Summer is coming to an end, the days are getting shorter and soon the air will be cooler. Autumn is right around the corner, and Boulder is full of great events to celebrate the changing season this September. Below is a comprehensive list of festivals, art events, fairs, fitness opportunities, kids activities and so much more! All happening in and around Boulder this September.
NoBo Art District First Friday Art Walk
Photo Courtesy NoBo Art District Facebook Page
When: September 1, 2017
Where: Along Broadway from Pine Street to Highway 36 (Follow the polka dots and pink flags.)
Time: 6PM – 9PM
Cost: Free
NoBo Art District’s First Friday is a FREE self-guided tour of artists’ studios and creative businesses in the NoBo Art District. Meet painters, sculptors, photographers, designers and other artists along your stroll through the area. Attendees will also enjoy live music, demos and special activities in many locations. Located along Broadway from Pine Street to Highway 36. Follow the polka dots and pink flags to find surprises around every corner. Guided walking tours led by a NoBo Art District member. will visit 4-5 NoBo artists in their studios at 6:30 pm at 4635 Broadway, ACE Community Art Gallery. Visit the NoBo Information Tent in front of Ace Community Art Gallery, 4635 Broadway for a map of the studios open for First Friday and for answers to any questions.
Boulder Psychic Institute’s Psychic Fair
When: September 2, 2017
Where: Boulder Farmer’s Market, 13th Street next to Central Park, Boulder, CO 80308
Time: 1PM – 5PM
Cost: $15
Learn about your soul essence, past lives, and the colors of your aura at the Psychic Fair hosted by the Boulder Psychic Institute. Ask questions and get answers about career, money, love, family, relationships, spirit guides, angels, and life purpose. Receive a 15-minute reading at the Boulder Farmer’s Market for $15. No need to schedule, just show up!
Boulder Creek Hometown Festival
Photo Courtesy Boulder Creek Events
When: September 2-4, 2017
Where: Boulder along the Boulder Creek corridor, extending from Broadway to 14th Street (west to east), between Canyon Blvd. and Arapahoe Ave. (north and south) Click here for a detailed map.
Time: Saturday 10AM – 10PM, Sunday 10AM – 9PM Monday 10AM – 7PM
Cost: FREE
Ages: All Ages
Just as the Boulder Creek Festival® kicks off the summer in Boulder County, the Boulder Creek Hometown Festival is the perfect bookend to close out the summer event season. This event features arts & crafts exhibitors in Central Park, live performances at the Bandshell, the Hometown Fest 5K, a Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, the Rocky Mountain Pizza & Pints Festival, a food court & beer garden, and much more! Don’t miss out on the festivities of this community event each Labor Day weekend!
Labor Day Parade & Fall Festival
Photo Courtesy City of Louisville
When: September 1-4, 2017
Where: Downtown Louisville, 749 Main St, Louisville, Colorado 80027
Time: Friday 5 – 7PM, Saturday 10AM – 5PM, Sunday 10AM – 4PM Monday 8AM – 4PM
Cost: FREE
Ages: All Ages
Labor Day in Louisville is the biggest community celebration of the year, the Labor Day Parade and Fall Festival. Don’t miss the chance to come together with friends and neighbors to experience a weekend celebrating the community spirit of Louisville. The highlight of the weekend for many is the Labor Day Parade which takes over the streets of Downtown Louisville on Labor Day morning. Be sure to try out some of the other fun activities including the Bocce Ball Tournament, Children’s Pet Parade, Homemade Pie Contest and more! For more info including parade registration forms available at: www.louisvilleco.gov/
Free Archery Day at High Altitude Archery
Photo Courtesy of High Altitude Archery
When: Saturday, September 2, 2017
Where: High Altitude Archery, 455 Weaver Park Rd, Ste 500, Longmont, Colorado 80501
Time: 9AM – 5PM
Cost: FREE
Come and try archery for free on this free shoot day at High Altitude Archery. Kids and adults are welcome. The High Altitude Archery range features 37 lanes a standard 20 meters indoor distance divided into 3 separate practice areas. High Altitude Archery’s lanes are extra roomy for a comfortable shooting experience and marched in accordance with World Archery specifications.
Pints in the Park
Photo Courtesy Louisville Chamber of Commerce
When: Saturday, September 2, 2017
Where: Louisville Community Park, 955 Bella Vista Dr, Louisville, Colorado 80027
Time: 12 – 4PM
Cost: $25 gets you unlimited sample tastes of the beer and a Souvenir Glass, $30 at the door. Designated Drivers are fre. Tickets available here.
