There are so many things to do in Boulder in September! Fall festival season begins and live outdoor music continues. Our big list of events includes everything from comedy shows, forest bathing, farmers markets, and Pearl Street Stampedes to Oktoberfests, art shows and so much more. All happening in and around Boulder in September 2023.
Growing Gardens Farm Stand
When: Wednesdays throughout September & October from 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Join Growing Gardens every Wednesday at the Farm Stand! There will be a variety of items for sale from beautiful organically-grown produce from the farm to tasty food from local purveyors. More information here.
Boulder Bike Night (Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride)
When: Late March – October, Thursday nights at 7:30 PM
Join Boulder Bike Night every week for the traditionally held and ever-evolving Thursday night cruiser ride! Rides begin at 7:30 PM, check Boulder Bike Night’s IG or the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride FB for details on where the rides will begin.
The Bee Hugger Farm
When: Open daily, 8 AM – 8 PM.
The Bee Hugger Farm is open daily for summer farm fun! Animal feeding, tractor climbing, farm exploring, picnicking, and more. No entrance fee. Pony rides $10, cash or venmo. Max height 4 feet, max weight 50 lbs, max age 6 years. Bring a helmet to save your place in line! For farm updates, check their Facebook page here.
Pearl Street Stampede
When: September 8, 15, & 29, October 12, and November 3 & 10, 2023 at 7 PM
The Pearl Street Stampedes have become the kickoff celebration for CU home football games for over a decade. The night before each home game, hundreds of Buffs fans line the Pearl Street Mall as members of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band plays to the crowds’ delight. Members of the CU football team and coaching staff are greeted with cheers and high-fives from fans of all ages. The Stampedes are a joint collaboration between the University of Colorado, local businesses, the City of Boulder, and Downtown Boulder. Led by Stephen Tebo’s vintage 1948 fire truck, members of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band start performing at 7 p.m. on the 1300 block of Pearl Street (in front of the County Courthouse). The Stampedes move west, stopping on each block of the Pearl Street Mall To perform. More info here.
Friday Night Weird
When: Every Friday night from 8:30 – 11:30 PM
Friday Night Weird is a weekly cult film series at the Boedecker Theater of the Dairy Arts Center and we’re here to make Boulder weird again by providing curated access to some of the best new and classic genre films and a proper theater experience to enjoy them in. For this week’s Friday Night Weird pick, click here.
Louisville Art Association’s 2022 Fine Art Show
When: September 1 – 10, 2023
The 2023 National Fine Arts Show and Sale takes place at the Louisville Center for the Arts, an elegant, late 19th century red brick schoolhouse. Historic Downtown Louisville offers an array of art galleries, related shops, businesses, restaurants, and cafes. This event will be held at the Louisville Center for the Arts, 801 Grant Ave, Louisville CO.
Chautauqua Summer Concert Series
When: Throughout the summer, full schedule here.
Live entertainment at beautiful Chautauqua Park will be happening all summer long! Chautauqua 2023 Summer Concert series is presenting a variety of comedians and musicians. Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302. Full schedule here. Ticket prices vary, see prices here.
NoBo First Friday
When: September 1, 2023 from 6 PM – 9 PM
NoBo 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 along your stroll through the area. Featuring live music, demos, and special activities in many locations. Located along Broadway from Pine Street to Highway 36. Follow the colorful flags to find surprises around every corner. First Friday runs from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on the first Friday of the month. Please be respectful of COVID precautions, wear a mask and keep your distance. Please note that many locations have other opening and closing times, see the map or list to check the exact times. Details at NoBoArtDistrict.org Another free event on our list of things to do in Boulder in September!
20th Annual Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
When: September 1-3, 2023
Join Sans Souci at The Museum of Boulder for a night to remember, celebrating the opening of its 19th season! You’ll enter like a star through a VIP red carpet photo area…it is a film festival, after all! Grab a local brew or glass of wine and check out the VR and video installations looping throughout the Museum before the screening for an intimate experience with select films. Take a peek at the Museum’s open exhibits and delight in the surprise of live dance performances around every corner on your way to pick up your pre-purchased burrito bowls on the rooftop patio. More info here.
