May in Boulder is absolutely PACKED with amazing festivals, live music events, outdoor activities and so much more! The month begins with a handful of arts opportunities and wraps up with the much anticipated Boulder Creek Fest and BolderBOULDER over Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy springtime in Boulder!
Shine Dance Party
When: Friday, May 3, 2019 from 8 PM – 12 AM
Shine Restaurant & Potion Bar and Yoga Pod Presents A SHINE DANCE PARTY. Featuring Shine Potion Cocktails, Great Food and an all out Dance Party with DJ Mr. Gettdowne. Bring your friends & family.
This event will be held at Shine Restaurant & Potion Bar, 2480 Canyon Blvd m1, Boulder, CO 80302. Admission is FREE.
NoBo Art District First Friday Art Walk
When: Friday, May 3, 2019 from 6 PM – 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 as you 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. Cost: FREE.
Boulder Opera Company Presents: Signor Deluso & Cavalleria Rusticana
When: May 3 – 12, 2019, full schedule here.
Never seen an opera? This is the perfect opportunity! Boulder Opera Company presents two short operas that will have you laughing and crying. These passionate operas reach the extremes of human feeling and will keep you on the edge of your seat! A comedy of misunderstood betrayals and a drama of revenge and heartbreak. Signor Deluso will be sung in English with piano accompaniment, and Cavalleria Rusticana in Italian with subtitles and a string quartet. Duration 1 hour 35 minutes with an intermission.
This event will be held at the Nomad Playhouse, 1410 Quince Ave, Boulder, CO 80304. Tickets $20+, available here.
Growing Up Boulder Celebration
When: Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 9 AM – 12 PM
Come celebrate 10 years of Growing Up Boulder (GUB), a local non-profit dedicated to making Boulder a child friendly city. GUB will unveil their “Child-Friendly-City-Map”of Boulder, created by/for children and families. All attendees will get a copy to take home! The event will feature music from Jeff & Paige, healthy snacks and interactive exhibits and games.
This event will be held at Boulder JCC, 6007 Oreg Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. Free and open to everyone, but pre-registration required. Register here.
Estes Park Duck Race Festival
When: Saturday, May 4, 2018 from 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Ducks Away! Join the fun on Saturday, May 4, 2019 in Estes Park for the 31st Annual Estes Park Rotary Duck Race Festival . “Adopt” a little yellow plastic swimmer for $20 ($22 online) and watch the flock “swim” to the finish line. The fun happens along the Fall River, beginning at Nicky’s Steakhouse where thousands of ducks will hit the water at 1 p.m. The finish line is in downtown Estes Park, in George Hix Memorial Riverside Plaza. Each adoption will support an Estes Valley participating organization that you select. Adopt online at epduckrace.org, or in person from any participating organization right up until noon on race day in Estes Park. Each duck you adopt gives you a chance at winning one of hundreds of prizes, including major travel and cash awards. You do not need to be present to win a prize, but you will want to be there for a day of music, food and feathered fun between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. See epduckrace.org for a full schedule and to adopt your own duck.
This FREE event will be held in downtown Estes Park.
2019 Longmont Celebrates Cinco De Mayo
When: Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 11 AM – 7 PM
The 17th Annual Longmont Celebrates…Cinco de Mayo Celebration is a healthy, fun, family-oriented event. The sponsors of this amazing event bring diverse communities together to educate, share, appreciate and enjoy each other’s differences. Activities include live music, dancing and entertainment, car show, food vendors, shopping, free family activities. For all the details, click here.
This FREE event will be held at Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Avenue, Longmont, Colorado 80501.
Boulder Lifestyle’s 6th Annual Kentucky Derby Party
When: Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 2 PM – 6 PM
Boulder Lifestyle Magazine presents the 7th Annual Kentucky Derby Party Downtown Boulder. Festivities include live music from the Good Manners Quartet, complementary mint juleps to the first 100 guests, hat contest and more.
This event will be held in downtown Boulder, more info & tickets available here.
Spring Broomfield Makers Market
When: Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 12 PM – 4 PM
Join the Spring Broomfield Makers Market at Wonderland Brewing Company! Sip craft beer while you browse handmade, homemade, and one-of-a-kind goods from local artisans. Support local business and the handmade community! Food donations for Broomfield FISH appreciated.
This event will be held at the Wonderland Brewing Company, 5450 W 120th Ave, Broomfield, Colorado 80020.
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.
