Heyyy, it’s finally here! Summer events in Boulder begin in June including tons of outdoor live music events, farmer’s markets, Shakespeare, Arts in the Park and my personal favorite – Tube to Work Day. Everything you need for an epic summer in Boulder is right here. For our complete list of things to do in Boulder County, click here. You can always check out our events calendar for today’s events!
Boulder County Farmers Market
When: In Downtown Boulder: Saturdays, April 2 – November 19, 2022 8AM – 2PM & Wednesdays, May 4 – October 5, 2022 4PM – 8PM. At the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont on Saturdays 8AM – 1 PM, April 2 – November 19, 2022.
You can’t have a summer events post without the Boulder County Farmer’s Market! Offering fresh fruit, flowers, veggies and delicious edibles, the Boulder County Farmers’ Market provides a place for locals to sell their products in a friendly, fun environment. One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond!
Chautauqua Summer Concert Series
When: Throughout the summer, full schedule here.
Live entertainment at beautiful Chautauqua Park will be happening all summer long! Chautauqua 2022 Summer Concert series is presenting a variety of comedians and musicians. This summer’s lineup includes Keb’ Mo’ with Anthony D’Amato, Kenny G, Cowboy Junkies, Robert Cray and more. Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302. Full schedule here. Ticket prices vary, see prices here.
The Cultural Caravan Festival
When: June 1 – 11, 2022
The Cultural Caravan brings together local small businesses, social service nonprofits, and local artists to empower, connect, and revitalize communities. This June festival features more than 30 performing artists from a wide range of backgrounds, with 7 MainStage concerts and 25 free pop-up concerts throughout Boulder County. Every show will be different, showcasing artists with backgrounds ranging from Folk to Classical music, Zimbabwean Afropop to Venezuelan Jazz. This year, The Cultural Caravan is partnering with the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado and Boulder Food Rescue to bring our musical offerings to diverse new audiences and celebrate everyone who calls Boulder home. For the full schedule and more information, click here.
Public Domain Theatre Festival: The Catamounts
When: June 3 – 5, 2022
In the Public Domain Theatre Festival, The Catamounts will be joined by two lauded Colorado theatre companies in the presentation of original adaptations of public domain works, held at Boulder Public Library. Tickets and more info here.
Boulder County Plein Air Festival
When: June 3 – 11, 2022
Join Boulder Open Studios at Chautauqua for the 2022 Plein Air event! This year’s event is open to all artists, age 15 and older, regardless of ability. Registration is required to submit art for the Event’s Awards Competition and Sale at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium on June 11th. More information here.
Cultural Day at The Museum of Boulder
When: June 4, 2022 from 12 – 5 PM
Join the Museum of Boulder and the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County for an afternoon of dancing, networking and crafting at Cultural Day. Featuring local authors, a craft station with Luna Cultura, Misfit Dolls by Inez Sanchez, Sals Fashion, live dance performances, and more! Tickets here.
Boulder County Pride Week
When: June 6 – 12, 2022
Boulder County Pride week is back! After two years of hybrid celebrations, the staff and board at Out Boulder County are proud to announce that they will be returning in person this summer with a whole new series of events spanning throughout Boulder County starting on June 6th, and wrapping up with the Longmont Pride Festival on June 11th and the Boulder Pride Festival on June 12th. For the full schedule of events, click here.
Ballet in the Park
When: June 10 – 11, 2022
The City of Boulder is proud to present the Boulder Ballet on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11. Featuring the most memorable works from the season, the ballet will perform at the historic Glen Huntington Bandshell. This mixed repertoire program features a collection of short works that showcase the expansive range of ballet in a triumphant return to the stage. Food trucks will be available. Tickets here.
Lafayette Art Night Out
When: June 10, July 8, August 12 & September 9, 2022
Art Night Out has an unsurpassed line-up of art vendors, live music, street performers, food trucks, and wine and beer. Join your friends and neighbors for a bit of shopping, great entertainment, good grub, craft brews, and neighborhood fun. The music lineup for the summer of 2022 includes Mama Lenny & the Remedy, Quemando, Tier Two Live, and Cass Clayton Band. This always-free public event will be held on the second Friday of the month, May through Sept. 2022, from 5-9 PM at Festival Plaza on Public Road between Emma and Cannon Streets in Lafayette, Colorado. More information here.
