33 Things to Do in Boulder in November

by Rachel Daly
Published: Last Updated on
things to do in Boulder in November

Boulder has exciting events all through the month of November! Check out these 33 events, ranging from festivals and turkey trots to tree lightings and visits with Santa. All happening in and around Boulder in November.

TEDxBoulderWomen

Photo Courtesy TEDxBoulderWomen

When: Thursday, November 2, 2017

Where: CU Heritage Center, 1600 Pleasant St, Boulder, Colorado 80309

Time: 9:45AM – 5:30PM

Cost: FREE, Register here.

Check out this live streaming of TEDxWomen at the amazing Old Main venue on the  University of Colorado Boulder campus. In partnership with TEDxCU and BoulderTalks. Schedule includes three parts. For more information, click here.

 

Fall Back Beer Fest

things to do in boulder in november move to boulder

Photo Courtesy Fall Back Beer Fest

When: Saturday, November 4, 2017

Where: Estes Park Events Complex, Estes Park, Colorado 80517

Time: 1PM – 5PM

Cost: $35 Presale/$40 at Gate, VIP $55 Presale/$65 at Gate, $15 Designated Driver, Under 16 free with ticketed guest. Tickets here.

Grab a sample from some of Colorado’s finest breweries and distilleries and chat with expert vendors from across the brewing industry at Estes Park’s Fall Back Beer Fest! Watch live brewing demos and lend a hand. You may even go home with one of your own Homebrewing Starter Kits from our giveaway! FBBF is an official site for the American Homebrewers Association‘s “Learn to Homebrew Day.” Keeping with tradition, the 2017 Rockygrass Band Competition winners, Meadow Mountain, will take the stage to keep you moving! VIP tickets include: 1 hour early admission, unlimited tastings, commemorative FBBF T-shirt, commemorative FBBF tasting glass, limited edition koozie. For more information, visit www.fallbackbeerfest.com!

Day of the Dead Family Celebration

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Longmont Museum and Cultural Center

When: Saturday, November 4, 2017

Where: Longmont Museum and Cultural Center, 400 Quail Rd, Longmont, Colorado 80501

Time: 11AM – 3PM

Cost: FREE

The annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration is the Longmont Museum’s signature event and the largest Day of the Dead celebration in Colorado, attracting more than 6,000 people to the exhibit, family event, and related programming. Día de los Muertos is a time to honor and celebrate deceased loved ones. Community participation is an essential part of this holiday that is full of life, reflection, food, family, and fun. At the free Family Celebration, join in the fun and enjoy live music and dancing, sugar skull decorating, traditional food, community altars, paper flower making, face painting, Lady Catrina, and more! Come dressed in your finest calaca (skeleton) apparel. Learn more at www.longmontmuseum.org or call 303-651-8374.

Upslope’s 9th Anniversary Party

things to do in Boulder in Novemeber

Photo Courtesy Upslope Brewing Company

When: Saturday, November 4, 2017

Where: Upslope Brewing Company, 1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, Colorado 80301

Time: 2PM – 8PM

Cost: FREE

Join Upslope at its Flatiron Park brewery to raise a glass to 9 years at its 9th Anniversary Party! 50+ beers on tap including  vintage favorites, collaboration brews, specialty styles, core beer classics and the 9th Anniversary Ale. Live music includes Upslope Super Group Featuring Members of Eminence Ensemble, Mayhem GulchZen MustacheBlind Alley Troubadours. Food trucks will be on site: Lazo EmpanadasRollin’ Bones BBQRocky Mountain SlicesSancho’s Authentic Mexican RestaurantSchnibs Pretzels. Games and Hammocks presented by Boulder-based Trek Light Gear.

Dance Till You Glow at Deviant Spirits

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Deviant Spirits

When: Saturday, November 4, 2017

Where: Deviant Spirits, LLC, 2480 49th St, Unit E, Boulder, Colorado 80301

Time: 4PM – 2AM

Cost: $5

Deviant Spirits is throwing another glow party, this month’s theme is Día de los Muertos, a widely observed holiday in Mexico and other Latin countries. It is a time when the living remember and honor departed relatives. DJ Line-up: 11-2 Deeper Mindz tag set! (Josiah Lucero + Kai Lucero), 9:30-11 David DeVine, aka Davi-D, 8-9:30 Love Warrior. 18+ / 21+ to drink / $5 (or FREE before 8!) 