Free Day at the Museum of Boulder
When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 10 AM – 5 PM
Downtown Boulder Partnership and the Museum of Boulder are pleased to announce FREE DAY at the museum on Sunday, May 5th. Come enjoy all the Museum has to offer for adults and children including include Living with Wolves (Main Gallery), Dinosaurs: Lane of Fire and Ice (Garden Level Gallery) and the Boulder Experience Gallery (2nd Floor Gallery) showcasing the history of Boulder. The Google Garage makerspace will have volunteers to help visitors tinker and create. From 1-5pm, Color Me Mine will have Mother’s Day pottery to paint in the LODGE room on the second floor. A visit would not be complete without taking a picture from the rooftop deck with fabulous views of the Flatirons.
Museum of Boulder is located at 2205 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302. Admission on Sunday, May 5 is FREE.
Emerge 5K
When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 8:30 AM – 12 PM
Emerge 5K is a family walk/run event, an empowering experience designed to raise awareness of youth suicide prevention efforts and bring support to the youth of Boulder County. Awesome live music will be provided by Kutandara. Post-race (free) refreshments from Button Rock Bakery, Morning Glory Cafe and more. Proceeds from this event benefit the Second Wind Fund of Boulder County, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide funded counseling services to at risk youth in Boulder County. The event is also designed as an opportunity for remembrance of those lost to suicide and a celebration of all who choose life.
This event will be held at the Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N. 51st St., Boulder, Colorado 80301. Register here.
Dash & Dine 5k Run Series
When: Tuesdays throughout April & May
The Dash & Dine Run 5k run is Boulder’s favorite spring tune-up race series. This family friendly race is a series of six races Tuesday nights in April and May held at the beautiful Boulder Reservoir in Boulder, CO. The Dash & Dine 5k is all about friends, fun, and a family atmosphere with a mix of veterans, beginners, and seasoned professionals all racing together. After each race you’ll have a chance to relax, kick back with friends and make a few more while enjoying the post-race dinner, awards ceremony, and raffle prizes.
This event is held at the Boulder Reservoir, 5565 Reservoir Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80301. Cost: $25/runner in advance ($35 race day), $7/dinner ticket for non-runners. Discounts available with 4 and 6 pack purchases. Tickets available here.
Boulder 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.
Frequent Flyers Presents Peter Pan
When: May 10, 2019 at 7 PM & May 11, 2019 at 2 PM
Enjoy a show full of adventure and fantasy with Frequent Flyers® Aerial Dance Youth Student Company in Peter Pan! In this performance, aerial dancers will whisk you away to Neverland, where anything is possible. You’ll find yourself delighted following the adventures of Wendy, Peter Pan, and the Lost Boys, terrified by the Pirates, enchanted by the Faeries and Mermaids, and perhaps wanting to stay young forever yourself! Come experience the aerial dancers’ skill and creativity as they interpret this classic tale by J. M. Barrie on trapeze, lyra, aerial fabrics, and more!
This performance will be held at the Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302. Tickets $16 – $20, available here.
Wild Asparagus Ball
When: Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 8 PM – 11 PM
Join Wild Goose & Wild Asparagus Balls the elegant Avalon Ballroom in Boulder for a night of beautiful live music and dance the night away at the 69th Annual Wild Asparagus Ball. The Mostly Strauss Orchestra (Denver Pop Orchestra) will play classic waltzes and polkas by Strauss and Shostakovitch as well as down-to-earth 20th century dances by Mancini, Leroy Anderson and Duke Ellington. Attire is formal and semi-formal. Dance cards will be available.
This event will be held at the Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80303. For details and tickets, click here.
6th Annual Upslope Get Down
When: Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 2 PM – 10 PM
Upslope Brewing Company is hosting the 6th Annual Upslope Get Down, presented by Flatirons Subaru — a FREE music fest with Upslope beer, food trucks, games, art, vendors and more. Enjoy a day full of live music on 3 stages, featuring THE MAIN SQUEEZE, Guerrilla Fanfare and more. 21+ event; however, this event is family friendly. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Please leave your four-legged friends at home. For all the details, click here.
This FREE event will be held at Upslope Flatiron Brewery, 1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, Colorado 80301. Advance Beer Ticket Package $15, VIP Ticket Package $65. Tickets available here.
Longmont ArtWalk Festival
When: Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 4 PM – 8 PM
Downtown Longmont’s vibrant Creative District presents a street festival like no other at the Longmont ArtWalk Festival. Enjoy a diversity of artists who both exhibit and sell their creations on the street and inside our participating businesses. Experience live demonstrations up close and personal by visiting one of our Artists-in-Action. Kick up those heels with 2 stages of lively performers as well as several musicians entertaining inside venues all along Main Street. Take a moment to appreciate a talented busker or make a memory with a street performer. Everywhere you look, there are activities for kids and adults alike. Unleash your inner artist and create mini works of art to take home or contribute your personal artistic vision to group projects.
This FREE event is held in downtown Longmont.
