Downtown Boulder Blog

Halloween is just around the corner, and downtown Boulder is getting ready for a big weekend! With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, next weekend brings a CU home game, the Golden Buffalo Marching Band and plenty of little trick-or-treaters. Here’s what to add to your calendar and how to get ready this week.

In anticipation of the Pearl Street Mall’s 50th anniversary in 2027, (50 Years on Pearl.com), I got the opportunity to check out some archival photos from the early days of the Pearl Street Mall and recreate them.

Graduation season is officially here, and as a college senior myself, it’s starting to feel very real with CU’s graduation approaching in just a few weeks. Whether you’re celebrating a college senior, a high school grad, or someone special in your life, this time of year is all about big milestones, new chapters, and finding the perfect way to say “I’m proud of you.”

Follow along as I eat, shops, and explores Boulder! From Rosetta Hall’s tres leches to whiskey flights at Boulder Spirits and all the fun of Fall Fest, this bucket list is full of downtown gems.

School is just around the corner, so I've created a Back To School Essentials Guide for incoming CU students!

Downtown came alive with color and creativity during last weekend’s Pearl Street Arts Fest, showcasing everything from vibrant pastel mountain scenes to clever recycled metalwork. Check out some of my favorite finds!

Downtown Boulder is constantly evolving, but did you know some local gems have held the charm of downtown for over 50 years? Take a stroll down memory lane with me as we explore the OG businesses that have helped shape Boulder’s character and community spirit.

Looking for midweek plans? Explore the Boulder Farmers’ Market—full of local eats, live music, and cool drinks. Come see what Wednesdays downtown are all about!

From sunrise yoga and mountaintop views to tropical cocktails and live music in the evening, here's your guide to spending every golden hour of the summer solstice in downtown Boulder.

Father's Day is just around the corner (June 15th), so to celebrate, I've highlighted some gift ideas for dad, brought to you by your locally owned downtown businesses. Don't forget to show the dad figure in your life how much you appreciate and love them!

The first few months of 2025 are flying by which means summer is approaching! If you’re like me, you’re already putting together a list of things you want to do. If you need a little inspo, I have some ideas to share with you. And if you can't wait until summer, I also provide ideas that are perfect for any season.

Did you know every day has its own National Holiday? March is just around the corner and the National Day Calendar is PACKED with unique festivities. Let's turn these celebrations into opportunities to show some Love for the Local. Here are a few fun ideas to make your March more enjoyable and community-focused.

Feeling the love? So are we! Let’s dive into all things Valentine’s Day in downtown Boulder.

My name is Frankie Patton, and I’m more than excited to introduce myself as the spring Marketing and Communications Intern for the Downtown Boulder Partnership.

From strolling along the Pearl Street Mall to enjoy the festive lighting and celebrating winter-themed events to last minute gift shopping opportunities and booking dinner reservations - it’s the most wonderful time of the year to Love the Local!

Kate here! I have had the pleasure of being the Downtown Boulder Partnership’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator for the last year (and counting!). Fall is my favorite time of year and with Halloween just around the corner, I wanted to give you the lowdown on all spooky season happenings this month…

It’s Indie Retail Month! Join us in celebrating downtown’s small businesses and our quest to encourage everyone to shop and dine locally. Lucky for us, 80% of our downtown district is made up of locally-owned and locally operated. I'm excited to share a few of my favorites with you!

Looking to go on a memorable date this summer? Whether it's platonic, romantic, or solo, Downtown Boulder provides the ambiance, supplies, and magic for you to enjoy a perfect date.

Follow along for some of my favorite things that I have done so far and what I am looking forward to checking off my summer bucket list…

As I wrap up my time with the Downtown Boulder Partnership, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite experiences this spring!

The University of Colorado Boulder Graduation season is in full swing, and it’s time to celebrate your favorite Buff! Here is a grad student gift guide and a National Independent Bookstore Day shoutout.

Since Colorado is the best of the West, why not wander to Downtown Boulder’s own West End? Here are some must-see businesses for snacks, sips, sweets and shopping!

Wander the East End of the Pearl Street Mall with me and enjoy these hidden gems!

Celebrate downtown's women-owned/led businesses today & every day!

I had no idea that this experience would leave me with so many amazing memories, the opportunity to connect with awesome Boulder locals & professionals and a newfound love of all that downtown has to offer!

Here is a guide to the holiday season downtown! Welcome to your holiday happy place!

Looking to get out and about this winter season? Learn all about the amazing things to do downtown!

Learn about all the exciting things to do with your family downtown this weekend!

Here at Downtown Boulder, we are all about #lovethelocal! To us, local is more than a place - it is who we are. Downtown Boulder business owners are passionate, resilient and creative entrepreneurs.

