20+ Things to Do in Boulder in January 2020

by Rachel Daly
Boulder Events November 2019

This calendar is shorter than usual, things are a little quieter in January after the madness of the holidays. There are always the traditional Boulder favorites if you are looking for something fun to do, in addition to these January 2020 events.

Winterfest Skating at Chautauqua

things to do in boulder in january

Photo Courtesy Colorado Chautauqua

When: Through February 2, 2020, schedule here.

Boulder’s only outdoor ice rink, Winterfest Skating at Chautauqua is fun and FREE!

REI Presents: Pretty Strong at Boulder Theater

things to do in boulder in January

Photo Courtesy Boulder Theater

When: Friday, January 10, 2020 at 7 PM

From 5.13 big walls in Yosemite to 5.14 sport climbs in Mexico to V14 boulder problems in Colorado, Pretty Strong follows eight of the world’s strongest female climbers as they explore new climbing areas, send hard projects, and push the boundaries of the sport and themselves. Putting badass ladies front and center, this isn’t a film about gender imbalance, or the sexualization of women, or what it’s like to have your period at the crag. The climbers featured include Nina Williams, Katie Lambert, Daila Ojeda, Hazel Findlay, and more. Created by the all-women production team Never Not Collective, Pretty Strong is a climbing film about women, by women, and for everyone.

This event will be held at Boulder Theater. Tickets $21, available here.

Versatility Dance Festival 

boulder in january 2020

Photo Courtesy The Dairy

When: January 10 – 11, 2020, full schedule here.

The Versatility Dance Festival will feature short dance films followed by a facilitated discussion featuring the artists performing on stage the following night. View some amazing dance film work from Film Directors hailing from not only CO, but also Belgium, French Polynesia, Russia, and Canada. Then hear from the dance company artists, hailing from CO, FL, NC, and NY, about their performance pieces and their creative processes – see their works performed the following evening. Suggested donation at the door: $10

Ghosts of Christmas Past at Callahan House

things to do in january in boulder

Photo Courtesy Kindred Spirit Society International

When: Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Come join psychic medium and historical tour guide Dori Spence to celebrate Christmas – Victorian style (a little late due to weather)! This event will be held at the Callahan House in Longmont. This iconic 1872 home has been often touted as being one of the most haunted locations in Northern Colorado. Tour the home, take in a presentation about the History & Mystery, and then break off into groups and investigate the entire home to see if you can open up the lines of communication with residents long since passed… or not? More details here.

Louisville WinterSkate

Boulder Events November 2019

Photo Courtesy Boulder Creek Events

When: Thanksgiving week ’til the end of February, hours here.

Located at the Steinbaugh Pavilion in Historic Downtown Louisville WinterSkate is an old-fashioned ice skating rink complete with skate rental, concessions and traditional holiday music. Celebrating its thirteenth year as the original outdoor ice skating rink in the community, WinterSkate presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the winter season in a beautiful small-town setting.

Louisville WinterSkate is held at the Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front Street in Historic Downtown Louisville. Cost (includes skate rental): Adults: $10, Kids (ages 4-12): $9, Children (ages 3 & under): Free, College Students and Military (with valid ID): $8, Senior Citizens (65+): $8, Family 4-pack: $32.

Mesmerica 360 Boulder: A Visual Music Journey

things to do in boulder in january

Photo Courtesy Fiske Planetarium

When: Multiple dates, full schedule here.

Mesmerica 360 is a family-friendly, mind-expanding projection experience is designed to relieve stress, and is suitable for all ages 6 years and above. Come and leave your troubles at the door as we take you on a fantastic journey into awe-inspiring imaginary landscapes.

This event will be held at the Fiske Planetarium. Tickets $12 – $39, available here.

Lafayette Oatmeal Festival and 5K Walk/Run

things to do boulder january

Photo Courtesy Lafayette Chamber

When: Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 7:30 AM – 12 PM

24th Annual Lafayette Oatmeal Festival is a popular family event focusing on healthy lifestyle. A unique festival including an Oatmeal Breakfast, 5K Walk/Run and the chance to donate blood. Oatmeal Breakfast will be held at Pioneer Elementary School. 5K Walk / Run starts promptly at 9:30 am at Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts. Dogs on leashes only.

