Boulder is closing out summer with sunshine, music, and a whole lotta fun! The coming weeks will be filled with awesome events like the Aerial Dance Festival, the Lafayette Peach Festival, Boulder International Fringe Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, and Bands on the Bricks in addition to summer concerts, kids activities and so much more. Here are 40+ things to do in Boulder in August 2021.
Virtual Aerial Dance Festival
When: July 30 – August 7, 2021
Celebrate the 23rd annual gathering of aerialists from around the globe at the Virtual Aerial Dance Festival. Skill building. Idea sharing. Inspiring. Mind-blowing. Featuring an incredible lineup of artists, Virtual ADF 2021 is appropriate for aerialists, non-aerialists, movers of all kinds, enthusiasts, and more. Tickets $15, more info here.
Boulder Fine Art Street Festival at Twenty Ninth Street
When: July 31 – August 1, 2021 10 AM – 5 PM
The Boulder Fine Arts Street Festival is returning to the Twenty Ninth Street Mall in Boulder. The festival features eclectic and unique styles from local and national artists and fine crafters all displaying their handmade work. Admission is free.
Bands on the Bricks
When: Wednesdays: July 21 & 28, August 4 & 11, 2021 at 5:30 PM
For 25 years, Bands on the Bricks has been Boulder County’s premier outdoor summer concert series taking place on the one-and-only Pearl Street Mall. A not-to-be-missed summer tradition, our 2021 season includes 4 Wednesdays of free concerts. Enjoy live performances from the best local musicians along the front range while dancing under the stars. Featuring: Hazel Miller & the Collective (July 28), Selasee & the Fafa Family (August 4), and Quemando Salsa Band (August 11). Featuring a large outdoor beer/wine/margarita garden opening at 5:30 pm every Wednesday night, featuring Avery Brewing Company, T/ACO margaritas, as well as non-alcoholic drink options. I can’t wait to be back on the bricks, this is one of my favorite things thing to do in Boulder in August. This event is free.
Boulder Reservoir Dinner on the Beach
When: July 9 – August 1, 2021, full schedule here.
Come experience Boulder like you never have before: Toes in the sand. The sunset on the water. Live acoustic music and summer breeze. Linen on the tables, bistro lights twinkling in the dusk…Four memorable courses from Chef Daniel Asher and friends. A curated pairing of wine, beer or spirits…Welcome to Driftwind: A limited engagement of Boulder’s first beachside dining experience. Benefitting a roster of inspirational local non-profit organizations, Driftwind’s Dinner on the Beach is a weekend-only limited engagement for the summer of 2021. Benefit These Incredible Organizations: Community Foundation of Boulder County, PLAY Foundation, There With Care, The Boulder JCC, Chef Ann Foundation, Garden to Table, EFAA (Emergency Family Assistance Association), OUT Boulder County, Boulder Film Society / Boulder International Film Festival, The Conscious Alliance, The Inland Ocean Coalition, and the I Have a Dream Foundation. Friday and Saturday Evening Tickets: $60, plus service and fees. Includes Dinner, Drinks and Entertainment Saturdays: Add a Rocky Mountain Paddleboard Pontoon + Paddle Adventure to your Reservoir Experience! Sunday Evening Tickets (families welcome!): $30 adults, $20 children 12 and under. Includes Dinner, 1 drink, and Entertainment (additional beverage available for purchase) Beachside Dinners and Pairings.
Community Roots Art Festival (CRAFt) 2021
When: Sunday, August 1, 2021 from 1 – 10 PM
The first ever Community Roots Art Festival will be held this August at VisionQuest Brewing! Community Roots Art Festival (CRAFt) is a grassroots operation with a mission to highlight local Black, Indigenous, and brown self-identified artists by celebrating their authentic expressions of art. These local artists, performers, and vendors come together for one special day to celebrate our thriving community in the Front Range. For the full lineup and more info, click here.
Colorado Music Festival | Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, Performance by Steven Banks
When: Sunday, August 1, 2021
This program begins and ends with Aaron Copland: first, his brassy and familiar Fanfare for the Common Man; finally, his reverent portrait of Abraham Lincoln, featuring text from Lincoln’s speeches narrated by Chris Christoffersen. Brilliant saxophonist Steven Banks brings his “pristine clarity” and “emotional heat” (Herald Times) to Alexander Glazunov’s Saxophone Concerto. Florence Price is celebrated as the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra; here we perform the expansively emotional second movement from her String Quartet No. 2, arranged for string orchestra by Peter Oundjian. Tickets $24 – $75, available here.