Happy Smackah 6K Fun Run/Walk
When: Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 8 AM
The Happy Smackah 5k Fun Run / Walk is back! The Happy Smackah originated as a fundraising event for a St. Vrain Valley educator who became seriously ill. Now in its 9th year it continues to hold benefit events for community members facing adversity. This years beneficiary is Cassandra Gilbert. In July 2018 she discovered and has since been battling Stage 2 breast cancer. Her treatment included a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, all while continuing to work daily as an elementary school teacher. Join this run/walk to support her as the 2019 Happy Smackah beneficiary. All net proceeds go to Cassandra and her family.
This event is held at Lake McIntosh, 1905 Harvard St #3.5, Longmont, CO 80503. Registration $35/Adult, $25/Teens & Seniors, $15/Youth 6-12, $1/Kids under 5, register here.
Ignite Boulder 38
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 from 6 PM – 9 PM
Ignite Boulder is a volunteer-run geek event that sells out the largest venues in town. Brave speakers have 5 minutes and 20 auto-advancing slides to teach us about their embarrassingly nerdy passions. One mic, a few slides and an overly honest discussion about our community, culture and world.
Ignite Boulder is held at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St, Boulder, CO 80302. Tickets $15, available here.
Leftapalooza 2019
When: Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 12 PM – 10 PM
Colorado’s raddest music festival, Leftapalooza & The Mile High Tribute Band Competition returns for the 9th year, showcasing Colorado’s best tribute bands battling for top honors. Longmont Artisan Market will be showcasing 25+ local handmade artists, jewelers, craftsmen, and more. All proceeds from benefit local non-profit organizations and the Left Hand Brewing Foundation. For the full schedule and lineup, click here.
Leftapalooza will be held at Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 80501. Tickets $12/adults, $5/youth 5 – 12, 4 and under FREE, VIP tickets $65, available here.
Erie Town Fair and Balloon Festival
When: May 17 – 19, 2019, full schedule here.
23rd Annual Erie Town Fair and Balloon Festival hosts over 200 craft and food vendors; performances on stage at Coal Creek Ball Park offer a variety of entertainment by local groups, carnival games and hot air balloons. Hot air balloons launch at 6 AM on Friday and Sunday at Colorado National Golf Club, 2700 Vista Parkway, Erie. Saturday, May 19, the Town Fair will host vendors from 10:00 am – 4:00pm at Coal Creek Park. Garage Rats Car Club will be hosting the Car Show. Don’t miss the fabulous Balloon Glow at 9:15pm, as well as fireworks to conclude the day’s festivities.
This FREE event will be held in downtown Erie.
Strawberry Festival: Vintage & Antique Market
When: May 18, 2019 from 10 AM – 5 PM & Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 11 AM – 4 PM
The Strawberry Vintage & Antique Market features dealers from all around Colorado and out of state showcasing jewelry (fine & costume), furniture, home décor, toys, collectibles, rustic, shabby chic, art, vintage, clothing, primitives–plus much, much more. After a morning/afternoon of shopping, stop by the SVHS café and enjoy lunch–and some strawberry shortcake. Admissions and café sales support The St. Vrain Historical Society, a local nonprofit, mission of historic preservation and education in the community.
The Strawberry Festival will be held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501. Admission is $5.00 per/person with children under 12 free.
Colorado Mahlerfest Concert
When: Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 3:30 PM
Founded in 1987, Colorado MahlerFest celebrates the life, music, and times of the great composer Gustav Mahler during a week-long festival, culminating in an orchestral performance of one of Mahler’s major symphonic works. The MahlerFest orchestra’s 100-plus musicians come together from across the United States and other countries for a week of intense music-making where aspiring musicians have a chance to work side-by-side with inspirational mentors. On May 19, the Colorado Mahlerfest will present a concert featuring misc by Mahler, Korngold and Beethoven. Child care will be available for families with children, $10/child, $5/each additional child. For more info, click here.
The concert will be held at Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80309. Tickets $5 – $48, available here.
Boulder Ballet’s Performance of Cinderella
When: May 17 – 19, 2019, full schedule here.
The classic fairy tale of a young woman who overcomes hardship (with the help of a little magic) to find all her dreams come true. Boulder Ballet presents the magical ballet Cinderella, based on the classic story of the mistreated stepdaughter who is forbidden to attend the Royal Ball. When her world is transformed by her fairy godmother, Cinderella eventually becomes the princess she was meant to be. A treat for the senses, this production features stunning choreography, scenery, and costumes, and is set to the magnificent score by Sergei Prokofiev.
This event will be held at The Gordon Gamm Theater, Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302. Tickets $22 – $32, available here.