The Lafayette Oatmeal Festival will be held at Pioneer Elementary School, 101 E Baseline Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026. Breakfast tickets $8 adults, $6 Kids 3 – 12 & seniors, Kids under 2 are FREE. Race registration$20+, click here for details.

Boulder County Bombers Harry Potter Tournament

january in boulder

Photo Courtesy Boulder County Bombers

When: Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 3:30 PM – 10 PM

Join the Boulder County Bombers for a magical mix up roller derby tournament, Hogwarts Houses Tournament. Watch teams compete in the name of all four houses of Hogwarts. Doors open at 5 pm, first whistle at 6 pm. Each bout will be 2 20-minute periods. Colorado Craft Cocktails bar will be on site, where there will be beer & food for sale as well. This is a family friendly event.

The tournament will be held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501. Tickets $15, available here. Kids under 12 are FREE.

Mamma Mia! at the Boulder Dinner Theater

things to do in boulder in october

Photo Courtesy BDT Stage

When: Through February 22, 2020 – full schedule here.

The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship in Mamma Mia! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited 20 years ago. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Mamma Mia, here I go again!

Mama Mia! will be held at the Boulder Dinner Theater, 5501 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. Tickets $40 +, available here.

Womxn’s March on Denver

things to do in Boulder in January

Photo Courtesy Womxn’s March on Denver

When: Saturday, January 18, 2020, 9 AM – 3 PM

The Womxn’s March Denver is more than just a day, it is a global movement to support marginalized persons and a commitment to anti-oppressive principles. Learn more here.

The march will be held at Denver’s Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204. This event is FREE.

Laser TOOL at Fiske Planetarium

things to do in boulder january

Photo Courtesy Fiske Planetarium

When: Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 10 PM – 11 PM

Experience TOOL in a whole new way at Fiske Planetarium. Fiske’s cutting edge projection system from Laser Fantasy mesmerizes your eyes with vibrant colors cutting their way through the fog to our 360-degree wrap around screen – all while our laser engineers fly you through the universe in beat to your favorite jams.

Fiske Planetarium is located at 2414 Regent Dr, Boulder, CO 80309.  Tickets $10 adults, $7 kids, veterans, seniors, available here.

Longmont Symphony Family Concert

things to do in boulder in January

Photo Courtesy Longmont Symphony Orchestra

When: Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 4 PM  – 5 PM

Longmont Symphony is preforming a family concert, with selections from Carnival of the Animals as well as Peter and the Wolf.

This event will be held at the Vance Brand Civic Auditorium in Longmont. Tickets $10, available here.

Estes Park Winter Festival

January in Boulder

Photo Courtesy Estes Park, CO Facebook Page

When: January 18 – 19, 2020 from 12 PM – 4 PM

Celebrate the winter season in Estes Park at the Estes Park Winter Festival weekend! Sip a variety of beers, browse retail vendors, enjoy live entertainment and more at the Estes Park Winter Festival, at the Estes Park Events Complex! Activities include ice skating at the indoor ice rink, live music, inflatables for kids and more.

Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park, CO 80517. Tickets $30 21+ admission w/tasting, $15 General Admission 13 +, $5 Kids 4 – 12, Kids 3 & under are FREE.

5th Annual Snowshoes & Good Views with Always Choose Adventures

things to do in boulder in January

Photo Courtesy Always Choose Adventures

When: Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 8 AM – 11 AM

Grab your snowshoes, we will be marching through the woods on a winter wonderland adventure with Always Choose Adventures! Don’t have Snowshoes? No Problem. ACA Members get FREE rentals throughout the year, and non-members can rent a pair for $10. This is the perfect chance to try snowshoeing for the first time, meet new friends, and get more familiar with winter adventures, if you haven’t yet. More information here.

