2026 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 2026 programs and events!
For information on exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, please see our 2026 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, 2026
The 14th Annual Student Banner Project kicks off in mid-January 2026, 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 friendship and caring for each other means to you. 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.
Taste of Pearl
Sunday, March 29, 2026
An unforgettable afternoon exploring Boulder’s tantalizing culinary arts scene and celebrating Colorado’s distinctive beverage partners while strolling through some of Downtown Boulder’s most vibrant galleries and retail boutiques. This is a ticketed event for those 21 years of age and older.
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
Sunday, April 26, 2026 (Rain Date: Sunday, May 3)
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, Starting Tuesday, May 26 - September 4, 2026
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 10 - July 29, 2026
From oldies to alternative and everything in between Bands on the Bricks is Boulder County's premier outdoor summer concert series. Visit BandsontheBricks.com to see this year's concert line-up.
Pearl Street Arts Fest
July 17 - 19, 2026
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!
World Singing Day
October 17, 2026
The 11th Annual World Singing Day Boulder is a community sing-along where people of all ages, backgrounds and singing abilities are invited. Sing along to popular songs, from the Beatles to Taylor Swift. Lyric booklets provided. No rehearsals or preparation necessary. Just show up and experience the joy of singing together at this favorite annual Boulder event.
Munchkin Masquerade
October 31, 2026
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 22 - December 12, 2026
Switch on the Holidays
Sunday, November 22, 2026
St. Nick on the Bricks
Friday, November 27 and Saturdays, November 28 - December 12, 2026
Lights of December Parade
Saturday, December 12, 2026