Boulder Comedy Show
When: Every Sunday night at Rayback Collective from 7 – 9 PM
The Boulder Comedy Show is the longest-running weekly comedy show in Boulder, CO. The live stand-up show happens every Sunday at the Rayback Collective. Every weekend a different comedian will be performing, headliners having been seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime, Fallon, Colbert, Letterman, Kimmel, MTV, and pretty much everything in between. Schedule and tickets here.
Caturday Yoga at Purrfect Pause Cat Cafe
When: Every Saturday at 8:45 AM
Love cats? Love yoga? Take a yoga class with the cats at Purrfect Pause Cat Cafe for a one-of-a-kind experience. Beginner-friendly. For more details, click here.
Louisville Labor Day Parade
When: Monday, September 4, 2023 at 10 AM
The Louisville Labor Day Parade returns to its old route along Main Street. A full map of the parade route and road closures will be available here. Another free event on our list of things to do in Boulder in September!
Lafayette Art Night Out
When: September 8, 2023
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.
Open Studio at Boulder Public Library’s Makerspace
When: Every Tuesday & Wednesday from 2:30 PM – 6:45 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. Another free event on our list of things to do in Boulder in September!
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
When: September 8 – 10, 2022, full schedule here.
Celebrate your Scottish or Irish heritage by participating in the Long’s Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park, Colorado! The festival features athletic games and pipe bands, as well as jousting and dance competitions. In addition, various Celtic rock, folk, and traditional musicians will be performing. Eighty participating Scottish and Irish clans will be participating in the games this year. Pageantry and patriotism, spirit and spectacle, talent and teamwork all combine in this awesome display of music and might. Kids will love the games, the parade, the dog show, and the amazing food! The festival will be held at Stanley Park Fairgrounds, tickets are available here.
Boulder County Farmers Markets
When: In Downtown Boulder: Saturdays, April 1 – November 18, 2023, 8 AM – 2 PM & Wednesdays, May 3 – October 4, 2023, 4 PM – 8 PM. At the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont on Saturdays 8 AM – 1 PM, April 1 – November 18, 2023.
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!
Longmont ArtWalk on Main
When: September 9, 2023, from 4 – 8 PM
Longmont presents ArtWalk on Main, featuring five stages of live music, five blocks of fun, shopping, local art, and activities! More information here. This event is free and will be held in downtown Longmont.
Bee+ Boulder Festival
When: Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 10 AM – 2 PM
Join the City of Boulder for the 8th annual FREE family-focused festival celebrating Pollinator Appreciation Month at the Boulder Bee Fest. Connect with local organizations BBB Seed, BeeChicas, Boulder Public Library, Community Fruit Rescue, CU Museum of Natural History, CU Science Discovery, Garden To Table, Goss/Grove Neighborhood Assoc., Growing Gardens, and Hive-Tech Solutions. Sing along with Jeff & Paige at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.! Presented by City of Boulder Parks and Recreation and Planning and Housing Services. This event will be held at Central Park West in Boulder’s Civic Area. Another free event on our list of things to do in Boulder in September!
2022 Superior Chili & Beer Fest
When: September 9, 2023, 2 PM – 6 PM
The Town of Superior and the Rotary Club of Boulder Valley are once again hosting the Town’s biggest event of the year—Chili Fest! This year’s event features two live bands, food trucks, beer (cider and seltzer) sampling from local breweries, a super-sized kids’ zone, and local vendors coordinated by the Superior Chamber. General entry is FREE. Beer Fest and VIP tickets are on sale now, more info here. Another free event on our list of things to do in Boulder in September!