Louisville’s Original Brewfest, Pints in the Park will be held at Community Park in Louisville! The brewfest will feature many local breweries giving out sample tastes of their delicious beer. Food will also be available for purchase from a handful of local restaurants. Tickets are limited and the price goes up the day of the event so make sure to get yours today! This is strictly a 21 & Over Event, no infants or children. Dogs are not allowed, please keep them at home.
Free Outlaw Yoga at Sanitas Brewing
When: Sunday, September 3, 2017
Where: Sanitas Brewing, 3550 Frontier Ave Unit A, Boulder, Colorado 80301
Time: 10:30 – 11: 30AM
Cost: Free
Take this FREE class with Outlaw Yoga at Boulder’s Sanitas Brewing Company. Class begins at 10:30, brews and community time will follow.
Boulder Pridefest
Photo by Sway Photography, Courtesy Out Boulder County
When: Tuesday September 5 through Sunday, September 10, 2017
Where: Various locations, schedule here.
Time: See full schedule of events here.
Cost: Free
Pridefest is Boulder County’s largest LGBTQ event of the year, featuring vendor booths, music, a youth and family area, a health and wellness area, musical guests, food trucks, entertainment and more. Come early and stay late! Meet new friends and connect with ones you haven’t seen all year. Delicious food trucks include I Scream Colorado L.L.C., Em’s Ice Cream, Tayziac J’s, The Ginger Pig, Suburban Wiener and Cuban Fusion! The Big Gay 5K will be held on Sunday, September 10. Register for the race here.
Pet Photo Shoot Fundraiser – Boulder Valley Humane Society
Photo Courtesy AGoldPhoto Facebook Page
When: September 8 – September 9, 2017
Where: Saturday: Camp Bow Wow Boulder, 3631 Pearl St, Boulder, Colorado 80301, Sunday: Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company, 297 US-287 #100, Lafayette, CO 80026
Time: 11AM – 1PM
Cost: $35/pet. Tickets available here.
AGoldPhoto will be taking pictures to raise funds for Boulder Valley Humane Society! The photo shoot sitting fee for each pet is $35 and 100% of the sitting fee goes to the shelter. You’ll receive an online gallery with photos from the shoot to choose from. Each edited digital photo is $20, with a minimum order of 3 digital photos. Multiple Pets? Each dog does require its own time slot. If you would like photos with multiple dogs, photos can be taken together and if they don’t cooperate, can be taken separately and edited together.
Superior Chili Fest & Boulder Valley Beer Fest
Photo Courtesy Superior, Colorado Facebook Page
When: Saturday, September 9, 2017
Where: Community Park, Community Park Dr, Superior, CO 80027, United States
Time: 2 PM – 6 PM
Cost: Chili Fest entrance is FREE, chili tasting cups are $5. The Beer Fest is $35, $40 at the door, VIP tickets $60. Tickets available here.
The 2017 Chili Fest is back for its 17th year, this year’s Chili Fest features great chili samples and food, local vendors, a FREE Kids Zone area (Zip Line, Quad Trampoline, Jumpy Castles) and more! Please note that chili samples are generously provided by the cooks and are distributed first come-first served. Get there early as the samples always go fast. Chili tasting cups will be available for purchase – BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR for $5 you may purchase a reusable chili tasting cup with attached spoon – eat all the chili you want and take home the commemorative cup! The event will also feature a “People’s Choice” competition between eight of the best local restaurants! Music at the Chili fest will feature Rouge 2 and local favorite Over Soul’d.
The Boulder Valley Rotary Club is partnering with Chili Fest to bring you the 4th annual Boulder Valley Beer Fest. The beer fest features unlimited beer samplings from over 20 local breweries and souvenir mug. VIP tickets include catered food, limited edition specialty beers, wine tastings, desserts, margaritas, all located in a prime location near the live music. You will also be given early access to the event at 1:30pm. All net proceeds from this fundraiser will be used by the Rotary club to support its many active community projects from improving literacy locally to helping eradicate polio globally. To purchase beer fest tickets, click here.
