30+ Things to Do in Boulder in July

by Rachel Daly
Published: Last Updated on
things to do in Boulder in July

Boulder will be celebrating the hottest days of summer with live music, festivals, fireworks and fun! July in Boulder means it is time for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, the Colorado Music Festival, Pearl Street Arts Fest, the Rocky Mountain Tea Festival, the Aerial Dance Festival, and the Buddhist Arts and Film Festival in addition to many other great events. For all the 4th of July events happening around town, click here. Happy July!

Chautauqua Summer Concert Series

Things to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy Colorado Chautauqua Summer Concert Series

When: Throughout the Summer

Live entertainment at beautiful Chautauqua Park will be happening all summer long! Chautauqua 2018 Summer Concert series is presenting a variety of comedians and musicians. 2018 Summer Concert Series July Line Up: July 10: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, July 31: Amos Lee

Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302. Full schedule here. Ticket prices vary, see prices here.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Colorado Shakespeare Festival

When: June 8 – August 12

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. This year, performances will include Love’s Labour’s Lost, Richard III, Edward III and non-Shakespearean plays: You Can’t Take it With You and Cryano de Bergerac. CSF’s award-winning education program also presents classes, workshops and camps for all ages throughout the year.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival is held at Mary Rippon Outdoor TheatreUniversity Theatre. Times vary, check schedule here. Starts at $20. Tickets available here.

Colorado Music Festival

things to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy Colorado Music Festival

When: June 28-August 4, 2018

Colorado Music Festival presents a six-week summer concert season at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder showcasing the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra. Inspired programming performed by exceptional national and international musicians has earned Colorado Music Festival recognition from the League of American Orchestras and the National Endowment for the Arts. Full schedule available here.

Colorado Music Festival is held at Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302. For the full schedule here. Cost is $12.00 – $54.00, tickets available here.

The Little Mermaid at the Boulder Dinner Theater

things to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy BDT Stage

When: June 1 – September 8, 2018  

The Boulder Dinner Theater is putting on a production of The Little Mermaid this summer! In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

Boulder Dinner Theater is located at 5501 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. Schedule varies, click here to see full schedule. $40 – $67 Tickets here.

Boulder Concerts in the Park

Things to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy Boulder Concert Band

When: Mondays, June 18 – July 30, 2018

The Boulder Parks and Recreation Department partners with the Boulder Concert Band to provide music in the parks. The Boulder Concert Band is composed of volunteer musicians from Boulder and surrounding communities. The BCB provides our community with outstanding performances of traditional and modern concert literature and enriches the cultural experience of the audience and the musicians. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the parks with your family! (Please no glass or alcohol.)

Concerts in the Park are held in various parks throughout Boulder, view schedule here at 7PM on Monday nights. Admission is FREE.

Kids’ Movies at the Longmont Museum

things to do in Boulder in July

When: Tuesday Mornings July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 at 10AM

This summer, cool off in the Stewart Auditorium at the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center with a bag of popcorn at Kids’ Movies at the Museum.  Movies include Frozen, Kung Fu Panda, The Little Mermaid, and The Lorax. Tickets only $2 (Free under the age of 2). Your ticket gets you $1 off the hands-on TreeHouses exhibit too! Buy tickets ahead; these movies sell out!

The Longmont Museum and Cultural Center is located at 400 Quail Rd, Longmont, CO 80501.

Twenty Ninth Street LIVE! Concerts

Things to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy Twenty Nineth Street Summer Concert Series

When: Fridays & Saturdays throughout Summer

Once again, Twenty Ninth Street is going to rock, swing and jive with the summer concert series. Join the fun at Twenty Ninth Street’s Central Plaza next to West Elm, where The Barrel is located for food, drinks and dancing under the stars. July Music Line-Up: July 6: Hunter Hamilton Group, July 7: Cable Ten, July 13: South to Cedars, July 14: Lee & Co., July 20: Jon Pickett, July 21: Wendy Woo Band, July 27: The Beaver Brook, July 28: HotFoot.