$5 Day at Butterfly Pavilion

things to do in Boulder in November

When: Sunday, November 5, 2017

Where: Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020

Time: 9AM – 5PM

Cost: $5/person over 2, Kids under 2 and members FREE.

The Butterfly Pavilion is offering admission for just $5 on Sunday, November 5. Home to over 5,000 animals, kids will be immersed in a tropical rainforest where 1,600 butterflies live and Rosie, the tarantula is ready to be held by brave children. Step to Water’s Edge to be immersed in an underwater world full of sea creatures. The pavilion also features lovely gardens and a nature trail, as well as a fun gift shop.

An Evening with Dr. Brene Brown

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Dr. Brene Brown

When: Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Where: Macky Auditorium, CU Boulder, 17th Street & University Avenue , Boulder, CO

Time: 7:30 – 9PM

Cost: $25/ticket. This event is SOLD OUT, you may be able to find tickets on resale sites.

Dr. Brene Brown will be presenting a talk at CU Boulder. A VERY FEW Community tickets will be available on October 23rd starting at 10:30 AM online at http://www.colorado.edu/macky/. “Dr. Brown is a highly distinguished speaker and scholar, who tactfully blends her research with powerful and uplifting storytelling,” said CU Boulder student Jessica Yan, chair of the Distinguished Speakers Board. “We believe her message of human connection, personal vulnerability and courage are incredibly pertinent in today’s climate.”

CU Swing Dance’s Free Lesson & Social Dance

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy CU Swing Dance

When: Friday, November 10, 2017

Where: Carlson Gymnasium BASEMENT studio,

Time: Free Lesson: 7 – 8PM, Free Social Dance 8 – 10:30PM

Cost: FREE

CU Swing Dance is hosting a free Dance Lesson and Social Dance. Never Danced Before? No problem! We will have beginner and intermediate lessons at 7:00PM. This will be followed by a social dance at 8PM. No dance partner is required, but feel free to bring your friends! Just make sure to wear some flat-soled shoes to dance in.

Boulder County Restaurant Week

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy of Arugula

When: Friday, November 10 – Saturday, November 18, 2017

Where: Participating restaurants in Boulder County, full list here.

Time: Reservations should be made with participating restaurants.

Cost: $18 – $29

First Bite is an annual event highlighting the Boulder area dining scene. For one full week, more than 50 of the area’s top restaurants will offer a special three course $29 prix-fixe dinner menu to the community. The week celebrates our exceptional dining scene and continues to bring its well-deserved reputation into the national spotlight.

Frequent Flyers® Aerial Dance presents Aerial Street View

Photo Courtesy Frequent Flyers

When: Friday, November 10 – Saturday, November 18, 2017

Where: Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302

Time: Times vary, see schedule here.

Cost: $28 individual; $24 groups of 4+, seniors & kids 12 and under. Tickets here.

Aerial Street View combines the spectacular aerial dancers from Frequent Flyers along with break dancers from the acclaimed Block 1750 studio and live music from psychedelic folk band Chimney Choir.

Longmont Theatre Company Presents Becky’s New Car

When: Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 19, 2017

Where: The Longmont Theatre Company, 513 Main St, Longmont, Colorado 80501

Time: Times vary, see schedule here.

Cost: $20 General Admission, $18 Seniors & Youth Under 18. Tickets here.

The Longmont Theatre Company presents Becky’s New Car this month. Have you ever been tempted to flee your own life? Becky Foster is caught in middle age, middle management and in a middling marriage. One night Becky is offered nothing short of a new life…and the audience is offered a chance to ride shotgun in a way that most plays wouldn’t dare. Becky’s New Car is a thoroughly original comedy with serious overtones, a devious and delightful romp down the road not taken.

Left Hand Brewing’s Nitro Fest

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Left Hand Brewing Company

When: Saturday, November 11, 2017

Where: Johnson Storage & Moving Co, 900 S Sunset St, Longmont, CO 80501

Time: 6PM – 10PM

Cost: General Admission $75, VIP Elevated Experience $100 includes 5PM early entry to the event, exclusive catering, meet & greet with the brewery crews, and exclusive toilet trailer access. Tickets here.

