In the coming weeks, we will move from that late fall feeling to early winter… Once the Flagstaff Star is lit, it seems like the holiday season overtakes Boulder with seasonal festivals, holiday markets, concerts, nights at the ballet and so much more. Holidays not your thing? No problem, there are lots of other things to do in town: Boulder County Restaurant Week, Mamma Mia! at the Boulder Dinner Theater, and the earliest start to the local ski season in over 20 years!
Opening Day at Eldora
Photo Courtesy Eldora
When: Friday, November 1, 2019 at 9 AM
Join Eldora for its earliest opening in 22 years! Eldora will be open for alpine skiing and riding. Snow is in the forecast for most of the week, conditions should be perfect. For all the info including lift ticket prices, click here.
Día de Muertos
Photo Courtesy Dairy Arts Center
When: Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 4 PM – 7 PM
Celebrating the Mexican holiday Dia de Muertos, Amistad and Dairy Arts Center present an afternoon of art, music, dance, and Latin cuisine. Wear your Catrina costume or have your face painted by an artist on site. Don’t forget to vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ favorite altar. Bring your families, friends and neighbors to experience this vibrant celebration here at the Dairy Arts Center!
This free event will be held at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302.
Day of the Dead Family Fiesta
Photo Courtesy Longmont Museum and Cultural Center
When: Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 2 PM – 6 PM
The Longmont Museum is joining forces with the Firehouse Art Center, Longmont Downtown Development Authority, and El Comité de Longmont to bring you the biggest and best Día de los Muertos celebration Longmont has ever seen—all held downtown! Live music and dancing, sugar-skull decorating, traditional food, altars, craft making, Catrina face painting, and so much more! Come dressed in your finest calaca (skeleton) apparel! Park downtown or take the free shuttle from the Museum so you can see the exhibit too.
This free celebration will be held in Downtown Longmont at 4th & Kimbark Street.
Fall Back Beer Fest
Photo Courtesy Fall Back Beer Fest
When: Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 1 PM – 5 PM
Grab a sample from some of Colorado’s finest breweries and distilleries and chat with expert vendors from across the brewing industry at Estes Park’s Fall Back Beer Fest! Watch live brewing demos and lend a hand. FBBF is an official site for the American Homebrewers Association‘s “Learn to Homebrew Day.” Keeping with tradition, the 2019 Rockygrass band competition winner, Never Come Down, will take the stage to keep you moving. For more information, visit www.fallbackbeerfest.com!
The Fall Back Beer Fest will be held at Estes Park Events Complex, Estes Park, Colorado 80517. $35 Presale/$40 at Gate, VIP $55 Presale/$65 at Gate, $15 Designated Driver, Under 16 free with ticketed guest. Tickets here.
Upslope’s 10th Anniversary Party
Photo Courtesy Upslope Brewing Company
When: Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 2 PM – 8 PM
Join Upslope at its Flatiron Park brewery to raise a glass to 10 years at its 10th Anniversary Party! 40+ beers on tap including vintage favorites, collaboration brews, specialty styles, core beer classics, and the 10th Anniversary Ale. Live music, food trucks, games and hammocks presented by Boulder-based Trek Light Gear. This event is 21+.
Anniversary Party held at Upslope Brewing Company, 1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, Colorado 80301. Cost: FREE.
Lyons Old-Time Square Dance
Photo Courtesy Lyons Old Time Square Dance
When: Saturday, November 3, 2018, from 7 PM – 10 PM
Bring the family to Lyons Old-Time Square Dance at Oskar Blues in Lyons. The dance promises old-time reels, mixers, squares, waltzes and flatfooting to live fiddle/banjo music! All dances are taught and are beginner/family-friendly. Dances are easiest earlier in the evening and become more complex as the evening progresses. Come alone, bring family/friends/kids and join our mix of beginner and welcoming seasoned dancers. No experience, partner or special shoes required. Contact oldtimedances@musicinlyons
The dance will be held at Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, 303 Main St, Lyons, Colorado 80540. Cost: $10/Adult, $5 Child, $25/Family
Dancing with Boulder Stars 2019
Photo Courtesy YWCA of Boulder County
When: Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 6 PM
Based on the hit TV show, Dancing With the Boulder Stars features local celebrities who are partnered with professional dance instructors and undergo an exhilarating months-long rehearsal process to prepare for competition in front of a live audience. Fans and audience members are invited to vote with their dollars for their favorite team, and the team which raises the most is named the champion! These contributions support essential programs and services in our community.
This event will be held at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St, Boulder, CO 80302. Students/Kids $15, General Admission $35, VIP $50, tickets available here.