Experience art of all kinds in the heart of downtown Boulder!

Six things you cannot miss downtown this summer!

It's summertime! That means school's out and the kids are home. To curb the summer restlessness with your young ones, we have created a list of engaging activities to do here in downtown Boulder!

Time flies when you’re having fun! I can’t believe my internship experience with Downtown Boulder has come to an end.

Local businesses, like Apocalypse, Boulder Olive Oil Company, BCFM and Hurdle’s Jewelry, thrive downtown because of their values and their unwavering dedication towards supporting and welcoming the Boulder community. Learn more about what it takes to run a local business!

Downtown Boulder is home to local businesses that have been serving Boulder for decades. Come celebrate the anniversaries of these historic businesses downtown this month!

Spring makes for the perfect season to head to downtown Boulder. Here are four ways to to enjoy all of the spring vibes downtown!

Boulder is having its first ever Aprés Ski Fest this Sunday (March 12)! Here is what to expect from this first-of-a-kind wintertime event!

With over 100 businesses that accept the Downtown Boulder Gift Card, there are plenty of places to spend yours downtown! Check out this blog for some shopping inspiration.

Looking for ideas of how to spend your Valentine's Day? Downtown Boulder has the perfect dining and shopping options to sweep your special someone off their feet!

Come take a break with me from my studies as I explore shopping and dining in Downtown Boulder on a winter weekend. Bundle up and hit Pearl Street!

Soak up all downtown Boulder has to offer in 2023 with this list of 23 things to see, do and eat in the district. Cheers to the new year!

Feeling overwhelmed by gift giving this year? Follow these three tips to ensure holiday shopping success!

Fall is inarguably one of the best times of the year in Colorado. Here are three ways to enjoy all the autumn vibes downtown!

Downtown Boulder offers so many sustainable shopping options! Check out these businesses next time you find yourself downtown.

Downtown Boulder has so many historic businesses that have been with us for decades and have helped create the amazing culture we enjoy downtown.

Six new businesses to explore Downtown!

Downtown Boulder offers great experiences for this Valentine's Day Weekend from creating your own special pottery to dining at newly renovated restaurants. Also, find out what restaurants have special menus only offered this weekend!

The start of November has been super cold and that means it’s finally time to start bundling up with warm clothes! With the wide array of clothing shops downtown, you won’t struggle to find clothing that fits your every need.

Fall seems to pass fast here in Boulder, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t take your time to enjoy what downtown has to offer! Today, I have 5 recommendations for food and events for you to enjoy throughout October and November.

The first day of Autumn was September 22 which means fall is upon us! I am so excited for the various decor, drinks, food, clothing and other seasonal items. I want to share a few places I love that have some fall items rolling out already.

I’m sure there’s many of you out there feeling the stress of  students in your household starting school again as well. I have a great idea for a stress buster for your entire family... Fall Fest has come to the rescue for everyone! 

This morning, I was stuck on what to explore and write about this week. As I was walking along East Pearl, I wandered into a shop and I was immediately greeted by one of my favorite things-stickers!

This week I took an in-depth look at the history of one of downtown’s oldest businesses. Hurdle's Jewelry store is a fourth-generation family-run business operating in downtown Boulder since the store was founded in 1947.

I never thought the day would come, but I am sitting here writing my last blog as an intern with the Downtown Boulder Partnership! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to share my perspective and experiences with downtown Boulder businesses with you all!

This week, I wanted to write an extra blog to feature some of the new places I got to try this semester that stood out to me! I thought it would be fun to go to all these places and capture my ventures on film, but there was a bit of a hiccup.

As I’m sure many of us know, downtown Boulder got quite a bit of snow this past weekend. I am personally a big fan of snow days, but I know a lot of people dread them (along with the shoveling that accompanies them). I am here to give you a few ideas of how downtown Boulder can help you prepare for future snowy weekends so you have a little bit more fun, and to give you ideas of what to do once it gets warm again.

It is mid-March which means one of my favorite holidays is right around the corner… St. Patrick’s Day! I always love seeing people and towns turn green, with smiles on their faces. To me, St. Patrick's Day always marks the start of Spring, whether it be 10 degrees and snowing or 50 degrees and sunny. In this blog, I will give you ideas of ways to celebrate in either circumstance!

Spring is just around the corner and warmer weather is approaching. It’s almost time for spring cleaning and time to refresh your space to set you up for a successful and happiness-filled season.

Now more than ever, random acts of kindness are standing out and making a mark. Today is 2021’s National Random Acts of Kindness day, so let’s take this opportunity to bring joy into a world that has gone through a lot recently.

