Boulder is closing out summer with sunshine, music, and a whole lotta fun! The coming weeks will be filled with awesome events like the Boulder County Fair, the Aerial Dance Festival, the Lafayette Peach Festival, Boulder Fringe Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, and BrazilFest, in addition to summer concerts, movies at the park, kids activities and so much more. All happening in the Boulder area in August.
Boulder County Fair
When: August 2 – 11, 2019, full schedule here.
Celebrating its 150th year, the Boulder County Fair, located at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont, is the longest-running county fair in Colorado. The Boulder County Fair offers an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family with fun-filled events and activities like carnival rides and games, yummy food, music, demo derby and rodeos. For more information and complete schedule, click here.
The Boulder County Fair is held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501. Cost: FREE (Parking is also FREE.)
NoBo Art District First Friday Art Walk
When: Friday, August 2, 2019, from 6 PM to 9 PM
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.
The First Friday Art Walk is held in North Boulder along Broadway from Pine Street to Highway 36 (Follow the polka dots and pink flags.) The event is FREE.
Piazza Party & History Hunt
When: Friday, August 2, 2019, from 6 PM to 8 PM
Join the Louisville History Foundation for free food and fun during its outdoor Piazza Party at the Museum plaza during the next Louisville Art Walk. Do you have a keen eye for history? Bring your friends and family and test your skills with a scavenger hunt through the Museum campus.
The Louisville Historical Museum is located at 1001 Main St, Louisville, CO 80027.
Colorado Latino Festival 2019
When: Sunday, August 4, 2019 from 11 AM – 8 PM
The Colorado Latino Festival 2019 will be held in Boulder Central Park from 11am-8pm. FREE Event and PARKING, family friendly music, food and resources. Performances include Jyemo Club, Fruta Brutal, Conjunto Colores, Barrio E’ and more! Trae a toda tu familia. Celebrate #unity and #LatinoCulture.
The festival will be held at the Boulder Bandshell in Central Park, 1212 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302.
Aerial Dance Festival 2019
When: July 28 – August 9, 2019, full schedule here.
Frequent Flyers’ Aerial Dance Festival is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to experience the joy of dancing in the air, for beginners through advanced aerial dancers. This 2-week immersion provides classes, lectures/demonstrations, informal discussions, networking, and performances. For all the information, click here.
Free Sunday at Museum of Boulder
When: Sunday, August 4, 2019, from 10 AM – 5 PM
The Museum of Boulder is offering a free day at the museum on Sunday, August 4th. Check out the Boulder Experience Gallery (2nd Floor Gallery) showcasing the history of Boulder, and A-MAZE-D (lower level) featuring a giant cardboard maze for all ages, and Pack-It-Up (Main Gallery) to explore real stories of voyages from Boulder’s past and present. The Google Garage makerspace will have volunteers to help visitors tinker and create. Enjoy fabulous views of downtown and the flatirons from the rooftop deck.
The Museum of Boulder is located at 2205 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302.
Louisville Downtown Street Faire
When: Fridays throughout Summer from 5 PM – 9:30 PM Rain or Shine (Music begins at 6:30 PM)
If you love amazing live music in the open summer air, check out Louisville’s Downtown Street Faire. These Friday nights have everything you need for a fun, fabulous evening including food, adult beverages, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere. Music Line-up for 2019 includes Los Mocochetes with Boss Eagle, Wild Child with Jaden Carlson Band, Dark and more! Full lineup here.
Louisville Street Faire is held in downtown Louisville and the Historic Downtown Louisville Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St, Louisville, CO 80027. This event is FREE.
Colorado Brazil Fest 2019
When: Multiple dates in August & September, full schedule here.
Colorado Brazil Fest is the largest festival of its kind in the Colorado, and also one of the largest in the nation, with 1500-2000 participants each year. Colorado Brazil Fest is hosted by Boulder Samba School, the only organization in the state dedicated to promoting the rich heritage of Brazilian music, dance, and culture, with a track record of engaging thousands of local residents in performances and educational music programs since its inception in 2009. This year’s lineup includes: Bateria Alegria, Ginga, Michele Castro, Bella Diva, Luciana Da Silva, Samba Colorado and Capoeira Canavial. For the full schedule, click here.