Left Hand Brewing is hosting the 4th annual Nitro Fest. America’s swankiest nitro-exclusive beer festival returns with 40+ craft breweries from across the world pouring super smooth nitro beers alongside wild circus performers. Energetic joy & electric “jamtronica” dance vibes take over with LOTUS. Costumes strongly suggested. 40+ breweries from across the US, Ireland, the UK, China and Korea pouring super smooth nitro beers, inside a heated tent, circus acts, fire, wicked music and wild costumes make for “the most bizarre beer festival in the circuit”. Event proceeds will benefit the Left Hand Brewing Foundation.

Boulder Mountain Handmade Market

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Boulder Mountain Handmade

When: Saturday & Sunday, November 11 – 12, 2017

Where: Boulder Elks Lodge & Pool, 3975 28th St, Boulder, Colorado 80301

Time: 10AM – 4PM

Cost: FREE

Shop the Boulder Mountain Handmade Market that gives back to volunteer firefighting to benefit the Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District Auxiliary! Boulder Mountain Handmade features over 60 artisans in its market, plus Boulder’s best bake sale, a FREE all-ages maker area, live music and fire truck tours. Free admission, plenty of parking

Historic Hoverhome’s Holiday High Tea

things to do in Boulder in November

When: Saturday, November 11, 2017

Where: The St. Vrain Historical Society, Inc., 1309 Hover Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501

Time: 11:30AM – 2PM

Cost: $35/person (funds help support Historic Hoverhome)

Reserve your seat today for St. Vrain Historical Society‘s annual Hoverhome tradition! This event features a traditional three course high tea (scones, tea sandwiches, and dessert), historical program, and preview of Hoverhome’s 2017 holiday decorations. It’s also a fun time to dress-up with your friends in hat and gloves (although, not required). R.S.V.P. today! Seating is limited. Please call Historic Hoverhome with questions: 303-774-7810.

Endo Brewing Company Grand Opening

things to do in November in Boulder

Photo Courtesy Endo Brewing Company

When: Saturday, November 11, 2017

Where: Endo Brewing Company, 2755 Dagny Way, Lafayette, Colorado 80026

Time: 12PM – 10PM

Cost: FREE

Join Endo Brewing for its official Grand Opening on Saturday, November 11 in Lafayette. Endo promises a fun day of beer, bikes and prizes!

43rd Annual Longmont Turkey Trot

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Longmont Recreation Services

When: Saturday, November 11, 2017

Where: Altona Middle School, 4600 Clover Basin Dr, Longmont, Colorado 80503

Time: 9AM – 12PM

Cost: $18 – $24, Register here.

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble, GO! Sign up to run one of the most scenic, fastest, 10k or 2 mile courses around, the Longmont Turkey Trot! 10K course also has a Wheelchair Division. Don’t just run for the fun of it, all of the Longmont Turkey Trot proceeds benefit the City of Longmont Youth Scholarship Fund! 2017 Theme: “Veterans Day Edition”. Show your pride and support for our Veterans! For full information, click here.

Boulder’s Youth Has Talent

things to do in boulder in november

When: Sunday, November 12, 2017

Where: 2017 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302-5201, United States

Time: 2PM – 5PM

Cost: FREE, Register here.

DO YOU HAVE TALENT? SHOW IT OFF AND HAVE SOME FUN! The Boulder-based nonprofit organization Maji Safi Group (MSG) is coordinating the first annual Boulder’s Youth Has Talent for youths along the Front Range to share their talents and raise awareness about disease prevention and the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) globally. The first thirty middle and high school students with refined talents appropriate for all audiences are invited to participate in the audition round on the afternoon of Sunday, November 12th at the Bohemian Biergarten in downtown Boulder. All participants will receive a prize for their performance! For more information, click here.

Turkey Shoot Free Throw Contest

november in Boulder

When: Saturday, November 18, 2017

Where: Bob L. Burger Rec Center, 111 Baseline Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026

Time: 9AM – 9:45AM

Cost: $2 Residents, $5 Non-Residents, Register here.

Here’s your chance to win a Thanksgiving turkey! Shoot free throws to win a Thanksgiving turkey at Lafayette’s Turkey Shoot Free Throw Contest. This event will consist of different age groups for both male and female divisions. Turkeys will be awarded to the top shooter in each category. For more information, call the Recreation Center at 303-665-0469.

