2023 Community Events & Programs produced by Downtown Boulder
Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives produces a number of community events and programs to provide visitors and locals alike with cultural experiences and community connection. See below for the list of our 2023 programs and events!
For information on exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, please see our 2023 Sponsorship Opportunities brochure.
If you are an artist or performer looking for opportunities, please visit our Submissions page.
Keep informed about monthly events and happenings throughout downtown with our Things To Do Downtown blog. You can subscribe to our monthly events newsletter by filling out the form here and checking the box for "Special Events - Monthly Updates."
All of the Community Events and Programs listed below are produced by Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please consider supporting our organization with a tax-deductible donation.
Boulder Alley Gallery
The Boulder Alley Gallery is part of an ongoing commitment to enhance the downtown district landscape for locals and visitors alike. The project re-purposes alley and back-of-building doors into an outdoor artist gallery featuring the works of local talent. Property owners and businesses can sponsor a door in their alley. Learn more here.
Student Banner Project
January - April, 2023
The 11th Annual Student Banner Project kicks off in mid-January 2023, with 42 new lamp pole banners created by incredible young artists from Columbine Elementary School, Casey Middle School, and Boulder High School around this year's theme of What Brings You Joy? The display, presented by Boulder Arts Week (Boulder’s only large-scale, inclusive celebration of our community’s vibrant arts and cultural offerings and thriving creativity), runs through April.
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
Sunday, April 23, 2023 (Rain Date: Sunday, April 30)
Spring officially arrives in Downtown Boulder when the beautiful, colorful Tulip Fairy, along with pint-sized fairies and elves, parade around the Pearl Street Mall "waking up the tulips". This beloved springtime tradition features special events and activities for girls and boys and celebrates the more than 15,000 tulips that adorn the world-renowned Pearl Street Mall throughout the spring season.
Summer Tebo Train Rides
Monday - Fridays, May 30 - September 1, 2023
Children ages 10 and under (along with accompanying adults) will chug along Pearl Street in this one-of-a-kind experience on Downtown Boulder's very own 100% electric kiddie train.
Bands on the Bricks
Wednesdays, June 14 - August 9, 2023
From oldies to alternative and everything in between Bands on the Bricks is Boulder County's premier outdoor summer concert series. Visit BandsontheBricks.com in early May to see this year's concert line-up.
Pearl Street Arts Fest
July 14 -16, 2023
Pearl Street Arts Fest is a juried celebration of visual arts celebrating painting, photography, jewelry and more. The event features artists from around the country, children’s art activities, live interactive performances – and much, much more! 2023 Details will be updated in late May.
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest
September 22 - 24, 2023
For over 35 years, Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest has been one of Boulder’s most beloved community celebrations. This 3-day autumn festival features live music, great food, local micro brews, wine, and margaritas, with the added excitement of Children’s Activities and featuring Firefly Handmade Markets. 2023 details will be updated in early August.
Munchkin Masquerade
October 31, 2023
Each Halloween, Downtown Boulder is invaded by tiny ghosts & goblins, dinosaurs & dragons, fairies & princes, superheroes & animals of every size trick-or-treating along Pearl Street and throughout downtown Boulder.
Light Up the Holidays
November 19 - December 23, 2023
Switch on the Holidays
Sunday, November 19, 2023
St. Nick on the Bricks
Friday, November 24 and Saturdays, November 25 - December 23, 2023
Lights of December Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Freezie Fest
Saturday, December 9, 2023