58th Annual Madrigal Festival: University Choir Concert
Photo Courtesy CU Presents
When: Wednesday, November 6, 2019 from 1 PM – 2:30 PM
At the 57th Annual Madrigal Festival, see the University Men’s and Women’s choruses who are devoted to the study and performance of voice-specific repertoire and perform in several on-campus settings. The Collegiate Chorale, a mixed-voice choir, consists of 50-75 men and women, primarily comprised of undergraduate non-music majors, and performs contemporary choral literature in addition to repertoire from all historical periods.
This event will be held at Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, Colorado 80309. Cost: FREE and open to the public.
Support NoBo Art District at Pints For The People
Photo Courtesy Upslope Brewing Company
When: Wednesday, November 6, 2019 from 2 PM – 10 PM
Upslope Brewing Company is inviting you to the Lee Hill Tap Room for this month’s Pints for the People! $1 of every pint sold today will be donated to a non-profit organization that Upslope employees believe in, this month benefiting NoBo Art District The NoBo Art District supports all forms of creative expressions and the collective effort to connect with and build community.
This event will be held at Upslope Brewing Company’s Lee Hill Taproom, 1501 Lee Hill Dr, Boulder, CO 80304.
Boulder Mountain Handmade Market
Photo Courtesy Boulder Mountain Handmade
When: Saturday, November 9 – Sunday, November 10, 2019, from 10 AM – 4 PM
Shop the Boulder Mountain Handmade Market that gives back to volunteer firefighting to benefit the Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District Auxiliary! Boulder Mountain Handmade features over 60 artisans in its market, plus Boulder’s best bake sale, a FREE all-ages maker area, live music, and fire truck tours. Free admission, plenty of parking.
The market will be held at Boulder Elks Lodge & Pool, 3975 28th St, Boulder, Colorado 80301. Cost: FREE.
45th Annual Longmont Turkey Trot
Photo Courtesy Longmont Recreation Services
When: Saturday, November 10, 2018, from 9 AM – 12 PM
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble, GO! Sign up to run one of the most scenic, fastest, 10k or 2 mile courses around, the Longmont Turkey Trot! 10K course also has a Wheelchair Division. Don’t just run for the fun of it, all of the Longmont Turkey Trot proceeds benefit the City of Longmont Youth Scholarship Fund! 2019 Theme: “Photo Finish”. Show your pride and support for our Veterans! For full information, click here.
The race will be held at Altona Middle School, 4600 Clover Basin Dr, Longmont, CO 80503. Tickets $26, register here.
Boulder County Restaurant Week
Photo Courtesy The Melting Pot
When: November 9 – 17, 2018
First Bite is an annual event highlighting the Boulder area dining scene. For one full week, more than 50 of the area’s top restaurants will offer a special three-course $29 or $49 prix-fixe dinner menu to the community. The week celebrates our exceptional dining scene and continues to bring its well-deserved reputation into the national spotlight.
To view participating restaurants in Boulder County, click here. Cost: $29 – $49/person.
Lighting of Boulder’s Flagstaff Star
When: Monday, November 11, 2019 at 5:30 PM
The Boulder Chamber lights the Flagstaff Star every year on Veterans Day, a tradition dating back to 1947. On Monday, November 11, the Boulder Chamber will host the family-friendly Boulder Star Lighting Festival, complete with a color guard ceremony honoring veterans. To learn more about the star and its history, click here.
This event will be held at the University of Colorado CASE building, 1725 Euclid Ave, Boulder, CO 80309.
Eva Schloss – Anne Frank’s Step Sister
Photo Courtesy CU Boulder Hillel
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 7 PM – 10 PM
Join Chabad at CU for a historic evening, where will we learn from the past, live in the present, and look to the future, by entering the world of Anne Frank, as told by her step sister and childhood friend, Eva Schloss. Reserve your seat by visiting www.jewishcu.com/eva. Presented by Cultural Events Board, Jewish Student Association, Chabad at University of Colorado and CU Boulder Hillel. Space is limited. Reserve early to guarantee your spot.
Liquid Sky Tool Inoculated at Fiske
Photo Courtesy Fiske Planetarium
When: Friday, November 15, 2019 from 10 PM – 11 PM
Fiske’s mind-melting Liquid Sky is a musical, all-you-can-eat eye candy buffet. The beats & rhythms of TOOL coupled with the trippiest visuals digitally rendered live, all on our 8K dome and in full surround sound. Let the Liquid Engineers take you on a live-mixed journey in Fiske Planetarium’s unique immersive theater!
Fiske Planetarium is located at 2414 Regent Dr, Boulder, CO 80309. Tickets $10, $7 for kids, seniors & veterans, available here.