Santa Cellar Craft Fair

boulder in november

When: Saturday, November 18, 2017

Where: Broomfield Community Center, 280 Spader Way, Broomfield, CO 80020

Time: 8AM – 3PM

Cost: FREE

Check out the Santa Cellar Craft Fair, held at the Broomfield Community Center. Our Annual Santa’s Cellar Craft Fair features five rooms filled with local crafters from Colorado. Santa visits from 10 a.m. until noon! Find something special for everyone on your list. The Ninth Reindeer Cafe will be open during the Craft Fair from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for your snacking needs. Located in the Lakeshore Room. Take a look at the Breakfast and Lunch menus.

Mollie McGees Holiday Market

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Molly McGee’s Craft Market

When: November 18 – 19, 2017

Where: Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, Colorado 80501

Time: Saturday 9AM – 5PM, Sunday 10AM – 4PM

Cost: $4 for both days, kids under 12 are FREE

Mollie McGee’s Craft Markets feature only the highest quality handcrafted items as well as a selection of unique items not found in most malls. Molly McGee’s Fall and Holiday Markets boast over 160 booths at each show.

Annie at the Boulder Dinner Theater

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy BTD Stage

When: November 18, 2017 – February 24, 2017

Where: Boulder Dinner Theater, 5501 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303

Time: Schedule varies, click here to see full schedule.

Cost: $40 – $67 Tickets here.

LEAPIN LIZARDS! Boulder Dinner Theater is putting on a production of the beloved musical Annie. Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.” With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City.

Soul Tree Holiday Bazaar

things to do in Boulder in November

When: Saturday, November 18, 2017

Where: Soul Tree Studio, 422 E Simpson St, Lafayette, Colorado 80026

Time: 11AM – 4PM

Cost: FREE

Soul Tree Yoga is hosting its 5th Annual Holiday Bazaar, featuring a handful of returning artists  along with a few new artists for the 2017 season. Gifts range from contemporary jewelry, original stoneware, essential oils, as well as wine tasting from a local winery! Soul Tree carefully selects artists that can provide handmade, affordable gifts for everyone on your list. Many of the artists are students and teachers at Soul Tree.

Estes Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

things to do in Boulder in November

When: Saturday, November 18, 2017

Where: George Hix Riverside Plaza, 184 W. Elkhorn Ave, George Hix Riverside Plaza, CO

Time: 4PM – 7PM

Cost: FREE

Light up the season in Estes Park at the 7th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event has become an Estes Park tradition with its unique characteristics and community recognition. Guests are welcome to visit with Santa, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, browse the area shops, and enjoy live entertainment. The ceremonial lighting will occur at 6pm.

Switch on the Holidays

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Downtown Boulder

When: Sunday, November 19, 2017

Where: Pearl Street Mall, Pearl Street, Boulder CO 80302

Time: 5PM – 9PM

Cost: FREE

Switch on the Holidays is back with a holiday sing-along performance led by the Boulder Children’s Chorale joined by members of the Boulder Chorale lead up to the grand illumination of the Boulder County Courthouse and the Pearl Street Mall, with a special appearance by Santa himself! Then stick around for FREE visits with Santa until 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit: https://www.boulderdowntown.com/light-up-the-holidays/events/switch-on-the-holidays.

Louisville WinterSkate

things to do in Boulder in November

When: Thanksgiving Week – End of February

Where: Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front Street in Historic Downtown Louisville

Time: Monday–Wednesday: 2 – 7PM, Thursday: 2 – 10PM, Friday: 12 – 10PM, Saturday: 10AM – 10PM, Sunday: 10AM – 8PM

Cost: Adults: $5.00, Kids (ages 4-12): $4.00, Children (ages 3 & under): Free Admission, College Students and Military (with valid ID): $3.00, Senior Citizens (65+): $3.00, Skate Rental: $4.00

Located at the Steinbaugh Pavilion in Historic Downtown Louisville, WinterSkate is an old-fashioned ice skating rink complete with skate rental, concessions and traditional holiday music. Celebrating its thirteenth year as the original outdoor ice skating rink in the community, WinterSkate presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the winter season in a beautiful small-town setting.