Mat Kearney with Rob Drabkin at Chautauqua Auditorium
When: Monday, August 2, 2021 from 7:30 PM – 10 PM
Nashville-based, Oregon-born Mat Kearney is back with his new studio album January Flower. Written between an isolated retreat in Joshua Tree and his home studio, January Flower sees Kearney in his rawest form, distilling the songwriting process and rediscovering the joy of making music. Mat Kearney and Rob Drabkin will be performing at Colorado Chautauqua. Tickets $35 – $50, available here.
Free Day – National Parks & Lands
When: August 4 & 25, 2021
The National Park Service turns 105 on August 25! Celebrate the service’s birthday by visiting one of America’s most unique and significant sites. The Park Service is also offering free admission on the one year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. The National Parks Service will be granting free admission on both days 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.
NoBo Sunset Market
When: Friday, August 6 from 4 – 8 PM
NoBo Sunset Market is coming to North Boulder on First Fridays this summer! Celebrating local talent and community, Farmer’s Market, Artist Fair, Live Music, Kids Activities, Food Trucks, Live Art, and Fun! North Boulder Art District is the place to be on First Fridays this summer. Free admission. Located at 4949 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304.
Comedian Josh Blue
When: Friday, August 6, 2021 at 7 PM
Following his groundbreaking win on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2006, Josh Blue has risen through the ranks to become a well-established headliner at venues throughout the world. In 2018, Josh crushed his set on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In the same year, he was honored with a performance at the William H. Macy Gala at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada. He wrapped up 2018 by recording his fifth-hour special at his home club, Comedy Works in Denver, CO. Josh does over 200 shows a year, continuing to spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike. Critics have said Josh is not a cerebral palsy comic; he’s a comic who happens to have cerebral palsy. Josh Blue will perform at the Gordon Gamm Theater at the Dairy Arts Center. Tickets $20, available here.
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.
Chadash Dance presents Weird at Broomfield Auditorium
When: August 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15, 2021, full schedule here.
Chadash Dance is proud to announce this amazing multi-collabrative work that was put on hold from last year due to COVID-19. Weird was inspired by the book “Get Wierd” by C.J. Casciotta, who will be flown in for an Author Event. On top of that, all of the music for this incredible show has been produced by Dave Wilton, a.k.a. A Boy and His Kite, specifically for this show! Professional dancers from around the country will be joining our local professionals to bring you this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tickets $10 – $15, available here.
Liquid Sky Dark Side of the Moon
When: Friday, August 13, 2021 at 9 PM
This show is a psychedelic experience awakened by Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon Join us on a musical and visual journey through the cosmic universe and sands of time. Fiske’s mind-melting Liquid Sky is a musical, all-you-can-eat eye candy buffet. The beats & rhythms of your favorite artists coupled with the trippiest visuals digitally rendered live, all on our 8K dome and in full surround sound. Let our Liquid Engineers take you on a live-mixed journey in Fiske Planetarium’s unique immersive theater! Tickets $10, $7 for kids, seniors and veterans, available here. Fiske offers public shows every Friday and Saturday, for more showtimes click here.
Wall to Wall Boulder eBike Tour
When: Throughout the summer, book a time here.
On the Wall To Wall Boulder eBike Mural Ride you’ll see dozens of murals and other sights/sites while touring Boulder in fine style and ease on a Rad Power Bike. Your guide, Joel (JD), is a long-time local with a passion for Boulder, art and showing people a good time on two wheels. The leisurely 2 & 3 hour rides (your choice!) covers 10-20(ish) miles (eBikes make it easy!) and uses murals as our map to an insider’s view of what Boulder’s about. Through the prism of street art, you’ll learn a little something about this magical town that you won’t read in the guidebooks. The Wall To Wall Boulder eBike Mural Ride includes Rad Power Bike, helmet, water and snacks — and a real good time. 2 hour rides $72, 3 hour rides $89. More information here.
Longmont’s ArtWalk Summer on the Streets
When: Saturdays throughout the summer, 4 PM – 6 PM
Firehouse’s ArtWalk Longmont is hosting weekend mini art festivals all summer long with Summer on the Streets. Even through the pandemic, the Firehouse Art Center wants to support art, music and the local economy! ArtWalk Summer on the Streets is spread out over 8 weeks, allowing us to safely limit the amount of people gathered at once, while still offering an opportunity for artists to share their art and music. Three stages filled with music, each stage is surrounded by a mini artisan market. For the weekly lineup of artists and musicians, click here. This event is free.
