Guide to Boulder

Through the years, we've found a lot of fun things we enjoy doing in and around Boulder.  Here's a shot at a list of things to do.

 

Winter: In early December, Boulder has a Lights of December parade and Denver has a Parade of Lights.  The Denver one is much larger.  The outdoor ice skating rink is open all winter long - one can have an afternoon of skating and then warm up with coffee or cocoa at one of the many coffee shops along Pearl St.  Penny Lane and Prufrock's shut down, unfortunately, but there are other good ones, like Atlas Purveyors, Brewing Market, and Cafe Sole.   If you like running, you can start the year off with Denver's Resolution 5k on New Year's Eve.  Or if you like dancing, you can party at Absynthe House in Boulder or Vinyl in Denver.  In mid-Jan, Lafayette hosts the Oatmeal Festival and Quicker Quaker 5k.  There are Martin Luther King Jr. Day parades in Lafayette and Denver. The Boulder Outreach for Homeless Overflow is open all winter long, for anyone out in the cold that needs a place to stay.

 

Spring (Spr-inter): if one is politically or artistically inclined, they can attend one of the many events at CU's Conference of World Affairs in April, and see the co-sponsored Interational Dance and Music Festival.  The CU International Film Series hosts movies through the Fall and Spring semesters. 

 

Summer: Boulder welcomes the summer with the Boulder Creek Festival and the Bolder Boulder 10k.  There are booths from local groups, music and performances, and a small amusement park for kids.  The Boulder Farmer's Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday, with produce and live entertainment.  Boulder Outdoor Cinema shows free movies outdoors every Tuesday night, and 29th Street Mall has concerts every Saturday night.  There are tons of outdoor activities: tubing down the Boulder Creek, climbing or bouldering in Boulder Canyon and at the Flatirons, hiking the huge network of trails around the Flatirons - Chatauqua, Mesa, Flagstaff, Sanitas, etc.   Pearl Street has many events near the courthouse all summer long: Boulder Asian Festival, Pridefest, etc.   The FEED and Food, Not Bombs programs offer free food to anyone who is hungry.   Elitch Gardens amusement park in Denver has rides, shows, and a waterpark. 

 

Fall: CU has an annual Taste of Africa with free food, music, and dancing.  On Thanksgiving morning, many cities hold Turkey Trot 5k races.   The deciduous trees look beautiful with their fall colors against the backdrop of the Flatirons. CU, Aspen, and the mountains in general and nice places to see them.  This season has the most beautiful weather in my opinion, and is perfect for climbing, hiking, and running outdoors.  On Halloween, one can join the Mall Crawl on Pearl Street, hang out with tons of people, see fun costumes, and hang out in one of the breweries, restaurants, or coffee shops.

 

Year round:  The Boulder Library has many free movies and concerts year-round.  There are three indoor climbing and bouldering gyms: Movement, the Spot, and BRC.  There are also the North, East, and South Boulder recreation centers with basketball, racquetball, swimming, tennis, and many other sports.  The Fleet Feet social running group holds free social runs every Monday night.  There are many dance studios: Streetside, Kakes, etc.  The Flatirons Mall and AMC theaters are a quick drive away for anyone who likes shopping or movies.

 

I'm sure I've missed a ton of things, and would love to hear your picks on things to do in the areas you live :-)