Hello again, downtown Boulder!
This past weekend, I had the privilege of celebrating my 21st birthday surrounded by friends, lights, and classic downtown traditions. There is something special about downtown Boulder at night, particularly when you’re celebrating a milestone. One of my favorite parts of walking downtown is the festive lights that go up before the holidays. The glow of the lights strung across the brick walkways creates such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making the whole area feel alive even late into the night. It’s easy to see why downtown is such a popular place for celebrations of all kinds, from birthdays to private gatherings and events. Even before stepping inside anywhere, just walking around downtown feels like an experience of its own, with people laughing, music streaming from open doors, and that unmistakable downtown energy all around.
My favorite part of the night by far was participating in one of the most iconic downtown traditions, a must-do when you turn 21, kissing the massive buffalo head mounted on the wall at Pearl Street Pub. Kissing the buff is one of the most talked about and awaited traditions for young adults living in Boulder, and as the youngest of all my friends, it felt like a long-awaited right of passage more than anything else. Having everyone in the bar cheer me on as I stood on a chair and kissed the buffalo head gave me a sense of community and belonging that I truly haven’t felt in many other places. Finally getting to participate in this tradition made me feel more connected than ever, not only to my fellow CU students, but also to all the locals who had stood in the same spot before me.
From there, my friends and I moved to the Sundown Saloon, more famously known by the locals as “The Downer.” This has quickly become one of my favorite spots downtown to go with friends because, aside from great drinks, it offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere with plenty of ways to connect socially. With pool tables, darts, a jukebox, and other bar games, The Downer creates a lively but down-to-earth vibe that brings people together without feeling too chaotic.
Later on, we headed over to The Attic and Press Play where the energy shifts. These spots bring great drinks, fun music, and packed dance floors into the equation, making them perfect when you’re in the mood to dance and fully lean into a night out downtown. Press Play is also home to one of my favorite drinks, their blueberry mule. It’s sweet, yet light and refreshing, with the perfect balance of crisp and fruity, and has quickly become my go-to for a night out. Each space downtown feels different, and that’s one of the things that makes Boulder’s nightlife so special, you can truly tailor the night to whatever vibe you’re feeling.
Of course, downtown also offers many amazing options for night life when you don’t feel like dancing. Avanti Food and Beverage is one of my favorite places to go when I’m looking for something more relaxed. During the day, the rooftop balcony views are unbeatable, and at night, grabbing a drink and sitting by the fire on the balcony feels perfectly cozy and social without being too overwhelming. Avanti is the perfect place if you’re hoping for chiller vibes, or a slightly less college-heavy crowd, though their new College Nights on Fridays are always a hit!
Celebrating my 21st birthday downtown was something I looked forward to for a long time, and it truly lived up to every expectation I had. Getting to experience it surrounded by all my friends was incredibly meaningful, and it reminded me that Boulder’s nightlife offers something for everyone, not just through the places themselves, but through the way they bring people together in their own unique ways. My 21st birthday downtown is a night I will never forget and shows how downtown after dark creates space for moments that feel meaningful, memorable, and uniquely Boulder.
Until the next downtown adventure,
Ava
Tagged: Bars