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50 Years On Pearl

Celebrating five decades of community, creativity and connection on the Pearl Street Mall


Dedicated August 6, 1977, the Pearl Street Mall has been the heartbeat of downtown Boulder for five decades. What began as a bold experiment in pedestrian-focused placemaking has become one of Colorado’s most beloved gathering spaces-- a place where businesses, artists, residents and visitors come together.

revised 50 years on pearl logo

As the Mall approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, the commemorative logo pays homage to the businesses that have shaped its character over its five decades of bringing people together. The design draws inspiration from the typography of the signs of five iconic Pearl Street establishments, including Lindsay's Boulder Deli at Häagen-Dazs, West End Tavern, Hurdle’s Jewelry, Boulder Bookstore and Boulder Theater.

OG Businesses
Downtown Boulder is incredibly unique, in large part due to the many businesses that have been around for decades and paved the way for others. Cheers to the businesses who have been part of the dynamic downtown landscape, and thank you to the locals and visitors who have continuously supported them along the way!
Donate Today to support 50th Anniversary programming
You can join our efforts to celebrate this beloved space by making a donation to support programming of the 50th Anniversary - with a community-wide celebration planned for August 6, 2027! If you're interested in learning about opportunities to sponsor, email sponsor@downtownboulder.org.
Events and Programming
Coming soon...
Celebrating the People Behind the Mall
Founder & Sustainer Luncheon
Take a look back at our September 28, 2026 luncheon honoring the founders and longtime supporters who helped shape the Pearl Street Mall into the gathering place we love today.
drone image looking over courthouse lawn to flatirons of old pearl street mall
bricks being built on pearl street mall
bricks being built on pearl street mall
History Page
Historic Image of the Newspaper Holders on the Pearl Street Mall
frog statue with girl on top
newspaper ad of boulder valley mall before renamed pearl street mall
people sitting on pearl street mall old stores
kids playing in rock sculptures on the 1200 block
pearl stret mall grand opening ad
pearl street mall architectural layout
bricks being built on pearl street mall
old image of pearlstreet mall
vintage photo of people gathering on the pearl street mall
vintage photo of busker on pearl street mall
vintage photo of pedestrian shops
vintage photo pearl street mall

Join Downtown Boulder Partnership and the City of Boulder as we celebrate 50 years of Pearl Street Mall throughout 2026 and into the milestone celebration on August 6, 2027.