The Colorado Brazil Fest will be held at a variety of locations throughout the Boulder area. For the full schedule, including locations, click here. Some events are free, while others are ticketed. Click here for all the details.
Free Opera in the Park
When: Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 7 PM to 9 PM
Boulder Opera presents a FREE concert of your favorite opera highlights at the park! This family-friendly concert will feature some of Boulder’s most talented rising young artists, performing classics by Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, and more. Enjoy Opera’s greatest hits under the stars while having a picnic with your family, friends, or for a romantic date.
Opera in the Park will be held at the Boulder Bandshell in Central Park, 1212 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302.
Fiber Fest 2019
When: Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 10 AM – 2 PM
Celebrate fiber arts, meet some sheep, learn to crochet, weave, knit, indigo dyeing, and follow the process of yarn making at Fiber Fest 2019. This event is free and open to people of all ages and levels of experience, drop-in anytime. The festival will be held outdoors in the Civic Area Park in front of the Main Boulder Library, so please dress accordingly and for the possibility of mess (indigo dyeing and animals). In the event of inclement weather, the event will be indoors to the Main Boulder Library.
Estes Park Wine Festival
When: August 10 & 11, 2019, from 11 AM – 5 PM
A celebration of Colorado wine in the heart of downtown Estes Park. Enjoy tastings from over 20 Colorado wineries, fresh food, local Colorado vendors and live music. The 5th Annual Estes Park Wine Festival sets up for the weekend in beautiful Bond Park, where festival-goers can soak in the summer sun while enjoying sipping on a variety of locally created wines. From red to white and pink, the Estes Park Wine Festival offers the opportunity to taste and learn about each style of wine and the unique process of how wine is made in Colorado. 21+ event.
Estes Park Wine Festival is held at Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. Tickets will be $30 presale, $40 at the gate. Tickets available here.
The Music of the Beatles for Kids at Boulder Theater
When: Sunday, August 11, 2019, at 11 AM
The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents The Music of the Beatles for Kids at the Boulder Theater. Created to provide a shared musical experience for parents and children, the Rock and Roll Playhouse hosts adult-friendly kids’ concerts. Local musicians play music live while kids and parents dance and play in the crowd.
The Music of Prince for Kids will be hosted at the Boulder Theater this Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 11:30 AM. Tickets are $15, available here.
Meadow Music
When: Final Meadow Music will be held on August 12, 2019
A Boulder tradition for families in the summer! Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige for evenings of children’s music and nature education. The evening consists of a short hike, followed by 45 minutes of nature music at the foot of the Flatirons. Sponsored by City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Division Meadow Music is an award-winning environmental education program at Chautauqua Green in Boulder, Colorado.! The event begins at 5:30 with a short hike that’s friendly to all ages (please arrive early to find a place to put your picnic blanket before the hike). After the hike, the group returns to Chautauqua Green for a concert full of original nature and science-based music by Jeff and Paige. The concert starts around 6:00 PM and ends by about 7:00 PM. Bring a blanket to sit on, a picnic and some silliness!
Meadow Music is held at the Chautauqua Green, Baseline Rd & 9th Street, Boulder, CO 80302. This event is FREE.
Chautauqua Summer Concert Series
When: Throughout the summer, full schedule here.
Live entertainment at beautiful Chautauqua Park will be happening all summer long! Chautauqua 2019 Summer Concert series is presenting a variety of comedians and musicians. This summer’s lineup includes Melissa Etheridge, Robert Cray, Indigo Girls, Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot!, Jose Gonzalez, Boz Scaggs & more! Full lineup here.
Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302. Full schedule here. Ticket prices vary, see prices here.
2018 Boulder Fringe Festival
When: August 14 – 24, 2019, full schedule here.
