Fall officially begins festival month in and around Boulder with the Boulder Creek Hometown Fest kicking off the season’s event list! September will also bring back Boulder Pride Fest, Estes Park Elk Fest, Boulder’s Bee Fest, Superior’s Chili Fest, the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival, Boulder Valley Wine Festival, Mapleton Hill Porchfest and lots of other events including movies at the park, nights at the dinner theater and so much more.
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.
Rocky Mountain Beer Festival
When: Monday, September 2, 2019 from 1 PM – 6 PM
The Rocky Mountain Beer Festival taste beer from local and regional craft breweries, enjoy live music performances, and play classic lawn games at the 5th Annual Rocky Mountain Beer Festival in Boulder at the Boulder Creek Hometown Fest on Labor Day.
This event will be held in downtown Boulder at 13th St & Canyon Blvd.
Louisville Labor Day Fall Festival
When: Monday, September 2, 2019 from 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Labor Day Weekend is Louisville’s biggest community celebration of the year. In addition to the Louisville Labor Day Parade, the celebration also includes an all-day festival at Memory Square Park! Labor Day Fall Festival features the Homemade Pie Contest, and a variety of FREE family-friendly activities including concerts from Jeff and Paige, magic shows, balloon twisting, and free swimming at Memory Square Pool. Children’s activities include face painting, Henna tattoos, bounce houses and inflatable fun. Click here for more details.
This event will be held at Memory Square Park in Louisville.
Free Day at Museum of Boulder
Photo Courtesy Museum of Boulder
When: Monday, September 2, 2019, from 9 AM – 5 PM
The Museum of Boulder is offering a free day at the museum on Labor Day. 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.
Creekside Movie in the Park (Back to the Future)
When: Friday, September 6, 2019 from 5 PM – 10 PM
Join Boulder Parks and Recreation for a FREE movie screening of Back To the Future (PG) under the stars, exciting live music, food vendors and local craft beer. Come early and enjoy a live music from the The Champions (80’s Cover Band) as they kick off the evening. Music starts at 5:00 PM, and the movie begins at dusk. Presented by City of Boulder Parks and Recreation. Sponsored by Boulder Beer Co., Blue Federal Credit Union, Hilton Garden Inn Boulder, KGNU Community Radio, Boulder Weekly, and the PLAY Boulder Foundation.
This event will be held creekside in front of the library at 1056 Canyon Blvd, Boulder CO 80302.
NoBo Art District 10th Anniversary Celebration
Photo Courtesy NoBo Art District Facebook Page
When: Friday, September 6, 2019 from 5PM -9PM
NoBo Art District’s 10th Anniversary Celebration is a kid-friendly event with live entertainment including performances from local musicians as dancers from Block 1750, fire dancers and more! 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. 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.
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
When: September 6 – 8, 2019, full schedule here.
Celebrate your Scottish or Irish heritage by participating in the Long’s Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park, Colorado! The festival features athletic games and pipe bands, as well as jousting and dance competitions. In addition, various Celtic rock, folk, and traditional musicians will be performing. 80 participating Scottish and Irish clans will be participating in the games this year. Pageantry and patriotism, spirit and spectacle, talent and teamwork all combine in this awesome display of music and might. Kids will love the games, the parade, the dog show and the amazing food!
The festival will be held at Stanley Park Fairgrounds, 1209 Manford Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. Cost: $25/adult, $10/Kids 11-16 years old, $5/Kids 5-10 years old. $75 for 3-day passes. Tickets available here.
Boulder Valley Wine Festival
Photo Courtesy Boulder Valley Wine Festival
When: Saturday, September 7, 2019, 11AM – 5PM
The inaugural Boulder Valley Wine Festival in Louisville, Colorado will feature Colorado produced wine, cider and mead, as well as, retail vendors and live entertainment. Admission includes a wine glass, wine tote and unlimited tastings.
The Boulder Valley Wine Festival is taking place at Community Park, 955 Bella Vista Dr, Louisville, CO 80027. $30 General Admission. 21+ Event.
Superior Chili Fest
When: Saturday, September 7 2019, 2 PM – 6 PM
The 2019 Chili Fest is back for its 19th year, this year’s Chili Fest features great chili samples and food, local vendors, a FREE Kids Zone area and more! Please note that chili samples are generously provided by the cooks and are distributed first come-first served. 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!
Superior’s Chili Fest will be held at Community Park, Community Park Dr, Superior, CO 80027, United States. Cost: Chili Fest entrance is FREE, chili tasting cups are $5.
Boulder Pride Week & Pridefest 2019
When: Events all week long, full schedule here. Pridefest will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2019. 5k begins at 10:15, all other festivities begin 11:30.