Walk MS: Boulder 2019
When: Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
When you participate in Walk MS, you make an impact on the lives of people affected by MS. Boulder’s 2019 Walk MS will bring family, friends and co-workers together to make a powerful force. Click here for all the information you will need to have a fun and memorable day while participating in Walk MS with your friends and family! If you have Walk MS questions, please contact the Fundraising Support Center at 1-855-372-1331 or FundraisingSupport@nmss.org.
Duane Field at CU-Boulder, 2000 Colorado Ave., Boulder, CO 80309. No registration fee. Participants encouraged to raise funds. Register here.
Library Concert Series Presents: Boulder Bach Festival
When: Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 2 PM – 3 PM
The Boulder Bach Festival Fellowship Artists perform a thrilling, inspiring, and passionate program of Italian music as part of the Boulder Public Library Concert Series. This free-of-charge event features Boulder’s most dynamic young professional musicians, artists exploring the fascinating sound world of Baroque period instruments, played with insight and imagination. The seven-piece ensemble, along with Artistic Director Zachary Carrettín, will engage the audience with performances, stories, and anecdotes. A question-and-answer dialogue with the audience will complete this one-hour program.
This event will be held at the Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302. This event is FREE.
Lafayette Pet-a-Palooza
When: Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 12 PM – 3 PM
The Lafayette Pet-a-Palooza is a fun and free party for your pets! There are so many activities and exhibits AND you can play with pets that are up for adoption. Dress up your family dog for the Vanity Fair inspired dog fashion show contest, Doggy & Me professional pet portraits, Eats and Sweets, Free and Low-Cost pet services (chipping, vaccines, massages, chiropractic care, etc.), face painting and more. Leashed, socialized dogs welcome to attend.
This FREE event will be held at 990 S Public Rd, Lafayette, CO.
Flash Mountain Flood at Fox Theatre
When: Friday, May 24, 2019 at 8:30 PM
Named “One of Colorado’s Top Ten Jam Bands” by Denver Westword, Flash Mountain Flood is a 5 piece, psychedelic roots rock n’ roll band that is committed to preserving American Roots Music Culture with their unique approach to their live shows and extensive catalog of original songs.
The Fox Theatre is located at 1135 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302. Tickets $10 – $12, available here.
Bluebird Music Festival
When: Saturday, May 25, 2019, 2 PM – 4:30 PM & 6 PM – 11:45 PM, schedule here.
The Bluebird Music Festival is a benefit concert to build the Bluebird Youth Arts House. The festival will feature Jim James, Gregory Alan Isakov, Langhorne Slim and more. The festival features an afternoon and an evening event.
The Bluebird Music Festival will be held at Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80309. Tickets $ 29+, available here.
Boulder Creek Festival
When: May 25 – 27, 2019, full schedule here.
For over thirty years, the Boulder Creek Festival® has been the unofficial kickoff to summer in Boulder. The Memorial Day weekend festival includes three days of festivities featuring a large variety of events, activities, food and entertainment unique to the Boulder community. Featuring nine separate event areas with 500 vendors showcasing everything from community arts and crafts to healthier alternatives and technology while a spectrum of music and dance is performed on three performance stages. The festival also features carnival rides and food and beverage vendors.
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) Click here for a detailed map. Admission to this event is FREE.
BolderBOULDER
When: Monday, May 27, 2019 from 6 AM – 1 PM
BolderBOULDER is one of the largest and most highly acclaimed 10Ks in the world. Whether you want to run or enjoy watching, BolderBOULDER is a ton of fun! Almost 1.2 million runners, joggers, walkers and spectators of all ages have gathered over the years to create a spectacle that defies description. Olympic medal winners and hopefuls, grandmothers and kids, running enthusiasts and one-race-a-year guests from all over the world come together at the foot of the Rocky Mountains to form one of the sport’s truly unique events. Each year BolderBOULDER hosts 50,000+ participants and 100,000+ spectators throughout the course for what we like to call the biggest and best Memorial Day celebration on earth.
BolderBOULDER begins at 30th & Walnut. Cost: $35 – $100, Register here.
Lyons Outdoor Games & Burning Can Fest
When: May 31 – June 1, 2019, full schedule here.
Lyons Outdoor Games & Burning Can Fest is a weekend of adventure, music, craft beer, & Rocky Mountain revelry. Town of Lyons and Oskar Blues have combined two festivals that include activities like: a trail running relay, mountain biking on the local single track, and a huge KidZone. As 60+ breweries start pouring their beers, festivalgoers can check out dog jumping, a slackline competition, or BMX dirt jumping. The mission of Burning Can at Lyons Outdoor Games is to raise funds and awareness for the Can’d Aid Foundation and the Town of Lyons Park, Recreation and Cultural Department and to keep Lyons growing as a vibrant, unique and outdoor-oriented Colorado community.
The festival will be held at Bohn Park, 199 2nd Ave, Lyons, CO 80540. Cost: TBA, information will be available here.