Picnic on the Plaza
When: Thursdays throughout the summer, full schedule here.
Bring your own picnic and something to sit on, and join the City of Lafayette for Picnic on the Plaza! Free, live music on the lawn noon – 1pm on Thursdays beginning June 3. Each week will feature a different musician to suit a variety of tastes. Hosted by Festival Plaza, Opera on Tap Colorado, Art Night Out Lafayette CO, The Collective Community Arts Center, and ARTS!Lafayette. For the weekly lineup and more info, click here.
Creekside Summer Sundays Market
When: Sundays throughout Summer 2021
Since Boulder Creek Festival had to move from it’s original May date, we’re holding a mini Boulder Creek Fest for several weeks leading up to the big event! Let’s kickoff summer with the Creekside Summer Sundays Market! We hope you’ll join us to celebrate our Boulder community and continue this longstanding festival tradition with all kinds of fun in the sun. Now I’m looking forward to all the outdoor summer fun in Boulder!
Family/Kid Yoga at Prospect Park
When: Saturdays this summer from 11:15 – Noon (no class June 19th, and July 17 + 24)
Mooka Moment is hosting Family/Kid Yoga every Saturday this summer at Kanemoto Park! A community family yoga class, great for ages preschool – elementary outside at Prospect New Town Park near Cavegirl Coffeehouse. Move, breathe, rest, and sit to notice ourselves. A fun and joyful class! Get moving outside, laugh a little (or a lot), and of course practice a moment of stillness. No equipment needed, class will be held on a grass lawn. Adults can participate too but it’s not required. We do ask that if any adult chooses not to participate, that you do stay close by. Suggested $15/family, or pay what you can, register here. Click here for a complete list of things to do with kids around Boulder this summer.
Tour of Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary
When: Saturdays & Sundays throughout the summer
A tour of Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary is much more than a fun day spent getting to know the rescue’s amazing family of rescued animals. In fact, it is nearly impossible to leave without developing a deeper understanding of the unique personalities and complex emotional lives that all animals lead. Tours $20/adult, $10/kid, tickets here. Your donations directly support the sanctuary.
Yoga in the Park – Longmont
When: Every Monday, May 17 – September 6, 2021 from 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Elevated Yoga Studio is hosting Yoga in the Park every Monday through the spring and summer months! Join Elevated Yoga at Thompson Park for a beginner-friendly, easy going community class. Cost is free or pay what you want. If weather is not ideal, class may be cancelled.
Open Studio at Boulder Public Library’s Markerspace
When: Every Tuesday & Wednesday from 1 PM – 7 PM
Boulder Public Library and Building 61 offer Open Studio every week, giving free access to: 3D Printers, Sewing Machines, Electronics bench, Design Laptops, Vinyl Cutter, Screen Printing Equipment and more are available for use at this time. More info here.
2021 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
When: August 6-8, 2021, full schedule and main stage lineup here.
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 Gregory Alan Isakov, Waxahatchee, Bonnie Paine and Friends 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 $80+, tickets available here. FREE for kids under 12.
Ironman 70.3 Boulder 2021
When: Saturday, August 7, 2021
Watch the largest IRONMAN race in the world at the finish line and throughout the day as these incredible athletes compete in Boulder. The race will start at the Boulder Reservoir with a single-loop swim. Once finished in the water, will continue on to a beautiful multi-loop course all contained in Boulder County. The two-loop run course runs along Boulder Creek Trail, winding along the water and through city parks. Spectators will have multiple opportunities to cheer on the athletes and the last few steps of the day will take athletes up Pearl Street for a triumphant finish. More details here.
Boulder County Farmers Markets
When: In Downtown Boulder on 13th& Canyon Blvd every Saturday from 8 AM – 2 PM & every Wednesday from 4 PM – 8 PM; In Longmont every Saturday at the Boulder County Fairgrounds from 8 AM – 1 PM.
Boulder County Farmers Markets are running a little differently, but they are still a great place to source local foods. Read through BCFM’s safety precautions to help you plan your market experience during these times, or to make a shopping reservation. You can find that information here.
2021 Boulder International Fringe Festival
When: August 11 – 22, 2021, 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. This is certainly one of the most interesting things to do in Boulder in August! Presented this year in live and virtual formats, details here.