Twenty Ninth Street LIVE! Concerts are located at Central Plaza next to West Elm. The concert runs from 6PM – 9PM. Admission is FREE.

Meadow Music

Things to do in Boulder in October

Photo Courtesy Jeff and Paige

When: Mondays, July 2, 9, 23 and 30, 2018

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 6:00PM and ends by about 7:00. Bring a blanket to sit on, a picnic and some silliness!

Meadow Music is located at Chautauqua Green, Baseline Rd & 9th Street, Boulder, CO 80302. The concert runs from 5:30 – 7PM. Admission is FREE.

Bands on the Bricks

What to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy Bands on the Bricks

When: Wednesdays throughout Summer

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, featuring Rio Margaritas and a local brewery. This summer’s brewery line-up includes: West Flanders (June 6 – June 27), The Post (July 4) and  Avery Brewing Company (July 11 – August 8). Bands on the Bricks June Schedule: July 4: Hazel Miller Band, July 11: Oakhurst (Opening act, Taylor Shae), July 18: The Heartstring Hunters (Opening act, Pine Beetles),  July 25: Groove a Licious (Opening act Lucas Swafford).

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.

Boulder Farmers Market

things to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy Boulder County Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, April 7-November 17, 2017 8AM – 2PM & Wednesdays, May 2-October 3, 2017 4PM – 8PM

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

Louisville Downtown Street Faire

things to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy Downtown Louisville Colorado

When: Fridays, June 8 – August 10, 2018

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 in lovely downtown Louisville. Music Line-up for June 2018 includes July 13: Samantha Fish, July 20: Gasoline Lollipops, July 27: The Young Dubliners.

Street Faire is held in Historic Downtown Louisville at the Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St, Louisville, CO 80027 from 5PM – 9:30PM Rain or Shine (Music begins at 6:30PM). Admission is FREE.

Colorado Firecracker Run 2018

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Colorado Firecracker Run

When: Sunday, July 1, 2018 8AM – 11AM

Check out the imaginative 4k or 4 mile, & free kids run at the Colorado Firecracker Run in Erie!  Free crawfish boil, red, white and blue foam party, slip n slide inflatable finish line, beer, and more. For info and tickets, click here.

The Colorado Firecracker Run is held at Erie Community Park, 450 Powers St, Erie, CO 80516. Tickets are $15/Kids, $38/4K, $43/4 Mile Run, available here.

Celebrate 120 Years of the Colorado Chautauqua

things to do in boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Colorado Chautauqua

When: Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Gather your friends and family and join Colorado Chautauqua for its 120th birthday! This family-friendly, FREE celebration on the Chautauqua Green features two sets of Americana music by one of the premier community bands in the state, Boulder Concert Band. Consisting of over 70 volunteer musicians, the band’s performance will feature a wide variety of traditional patriotic music including John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” starring any kid conductor willing to give it a try. Bring your appetite and let the staff of the Chautauqua Dining Hall take care of the rest. Serving delicious BBQ-style cuisine on the stone patio and baked goods, grab-n-go snacks and $1.20 single-scoop ice cream in the General Store, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Feeling thirsty? Stop by the Chautauqua Dining Hall for happy hour prices on beer and wine.

Colorado Chautauqua is located at 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302. This event will be held Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at 10AM. FREE to the public.

Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy WK Real Estate

When: Wednesday, July 4, 2018, Gates open at 8PM

Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast has been a Boulder tradition since 1941. Crowds of thousands gather each year at CU’s Folsom Field to enjoy Boulder’s largest fireworks display and local entertainment such as Jeff and Paige, FunkiphinoSchool of Rock, Pearl Street Jive, Beat Frequency, and of course, Ralphie. This event is hosted by the associates of WK Real Estate, the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) and the City of Boulder. Media Sponsors include the Daily Camera, KBCO and Boulder Channel 8. FOR ALL THE 4TH OF JULY EVENTS IN THE BOULDER AREA, CLICK HERE.

Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast is held at CU’s Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80302.

Buddhist Arts and Film Festival

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Buddhist Arts and Film Festival

When: Friday, July 6 5:30PM – 10:30PM, Saturday & Sunday July 7 – 8 10:30AM – 10:30PM

The Buddhist Arts and Film Festival brings together films, art, workshops, panel discussions, performances and music all inspired by Buddhist principles. Films have the power to amplify unique and important perspectives unlike any other medium. These creative expressions can transform, confuse and enlighten us. The founders of the festival believe the practice of Buddhist principles affects how we look at everything and how this practice expands our creativity.

The Buddhist Arts and Film Festival will be held at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302. All-access pass $108, Individual films and workshop prices vary. Tickets and full schedule here.

Young People’s Concert

Photo Courtesy Colorado Music Festival

When: Saturday, July 7, 2018 from 2PM – 4PM.

Introduce young children (ages 4+) to the excitement of live orchestral music with a program that engages audience members young and old at the Young People’s Concert. Presented by Colorado Music Festival and Center for Musical Arts, kids will love the concert and afterwards, a Music Fair where kids meet costumed characters, try the instrument petting zoo, enjoy face painting and more. Join Boulder Ballet dancers as they delight with new choreography to complement Dvorak Slavonic Dances. RIDE THE FREE PARK TO PARK TO THIS CONCERT! Leave the hassle of parking behind and catch a stress-free Park to Park shuttle that runs Sat & Sun from 7-7. Details and map can be found at parktopark.org.

The Young People’s Concert is held at Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302 on July 7, 2018 from 2PM – 4PM.

Lafayette Cars & Coffee

January in Boulder

Photo Courtesy Adam’s Polishes

When: Saturday, July 7, 2018 from 7AM – 10AM

Adam’s Polishes hosts the monthly Cars & Coffee every first Saturday in Lafayette. Food & coffee trucks will be on site to purchase goods to enjoy while you walk the lot and view the car show. Bring a canned good and get a raffle ticket! Flatirons Church is doing a food drive and let’s help them make this big— each raffle ticket enters you into a giveaway for 4 exclusive kits.

Cars & Coffee is held in the Flatirons Church parking lot, 355 W South Boulder Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026

Summer Sundays at the Brunner Farmhouse

boulder kids weekend guide

Photo Courtesy Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities

When: Sunday, July 8, 2018 4PM – 8PM

This Sunday is the first Summer Sundays event of 2018 at the Brunner Farmhouse! And there will be fun, new additions to the events this year. There will be carnival games and prizes, face painting, instrument petting zoo, children’s crafts, storytelling, bouncy house, a North Metro Fire Rescue District fire truck for the kiddos, a Century Chevrolet car for everyone to draw on, a hula hooping contest, and icy treats from Kona Ice of Broomfield and Arvada. We might also have a hula hooping artist and athlete show us some tricks! Then, stay after the festival from 6-8 p.m. for a live concert by Still, We Rise and prize giveaways! These events are brought to you by the Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities (a local nonprofit organization since 1973). Participating groups with booths include the Broomfield Symphony OrchestraBroomfield Art Guild, and Broomfield Spellbinders.

The Summer Sundays Festival is held at the Brunner Farmhouse, located at 640 Main St, Broomfield, CO 80020.  The event runs from 4PM – 8PM on Sunday, June 10, 2018. This event is FREE. 

Charlie Chaplin Comedy Night (1917 & 1919)

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Colorado Chautauqua

When: Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Charlie Chaplin Comedy Night is an evening of silent comedy featuring the iconic Charlie Chaplin, with live music accompaniment by the Silent Cinema Trio. The night will begin with Chaplin’s 1917 film “The Cure.” The second film is “Sunnyside” (1919).  The last film will be “A Day’s Pleasure” (1919). For all the details, click here.