Mamma Mia! at the Boulder Dinner Theater
Photo Courtesy BDT Stage
When: October 5, 2019 – 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.
Multiple Piano Festival
Photo Courtesy Boulder Area Music Teachers Association
When: Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 7 PM
Multiple Piano Festival is a very exciting event which has delighted audiences for over 25 years! 12 grand pianos, 24-36 students playing duet/trio pieces in unison led by a conductor. Performances feature a wonderful variety of music, from Mozart to Movie Themes, with some holiday favorites as well.
The Multiple Piano Festival will be held at Skyline High School, 600 E Mountain View Ave, Longmont, CO 80501. Tickets $15.
Boulder Farmers Market
When: Saturdays through November 23, 2019 8 AM – 2 PM & Wednesdays through October 2, 2019 4 PM – 8 PM
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.
Mollie McGees Holiday Market
Photo Courtesy Mollie McGee’s Craft Market
When: Saturday, November 23 from 9 AM – 5 PM & Sunday, November 24, 2019, from 10 AM – 4 PM
Mollie McGee’s Craft Markets feature only the highest quality handcrafted items as well as a selection of unique items not found in most malls. Mollie McGee’s Fall and Holiday Markets boast over 160 booths at each show.
The market will be held at Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, Colorado 80501. Cost: $5 for both days (coupon for $1 off here), kids under 12 are FREE.
Louisville WinterSkate
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.
Santa’s Cellar Craft Fair
When: Saturday, November 23, 2019, from 8 AM – 3 PM
Check out the Santa Cellar Craft Fair, held at the Broomfield Community Center. Our Annual Santa’s Cellar Craft Fair features five rooms filled with local crafters from Colorado. Santa visits from 10 a.m. until noon! Find something special for everyone on your list. The Ninth Reindeer Cafe will be open during the Craft Fair from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for your snacking needs. Located in the Lakeshore Room. Take a look at the Breakfast and Lunch menus.
Santa’s Cellar will be held at the Broomfield Community Center, 280 Spader Way, Broomfield, CO 80020. Cost: FREE.
Drag Queen Story Hour at Boulder Public Library
Photo Courtesy Boulder Public Library
When: Saturday, November 23, 2019 and Monday, November 25, 2019 at 10:15 AM
Boulder Pubic Library is celebrating diversity in our world with Drag Queen Story Hour. Zarah will present a fun and fabulous storytime for all ages at the main library branch.
This free event is held at the Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302.
Downtown Boulder’s Switch on the Holidays
Photo Courtesy Downtown Boulder
When: Sunday, November 24, 2019, from 5 PM – 6 PM
Switch on the Holidays is back with a holiday sing-along performance led by the Colorado Caroling Company lead up to the grand illumination of the Boulder County Courthouse and the Pearl Street Mall, with a special appearance by Santa himself! Then stick around for FREE visits with Santa until 7 PM.
This event will be held outside the Boulder County Courthouse on the Pearl Street Mall, Pearl Street, Boulder CO 80302. Cost: FREE.
Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas at Boulder Theater
Photo Courtesy Boulder Theater
When: Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 7 PM
Michael Martin Murphey brings his Cowboy Christmas to Boulder, a combination of poetry and music and stories that’ll warm you, body and soul. A multiple Grammy nominee, Michael Martin Murphey has six gold albums and writes and plays country, bluegrass and folk music.
This concert will be held at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St, Boulder, CO 80302. Tickets $35 – $50, available here.
Boulder Thanksgiving Day 5K
Photo Courtesy TEAM-Boulder
When: Thursday, November 28, 2019, at 9 AM – 12 PM
Boulder Road Runners and T.E.A.M are excited to be hosting a Thanksgiving Day fun run event for Boulder! Whether you are young or old, fast or slow, the Boulder Thanksgiving Day event is about celebrating family and friends and the many aspects in our community that we can be thankful for. It is also a time to think about those who are less fortunate and in keeping with traditions, this event will be supporting Boulder’s Harvest of Hope Pantry with a donation from race proceeds. Participants are asked to kindly donate non-perishable packaged and canned foods for the food pantry.
The run will be held at Flatiron Park, 5500 Flatiron Pkwy, Boulder, CO 80301. Registration $10 – $40, register here.
Avista Adventist Louisville Turkey Trot 5K
Photo Courtesy Louisville Turkey Trot
When: November 28, 2019, from 9 AM – 1 PM
Louisville’s Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot was founded as a way to give back to the community after devastating floods in Boulder County in 2013. Participation in the Turkey Trot doubled from 7,500 people in 2016 to almost 15,000 last year. The event will be held again this year, with a portion of the entry fees going to Community Food Share.