Bands on the Bricks
When: Wednesdays throughout Summer, June 15 – August 3, 2022
From rock to Reggae and everything in between, Bands on the Bricks is Boulder County’s premier outdoor summer concert series taking place in the heart of the city on the bricks of the one-and-only Pearl Street Mall.Enjoy performances from the best local musicians along the front range while dancing under the stars. Featuring an outdoor beer/wine/margarita garden starting at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday night. For the full schedule, click here. Bands on the Bricks is held on Pearl Street in Downtown Boulder. Beer Garden opens at 5:30 PM, Opening Act starts at 6:00 PM, Headlining act starts at 7:00 PM. One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond!
Broomfield BrewHaHa
When: June 18, 2022, from 12 – 5 PM
The Broomfield BrewHaHa is back on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Arista. The festival will include live music, food trucks, brews from Broomfield Breweries, yard games, and more.
Colorado Music Festival
When: June 30 – August 7, 2022
Colorado Music Festival presents a six-week summer concert season at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder showcasing the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra. Inspired programming performed by exceptional national and international musicians has earned Colorado Music Festival recognition from the League of American Orchestras and the National Endowment for the Arts. Full schedule available here. Colorado Music Festival is held at Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302. For the full schedule click here. Cost is $25.00 +, tickets available here.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
When: June – August 2022, 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 The Two Gentlemen of Verona, All’s Well that Ends Well, Coriolanus and more. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival will be held at Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, University Theatre. Cost: Starts at $19, tickets available here.
Meadow Music with Jeff and Paige
When: Throughout the Summer, full schedule here.
A Boulder tradition for families in the summer! Join the musical duo Jeff and Paige children’s music and nature education at the beautiful Colorado Chautauqua. Meadow Music consists of a short hike, followed by 45 minutes of nature music at the foot of the Flatirons. Sponsored by City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Division Meadow Music is an award-winning environmental education program at Chautauqua Green in Boulder, Colorado.! The event begins with a short hike that’s friendly to all ages (please arrive early to find a place to put your picnic blanket before the hike). After the hike, the group returns to Chautauqua Green for a concert full of original nature and science-based music by Jeff and Paige. Meadow Music is held at the Chautauqua Green, Baseline Rd & 9th Street, Boulder, CO 80302. One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond!
Louisville Downtown Street Faire
When: Fridays June 17 – August 12, 2022 from 5 PM – 9:30 PM Rain or Shine (Music begins at 6:30 PM)
If you love amazing live music in the open summer air, check out Louisville’s Downtown Street Faire. These Friday nights have everything you need for a fun, fabulous evening including food, adult beverages, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere. Music Line-up for 2022 includes North Mississippi Allstars, ArchFourth, Spin Doctors, Gasoline Lollipops and more! Full lineup here. Louisville Street Faire is held in downtown Louisville and the Historic Downtown Louisville Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St, Louisville, CO 80027. One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond!
Concerts in the Park
When: Mondays, June 20 – August 1, 2022
Every Monday this summer, Boulder Concert Band will perform a concert in a different Boulder park! Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the music in the park. Presented by the City of Boulder. Full schedule and venues here.
Bandshell Boogie
When: Friday nights from July – August, 2022
The weekly Friday Bandshell Boogie events are casual, all ages-friendly, and the dance floor is always a rockin’ good time! Each of the evening dances are mixed by popular local DJs who craft transformational journeys with encompassing electronic music from many genres, including ecstatic, disco, funk, soul, club and pop. Whether you stay for 20 minutes or for the whole time, feel free to dance, meet new friends or simply sit back and absorb all the positive energy!
Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast
When: Monday, July 4, 2022, at 8 PM
Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast has been a Boulder tradition since 1941. Crowds of thousands gather each year at CU’s Folsom Field to enjoy Boulder’s largest fireworks display and local entertainment and of course, Ralphie. This event is hosted by the associates of WK Real Estate, the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) and the City of Boulder. Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast will be held at CU’s Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80302. One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond!