The Boulder Fringe Festival is an eclectic event that allows audiences to enjoy unique “fringe” artists in a variety of Boulder venues at an affordable price. The first ever Fringe festival took place in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1947 when a group of artists who were not mainstream enough to be accepted into a larger festival decided to form a new festival on the “fringes”. Since the original festival, hundreds more have been held around the world. Boulder’s festival is loosely modeled on the original, offering performing artists of every genre, large and small, an opportunity to be a part of the festival. In order to keep the Boulder Fringe Festival as inclusive as possible, the costs for artists to participate are kept low and there is a lottery system in place for picking the 20 performers that make up the festival. Most performances are one hour or less, and are scheduled festival-style, so you can come to one show and stay for one or two more. Tickets for each show are very affordable, allowing audiences from all walks of life to attend. In addition, every dollar made from ticket purchases goes directly back to the artists. For the full schedule, click here.
Boulder Fringe Festival will be held in various locations around Boulder. Tickets are $13+. For all the details and to buy tickets, click here.
Bands on the Bricks
When: Wednesdays throughout Summer, June 5 – August 7, 2019
From oldies to alternative and everything in between, Bands on the Bricks is Boulder County’s premier outdoor summer concert series taking place in the heart of the city on the bricks of the one-and-only Pearl Street Mall. A not-to-be-missed summer tradition with 10 weeks of free concerts. Enjoy performances from the best local musicians along the front range while dancing under the stars. Featuring an outdoor beer/wine/margarita garden starting at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday night. For the full schedule, click here.
Bands on the Bricks is held on Pearl Street in Downtown Boulder. Beer Garden opens at 5:30 PM, Opening Act starts at 6:00 PM, Headlining Act starts at 7:00 PM. Admission is FREE.
Under the Stars Film Series
When: August 15 – 16, 2019 at 5:30 PM, full schedule here.
The Boulder Adventure Lodge is hosting it’s 4th Annual Under the Stars Film Series. A free night of live music and outdoor adventure films presented on a 24-foot inflatable projector screen set up on the lawn by Fourmile Creek. Beer and food are available for sale all evening. The Under the Stars adventure films are brought to you by the Adventure Film Festival, offering great door prizes from local sponsors which will benefit the Boulder Climbing Community, a local non-profit. McDevitt Taco Supply will be serving deliciousness on site. Biking is highly encouraged! The lodge is located right at the end of the Boulder Creek Path, just 100 ft up Fourmile Canyon. A free shuttle will be available, giving people rides up the canyon. Call the lodge with questions: 303.444.0882.
The Boulder Adventure Lodge is located at Boulder Adventure Lodge, 91 Fourmile Canyon Dr, Boulder, Colorado 80302. The event has a $5 suggested donation. Shuttle info here.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
When: June – August 2019, full schedule here.
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1958 and is still going strong. Held every summer at the picturesque Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and the indoor University Theatre on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, this festival is consistently among the most critically acclaimed of its kind in the nation. CSF’s award-winning education program also presents classes, workshops and camps for all ages throughout the year. This summer’s performances include Twelfth Night, As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet, King John and Mike Bartlett’s King Charles III.
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival will be held at Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, University Theatre. Cost: Starts at $19, tickets available here.
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
When: August 16 – 18, 2018
Spend a glorious Colorado summer weekend celebrating songs and stories from around the musical and geographic world along the St. Vrain River at the 29th Rocky Mountain Folks Festival at Lyon’s magical Planet Bluegrass Ranch. The “summit on the song” welcomes our favorite songwriters from folk, rock, country, indie including Ani DiFranco, The Oh Hellos, Ben Folds, Violent Femmes, Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band, Gasoline Lollipops and so many more! Full lineup can be found here. Numerous camping options nearby include: on-site at the festival grounds, along the St. Vrain at the new River Bend Campground (across the street from the Ranch), or under the cliffs at Meadow Park (an easy five-minute walk to the festival). This family-friendly festival is FREE for kids under 12, with a whole host of activities: Tube the St. Vrain River through Planet Bluegrass. Paint, sculpt and assemble in the arts & crafts tent. Build sand castles on the beach. Join the variety of fun, planet-minded activities throughout the day including slacklining, tree climbing, nature studies, a kids music performance, an instrument petting zoo, and much more.