Charlie Chaplin Comedy Night is held at Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302 on July 11, 2018 at 7PM. Tickets $12, available here.

Rooftop Yoga at Museum of Boulder

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Museum of Boulder

When: Wednesdays July 11, 18 & 23, 2018 at 8:15AM

Engage your body and mind with Rooftop Yoga at Museum of Boulder. Bring your own mat and join this weekly yoga class with Eldora Meier. She teaches accessible vinyasa flow classes with an emphasis on alignment and breath. For adults and kids 16+.

Museum of Boulder is Located at 2205 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302. Fees: $10 Museum Members / $15 General Admission

2018 Erie Concerts in the Park

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Deja Blu Variety Band

When: Saturday, June 7 & 21, 2018

Erie’s Concerts in the Park will be hosting two concerts in July! On July 7, rock band Stereo Collision will be headlining. On July 21, the Deja Blu Variety Dance Band will perform. FREE children’s activities. Beer, wine and concessions will be sold.

Erie Concerts in the Park is held at Coal Creek Park, 575 Kattell St, Erie, CO 80516. The concert runs from 5PM – 8PM. Admission is FREE.

Dead & Company at Folsom Field

What to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy Dead & Company Facebook Page

When: July 13 & 14, 2018

Dead & Company was formed in 2015 when the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and Bob Weir joined forces with artist and musician John Mayer, Allman Brothers’ bassist Oteil Burbridge, and Fare Thee Well and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. Dead & Company at Folsom Field has become a summer tradition in Boulder. For all the details, click here.

Dead & Company will perform at Folsom Field on July 13 & 14, 2018. More information here.

Estes Park Comic Con 2018

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Estes Park Comic Con

When: Friday, July 13 12PM – 8PM, Saturday, July 14 10AM -8PM & Sunday, July 15 10AM -8PM

This July, the comic world ascends to the little mountain town of Estes Park! Estes Park Comic Con will feature artists, celebrities, and the kings and queens of the comic world. Celebrate everything nerd! From geekchic to the old school. All the info available here.

Estes Park Comic Con will be held at the Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park, CO 80517. Tickets available here.

Erie Movie in the Park

things to do in Boulder in June

Photo Courtesy Design Concepts

When: Saturday, July 14, 2018

Bring your family, friends, blanket or lawn chair and join the Town of Erie Parks & Recreation Department for movies in the park this summer. On July 14, Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be playing! 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 and Vanilla Bean Pastry Truck.

Erie Community Park, 450 Powers St, Erie, CO 80516. Movie starts at dusk (around 8:30PM). Admission is FREE.

Inside the Orchestra

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Boulder Public Library

When: July 14, 2018 at 10AM & 11:15AM

Inside the Orchestra for Families is an engaging 50-minute performance created to get families and children of all ages “inside the orchestra”. Using a 15-17 piece orchestra, the family concerts incorporate components of our school and Tiny Tots programs, to introduce the family and the community to the world of Inside the Orchestra. Families get to discover what it is to be truly inside the orchestra as they are seated on the floor and surrounded by our professional musicians. By encouraging them to interact directly with the conductor and the musicians we show them that music is designed to be explored and enjoyed. Through partnerships with Central City Opera and Hannah Kahn Dance Company, we feature professional opera singers and professional dancers in every program.

Inside the Orchestra will be held at the Canyon Theater at the Main Library in Boulder. Registration opens June 30, 2018 here.

Bastille Day Crawfish Boil

Boulder Breweries

Photo Courtesy Asher Brewing Company

When: Saturday, July 14, 2018

Asher Brewing Company is hosting a Bastille Day Celebration featuring all you can eat crawfish and your first beer free. Bastille Day festivities taking place all afternoon. Crescent City Food Truck will be on hand.

Asher Brewing Company is located at 4699 Nautilus Ct S #104, Boulder, CO 80301. Bastille Day Crawfish Boil runs from 3PM – 8PM. Tickets $30, available here.