Boulder Symphony at the Bandshell
When: July 4, 2022 at 7 PM
Celebrate July 4th with Independence Day symphonic classics, from Rodeo to William Tell, and the 1812 Overture at the historic Boulder Bandshell with the Boulder Symphony conducted by Devin Patrick Hughes. From Jessie Montgomery’s Soul Force to the music from Star Wars, Star Trek, & Harry Potter, you won’t want to miss this celebration of the greatest American music. This Arts in the Park event is made possible by the City of Boulder, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets available here.
Twenty Ninth Street Summer of Love Concert Series
When: Fridays, July 8 – August 26, 2022
Every Friday night throughout the summer, Twenty Ninth Street presents the Summer of Love Concert Series with local legends including Hazel Miller, FACE & Quemando Salsa. For more info, click here.
Hanuman Festival
When: July 14 – 17, 2022
After a two-year hiatus, the Hanuman Festival will return July 14-17, 2022. The 10th anniversary event will be an intimate, retreat-style gathering with a limited number of passes. The festival will take place on Boulder County’s Yellow Barn farm with locally sourced farm to table dinners and Sunday brunch included for three-day passholders. Join renowned leaders in yoga, mindfulness, farming and climate consciousness for a bliss-filled weekend of transformation. More information and tickets are available here.
Dead & Company at Folsom Field
When: June 17 & 18, 2022
Quickly becoming a summer tradition, Boulder will be hosting Dead & Company at Folsom Field once again this summer for two nights. Dead & Company was formed in 2015 when the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and Bob Weir joined forces with artist and musician John Mayer, Allman Brothers’ bassist Oteil Burbridge, and Fare Thee Well and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. Dead & Company at Folsom Field has become a summer tradition in Boulder. For all the details, click here.
Boulder Comedy Festival
When: June 23 – 26, 2022
Boulder Comedy Festival brings together incredible comedians and all the beauty and adventure that the Boulder area has to offer, creating an experience not to be missed. The local sights, hikes, breweries and restaurants make Boulder one of the most desirable areas in the country. The Festival brings focus to and highlights women and diversity in comedy. Nationally touring comics featured on Comedy Central, Netflix, and Amazon come together with festival winners and local comedians to create a sea of hilarity in Boulder and the surrounding areas. Performers TBA. More details and tickets here.
Boulder Garden Tour
When: June 25, 2022, from 9 AM – 2 PM
Don’t miss the 18th annual Boulder Garden Tour showcasing unique, private gardens and homesteads, plus garden-themed edutainment at each stop. Tucked away from view, these remarkable sanctuaries aren’t open at any other time of year. Exotic plants, 140-year-old trees, terraced landscapes, roses in the finest shades, stunning stonework, and fountains will inspire your own gardening ideas, making your day memorable. Connect with nature and learn how to create sustainable garden spaces at this rain or shine event. Tickets here.
Rhythm on the River
When: July 8 & 9, 2022
Get your groove back at the return of Longmont’s signature festival, Rhythm on the River! Live music, artisan market, attractions for all ages, a 5K run, and much more make this the can’t miss event of the summer! Free shuttle from Boulder County Fairgrounds. Visit LongmontColorado.gov/rotr for more information. This event is held at Roger’s Grove Park, 220 Hover Rd, Longmont, CO 80501. One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond!
Longmont Art Walk Summer on the Streets
When: Saturdays, July 9 – August 27, 2022
Visit Summer on the Streets, now in one easy location! (4th Ave and Kimbark St.) With over 20 artist vendors, 2 food trucks, and live music, we transform Kimbark Street into your weekly destination for art, music, film and fun. Each Saturday will offer different experiences and activities, so make sure to visit each weekend to see what’s new! NEW in 2022 Outdoor Cinema: On July 9, July 23, August 6, and August 20, join us for an extended event at the Longmont Public Media Outdoor Cinema, located in the Library Pavillion! Movies start at dusk and will be family-friendly. I Scream Colorado will be selling Kettle Corn, so grab some popcorn and a soda and enjoy summer outdoor cinema! Movie schedule will be announced soon. Details here.
Tube to Work Day
When: Friday, July 15, 2022, at 8 AM (high water backup date is July 29)
Boulder’s annual aquatic commute, Tube to Work Day is keeping Boulder fun. Get caught in Boulder’s weirdest traffic jam (you won’t regret it). Traditionally, the event has included a free breakfast party, live music, awards for best tube/costume, streamside DJ and bacon fishing from above. 2022’s event details will be announced soon. Helmet and close-toed shows mandatory, as is registration (but the event is FREE). Bring your own tube! Tube to Work Day begins at Eben G. Fine Park and ends at Central Park in downtown Boulder. One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond! Register here.