Lafayette Brew Fest
When: Saturday, September 9, 2017
Where: Lafayette Florist, 600 S Public Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026
Time: 2PM – 7PM
Cost: No entrance fee. Discounted pre-pour sales (Click Here), Event day pour prices: $2.00 for each 4 oz pour, $6.00 or 3 pour tickets for 9 oz glass of wine
Explore craft/micro beers one pour at a time! The Lafayette Brew Fest features 25 Breweries/Cideries all within 75 miles of Lafayette. Local Food includes – UTurn BBQ, Sammy’s Fried Cheese, Suburban Weiner, Butcher and the Blonde and Low County. Enjoy music by Iron Spoke Reunion. 21 & Over to drink (Must show ID at the door) There are no age limits for entrance, but there are limited things for those under 21 to do at this event. Use your discretion in bringing kids. Be kind to your pets and leave them at home. Only service dogs allowed in the barricaded area.
Yin Yoga & Luvin Arms Sanctuary Tour
When: Sunday, September 10, 2017
Where: Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, 3470 County Road 7, Erie, CO 80516
Time: Yoga: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Sanctuary Tour: 10:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: Donation-Based. Register here.
Join this outdoor Yin Yoga class at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary. Complement and balance your high energy (Yang) activities with a gentle class that relaxes and restores! This series of floor postures targets the connective tissues, leaving you with a feeling of lightness and ease in body and mind! PLEASE BRING A LARGE TOWEL to use as a prop. This 60 minute class is suitable for all levels and is followed by a tour of the sanctuary.
Crafts and Trades of Olden Days
When: Sunday, September 10, 2017
Where: Agricultural Heritage Center, 8348 Ute Hwy, Longmont
Time: 10AM – 3PM
Cost: Free
At this special event at the Agricultural Heritage Center, attendees will learn about old fashioned jobs and the traditional arts and crafts that went into making what was needed for life down on the farm. Sweaters, candles, even door hinges were made by hand, using skills not widely practiced today. Crafts and Trades of Olden Days offers several games and demonstrations including blacksmithing, candle-dipping and working with a drop spindle. Other activities include soap making, Victorian hair art and storytelling. Several “make and take” activities are offered as well. This free event is fun for all ages. Please note that no pets are allowed on the farm.
CU Museum of Natural History’s Curious Connections in Nature
When: Daily, Beginning August 26, 2017
Where: University of Colorado Henderson Building, 15th and Broadway, Boulder, CO 80309
Time: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm, Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Cost: Always FREE
Ages: All Ages
In the wild world around us, everything is connected. Curious Connections in Nature is a new exhibition at the CU Museum of Natural History that delves into these connections through hands-on activities, multi-media displays, and specimens from the Museum’s collection. The exhibition highlights symbiosis in our bodies, our backyards and beyond. Discover the role of the prairie dog in Colorado’s grasslands, learn about the microbes we host in our bodies, and explore the amazing world of lichens, diatoms, and much more.
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest
Photo Courtesy Downtown Boulder
When: September 15 – 17, 2017
Where: Pearl Street Mall, Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
Time: Friday: 5 – 10 pm; Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
Now in its 30th year, Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest has been one of Boulder’s most beloved community celebrations. This 3-day autumn festival features food, brews and music with the added excitement of children’s activities. Firefly Handmade Markets will be there, featuring carefully and creatively curated to feature returning favorite and emerging artisans with home goods & décor; jewelry & accessories; adult & children’s fashion; skin care; ceramics; art; artisanal food; paper goods; and more. Free parking Saturday and Sunday in the City of Boulder Parking Garages.
ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival at Boulder 2017
When: September 15 – 17, 2017
Where: Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, Colorado 80302
Time: See full schedule here.
Cost: FREE, Register here.
A festival of literature from all over the world, ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival at Boulder promises to be an event unlike any other. Free and accessible to everyone, rich with words and ideas, the Festival examines the human experience through the reflections and imaginations of distinguished contemporary authors from across the globe. Featuring internationally acclaimed authors and innovative minds including: Suki Kim, Micheal Rezendes, Akhil Sharma, Alberto Ruy Sanchez, Anne Waldman, Christina Lamb, Dan-el Padilla Peralta, Erling Kagge, Larry Pressler, Namita Gokhale, Navtej Sarna, Shashi Tharoor, Vikas Swarup, William Dalrymple and more.
