boulder Comedy Festival
June 19-23, 2024
Nationally touring comics featured on Comedy Central, Netflix and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert come together with festival winners and local comedians to create a sea of hilarity outdoors at the Dairy Arts Center.

1940s WWII Era Ball
June 15, 2024
Step back in time with a magical night of dancing and history at the Boulder Airport. At this 40s-era ball with the Glenn Miller Orchestra you can swing dance, take tours of WWII planes, admire classic cars, take dance lessons and more, all against a scenic backdrop with movie-set lights and props.

Flatiron Sounds Music Festival
June 16, 2024
This single-day festival will be held in the historic and scenic Chautauqua Park at the base of the Flatirons. Enjoy musical performances from local Colorado bands, a beer garden, a variety of food trucks and a local artisan market featuring a variety of Colorado vendors.

Summer Bike to Work Day
June 26, 2024
This is a holy day in Boulder! Folks ditch the cars, get on their bikes and ride all around town to hit the free breakfast and merch stations to enjoy giveaways and the party atmosphere.

Boulder County Pride Festival
June 30, 2024
Whether you’re looking for something the whole family can take part in or a more 21+ experience, there's something for everyone at Boulder County Pride Month. Sign up for teen art classes, adult networking events, music, trivia, dancing and more.

July

Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament
July 3-7, 2024
For more than two decades, this 80-team competitive girls' softball tourney has been hosted in Boulder!

July 4th Celebration with Boulder Symphony
July 4, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day with symphonic classics at the historic Boulder Bandshell.

Twenty Ninth Street Summer of Love Concert Series
July 12-August 23, 2024
Friday concerts take place at Twenty Ninth Street, an outdoor shopping mall that opens up its Central Plaza so concertgoers can sprawl out and soak up the incredible Flatirons views while they listen to local bands. 

Boulder Environmental / Nature / Outdoors Film Festival
July 11-14, 2024
Watch environmental documentary features, short films, Q&As and interviews online or at the Dairy Drive-In at the Dairy Arts Center.

Tube to Work Day
July 12, 2024
Boulderites don their best business attire and hit the creek in this yearly tubing tradition. The event starts at Eben G. Fine Park, but you can catch the view of the hilarious action (e.g. spectators dangling breakfast from atop bridges for tubers to grab) anywhere along the creek near downtown.

Tube to Work Day

Pearl Street Arts Fest
July 18-20, 2025
Tents line downtown Boulder's Pearl Street for this juried celebration of visual arts — from whimsical and modern sculptures to traditional watercolors, oil paintings and more.

Family Fun Block Party on The Hill
TBA, 2024
Gather your loved ones for a day on The Hill. There will be balloon artists, face painters, an ice cream truck, a magic show and more family fun.

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
July 29-August 9, 2024
Experience the joy of dancing in the air, for beginners through advanced aerial dancers. Participate in two weeks of classes, lectures/demonstrations, informal discussions and performances.

August

Tyler Childers with Shakey Graves and Laid Back Country Picker at Folsom Field
August 17, 2024
Tyler Childers continues his global “Mule Pull ’24 Tour” to celebrate his acclaimed new album, Rustin’ In The Rain, which recently debuted at #10 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.

Boulder Taco Fest
August 10, 2024
Indulge in the tastiest tacos of Boulder, a curated list of craft breweries, eclectic tequilas, high-flying Luchadores, live bands and lots of free fun for the kiddos.

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival
July 29-August 9, 2024
Experience the joy of dancing in the air, for beginners through advanced aerial dancers. Participate in two weeks of classes, lectures/demonstrations, informal discussions and performances.

Twenty Ninth Street Summer of Love Concert Series
July 12-August 23, 2024
Friday concerts take place at Twenty Ninth Street, an outdoor shopping mall that opens up its Central Plaza so concertgoers can sprawl out and soak up the incredible Flatirons views while they listen to local bands. 

Want more? We have barely scratched the surface of all the amazing Boulder summer festivals. See our complete, searchable events calendar.