Boulder Pride Week includes a number of events happening all over Boulder (full schedule here), culminating with Pridefest: a day jam-packed with activities, amazing community partners sharing information, Pride merchandise galore from Out Boulder County and other wonderful vendors. Jewelry from talented artists, photo booths, giveaways all over the park, and multiple activities in the Health and Wellness Area and the Youth and Family Area. Out Boulder County is hosting the Rainbow Run/Walk 5K this year with a new route, fun costume contest, and more! The Rainbow Run/Walk 5K will raise funds that support the programs and work of Out Boulder County. Out Boulder County’s mission is to educate, advocate and provide services, programs, and support for Boulder County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer communities. Folks from all backgrounds and identities are welcome to participate.
Pridefest will be held at Central Park, 13th St & Canyon Blvd. Race begins at Pearl & 11th St. Register here.
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.
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest
Photo Courtesy Downtown Boulder
When: September 13 – 15, 2019, for the full schedule click here.
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.
Fall Fest is held on the Pearl Street Mall. The event is FREE.
Boulder Farmers Market
Photo Courtesy Boulder County Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, April 6 – November 23, 2019 8 AM – 2 PM & Wednesdays, May 1 – 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.
Crafts and Trades of Olden Days
Photo Courtesy Boulder County Parks & Open Space
When: Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 10AM – 3PM
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.
The event will be held at Agricultural Heritage Center, 8348 Ute Hwy, Longmont.
The Lovely Liberal Dance Party
When: Wednesday, September 18, 2019 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Looking for a networking/social outlet as election season draw near? The Lovely Liberal Dance Party is will provide a space for people interested in social justice to mingle. A DJ and light refreshments will be on hand to keep the party going. Proceeds benefit There With Care. Providing a wide range of thoughtful and fundamental services to families and children during the critical phase of a medical crisis. Learn more at www.therewithcare.org
The party will be held at the Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303. Tickets $12, available here.
Thin Air Throwdown 2019
Photo Courtesy Boulder County Bombers
When: September 20 – 22, 2019, schedule here.
Join Denver Roller Derby and Boulder County Bombers at the Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall for a weekend of jam packed roller derby action at the Thin Air Throwdown 2019. Teams include: Denver Roller Derby Mile High Club, Rose City Rollers, Wheels of Justice, VRDL All Stars, Boulder County Bombers Bombshells, Denver Roller Derby Standbys, 10th Mountain, FoCo Roller Derby, OKVD Tornado Alley, Durango Roller Derby. There will be 12 games total on 1 track.
The Thin Air Throwdown will be held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501. Ticket info coming soon here.
2019 Broomfield Days
Photo Courtesy City of Broomfield
When: Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 7AM – 5PM
Broomfield’s biggest community event, Broomfield Days, is back with a parade, live music, food, local vendors and more! Activities and entertainment throughout the day including a 5K race, clown contest, parade, trade fair, craft festival, food booths, three stages of entertainment, demonstrations, and great community spirit.
Broomfield Days is held at Midway Park, W Midway Blvd & Kohl St, Broomfield, CO 80020. This event is FREE.
17th Annual Erie Biscuit Day
Photo Courtesy Erie Historical Society
When: Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 8AM – 12PM
At the 17th Annual Erie Biscuit Day, enjoy some Biscuits and Gravy, Homemade Stew, Live music, cake walk, raffle drawing, craft booths, historic photos and more! Festivities will be held in Historic Downtown Erie, all proceeds benefit Erie Historical Society.
This event is held in Downtown Erie on Briggs Street. The event is FREE.
ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival Colorado 2019
When: September 21 – 23, 2018, full schedule 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. In an uplifting celebration of the mind and heart, authors from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe will take part in provocative conversations about life and society, economics and the arts, equity, freedom, and the care of our planet. In these critical times, the penetrating, intercultural dialogue exchanged speaks deeply to individuals and gives rise to the joy of community.
The ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival is held at the Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, Colorado 80302. The event is FREE, register here.
Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga
Photo Courtesy Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga
When: Multiple dates, full schedule here.
Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga is hosting yoga with goats this winter, at the indoor heated barn at Lucky Weather Ranch! Bring good vibes and love. If you need to rent a mat, you can for $5.
This event will be held at the Lucky Weather Ranch, 12996 N Foothills Hwy, Longmont, CO 80503. Tickets $30, available here.
Estes Park Autumn Gold Festival
Photo Courtesy Visit Colorado
When: September 21 – 22, 2019, 11 AM – 6:00 PM
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. Fall all the details, click here.