20th Annual Erie Biscuit Day
When: Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 8 AM – 12 PM
At the 21st Annual Erie Biscuit Day, enjoy some Biscuits and Gravy, Homemade Stew, Live music, a cake walk, raffle drawing, craft booths, historic photos, and more! Festivities will be held in Historic Downtown Erie, all proceeds benefit Erie Historical Society. This event is held in Downtown Erie on Briggs Street. Another free event on our list of things to do in Boulder in September!
Mapleton Hill Porchfest
When: Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
The Annual Mapleton Hill PorchFest is a musical walkabout that is the envy of all the other neighborhoods. Like last year’s event which drew about 800 people, the event will include 20 different bands of many styles, playing their hearts out on local porches. Do you like bluegrass? Jazz? Classical? Blues? Folk? Of course you do, so plan on attending to hear some of our best local bands. Stroll the beautiful historic Mapleton Hill neighborhood, enjoy the entertainment, meet up with old friends and make new friends. This event is held at the Historic Mapleton Hill Neighborhood. This event FREE.
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest & Firefly Handmade Market
When: September 22 – 24, 2023, for the full schedule click here.
Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest is one of Boulder’s most beloved community celebrations. This 3-day autumn festival features food, brews, and music with the added excitement of children’s activities. Firefly Handmade Markets will be there, featuring carefully and creatively curated to feature returning favorite and emerging artisans with home goods & décor; jewelry & accessories; adult & children’s fashion; skin care; ceramics; art; artisanal food; paper goods; and more. Free parking Saturday and Sunday in the City of Boulder Parking Garages. Fall Fest is held on the Pearl Street Mall. Another free event on our list of things to do in Boulder in September!
2022 Broomfield Days
When: Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 7 AM – 5 PM
Broomfield’s biggest community event, Broomfield Days, is back with a parade, live music, food, local vendors, and more! Activities and entertainment throughout the day include a 5K race, clown contest, parade, trade fair, craft festival, food booths, three stages of entertainment, demonstrations, and great community spirit. Broomfield Days is held at Midway Park, W Midway Blvd & Kohl St, Broomfield, CO 80020. Another free event on our list of things to do in Boulder in September!
Oktoberfest 5k at Wibby Brewing
When: September 24, 2023, at 10 AM
Join the Colorado Brewery Running Series™ for the Oktoberfest 5k at Wibby Brewing for a 5k-ish, fun run event that starts and ends at this awesome taproom in Longmont. Run, walk, jog – whatever goes! Complete the course and celebrate with us and a free local craft brew at the finish line.
Anderson Farms Fall Festival
When: September 20 – October 31, 2023
Anderson Farms is hosting its annual Fall Festival, complete with a pumpkin patch, hayrides and so much more! Admission includes a ton of fun activities such as Colorado’s longest-running 30-acre corn maze, hayride to the pumpkin patch, pumpkin launching, mine cars, barrel train, farm animals, farm lights, and more. Click here for a full list of activities. For those who enjoy a fright, after dark Anderson Farms hosts Zombie Paintball Hunt, a unique paintball experience where you shoot zombies throughout the cornfield while riding on a zombie wagon, or check out Terror in the Corn, Anderson Farms’ haunted hayride, cornfield & ghost town experience. Anderson Farms is located at 6728 County Rd 3 1/4, Erie, CO 80516.
Forest Bathing Morning Walk
When: September 22, 2023, from 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Forest bathing, or forest therapy, is a relational practice we invite you to join us for on Friday, September 22nd, from 9:30-11:30am, setting forth from the Flagstaff Nature Center. It will be about taking time to unplug, slow down, and connect with our amazing senses while in the forest we are so fortunate to be near. Through a series of sensory awakening invitations, this practice and our walk will foster our relationship with the Natural World, ourselves, and others.Donations are appreciated, tickets here.
Quilt-a-Fair 2022 at Boulder County Fairgrounds
When: September 21 – 23, 2023
Celebrate all things quilting at the Quilt-a-Fair! This event features 60 vendors, a silent auction, and the CQC member quilt show. Shop for patterns, kits, fabric, sewing machines, notions, and more. Kids activities provided. For more information and tickets, click here.