The Turkey Trot will be held in Downtown Louisville, Colorado, 951 Spruce St Louisville, CO 80027. Cost: Ages 18-64 are $20 per person through Oct. 31; $25 through Nov. 27; and $30 on race day. Entry for kids ages 17 and under and seniors ages 65 and up is just $5.
The Erie Pilgrimage Run
Photo Courtesy The Pilgrimage Run
When: November 28, 2019, from 8 AM – 10:30 AM
So you thought Thanksgiving was about Turkey, eh? We’re glad you don’t any longer! Join The Pilgrimage Run by running, walking, pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon on this great 2-mile course. The route is made up of 90% paved trails and 10% streets, making it a fantastic family event and easy for anyone to participate! Both courses are very flat and forgiving! The 4 Mile course is similar to the 2 Mile, but includes an additional out & back portion of paved trail.
The run is held in downtown Erie adjacent to the Erie Library, 400 Powers St, Erie, CO 80516. $30 – $35, *Kids 10 & under $15. All kids must have signed waiver by guardian – this is available at packet pick up. Register here.
2019 Broomfield Turkey Day 5K & 10K
Photo Courtesy Broomfield Turkey Day 5k
When: November 28, 2019, from 9 AM – 11 AM
The 5th Annual Broomfield Turkey Day 5K/10K is welcoming all runners, walkers, and pumpkin pie eaters! Come on out to this local event benefiting non-profit, Broomfield FISH. The event will kick off with a half mile Kids’ Dash making this an event the whole family can be thankful for! As you’re crossing the finish line of this iconic event, all 5K/10K finishers will receive a commemorative medal. Additionally, all racers get a Winter Knit Running Hat, Souvenir Race Bib, All-you-can-eat Pumpkin Pie, Free Photos and Vendor Shopping Deals! Register today at www.BroomfieldTurkeyDay.com.
This event will be held at Broomfield County Commons Park, 13200 Sheridan Boulevard, Broomfield, CO 80020. Cost: $40 – $50, register here.
Boulder Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Photo Courtesy Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra
When: November 29 – December 1, 2019
Thanksgiving weekend, the curtain rises for America’s favorite ballet, brought to life by Boulder Ballet and the Boulder Philharmonic. Make your plans now for this thrilling and heartwarming spectacle, all performed to Tchaikovsky’s masterful score.
The Nutcracker will be performed at Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, Colorado 80309. Cost: $15 – $84, tickets here.
Longmont Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: November 29, 2019, from 6:30 PM – 7 PM
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Longmont kicks off the holidays! Bring your friends and family and celebrate with a ton of special events including: Santa, sing-alongs, caroling, warm drinks, crafts snacks & goodie bags.
This event is held in Downtown Longmont, 6th Ave. Plaza, west of 6th Ave. and Main St. Cost: FREE.
St. Nick on the Bricks
Photo Courtesy Downtown Boulder
When: Friday, November 29, 2019 & Saturdays November 30 – December 21, 2019, from 11 AM – 2 PM
Head to Pearl Street where kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories.
Find Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center, 1301 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302. Cost: FREE.
Estes Park Catch the Glow Christmas Celebration
When: Friday, November 29, 2019 starting at 12 PM
Estes Park is celebrating the holiday season with the Catch the Glow Christmas Parade & Celebration.With holiday music broadcast outdoors throughout the town helping set the scene, you can stroll the magical downtown and visit with Santa Claus at his workshop near Bond Park from noon to 2 PM. The lighted Christmas parade begins at 5:30 PM and runs the length of Elkhorn Ave. All activities are free.
This FREE event will be held in Downtown Estes Park.
Boulder SantaCon
Photo Courtesy Boulder SantaCon
When: November 30, 2019, time TBD
A SantaCon is simply a gathering of people dressed as Santa. Traditionally, SantaCon is free to attend, however, some events have costs that need to be covered and the organizers ask for a contribution. Others are held in support of a good cause and also have a mandatory contribution. Boulder SantaCon has not yet released more details, but I will update as the information comes in.
SantaCon is held in downtown Boulder. Cost: FREE.
Centennial Ballet’s Sugar Plum Tea Party
Photo Courtesy Centennial Ballet and Longmont Performing Arts Initiative
When: Saturday, November 24 & Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 1 PM & 4 PM
Centennial State Ballet’s fundraiser, the Sugar Plum Tea Party includes a delightful afternoon of warm tea, sweet and savory edibles and harp accompaniment as well as a souvenir photo taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy character. Centennial State Ballet invites both young and old to join them in a wonderful afternoon at the start of the 2019 holiday season.
The tea party will be held at the Xilinx Retreat Center, 3100 Logic Drive, Longmont, CO 80503. Cost: $35/person. Tickets here.