The Autumn Gold Festival is held at Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Historic Hoverhome Public Tour
Photo Courtesy St. Vrain Historical Society
When: Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 1 PM – 3 PM
Tour this beautiful 1913-1914 historic home, built by Charles L. Hover and his family. On these tours, docents guide you around historic Hoverhome where you will learn about the Hover family and their involvement in Longmont and beyond. Tours start on the hour at 1, 2, and 3 pm and last about an hour each. No rsvps are needed. Fees and donations collected help support the continued care of this historic home.
Historic Hoverhome is located at 1309 Hover Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501. Cost: $8/Person. Children 6 & Under FREE.
Doggie Dash 2019
Photo Courtesy Boulder Valley Humane Society
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 10AM – 1PM
The Doggie Dash 2019 is a 2-mile stroll and fun run at the Boulder Reservoir to benefit the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. The event includes a Community Expo — featuring scrumptious brunch options available for purchase at local food trucks, Wheel and the Whisk and Los Dos Bros, a free beer garden, music, the Purina Doggie Treat Bar, and dozens of local vendor booths. In addition to all the fun at the event you’ll receive a Goodie Bag filled with giveaways, access to all of our exciting our fundraising prizes, and all canine attendees receive a dog “medal” to commemorate the life-saving morning! For all the details and to register, click here.
Boulder Reservoir is located here. Registration: $25/Adult, $15/Youth (under 12). Proceeds benefit the Boulder Valley Humane Society.
Mapleton Hill Porchfest 2019
Photo Courtesy Mapleton Hill Porchfest
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 1 PM – 4:30 PM
The 8th Annual Mapleton Hill PorchFest is a musical walkabout that is the envy of all the other neighborhoods. Like last year’s event which drew about 800 people, the event will include 20 different bands of many styles, playing their hearts out on local porches. Do you like bluegrass? Jazz? Classical? Blues? Folk? Of course you do, so plan on attending to hear some of our best local bands. Stroll the beautiful historic Mapleton Hill neighborhood, enjoy the entertainment, meet up with old friends and make new friends.
This event is held at the Historic Mapleton Hill Neighborhood. This event FREE.
Boulder’s Story Slam
Photo Courtesy Boulder’s Story Slam
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 7 PM – 9:30 PM
Ready for a laugh-inducing, edge-of-your-seat, heart-opening night of stories? Where you or the person next to you could take home the prize for best story? Boulder’s Story Slam starts with a hat (for you to put your name in), a theme, some music, and a microphone. There will be a time limit (5 minutes) and a winner. (That’s right — competitive storytelling. The audience votes for the best story.) Hosted by Johanna Walker, co-producer of Truth Be Told, a previous version of Boulder’s story slam, and multi-instrumentalist, Hal Walker, who will also delight the crowd with musical palette cleansers throughout the night.
This event will be held at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302. Tickets $15, VIP seats $25, available here.
Enchanted Forest at Wild Bear Nature Center
Photo Courtesy of Wild Bear Nature Center
When: Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 11AM – 6PM
Wild Bear Nature Center will be hosting its 19th 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! 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.
The Enchanted Forest will be held at Wild Bear’s new property at Mud Lake across from the Caribou Room, 2034 Co Rd 126, Nederland, CO 80466. $10/person in advance, $12/person the day of. Seniors and children under 2 years are free.
Boulder Bee Fest
When: Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 10 AM – 1 PM
Join the City of Boulder for the 5th annual FREE family-focused festival celebrating Pollinator Appreciation Month at the Boulder Bee Fest. Bring the whole family for a fun-packed day learning about and celebrating pollinators with music (everybody’s favorite – Jeff & Paige!!), prizes and more. Presented by City of Boulder Parks and Recreation and Planning and Housing Services.
This free event will be held at Central Park West in Boulder’s Civic Area.
Estes Park Elk Fest
When: September 28 – 29, 2019, 8:30 AM – 5 PM
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 children’s 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.
Elk Fest is held at Boyd Park, Boyd Lane, Estes Park, CO. The event is FREE.
YWCA Dash and Bash
Photo Courtesy Boulder County YWCA
When: Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 8 AM – 2 PM
The YWCA Dash & Bash is a celebration of YWCA’s powerful mission to empower women and eliminate racism. This fundraising event includes a 10K, 5K and Kids’ Dash for participants to take on as a competition or a fun run or walk. It brings together our community by encouraging teams of co-workers, family members, friends, corporations and civic groups to make a statement and fuel the important work of YWCA Boulder County. The YWCA Dash & Bash is more than a fun run, it is a unique gathering place for the community to rally together around society’s most pressing issues. For all the details, click here.
The YWCA Dash & Bash is held at Boulder Reservoir here. To register, click here.