The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival is held at Planet Bluegrass, 500 W Main St, Lyons, Colorado 80540. Tickets are $75+, tickets available here. FREE for kids under 12.
Creekside Concert with Euforquestra and Lipbone Redding
When: Friday, August 16, 2019, from 5 PM – 9 PM
Boulder Parks and Recreation is hosting a FREE outdoor concert with Eufórquestra and Lipbone Redding in Boulder’s Civic Area. Creekside Concerts bring together the community with exciting live bands, food vendors and local craft beer. This concert is open to the public and family-friendly. Presented by City of Boulder Parks and Recreation, sponsored by Boulder Beer Co. and PLAY Boulder Foundation. Additional information available at (www.bprevents.org).
The concert will be held in Boulder’s Civic Center area, next to the library.
Rock & Rails Niwot
When: Thursdays throughout the summer from 5 – 9 PM
Niwot is hosting it’s summer concert series, Rock & Rails at Whistle Stop Park. Every Thursday night, enjoy live music, local foods, handcrafted beer & more in historic Niwot. Full schedule here.
This free event is held at Whistle Stop Park, Murray St & 1st Ave, Niwot, CO 80503.
Lafayette Peach Festival
When: August 17, 2019 from 9 AM – 4 PM
The Lafayette Peach Festival centers around world famous all natural Palisade, Colorado peaches. Enjoy peach pies, peach cobbler and peach smoothies. Food vendors, crafters, antique dealers along with some of the finest artists from the Front Range and Western States will be showcased. Children’s activities, live entertainment and music throughout the day. Over 30,000 pounds of Certified Organic Peaches from Morton’s Orchard’s, Tate Orchards and Red Fox Run Orchards in Palisade, CO. will be available in 4 locations along Public Rd. Free face painting by Face Fiesta & balloon sculpting all day, 9:00am-4:00pm! Bonfils Bloodmobile will be holding a Blood Drive from 9:30am – 3:30pm. Look for the Bonfils Bus on S. Public road near Kimbark Street.
The Lafayette Peach Festival is held in Old Town Lafayette on Public Road. Cost: FREE.
Beauty and the Beast at the Boulder Dinner Theater
When: May 4 – September 21, 2019, full schedule here.
The Academy Award-winning film comes to life in BDT Stage’s romantic and beloved take on the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.
Beauty and the Beast will be held at the Boulder Dinner Theater, 5501 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. Tickets $40 +, available here.
The Claypool Lennon Delirium with Uni at Boulder Theater
When: Sunday, August 18, 2019, from 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
The Claypool Lennon Delerium will be playing Boulder Theater on August 18. Known independently for their accomplished music careers, Sean Lennon and Les Claypool first envisioned melding their powers back in 2015, when Sean’s band The GOASTT was opening for Primus on a summer tour. After setting the intergalactic scene ablaze with their first record, The Monolith of Phobos, they’ve joined mustaches once more to wrap listeners up in a mind-bending sonic cyclone. The twosome have created an album of towering sagas depicting the misadventures and indulgences of misfit characters from the wrong side of the cosmic train tracks. Gather ’round to hear tales that celebrate the most unusual and sublime trivia known to humankind!
This event will be held at the Boulder Theater. Tickets $35 – $165, available here.
Boulder Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, April 6 – November 23, 2019 8AM – 2PM & Wednesdays, May 1 – October 2, 2019 4PM – 8PM
You can’t have a summer events post without the Boulder Farmer’s Market! 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.
Boulder Farmers Market is held on 13th Street next to Central Park, Boulder, CO 80308.
Creekside Concert with Ron Artis II and the Truth
When: Friday, August 23, 2019, from 5 PM – 9 PM
Boulder Parks and Recreation is hosting a FREE outdoor concert with Ron Artis II and the Truth in Boulder’s Civic Area. Creekside Concerts bring together the community with exciting live bands, food vendors and local craft beer. This concert is open to the public and family-friendly. Presented by City of Boulder Parks and Recreation, sponsored by Boulder Beer Co. and PLAY Boulder Foundation. Additional information available at (www.bprevents.org).