I get to do a lot of fun things for my job. In addition to my most favorite thing, which is visiting businesses in downtown and catching up with staff or just saying hi, I have the opportunity to get creative with the ways we interact with our businesses and the general public.

Every person has their own way of celebrating holidays, Valentine’s Day included. This year, your traditional way of celebrating may need to be modified with covid-safe alternatives.

As Valentine's Day rapidly approaches, you may feel the need for guidance on ways to show appreciation for the loved ones in your life. Fear no more, because a Love the Local Valentine’s Day box is the perfect gift.

Well - we made it...2020 is almost over and while January 1st won’t look all that different (hello pandemic), the metaphoric clean slate is MUCH needed after a tough year. 

I’m Anna, Downtown Boulder’s VP of Events & Membership.  Outside of work, I’m also a wife and a mother of two kids (4 and 6). For my family, convenience and efficiency are key to our day to day survival. 

Typically my Thanksgivings are chock full of really crowded and cozy houses, family, and all kinds of different tasty food (because Thanksgiving is the ultimate potluck).

It’s Terri...Downtown Boulder’s VP of Marketing.  It’s my pleasure to present my version of Oprah’s Favorite Things.  Now, don’t get too excited...I’m no Oprah!  But, I’ll do my best to inspire you - because, we can all use a little inspiration right now!  This year’s theme as we enter the holiday season is similar to years prior BUT so much more important right now….local, local, local.

Julia, DBP’s Administrative Assistant, here. Working from home can be an adjustment, so I thought I’d share a few ideas for how to break up weekday monotony you might be experiencing. First, good coffee can be key to productivity.

If you’re new to our blog, welcome! If you’re not, you might be wondering who I am and why I am writing this blog post instead of our intern.

Downtown Boulder has a giveaway for you to enter this weekend, and we are so excited to share it with you! While we have sponsored many giveaways in the past, this one is completely hassle-free and we can’t wait to see all the entries.

As COVID-19 cases continue to surge around the country, Boulder County has indefinitely extended it’s face covering ordinance. This is the perfect time to stock up on some new masks!

Summer is (and will forever be) my favorite season, and there is no better place to spend a summer day than strolling through downtown Boulder! Not only are there countless shops and restaurants to pop into, but nothing beats the sunshine and light breeze that accompany a Boulder summer.

My name is Sierra and I am Downtown Boulder’s summer intern! I will be a senior at CU Boulder this fall, and I can’t imagine a better place to be interning during one of my last summers in Boulder.

It’s midterm season for this Buff and saying I’m stressed is would be the understatement of the year. But don’t worry, I take self care seriously. This week, I want to share how I go about taking care of myself.

I love Galentine’s Day where ladies celebrate ladies. Leslie Knope of the show Parks and Rec defines Galentine’s Day as a day to celebrate your lady friends and that it should be a national holiday. I could not agree more.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...it's time for Downtown Boulder's Mid-Winter Sale! The sale starts this Friday, February 7 through Sunday, February 9.

Hello Downtown Boulder! I’m Keighlee (it’s pronounced Kee-Lee, I know, my parents are creative) and I am super excited to be Downtown Boulder’s spring intern.

Hygge is known as the Danish lifestyle of coziness and contentment...I scoured downtown Boulder for items that would allow me to master the concept of “Hygge” so that I (and you) can be at my highest level of comfort during my downtime!

I’m spending a lot of time downtown so I know the perfect places to find winter jackets and other gear, because who couldn’t use more options to survive the cold that’s coming our way?! 

Now that it is October I am in the mood for all things spooky! Besides watching scary movies and making apple cider, one thing on my to-do list is to figure out what I am going to be for Halloween.

This week I am on the hunt to find the perfect present for one of my best friends Kate. She is completely obsessed with all things self-care, so I am going to scour downtown stores to see what I can find to give her a present that she will love. 

My name is Alicia and I am the new fall intern for Downtown Boulder. I am absolutely thrilled to completely immerse myself in this distinctive and exciting space!

For the past three months, I have had the pleasure of interning for the Downtown Boulder Partnership. I have learned so much about marketing, improved my writing skills, and have grown to love the downtown district even more. 

It can be stressful to think about all the upcoming assignments and tests so shift your thinking to all the good things that come with a new school year, such as new friends, new knowledge, and new school supplies! I have put together a list of Back to School Essentials that will help you thrive this school year...

I am someone that loves reality television, and one of my favorite shows to watch is The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. The finale is this week and I am so eager to see who Hannah will give the final rose to. To prepare for this monumental television event, you need to stop by some downtown Boulder shops to get some Bachelorette essentials. 

In recent years the act of “thrifting” has become hugely popular. The used items trend could be attributed to Macklemore’s 2012 hit song “Thrift Shop”, the hipster fashion craze, or the influential green movement. Whatever the reason, thrifting has become one of my favorite things to do.