2017 Pilgrimage Run

things to do in boulder in november

Photo Courtesy The Pilgrimage Run

When: Thursday, November 23, 2017

Where:

Time: 2 MILE – Start Time: 9:05am, 4 MILE (CHIP TIMED) – Start Time: 9:00am

Cost: $30 – $40, *Kids 10 & under free with registered guardian, but do not receive a shirt or bib number. All kids must have signed waiver by guardian – this is available at packet pick up. Register here.

So you thought Thanksgiving was about Turkey, eh? We’re glad you don’t any longer! Join The Pilgrimage Run by running, walking, pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon on this great 2 mile course. The route is made up of 90% paved trails and 10% streets, making it a fantastic family event and easy for anyone to participate! Both courses are very flat and forgiving! The 4 Mile course is similar to the 2 Mile, but includes an additional out & back portion of paved trail.

Avista Adventist Louisville Turkey Trot 5K

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Louisville Turkey Trot

When: Thursday, November 23, 2017

Where: Downtown Louisville, Colorado, 951 Spruce St Louisville, CO 80027

Time: 9AM Start Time

Cost: THIS RACE IS FREE (but you have to bring a donation – non-perishable food or winter clothing please). Register here.

Louisville’s Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is a FREE event with a great cause!!!! Add to the stack of donations, they will be so high from this race that you’ll want to get your photo in front of it!  You do need to register and sign the waiver however, so please visit the registration site to get signed up today.

Boulder SantaCon

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Boulder SantaCon

When: Friday, November 24, 2017

Where: TBD

Time: 5PM – 12AM

Cost: TBD

A SantaCon is simply a gathering of people dressed as Santa. Traditionally, SantaCon is free to attend, however, some events have costs that need to be covered and the organizers ask for a contribution. Others are held in support of a good cause and also have a mandatory contribution. Boulder SantaCon has not yet released more details, but I will update as the information comes in.

 

Longmont Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony

november in boulder

When: Friday, November 24, 2017

Where: Downtown Longmont, 6th Ave. Plaza, west of 6th Ave. and Main St.

Time: 6:30 – 7PM

Cost: FREE

Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Longmont kicks off the holidays! Bring your friends and family and celebrate with a ton of special events including: Santa and the Elves Dance Off,, Cultural Festivity, St. Vrain Singers caroling & Goodie Bags.

The Nutcracker Ballet

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra

When: November 24 – November 26, 2017

Where: Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, Colorado 80309

Time: Times vary, see full schedule here.

Cost: $15 – $82, tickets here.

Thanksgiving weekend, the curtain rises for America’s favorite ballet, brought to life by Boulder Ballet and the Boulder Philharmonic – The Nutcracker. Make your plans now for this thrilling and heartwarming spectacle, all performed to Tchaikovsky’s masterful score.

St. Nick on the Bricks

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy Downtown Boulder

When: Saturdays, November 25 – December 23, 2017

Where: Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center, 1301 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302

Time: 11AM – 2PM

Cost: FREE

Saturdays starting November 25, kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories.

BEER & BRUSH at Rayback Collective

august in boulder

Photo Courtesy Color Me Mine

When: Monday, November 27, 2017

Where: Rayback Collective, 2775 Valmont Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80304

Time: 7PM – 9PM

Cost: Cost depends on item painted. $25, $35, $45 First drink included!

First BEER then BRUSH! Join Color Me Mine at Rayback Collective for some painting fun! You can find us at your favorite watering hole painting all kinds of fun items… beer themed and non beer themed! Cost depends on item painted. $25, $35, $45 First drink included. Beer in one hand, brush in the other! Win Win!

FACE: Holiday Shows

things to do in Boulder in November

Photo Courtesy BTD Stage

When: November 27 – 28, 2017

Where: Boulder Dinner Theater, 5501 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303

Time: 5:30PM – 10:30PM

Cost: $45 – $55, Tickets here.

Two unforgettable nights at the Boulder Dinner Theater, see the long-awaited Face holiday concerts! Face is a nationally recognized vocal rock band based out of Boulder, Colorado, bringing a new edge and attitude to the human voice. Using just four singers and a vocal drummer, Face creates a rock-music phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed. No instruments and no special effects -– just five guys. Named “Best Local Musician/Group” by Boulder Weekly in 2015, 2014 and “Best Local Band” by Denver A-List 2013. These shows will sell out! Get your tickets early.

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