Public Safety Day for Kids

things to do in boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Lafayette Police Department

When: Wednesday, July 14, 2018 from 10AM – 2PM

The Lafayette Police and Fire Departments are hosting a fun-filled day for families to learn about public safety. This annual event features police and fire equipment, police cars, police motorcycles, fire trucks, demonstrations by both departments, numerous community booths & activities and free lunch!

Public Safety Day is held at LaMont Does Park, 500 E South Boulder Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026.

Pearl Street Arts Fest

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Downtown Boulder, Pearl Street Arts Fest

When: Saturday, July 21 from 10 am – 7 pm and Sunday, July 22 from 10 am – 5 pm

From whimsical and modern sculptures to traditional watercolors and oils & more, Pearl Street Arts Fest is a beautiful outdoor gallery nestled in the heart of downtown Boulder on the renowned Pearl Street Mall. Artists will travel from all over Colorado and more than 20 other U.S. states to exhibit and sell pieces to experienced collectors, as well as enthusiastic newcomers. Click here to view some of the exhibiting artists. In addition to artisan booths, Open Studios Mobile Art Lab will bring on site art instruction and inspiration to students of all ages at the art activity tent Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm on the Courthouse Lawn. Check out our Children’s Activities page for more details and ideas of other things to keep the kiddos entertained.

The Pearl Street Arts Fest is held on the Pearl Street Mall.

Yoga on the Rooftop

things to do in Boulder in June

Photo by All Things Boulder

When: Sunday, June 22, 2018

Experience Boulder’s most breathtaking views and an exhilarating yoga practice on the Rooftop Terrace at Folsom Field. This fun class is led by Jo Marchi, founder of JoMar Yoga, with alignment correction provided by UCHealth physical therapists. Just bring a yoga mat and water bottle! This class is FREE.

This event is held on Folsom Field’s Rooftop Terrace, 2400 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80302 from 8AM – 9AM. The class is FREE.

Tri Boulder

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy BBSC Triathlon

When: Sunday, July 22, 2018

BBSC Endurance Sports is introducing ‘The Beast’ long course triathlon, and aquabike to one of Colorado’s already most popular races. Tri Boulder also features an Olympic, Sprint, and Relay, offering a distance to fuel everyone’s competitive spirit. Mark your calendars because this is a race you don’t want to miss!

Tri Boulder is held at the Boulder Reservoir, on Sunday, July 22, 2018 from 7:05AM – 3PM. Register here.

Boulder SummerFest

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Boulder Public Library

When: Saturday, July 28, 2018 10AM – 2PM

Celebrate the end of Summer of Discovery and Parks and Recreation summer programming with The City of Boulder’s SummerFest. The festival will feature music, activities, ice cream, and fun for the whole family.

Boulder SummerFest will be held at the Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302. This event is FREE.

Rocky Mountain Tea Festival

things to do in Boulder in July

Photo Courtesy Boulder Teahouse

When: July 28 – 29, 2018

The Rocky Mountain Tea Festival is hosted at The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the Teahouse was a gift to the city of Boulder from sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The elaborate, handcrafted teahouse is the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, and is one of the city of Boulder’s premier tourist attractions. The Tea Festival features seminars, workshops, tea tastings, a Tea Dinner, a small marketplace, and the popular Children’s Tea Parties. The goal of the Tea Festival is to offer a non competitive forum for lovers of tea to come and learn, taste, and discuss their favorite beverage. This interactive event allows people to connect one – on – one with leaders in the tea industry, taste phenomenal teas, and enjoy a weekend of celebrating one of nature’s most prized gifts. For all the info, and the full schedule, click here.

Rocky Mountain Tea Festival is held at the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House July 28 – 29, 2018. Workshops are $20, Register here.

Frequent Flyers’ 20th Aerial Dance Festival

Photo Courtesy Frequent Flyers

When: July 29 – August 11, 2018

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.

The Aerial Dance Festival is held in multiple locations. Check the schedule here for prices, dates and times.

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