Things to Do Downtown
October has arrived, and Downtown Boulder is sparkling with autumn energy. The crisp fall air, colorful leaves, and cozy evenings make this the perfect time to explore, sip, and savor everything the city has to offer. Whether you’re wandering downtown, picking up a seasonal treat at the last Wednesday Farmers Market on October 8, or enjoying a pumpkin-spiced drink on a patio, the month invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
October is also a month of celebration. Downtown will be alive with music, costumes, and community spirit all month long. From the harmonious World Singing Day, happening during the Roots Music Festival on October 18, to the enchanting Munchkin Masquerade on Halloween, there’s something for every person—whether you’re chasing live music, family-friendly fun, or unique cultural experiences.
Embrace the season this October: wander, explore, taste, listen, and connect. This month's must-see events are highlighted, but that’s just the beginning.
Read on for things to do and check out our upcoming events calendar for October!
~Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives is a 501c3 organization that works to continue to provide free and accessible experiences to Boulder's community through annual events and experiences. We humbly request that you join us in our fundraising efforts to further support our cherished community events. We remain eternally grateful for your support. Looking for more information? Explore Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives.~
Highlights for October 2025
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest
Downtown Boulder comes alive Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5 during Fall Fest for three days of food, drinks, live music, art, and family fun! Enjoy local brews, cocktails, and wine in the beer garden, browse unique creations at Firefly Handmade Fall Market, and catch live music throughout the weekend. Families can enjoy free activities in the Fun Zone, including bounce houses, a giant slide, and inflatables, while parents relax with a seasonal drink. Don’t miss the first-ever Battle of the Bands on Saturday, or step into the Huntington Bank Glambot® for a memorable festival moment. Fall Fest is the perfect way to savor the season along Pearl Street!
Last Wednesday Boulder Farmers Market
Wednesday, October 8 marks the final Wednesday Boulder Farmers Market of the season in Downtown Boulder. Celebrate the last midweek market with fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and seasonal treats that capture the flavors of fall, from crisp apples and pumpkins to cozy baked goods and handmade crafts. Wander the vibrant stalls, chat with local farmers and makers, and soak up the festive autumn atmosphere from 3:30 - 7:30 PM. Don’t worry, the Saturday Boulder Farmers Market continues through November 22, so there’s still plenty of time to discover your favorite fall finds and stock up for the season!
Pearl Street Stampedes
The Pearl Street Stampedes bring CU home football excitement to Downtown Boulder, led by Stephen Tebo’s vintage 1948 fire truck and the Golden Buffalo Marching Band starting at 7 PM on the 1300 block of Pearl Street. Fans of all ages cheer on CU’s Spirit Squad and athletic teams with high fives, music, and lively celebration. Don’t miss the last two Stampedes of 2025 on Friday, October 10 and Friday, November 21, a perfect chance to show Buffs pride and enjoy Downtown Boulder’s festive atmosphere!
Indigenous Peoples Day in Boulder
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 12 as the City of Boulder and community partners host a full day of free events honoring Indigenous Peoples Day. From interactive workshops and storytelling to art, music, and cultural celebrations, there are many opportunities to learn and connect.
Highlights include:
- Museum of Boulder (2 – 5 pm): Games, Poetry, and Ancestral Mathematics presented by Luna Cultura, featuring live music, food, storytelling workshops, ancestral math, and more.
- Savannah Bee Company Stage (Sunday, October 19 at 6 pm): Boulder Roots Music Festival – Indigenous Peoples Day Showcase presented by Roots Music Project, with performances by Indigenous artists sharing powerful cultural traditions and stories through music.
These events shine a light on the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous communities while fostering connection and dialogue. Join us downtown and throughout the city to celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples Day!
DrAW with The New Local
The New Local's DrAW (Downtown Boulder Art Walk) returns on Thursday, October 16, from 4–7 PM. Stroll to over a dozen stops featuring drink specials, live painting, DJs, and more. Highlights include The New Local Gallery, The New Local Annex, Erica Simon Studio, Two Hands Paperie, Trident, Bohemi, Ana’s Art Gallery, Wonder, OZO Coffee (West Pearl), Gemini, Starfish, Beatrice the Divine, and T/aco. Discover Downtown Boulder’s vibrant art scene and enjoy an evening full of creativity and community.
World Singing Day
The 10th Annual World Singing Day takes place on Saturday, October 18, from 2–3:30 PM on the 1300 Block of the Pearl Street Mall. This global event, celebrated every third Saturday in October, brings people together through the simple act of singing. Participants of all ages and singing abilities are invited to join a community sing-along featuring popular favorites, from the Beatles to Taylor Swift, with lyric booklets provided.
World Singing Day is part of an international movement celebrating human connection and the joy of music. This sing-along is a highlight of the month, offering a fun, uplifting way to celebrate community, creativity, and the universal language of song.
The No Kings peaceful movement starts at 3:30 pm in Boulder. To learn more about the event and location, please visit: https://www.mobilize.us/freedomoverfascism/?org_ids=42198&tag_ids=27849
Roots Music Festival
The Boulder Roots Music Fest takes place Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19, bringing together over 750 artists across 15 stages for an unforgettable weekend of music, collaboration, and celebration.
Spanning genres from indie, funk, hip hop, cumbia, folk, blues, bluegrass, and electronic, the festival features both seasoned veterans and rising stars. Celebrate Colorado’s diverse music scene, discover new sounds, and connect with fellow music lovers at this vibrant fall event.
Ghost Walk / Ghost Talk
Step into Boulder’s haunted history with Historic Boulder, Inc.’s Ghost Walk / Ghost Talk, happening Friday, October 24, at 5 PM. This biennial pre-Halloween tour guides visitors through historic and haunted sites downtown and in Mapleton Hill. Explore the stories of past residents, eerie apparitions, and the mystic echoes of Boulder’s history, enhanced by local psychics from Psychic Horizons. Starting locations are provided with ticket purchase. Proceeds support Historic Boulder’s preservation programs, keeping the city’s legacy buildings alive for future generations.
Munchkin Masquerade
Get ready for a spook-tacular afternoon! Downtown's annual Munchkin Masquerade takes place on Friday, October 31, from 3–6 PM along the Pearl Street mall. Children ages 12 and under are invited to trick-or-treat among tiny ghosts, goblins, dinosaurs, fairies, superheroes, and more at official treat stops.
Volunteers and exhibitors help create a magical afternoon filled with costumes, candy, and fun, making it one of Downtown Boulder’s most anticipated family-friendly fall events.
This event would not be possible without the incredible generosity of participating businesses. Please make sure to graciously thank each and every business offering treats!
*Keep checking back for participating businesses that are being added to the Treat Stop map daily.
Boulder Out to Lunch Day
Boulder's tradition, Go Out to Lunch Day occurs on the last Monday of each month! It’s time to show downtown restaurants some extra love during lunchtime while also enjoying a midday pick me up with your coworkers, friends, family or just yourself! Step away from your phone screens and phones and get back to your community. Check out additional details on their website.
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