Wall to Wall Boulder eBike Tour
When: Throughout the fall, 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. More information here.
Boulder Magic Show
When: September 23, 2022 at 2PM
The Boulder Magic Show is back! Ben Young and Braden Carlisle makes kids and their parents crack up with his modern and upbeat magic that’s laugh-out-loud funny. Like a hybrid of magician + stand-up comedian–for families! He’s been featured on the hit CW TV Show Penn & Teller: Fool Us, in major Las Vegas casinos and has performed for the U.S. troops and their families on 80 military bases worldwide! As always, the Boulder Magic Show at the Dairy is hosted and curated by our own Braden Carlisle. Braden Carlisle continues to curate the best magic. With styles ranging from mentalism to comedy, Braden will leave you laughing harder than you thought possible at a magic show! As a lover of all things magic, Braden is also a published author of the magic theory book “Agree to Disagree” and hosts a weekly magic podcast titled “Awesome People Talking”. Tickets available here.
Estes Park Autumn Gold Festival
When: September 23, 2023 11 AM – 6:00 PM & September 24, 2023 11AM – 5 PM
Autumn Gold Festival is Estes Park’s fall celebration – a Festival of Bands, Brats & Beer. Entrance is free to dance, listen to music and enjoy the festival. The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary will be offering mustard-smothered bratwursts, cold brews, soft drinks and more as talented local musicians and award-winning Colorado bands play. Browse the vendor booths who will be offering corn on the cob, funnel cakes, fresh squeezed lemonade, roasted almonds and desserts. Free family activities include face painting, corn bag toss, a bounce house and a classic car show. For all the details, click here. The Autumn Gold Festival is held at Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Boulder Community Art Day
When: September 24, 2023 from 10 AM – 4 PM
Love to create art? Head down to 13th Street between Canyon and Arapahoe to experience various FREE participatory art activities provided by local community groups for Community Art Day. Check out the following: Boulder Open Studios Mobile Art Lab will be doing an art activity and artist demonstrations. Street Wise Arts will be providing an “artivism” button-making activity and inviting participation in a community-created mural project. BMoCA will be doing a hands-on art activity in the street. Local artist Edica Pacha will be doing an iteration of her community wheat paste project to gather thoughts on Boulder Social Streets. This project is a part of the Experiments in Public Art program within the City of Boulder’s Office of Arts & Culture. NoBo Arts District, a local arts therapy group, and the Museum of Boulder will all have a presence. Additionally, local artist Jennifer Chaparro will be leading the Chalk4Peace/Boulder in Color community art event with a co-created chalk mural on the Dushanbe Teahouse asphalt pad. This will be a wonderful opportunity to join your neighbors in creating an impactful work of art. Another free event on our list of things to do in Boulder in September!
Motus Theater Presents: Power Playback Improv Theater
When: September 30, 2023, from 7-9 PM
Motus Theater invites you to a special adventure of improvisational theater where you share a short reflection or a story and then watch professional improv actors enact YOUR story on the spot using movement, music, and dramatic spoken word. The stories may be funny or sad; memories from long ago or yesterday. The audience and performers co-create a theater event whose subject is the life experiences of the people attending the show. Motus calls these performances “Power Playback Theater,” because there is power within our stories and our truths. Stories are how we share our human adventure – the comedy, tragedy, and resilience of life’s journey. Join Motus Theater for an abundant exchange interconnecting our shared humanity through music, story, poetry, and improv theater. Tickets here.
Left Hand Oktoberfest
When: September 29 – 30, 2023
Left Hand Oktoberfest is back at The Garden at Left Hand Brewing Company. Attendees can expect great brews, live music, and tasty local food vendors every evening with special Oktoberfest-themed activities and all-day music line-ups on both Saturday and Sunday. More details here.