It’s that time of the year, folks… Pearl Street Arts Fest! The vibrant and exciting event starts this Friday, July 19th at 3 pm with a special 14th Street Artists Preview then lasts all weekend.

As you probably know, the beach is very different from our downtown district and I have a lot of beach necessities I have to pick up before I leave. Luckily for me, all the items I need for the beach can be found within downtown Boulder! 

In case you didn’t know, the 4th of July is this Thursday and I’m here to inform you of all the activities and celebrations happening this week so you can celebrate to the fullest!

Soon my entire family will be in Colorado, and while I am so excited to see them, I am a little nervous about keeping them all entertained and happy. Luckily I live and work in an excellent area that truly has something for everyone!

We all know that Boulder is a beautiful place, there’s no denying it, but if you look around town you’ll find that there are some ridiculously beautiful people who live here as well.

In this day and age of social media, did you really go anywhere if you didn’t post about it? Just kidding (but not really). Luckily for all of you on the gram’ Boulder is a picturesque wonderland just waiting for that VSCO edit.

Can we all agree that buying birthday presents for moms is the absolute worst? I’m not exaggerating when I say that my mom’s birthday honestly stresses me out more than the ‘so what are your plans after graduation’ talk that adults like to bombard me with.

My heart broke when I heard that one of my favorite East End stores and downtown shopping destinations, Common Era, is closing its doors after two decades.

It is really starting to feel like the holidays here in downtown Boulder. After a great kick off to the holiday season with Switch on the Holidays, the grand illumination of the Pearl Street Mall, it's beginning to feel like the most wonderful time of the year! Along with festive lights and the holidays fast approaching comes show stopping window displays! I love strolling downtown this time of year for the sole reason of looking at the beautiful holiday displays the stores downtown have created. I wanted to showcase the best of the best of the best this year so all of you can see for yourselves the craftsmanship that goes into curating these festive displays.

This time of the year always inspires me to step back and reflect on things that I am grateful for. This year especially I am grateful to the downtown Boulder community for curating an environment unlike anywhere else, some place that truly feels like home. I feel privileged to live in such an incredible community where there is something for everyone to enjoy, an abundance of delicious food and drink options, events that bring the community together, and a beautiful city to learn and create in. I want to highlight five things downtown that I am grateful for and embody the lively downtown community.

Downtown is the perfect place for my friends and I to have a girls’ day. We love to head downtown to explore the shops, soak up the beautiful weather, and enjoy delicious dining and drinks.

Growing up in Boulder is an experience I wouldn't trade for the world. One amazingly unique feature about downtown and the surrounding community is the emphasis on supporting local businesses. Downtown Boulder has an abundance of locally owned shops and restaurants that have established a loyal customer base and have helped encourage the idea of shopping and dining locally. The term “Love the Local” has been coined to inspire residents and visitors to shop and dine locally.

The East End of the Pearl Street Mall is home to diverse businesses, unique shops and delicious dining options. The East End offers a one-of-a-kind experience to downtown Boulder, something you don’t want to miss out. I wanted to highlight some of my favorite places on the East End, these awesome spots are surely some of downtown Boulders hidden gems!

Ladies this Thursday, September 20th from 5 pm to 8 pm grab your BFFs, co-workers, family members and head downtown for our second annual Girls’ Night Out! There will be over 30 downtown retailers participating in the event that will treat you to in-store special prizes, free tastings and more!

As I head into my senior year at CU I can’t help but to think about how excited and nervous all the incoming freshmen will be. I remember those days like it was only yesterday! Now that I’m getting older-ish I am ready to sprinkle my wisdom and knowledge onto the next generation of young Buffs.

Downtown is known for being one of the best shopping destinations on the front range. Some of my favorite  hot spots to shop happen to be on the West End. I’ve highlighted 5 different shops that can’t be missed on your next retail therapy day.

So one of the major perks about this internship is that you constantly get to explore downtown. I get to scope out all of the new stores and restaurants that pop up, and give an insider's perspective to all of you. 

My name is Tyla, I’m currently a student at CU Boulder, and am your new eyes, ears, and voice of Downtown Boulder as the summer 2018 intern. As a Colorado native, Boulder has always been a big part of my life

Calling all girls! This Thursday we are hosting an event meant for shopaholics! I personally love shopping, and this Thursday, September 28th, Girls’ Night Out will be the place to sip, shop and stroll! 

Summer is heating up in Boulder and the fun in the sun continues here on Pearl Street! In case you have been too caught up in the routine of frequenting your already favorite spots on Pearl, this post highlights a few new attractions that will compliment your summer.