Move, Groove & Gratitude Dance Party
Photo Courtesy Shine Restaurant and Gathering Place
When: September 16, 2017
Where: Shine Restaurant & Gathering Place, 2027 13th St. Boulder, CO 80302
Time: 5pm – close: food + drink , 8pm – close: Move, Groove, & Gratitude Dance Party
Cost: Dance party tickets available $10 in advance and $15 at the door, tickets available here, food and drinks available for purchase.
Shine Restaurant & Gathering Place is moving to a new location, with a new focus and is celebrating the big transition with a dance party!
Enjoy favorite items from Shine’s menu as well as Shine Potions and libations all night long. DJ James F Barry will begin the dance party at 8pm we celebrate all things Shine: the past the present and future. Shine will reopen this fall as Shine Restaurant and Potion Bar at the new location: 2480 Canyon Blvd.
Free Yoga with Bhakti Chai & Avery Brewing
Photo Courtesy of Avery Brewing Co.
When: September 16, 2017
Where: Avery Brewing Company, 4910 Nautilus Ct N
Time: 10 – 11AM
Cost: FREE. Space is limited, RSVP to attend: http://bit.ly/chaihighyoga
Avery Brewing Company is hosting a free yoga class on its front lawn to celebrate its partnership with Bhakti and the release of Avery’s limited Chai High brown ale. Enjoy a complimentary Bhakti Chai before class, a 1-hr outside yoga class led by Core Power Yoga, and a complimentary Avery Chai High beer afterward! Feel free to stay for lunch afterward! An Indian-inspired menu will available. Space is limited, please RSVP to attend: http://bit.ly/chaihighyoga. Please bring your own yoga mat. Mats will not be provided. Must be 21+, please bring your ID!
$5 Day at Butterfly Pavilion
When: Saturday, September 16, 2017
Where: Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020
Time: 9AM – 5PM
Cost: $5/person over 2, Kids under 2 and members FREE.
The Butterfly Pavilion is offering admission for just $5 on Saturday, September 16. Home to over 5,000 animals, kids will be immersed in a tropical rainforest where 1,600 butterflies live and Rosie, the tarantula is ready to be held by brave children. Step to Water’s Edge to be immersed in an underwater world full of sea creatures. The pavilion also features lovely gardens and a nature trail, as well as a fun gift shop.
2017 Longmont Studio Tour
When: September 23 – 24, 2017
Where: Various art studios around town, full tour map here.
Time: 11AM – 5PM
Cost: FREE
36 art studios and venues, showcasing the work of 57 participating artists, will be open to the public during the free, self-guided 2017 Longmont Studio Tour on September 23-24 from 11am-5pm both days. Step into Longmont’s richly diverse visual arts community by meeting the artists where they work and show. Buy original art directly from the creator, where you can learn about the medium and story of the pieces. Free Tour Maps available at Arts Longmont Gallery, 356 Main St., Longmont.
Autumn Gold Festival
Photo Courtesy Visit Colorado
When: September 23 – 24, 2017
Where: Estes Park, Colorado
Time: TBA
Cost: FREE
Autumn Gold Festival is Estes Park’s fall celebration – a Festival of Bands, Brats & Beer. Entrance is free to dance, listen to music and enjoy the festival. The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary will be offering mustard-smothered bratwursts, cold brews, soft drinks and more as talented local musicians and award-winning Colorado bands play. Browse the vendor booths who will be offering corn on the cob, funnel cakes, fresh squeezed lemonade, roasted almonds and desserts. Free family activities include face painting, corn bag toss, a bounce house and a classic car show. The highlight of the Autumn Gold Festival is the popular raffle with the winner taking home the grand prize of $5,000. Additional prizes include a $2,500 runner-up prize and various other cash awards. Raffle tickets are $25 each.
Enchanted Forest at Wild Mountain Nature Center
Photo Courtesy of Wild Bear Nature Center
When: Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Wild Bear Nature Center, 20 Lakeview Dr, Nederland, Colorado 80466
Time: 11AM – 6PM
Cost: $8/person in advance, $10/person day of, Children under 2 and seniors are free. Tickets available here.
Wild Bear Nature Center will be hosting its 17th annual Enchanted Forest! Join us as we connect with the magic of the Fall season and the greater community! Take a tour of the forest and meet the animals who will tell their stories and how we can help them! Expect a full goody bag of special treasures from the forest animals! Enjoy loads of activities in Downtown Nederland, including professional face painting, creating your own costumes, live musical and theatrical performances, forest tours, and fairy magic. Dance with the bears! Enjoy yummy foods, hot drinks, and a community driven bake sale. People of all ages welcome and costumes are encouraged! Seniors and children under 2 years are free. Please note: Tours last 1 hour, and the last tour will be leaving at 5 pm. There are still lots of activities going on in the forest for latecomers to enjoy.
