Hi Downtown Readers,
This is my first summer in Boulder and I’m looking forward to taking in all of the super fun events and the awesome range of outdoor activities available in my home away from home!. I wanted to share all of my research on where to go and what to see with you, so I’ve given you seven things to do downtown this summer...ENJOY!
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Boulder’s annual festival, Boulder Creekfest is an event located right on beautiful Boulder Creek. I hear it usually takes place over Memorial Day weekend but was pushed back a few months this year. So, if you aren’t busy Friday, July 16-Sunday, July 18 save the date! The event features live music performances, craft vendors and delicious food from local restaurants. There’s even going to be activities for kids with carnival rides and games - making it the perfect summer event to bring the entire family for a great time. Looking over the schedule, I’m excited to hear The Zimmermans perform covers of my favorite Bob Dylan songs on Friday the 16th and Ms Amy and the Jet Set’s unique bluegrass music on Sunday, July 18th.
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If you are looking for even more (FREE) outdoor music performances right in the heart of downtown, Bands on the Bricks has got you covered! This season is a little shorter than in “normal” years but it’s the 25th anniversary of the event so every Wednesday from July 21 to August 11, there will be live and a large beer/wine/margarita garden right on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall. Each performance has an opening act that begins at 6:00pm and the headliner takes the stage at 7:00pm. The Beer Garden - featuring beer from Avery Brewing Co and tasty margaritas from T/ACO. Opens at 5:30pm. Bands on the Bricks is the event I’m most looking forward to this summer because of the wide variety of musical performances like the Quemando Salsa Band and Eagles cover band, The Long Run. I think what makes Bands on the Bricks so special is that all these wonderful music performances are played in the heart of downtown Boulder, right on the iconic Pearl Street Mall. Seeing these bands while surrounded by the lively business community and beautiful views - all while the sun sets beyond the flatirons makes “the bricks” an amazing concert venue.
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Arts in the Park is is produced by the City of Boulder and features live shows from local bands, artists, dance groups and theatrical performances. This event happens at the Bandshell near Central Park and continues through September. Arts in the Park is a unique event because it includes concerts, dancing, acting and paintings representing cultures all around the world. I’m excited to see Cirque de Minuit on July 10 along with hearing Discount Ghost Stories: Songs from the Rockies tell true stories about Colorado’s past. You can get tickets and learn more here.
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The Boulder County Farmers Market happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays until November 20th down on 13th Street just south of Canyon Blvd.. The Wednesday Market happens from 4:00pm until dusk while the Saturday Market Runs from 8:00am until 2:00pm. The Farmers Market includes tons of local vendors (aka the farmers who actually produce the food / goods they are selling) along with live music, a food court and a beer garden making it a must try for anyone visiting downtown. On my shopping list: delicious locally grown produce and raised meat from places such as: SkyPilot Farm, Near and Dear and Sunrise Bison Ranch. If that were not enough both locations of the Farmers Market give picturesque views of downtown Boulder and the Flatirons. You can learn more about the Boulder County Farmers Market here.
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Summer in Boulder means there will be some incredibly hot days. Luckily, we can cool off with a super fun and relaxing tube ride down Boulder Creek. I have gone down to the Boulder Creek multiple times and I instantly get jealous every time I see a tuber float down the river. It seems like Boulder Creek has the perfect amount of fun rapids and calm relaxing stretches. This is an activity where the entire family can get outside and have a blast while cooling off on one of Boulder’s many scorching days. If you are like me and do not have a tube don’t worry because there are many places in downtown Boulder to rent a tube for the day like: Rocky Mountain Anglers, Foot of the Mountain Motel and White Water Tubing and Recreation.
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Another great way to get outside and enjoy all of the nature that downtown Boulder has to offer walking or riding on Boulder Creek Path. The Boulder Creek Path is 5.5 miles and continues up into Boulder Canyon. The trail was recently renovated and extended even further into the wilderness of Boulder Canyon. As someone who loves to ride their bike, Boulder Creek trail is a short and easy paved path that allows riders to experience all of Boulder. I have walked part of the trail before and there are plenty of terrific views of the mountains, Boulder Creek and the different parts of the city. Taking a walk or bike ride down the Boulder Creek Trail is a phenomenal way to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise this summer.
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Downtown Boulder Partnership is hosting three Sidewalk Sales throughout the summer! Your favorite downtown stores will be offering awesome deals on merchandise as they swap out their inventory for the fall season. I will definitely be going to look for a new pair of hiking shoes from North Face and sunglasses from Zeal Optics. There are tons of businesses already signed up to participate and more are being added daily! The Summer Sidewalk Sale begins on July 23rd. The Back to School Sale kickoff August 13th and the Labor Day Sale starts September 3rd. Make sure to head downtown for amazing discounts from your favorite downtown stores!
Get ready for an amazing summer filled with awesome events and outdoor activities across downtown Boulder!
Thanks for stopping by,
Jacob S.
Mentioned in this Post: Avery Brewing Co., Central Park Bandshell, The North Face, T/ACO, Zeal Optics
Tagged: Boulder