Boulder Bandshell Revival
When: Friday, August 13, 2021 from 4:30 – 10 PM
The Boulder Bandshell Revival brings the bandshell roaring to life for an epic evening of performances from some of Colorado’s most sought-after bands: Flash Mountain Flood, Kind Hearted Strangers, and Kingdom Jasmine. Dubbed the Boulder Bandshell Revival, this unforgettable evening is made possible by a grassroots collaboration between the City of Boulder, Can’d Aid, Loose Leaf Talent Agency, Jamcast, and Concertize – a Boulder-based company which connects musicians, venues, and production talent to make more music happen in more places. Tickets include admission to the bandshell, where audiences will groove to 5 hours of live music, drink beer from sponsoring partner Oskar Blues Brewery, and chow down on food from locally-adored food trucks. The event is open to all ages. Tickets $25 – $27, available here.
Avenue Q at BDT Stage
When: August 13 – October 17, 2021
Looking for a break from the straight and narrow path of the Broadway classics? Need to reboot your theatre habit slightly off-kilter? Well, look no further! Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart – all the ingredients needed to create a laugh out loud musical comedy featuring puppets! Yes, PUPPETS! Bring your husband, bring your wife, bring your sister, bring your friends – but leave your younger kids at home with a sitter because this show is full of mature content. Tickets $65+, available here.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
When: June – August 2021, 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 Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Odyssey & Pericles. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival will be held at Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, University Theatre. Tickets available here.
Opera in the Park 2021
When: Saturday, August 14, 2021
Boulder Opera presents a FREE concert of your favorite opera highlights at the park! This family-friendly concert is one of our favorite things to do in Boulder in August, and will feature some of Boulder’s most talented rising artists, performing classic scenes and choruses from “Madama Butterfly,” “The Elixir of Love,” “Il Trovatore,” and “La Traviata.” 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.
Versatility Dance Festival 2021
When: August 14 – 15, 2021
Versatility Dance Festival 2021 offers the Denver Metro Area a unique dance experience presenting the best in dance film and performance from Colorado and beyond. VDF 2021 will also feature dance films including the “Color Wheel Project” by T2 Dance Company and “EngtangleMEN: from the dugout” by Helanius J Wilkins., amongst others from around the globe. Featuring: Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance, Hannah Kahn Dance Company, JK-CO, and T2 Dance Company. Tickets $20 – $25, available here.
Art In The Garden at Chautauqua
When: Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 9:30 AM
Join Arts in the Open for a step-by-step landscape painting experience at Art in the Park at Chautauqua. You will paint your masterpiece, step by step, inspired by the beautiful surroundings at Chautauqua Park. This event is appropriate for both families and for the individual with friends. We will be in person and creating art in the great outdoors. Participants should wear clothes to paint in and bring a blanket to sit on for comfort while painting. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sunscreen! Tickets $30/adults, $25/kids 10 and under, available here.
2021 Estes Park Summer Wine Festival
When: August 14 – 15, 2021, full schedule here.
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 6th 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 $35+. Tickets available here.
Bandshell Discotheque
When: Monday, August 16, 2021 from 7 – 10 PM
Join Arts in the Park for a FREE night of ecstatic dance, DJs, and fun at Bandshell Discotheque featuring Drew Mclean. This event is part of the Arts in the Park program. Arts in the Park is presented by the City of Boulder and sponsored by the PLAY Boulder Foundation, the Boulder Library Foundation, and the Downtown Boulder Partnership. Happy Tap is a collective of artists, musicians, and event producers that foster self expression, connection, and growth through music, dance, and events.
Indigo Girls at Chautauqua Auditorium
When: August 15 & 17, 2021
The Indigo Girls are once again coming to Chautauqua Auditorium for two nights! On their 16th studio album, Indigo Girls tell their origin story. Look Long is a stirring and eclectic collection of songs that finds the duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers reunited with their strongest backing band to date as they chronicle their personal upbringings with more specificity and focus than they have on any previous song-cycle. “We’re fallible creatures shaped by the physics of life,” says Saliers. “We’re shaped by our past; what makes us who we are? And why?” Tickets $55+, available here.
Downtown Boulder Tulip Bulb Giveaway
When: Begins Wednesday, August 18, 2021, more info here.
City of Boulder Parks and Rec is teaming up with Downtown Boulder to distribute bags of tulip bulbs to the community. Tulip bulbs will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis (one bag per family). 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.