The concert will be held in Boulder’s Civic Center area, next to the library.
Boulder Craft Beer Festival
When: Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 1 PM – 5 PM
Don’t miss the 6th Annual Boulder Craft Beer Festival, bringing together the best craft breweries and a handful of local cideries from Boulder County and beyond for a tasting festival, offering attendees samples of the best beer on the Front Range. The festival includes music, lawn games and food for purchase. Attendees will be able to sample beer from more than 30 breweries while enjoying live music from Part and Parcel (12:30 – 2:30 pm) and the sultry alt-Americana band Foxfeather (3:00 – 5:00 pm). A number of local food trucks will be participating in the festival with food for purchase onsite at the event. The ShutterBus will be on hand to take free photos with your friends. There will also be free lawn games available for attendees including ping-pong and corn hole.
The Boulder Craft Beer Festival will be held at North Boulder Park, 2848 9th St, Boulder, CO 80304. Tickets $35 per person General Admission, The $50 per person VIP ticket. Tickets & details available here.
Erie Movie in the Park
When: Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 8 PM – 10 PM
Bring your family, friends, blanket or lawn chair and join the Town of Erie Parks & Recreation Department for a movie in the park this July. See the family-friendly How to Train Your Dragon! There will be fun themed activities or a craft prior to the start of each movie. Movies will begin at dusk (around 8:30 p.m.) on the Civic Green at the Erie Community Park. Sweet treats will be available for purchase from Kona Ice.
Erie’s Movie in the Park will be held at Erie Community Park, 450 Powers St, Erie, CO 80516. This event is FREE
Estes Park Handmade in Colorado Expo
When: August 24, 2019 10 AM – 7 PM & August 25, 2019 10 AM – 6 PM
The 11th Annual Handmade in Colorado Expo is an annual showcase of some of Colorado’s Best Handmade Arts, Crafts, and Goods. All merchandise displayed at this juried show is handmade in Colorado and sold directly by the artist or crafter. A huge collection of exhibitors will represent a wide range of media. All work sold will be created from both emerging and experienced artisans from Colorado. This event is designed for Locavores as customers will only find Colorado made items. Free admission, live music, and family fun. Experience Great shopping, awesome Live Music, and Live Art at the longest-running and best festival exclusive to Colorado artists and crafters!
The Handmade in Colorado Expo is held at Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. Admission is FREE.
Free Day – National Parks & Lands
When: Sunday, August 25, 2019
The National Park Service turns 103 in August! Celebrate the service’s birthday by visiting one of America’s most unique and significant sites. The National Parks Service will be granting free admission on that day to all National Parks and Monuments. To help you decide which park to visit, check out this guide of Colorado’s amazing and diverse national parks and monuments.
Tulip Bulb Giveaway
When: Wednesday, August 28, 2019, from 10 AM – 12 PM
Tulip bulbs will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis (one bag per family). A small donation is appreciated in support of citywide parks and horticulture maintenance efforts. The department has been hosting this free event for Boulder community members since 2006 with the goal of sustaining beautiful and unique tulip spring blooms on the Pearl Street Mall while providing an opportunity for interested gardeners to enhance their homes and public spaces through local resources. More than 50,000 tulips have been given away since the inaugural event in 2006. Last fall, department staff planted about 5,500 new tulip bulbs including a wide variety of color. Parks and Recreation staff changes the variety and color of the tulips planted on the Pearl Street Mall every year to provide a unique and impressive display each spring. After the bloom, staff removes the bulbs to make way for summer plantings, storing them until the annual tulip bulb giveaway each August. Pearl Street Mall tulips are imported directly from Holland from a wholesale provider.
This event will be held on the Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall.
Boulder Creek Hometown Festival
When: August 31 – September 2, 2019, full schedule here.
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 Beer Festival, a food court & beer garden, and much more! Don’t miss out on the festivities of this community event each Labor Day weekend!
The festival will be held along the Boulder Creek corridor, extending from Broadway to 14th Street (west to east), between Canyon Blvd. and Arapahoe Ave. (north and south). This event is FREE.
