Why not plan a festivacation in Boulder (a festivacation is when you're so excited about a festival or event that you plan a whole vacation around it!)? Spring and summer in Boulder are teeming with amazing festivals, the perfect excuse to get to this pretty town at the foot of the Rocky Mountains — and stay awhile.
Music | Arts & Culture | Sports & Movement | Family | Food | Beer
May 25, 2019
All-star lineup in a historic theater. Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Neyla Pekarek formerly of the Lumineers and Langhorne Slim headline this festival with solo, acoustic performances inside the stunning Macky Auditorium.
June-September 2019
Big names, small venue. Summer brings the kickoff to Chautauqua’s series featuring concerts, silent movies, theater, dance, forums and family events — all beside the stunning Flatirons.
June 27-August 3, 2019
Classical music greats, historic locale. This internationally acclaimed festival is held four nights per week for seven weeks at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, showcasing an orchestra of professional classical musicians from all over the world.
July 5 and 6, 2019
A tradition in scenic Folsom Field. This fan favorite concert returns to University of Colorado's football stadium, featuring members of the Grateful Dead, plus John Mayer.
March 26-April 6, 2019
Hundreds of arts events in one week. Boulder’s annual citywide celebration of art, jam-packed with performances and events all week long.
April 9-13, 2019
Big brains, fascinating conversations. Hundreds of free lectures and panel discussions on all subjects from free trade to postmodernism in film — on the beautiful CU campus.
April 28-May 5, 2019
Painters inspired by the outdoors. A week-long celebration, with workshops, receptions, exhibitions, lectures, the chance to create your own art and opportunities to observe 20 master painters while they make their art in Boulder's fresh air.
May 13-17, 2019
Fresh tech and entrepreneurial ideas. Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.
June 7-Aug. 11 2019
The bard under the stars. Each summer, several plays are performed in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and in the indoor University Theatre on University of Colorado's campus.
June 2, 2019
Live entertainment, fine art and Judaica. Come for the culture, stay for the delicious food! Enjoy demonstrations, music and activities for all ages in downtown Boulder.
June 23, 2019
Latino culture to see and savor. A family-oriented event in Boulder's downtown Central Park, with special attractions, musical acts, cultural offerings and some of the most delicious Latin American cuisine found in Colorado.
July 19, 2019
Crazy on the creek. 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.
July 20-21, 2019
Creative souls on display. Tents line downtown Boulder's Pearl Street for this juried celebration of visual arts — painting, photography, jewelry and more.
August 14-25, 2019
Out-there art worth seeing. Celebrating art that's "outside the box," with a series of thought-provoking performances and events.
May 27, 2019
Not your average 10K. This famous foot race gets the whole town celebrating on the streets. There’s music, costumes and revelry as top runners and locals (running, walking and dancing) take part.
June 9, 2019
Insanely epic athletes. IRONMAN is a long-distance triathlon that's regarded as one of the world's most challenging physical competitions. The Boulder edition is great for spectators because of the finish line is right in downtown Boulder and the entertaining IRONMAN Village is held at Boulder High School (a few blocks from downtown).
June 13-16, 2019
Yoga in a scenic setting. This celebration of yoga and music features world-class yoga instructors, live music, inspirational experiences and community building.
July 28-August 9, 2019
High-flying choreography. Experience the joy of dancing in the air, for beginners through advanced aerial dancers. Two weeks of classes, lectures/demonstrations, informal discussions and performances.
August 3, 2019
A "half Ironman" at the Boulder Reservoir. With a spectacular Rocky Mountain backdrop, this event has been an athlete favorite for over a decade and is one of the fastest IRONMAN events to sell out each year.
April 7, 2019 (Rain date: April 14, 2019)
Unbearably cute kiddos in costume. 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.
May 25-27, 2019
Boulder's Memorial Day bash. Food, art, performances, bazar, carnival rides and much more — all beside the beautiful Boulder Creek.
July 4, 2019
Boulder's favorite way to celebrate the Fourth. Live music and a dazzling fireworks display at CU's football stadium, Folsom Field, draws big crowds — and it's free!
Every Saturday April 6-Nov. 23, 2019 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday May 1-Oct. 2, 2019 (4-8pm)
Voted No. 1 in the U.S. A feast for the eyes, palate and soul — with all local producers. The market takes place outdoors amid a festival-like atmsophere on 13th Street in downtown Boulder.
April 28, 2019
Deliciousness in downtown. Spend an afternoon in America’s Foodiest Town tasting delicious chef creations and Colorado wines.
May 11, 2019
Beer, music, outdoors. A free music festival with Upslope beer, food trucks, games, art and more, held at the Upslope Flatiron Park brewery.
June 8, 2019
A celebration of great beer. This epic celebration at Avery Brewing Company features selections hand-picked from wish lists submitted by the entire Avery team.
August 24, 2019
So much good beer. Taste beers from over 25 Boulder County breweries, plus enjoy food trucks, live music and yard games.
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