Pearl Street Arts Fest
When: July 16 – 17, 2022 (Preview July 15, 2022)
From whimsical and modern sculptures to traditional watercolors and oils & more, Pearl Street Arts Fest is a beautiful outdoor gallery nestled in the heart of downtown Boulder on the renowned Pearl Street Mall. Artists will travel from all over Colorado and more than 20 other U.S. states to exhibit and sell pieces to experienced collectors, as well as enthusiastic newcomers. Click here for more information. The Pearl Street Arts Fest is held on the Pearl Street Mall. One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond!
Opera in the Park
When: July 29, 2022 at 7 PM
Boulder Opera presents an outdoor concert exploring Opera through the ages. Tracing Opera back to the 16th century, classical period, romantic period and all the way to the contemporary era, experience the history of opera 101 under the stars. This family-friendly concert will feature some of Boulder’s most talented rising artists, performing classic arias and scenes from Handel, Mozart, Bellini, Verdi, Floyd, Heggie and more! Enjoy Opera while having a picnic with your family, friends, or a romantic date.
There will be a fenced beer garden. Tickets $10, available here.
47th RockyGrass Festival
When: July 29 – 31, 2022
Every year in late July, Lyons becomes the center of the bluegrass universe as generations of legends and future-legends and Festivarians converge under the red rock cliffs of the St. Vrain River at Planet Bluegrass for RockyGrass. Bluegrass lovers who have kids can rejoice — kids 12 and under enter for FREE! Rockygrass is family-friendly, offering a kids area to include a variety of fun, planet-minded activities throughout the day, including crafts, slacklining, tubing the St. Vrain, a musical instrument petting zoo, kids music performances, knot tying, and much more. RockyGrass is held at Planet Bluegrass, 500 W Main St, Lyons, Colorado 80540.
Boulder Fine Art Street Festival
When: July 30 & 31, 2022
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.
Boulder County Fair
When: August 11 – 14, 2022
The Boulder County Fair, located at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont, is the longest-running county fair in Colorado, established in 1869. The Boulder County Fair offers an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family with fun-filled events and activities like carnival rides and games, classic fair food, music, demo derby, and rodeos. For updates, click here. The Boulder County Fair is held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501. Cost: FREE (Parking is also FREE.)
Boulder International Fringe Festival
When: August 11 – 22, 2022
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. For the full schedule, click here.
Colorado Brazil Fest
When: August 12 & 13, 2022
Colorado Brazil Fest is the largest festival of its kind in the Colorado, and also one of the largest in the nation, with 1500-2000 participants each year. Colorado Brazil Fest is hosted by Boulder Samba School, the only organization in the state dedicated to promoting the rich heritage of Brazilian music, dance, and culture, with a track record of engaging thousands of local residents in performances and educational music programs since its inception in 2009. Details will be announced here.
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
When: August 12 – 14, 2022
Spend a glorious Colorado summer weekend celebrating songs and stories from around the musical and geographic world along the St. Vrain River at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival at Lyon’s magical Planet Bluegrass Ranch. 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. Build sandcastles 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.
Lafayette Peach Festival
When: August 20, 2022
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. One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond!
Boulder Philharmonic at the Bandshell
When: August 26 & 27, 2022
The City of Boulder is proud to present the Boulder Philharmonic on Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27 2022. Come watch as they perform under the stars at the historic Glen Huntington Bandshell. Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks ‘King Como Quesadillas’ and ‘Tibet’s Food Truck’. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the PLAY Boulder Foundation. Guests are welcome to bring outside food into the venue, however, outside alcohol may not be brought into the venue. Special thanks to our sponsors: City of Boulder, PLAY Boulder Foundation, Boulder Library Foundation, Downtown Boulder, Visit Boulder, and Avery Brewing Company. Tickets available here.
Boulder Creek Hometown Festival
When: September 3 – 5, 2022
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, a Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, 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). One of the many FREE summer events in Boulder and beyond!
Happy summer, Boulder!