Monarch Day at the Butterfly Pavilion
When: Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020
Time: 9AM – 5PM
Cost: All special activities included in general admission: Adults – $11.00; Westminster Resident – $9, Seniors (65+) – $9.00, Children (2 – 12) – $7.00, Children (under 2) – Free
Monarch Day is a fun-filled celebration of these amazing butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion. From their important role in our ecosystem to their incredible migration, there’s so much to discover! The Butterfly Pavilion is home to over 5,000 animals! Kids will be immersed in a tropical rainforest where 1,600 butterflies live and Rosie, the tarantula is ready to be held by brave children. Step to Water’s Edge to be immersed in an underwater world full of sea creatures. The pavilion also features lovely gardens and a nature trail, as well as a fun gift shop.
Boulder Farmers Market
Photo Courtesy Boulder County Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, April 1-November 18, 2017 & Wednesdays, May 3-October 4, 2017
Where: 13th Street next to Central Park, Boulder, CO 80308
Time: 10AM – 2PM
Cost: FREE
Offering fresh fruit, flowers, veggies and delicious edibles, the Boulder Farmers’ Market provides a place for locals to sell their products in a friendly, fun environment. Twice a week, residents and visitors can fill their bags with goodies.
CU Wizards S.T.E.M. Show, Go With the Flow
When: Saturday, September 30, 2017
Where: CU Cristol Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1606 Central Campus Mall, Boulder, CO, Room 140
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Cost: FREE
Ages: 5 – 18
Professor Janet deGrazia, CU Boulder Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, will delight young science enthusiasts by demonstrating some extraordinary (& perhaps unexpected) properties of fluids in the S.T.E.M. show Go With the Flow. Did you know that you can use water to start a fire? Or that hydrogen by itself won’t burn, but add enough air and BOOM!! What happens to a little ethanol in a bottle if we add a wee spark? How can two fluids when mixed together become a solid? How is smelly red cabbage juice especially useful? Find out the answers at the show!
Longmont Chalk Art Street Fair & Bin Market
When: Saturday, September 30 – Sunday October 1, 2017
Where: Firehouse Art Center, 667 4th Ave, Longmont, CO 80501
Time: Saturday 10AM – 6PM, Sunday 10AM – 5PM
Cost: FREE
Bin 46 Wine Bar & Restaurant is teaming up with Firehouse Art Center to bring new vibrancy to the community art scene this Fall with the kick off of the Longmont Chalk Art Street Fair & Bin Market. The Fair is a free two-day street-painting festival where 25 artists spend hours on their hands and knees over the course of two days turning the streets of Longmont into a vivid canvas of colorful chalk art. The goal of the event is to create a venue for artists, vendors and visitors alike to enjoy live-art, music and local artisan vendors for a fun family weekend. There will also be a special Pop up Dinner on Saturday evening– stroll along the street and view the art in progress while enjoying a special food and wine dinner under the stars hosted by Bin 46 Wine Bar & Restaurant. Tickets for Saturday night are $45.00 for General Admission and $125.00 for VIP. Order dinner tickets here.
Estes Park Elk Fest
When: September 30 – October 1, 2017
Where: Boyd Park, Boyd Lane, Estes Park, CO
Time: 10AM – 4PM
Cost: FREE
To celebrate the annual elk rut and learn about the “wapiti,” the Native American name for elk, Estes Park hosts the annual Elk Fest in Bond Park. The free festival features bugling contests, elk exhibits, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, elk seminars, elk-inspired arts and crafts, Native American music, dancing and storytelling, a childrens’ area with elk-themed activities, and a craft beer garden. For safe & respectful elk viewing tips, please visit Estes Park’s Wildlife Watching page. Vendors will display artwork, handmade elk-ivory jewelry, and will offer distinctive elk cuisine. Mountain men from around the country will gather at the Mountain Man Rendezvous to sell their wares and demonstrate their skills. Enjoy the Educational Seminar Tent to learn more about Elk and wildlife in Estes Park from a variety of professionals including Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Mile High Note Game Calls. Live country, rock and bluegrass music will light up the park Saturday and Sunday with popular Colorado bands performing on stage.