Save the Music at Niwot Tavern
When: Multiple dates throughout August
Niwot Tavern is doing its part to help save local music by hosting bands this summer. In August, they will host Mad Dog Blues, Crow Song Trio, Rodney Rice, Tim Stiles, Adam Golden, Eric Ottem Jazz Unit and more! Here is Niwot Tavern’s message: “Save the musicians! The music industry has been hit hard in the pandemic, as has the restaurant industry. We learned last year that we can help each other out through this, and it worked quite well. Niwot Tavern does not pay these artists; we can’t. As many restaurants during COVID, we are barely surviving ourselves. We do provide them with dinner and drinks. The rest has been up to the amazing people who come and support us and live music with their generous tips. So come out for a socially distanced event with live music and superb take out food!” More information and full schedule here.
The Jayhawks with Gasoline Lollipops Acoustic Trio at Chautauqua Auditorium
When: Friday, August 20, 2021 from 7:30 PM – Midnight
The Jayhawks and local favorite Gasoline Lollipops Aucoustic Trio will be performing at Colorado Chautauqua in August! Tickets $25 – $43, available here.
Lafayette Peach Festival
When: Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 8:30 AM – 2 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. This event is free.
Cary Morin and Ghost Dog
When: Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 7 PM
Colorado musicians Cary Morin (guitar, vocals), Celeste Di Iorio (harmony vocals), A.J. Fullerton (guitar & vocals), Luke Hunter (bass & vocals), and Jordan Pasquin (drums, percussion, & vocals) unite to form a high-energy roots-rock band, intent on getting folks up and out of their seats! Described as “one of the best acoustic pickers on the scene today,” Cary Morin brings together the great musical traditions of America like no other. With deft fingerstyle guitar and vocals that alternately convey melodic elation and gritty world-weariness, Morin crafts an inimitable style often characterized as roots-infused Native Americana with hints of bluegrass, folk, blues, and rock. He has performed at renowned venues across the globe, including the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center, and is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. Tickets $20, available here.
Colorado MahlerFest
When: August 24 – 28, 2021
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. For the full schedule and tickets, click here.
Keb’ Mo’ Band with special guest The Brother Brothers
When: Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 7 PM – Midnight
Keb’ Mo’ Band and the Brother Brothers will be performing at the Chautauqua Auditorium this August! Twenty-five years after the release of his debut album under the moniker Keb’ Mo’, the widely admired artist released his most recent album, Oklahoma (Concord Records), winning him a 2020 GRAMMY Award for Best Americana Album. Featuring cameos from Taj Mahal, Rosanne Cash, Robert Randolph, Jaci Velasquez and Keb’ Mo’s wife, Robbie Brooks Moore, Keb’ delivers an album that pushes his boundaries even further with brand new songs addressing topics such as immigration, depression, pollution, love, female empowerment and more. Following the deeply thought-provoking release, Keb’ lightened the mood with the release of his first-ever holiday album, Moonlight, Mistletoe & You. A decade in the making, Moonlight, Mistletoe & You includes six original songs and four cover tunes including “Please Come Home for Christmas.” Tickets here.
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs
When: Thursday, August 26, 2021
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs will be performing at the Gordon Gamm Theater at the Dairy Arts Center. Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip hop, rock, funk, funk blues, and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs” In addition to performing with his band, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists such as Willie Nelson, Galactic, Mannie Fresh, Patti Labelle, Harry Connick Jr., and Lenny Kravitz to name a few. In addition to displaying his skills on the frontline as a lead performer, Allen is also a music composer, writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. With a scintillating and unique sound, look and exemplary talents, Allen transcends musical boundaries. Tickets $20, available here.
Estes Park Handmade in Colorado Expo
When: August 27 – 29, 2021, more info here.
The 14th 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.
Honey Bee Harvest Festival
When: August 28, 2021 from 10 AM – 4 PM
Join Niwot for live music, pop-up vendors, and busy bee magic all throughout town at the Niwot Annual Honey Bee Harvest Festival. There will be mead tasting, all sorts of honey products, queen bee carriage rides, bee trivia, bingo, a cooking with honey demo, bee crafts, beeswax candle rolling, an observation hive, silent auction and so much more! Get the latest info at niwot.com.
There it is, 40+ things to do in Boulder in August 2021! If you are looking for kid-friendly activities, check out our guide: Things to Do with Kids in Boulder this Summer. If you have an event you would like to add to the calendar, email me at rachel@allthingsboulder.com.