Family Day at PoshSplat, Peek-A-Boo Owl

things to do boulder january

Photo Courtesy PoshSplat

When: Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 2:00 PM

Family Day at Posh is a great way to spend time and do something creative with your whole family! Only $25 per painter. Step by step instruction is provided by a local artist and everyone paints a picture that is uniquely theirs. No experience, set up, or clean up necessary. Just come and enjoy an afternoon of fun, and create beautiful works of art for your home!

PoshSplat is located at 2035 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302. $25/Person. Register here.

2020 Martin Luther King Day Talent Showcase

january boulder things to do

Photo Courtesy Kenneth Flowe

When: Monday, January 20, 2020 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Don’t miss the first ever Martin Luther King Day Talent Show of Boulder, presented by the Boulder Speakers Bureau & SPAN, benefiting Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence. Celebrate diversity, enjoy live entertainment, and check out local vendors.

The talent show will be held at the Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303. Tickets $18, available here.

Dessa: Senseless Love: Torch Songs and Brain Science

things to do in Boulder January

Photo Courtesy Dessa

What: Thursday, January 23, 2020 from 7 PM – 10 PM

Dessa has earned a reputation as a songwriter who can produce and perform a killer torch song, i.e., tracks that run on pining, tragic love. What’s been good for her art, however, wasn’t always so good for the artist. Dessa struggled for many years to fall out of love with the same man, and even though she knew it was pointless to hope for reconciliation, she just couldn’t seem to put those feelings down.

This event will be held at Colorado Chautauqua. Tickets $15, available here.

Bow Wow Film Fest

things to do in boulder in january

Photo Courtesy Humane Society of Boulder Valley

When: Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM

The 5th Annual Bow Wow Film Festival will be a rousing, fun loving show so please join us for a delightful evening out to celebrate our beloved canine companions and all the richness they bring to our lives!

This event will be held at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302. Tickets $15/adults, $10 Children under 12, available hereAll ticket proceeds will benefit The Humane Society of Boulder Valley.

Napoleon Dynamite – A Conversation + Screening with Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez

things to do in boulder in january

Photo Courtesy Boulder Theater

When: Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 6:30 PM

The beloved indie classic “Napoleon Dynamite” was made almost 15 years ago. Since then much has changed; but the characters, as enduring as they are endearing, stay in our hearts. Appealing to the inner-teenager in each of us, the story, and more importantly the dialogue, makes “Napoleon Dynamite” one of the most quoted movies of our time. This unique evening includes a full screening of “Napoleon Dynamite” followed by a lively, freewheeling, moderated discussion with fan-favorite cast members; Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro).

This event will be held at Boulder Theater. Tickets $35 – $125, available here.

Mozart & More!

things to do in boulder in January

Photo Courtesy Boulder Philharmonic

When: Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 7:30 PM

“The most dynamic duo of this generation.” With Billboard chart-topping albums and extensive international touring, Anderson & Roe revolutionize the piano duo. Maestro Butterman joins the pair for Mozart’s unique Three Piano Concerto at Mozart & More!

This event will be held at the Macky Auditorium. Tickets $18+, available here.

Dinosaurs in Your Backyard

things to do in January in Boulder

Photo Courtesy Colorado Chautauqua

When: Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 7 PM – 10 PM

Joe Sertich of Denver Museum of Nature and Science will discuss new discoveries in the Rocky Mountain West. Like the pages of an upturned book, nearly the entire history of dinosaurs and their lost ecosystems were revealed by the uplift and erosion of mountains across the Rocky Mountain region. The fossils of Colorado were among the first to be discovered over a century ago, revealing fantastic forms like the plated Stegosaurus and the giant, long-necked sauropods. However, numerous discoveries along the Colorado Front Range, and elsewhere in the West, have begun to reveal new dinosaur species. These ecosystems can teach us much about life on a dynamic planet. Using the same techniques as early paleontologists, mixed with new technologies and enthusiastic volunteers, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has leaped to the forefront of discovery.

This event will be held at Colorado Chautauqua. Tickets $12, available here.

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