Things to Do Downtown
There’s a little magic in the air downtown, and it’s only getting started. First up, Halloween belongs to the kids (and the kids at heart)! Munchkin Masquerade returns Saturday, October 31, for an afternoon of costumes and trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses who generously provide the treats!
Keep your Buffs gear handy for the October 30, November 12 and 27 Pearl Street Stampedes, and leave a little room on your calendar for the Firefly Holiday Market November 14 and 15. It’s a chance to find something special for someone on your gift list, or bring home a treat for yourself. Saturday visits to the Boulder Farmers Market continue through November 21, so enjoy those market mornings while you can.
Come November 22, downtown gets its holiday glow! Light Up the Holidays begins with the Downtown Cookie Crawl and Switch on the Holidays. More seasonal favorites follow, including FREE visits with Santa at St. Nick on the Bricks and the Lights of December Parade. We’ve shared the details below so you can start planning your holiday outings and make time to shop small.
For even more events and updates, visit our online event calendar for daily updates and additional details in our Things To Do blog.
~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 youjoin 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 November 2026
Munchkin Masquerade
Calling all little ghosts, goblins and candy collectors! Munchkin Masquerade returns Saturday, October 31, from 3-6 PM for an afternoon of costumes, treats and Halloween fun.
Kids ages 12 and under are invited to show off their costumes and trick-or-treat at participating businesses throughout downtown. Bring your candy bags and join the parade of tiny superheroes, dinosaurs, fairies and more celebrating one of Boulder’s most beloved Halloween traditions.
Plan your route with the full list of participating Treat Stops, and check back for more businesses joining the fun as Halloween approaches! And don't forget to thank the amazing businesses for providing treats!
Pearl Street Stampedes
Only THREE Pearl Street Stampedes remain this season! Pull on your black and gold and join fellow Buffs fans as members of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band and others bring pregame excitement to Pearl Street.
Catch the final celebrations on Friday, October 30; Thursday, November 12; and Friday, November 27. Each Stampede starts at 7 PM on the 1300 block of Pearl Street before heading west along the Mall.
Come early for dinner downtown, then follow the music. SKO!
Switch on the Holidays
A sweet start to the holiday season! Join us Sunday, November 22, for the Downtown Boulder Cookie Crawl and Switch on the Holidays also kicking off this year's Downtown Dash.
Spend 11 AM - 2 PM exploring local shops and picking up cookies at participating businesses while supplies last. Then, head to the 1300 block of Pearl Street for TUBACHRISTMAS at 3:30 PM, featuring holiday favorites performed by an ensemble of tubas and euphoniums.
At 5 PM, watch downtown sparkle as we flip the switch on the holiday lights! Keep the celebration going with free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center until 7 PM.
Small Business Saturday Weekend
Keep your holiday shopping close to home during Small Business Saturday® Weekend, November 27–29! More than 70% of downtown Boulder businesses are locally owned and operated, so every stop is a chance to support the people who make downtown feel like downtown.
Find a gift with a story at one of our 100-plus specialty retailers, and take a break over a meal at a local restaurant. Bring someone along and make a day of it. Your support makes a difference during the holidays and long after the decorations come down.
Tebo Train's Snowflake Express
All aboard for a little holiday fun! Tebo Train’s Snowflake Express returns Sunday, November 29, with rides for children ages 10 and under and their accompanying adults.
Hop on in front of Wells Fargo at 1242 Pearl Street from 11 AM - 2 PM for a festive trip along the Pearl Street Mall. A $5 donation per group is suggested. The train returns December 6 and December 13, weather permitting.
Taking part in the Downtown Dash? Show your train sticker at the Visitor Information Center after your ride to scan the QR code!
St. Nick on the Bricks
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa for FREE at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center (1303 Pearl St, Boulder) on Friday, November 27 and Saturdays November 28, December 5 and December 12, 2026 from 11 AM - 2 PM.
Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories.
There is a suggested donation of $10 per group.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
Experience the magic of the season as Firefly lands on the Pearl Street Mall! Join us in celebrating creativity and community as our curated artisans fill the historic pedestrian mall with the very best in local craft, art, and design.
This market runs 10am–4pm on November 14th & 15th. Sponsored by the Downtown Boulder Partnership, shop small, eat well, and celebrate the season with our wonderful Firefly community!
Explore:
-80+ artists, makers, and designers
-Free admission (family friendly)
-Countless options for delicious food and drinks
-A full slate of live music from Colorado artists
-All the local love at neighborhood shops, restaurants, and bars
TEDxBoulder: Roots & Wings
Big ideas take root in Boulder. TEDxBoulder: Roots & Wings comes to eTown Hall on Saturday, November 14, from 5:30–7:30 p.m., featuring talks grounded in our community with the potential to make an impact far beyond it.
Spend an evening exploring new perspectives and connecting with fellow curious minds. General admission is $75, with doors opening at 5 p.m. A $150 Full Access ticket includes reserved seating and opportunities to mingle with speakers at a pre-event reception and post-show celebration.
Saturday Boulder Farmers Market
There’s still time for one more market morning! The Saturday Boulder Farmers Market is entering its final weeks of the season, with the last market on Saturday, November 21.
Stop by 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, Saturdays from 8 AM –2 PM, to stock up on seasonal produce and locally made favorites. Grab a warm drink and spend a little time with the growers who help keep Boulder well fed.
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