Things to Do Downtown
Happy spring (and ~almost~ April)! Bring on a new season of fresh tulip blooms, signature springtime festivities and memory-making throughout the district.
Supporting small calls for celebrating the little things in life - in our case, that means shopping and dining at the 175+ locally-owned and operated downtown businesses. Get creative and refer to National Day Calendar holidays to seek out unique ways for you to Love the Local. Check out some of the ways we are celebrating this month...
- April 7th - National Beer Day: This is an easy day to celebrate downtown! Follow our beer trail guide or stop by your go-to spot to enjoy a crisp sip of your favorite craft beer.
- April 11th - National Pet Day: Spoil your four-legged companions with high-quality treats, toys and accessories from Farfel's Farm.
- April 12th - National Record Store Day: This groovy day calls for a trip to Paradise Found Records & Music and Stone Cottage Studios for vintage (or brand new) vinyls!
- April 13th - National Make Lunch Count Day: We won't ever skip out on a holiday dedicated to enjoying your lunch break. Pull away from your screens and get back to connecting with your downtown community. And don't forget, the new Boulder tradition, Go Out to Lunch Day happens on the last Monday of each month (upcoming lunch dates: March 31st & April 28th).
- April 22nd - Earth Day: From the blooming tulips along the Pearl Street Mall to the tops of the Boulder Flatirons, downtown Boulder is dedicated to preserving our beautiful planet. Saturday, April 22nd - Thursday, April 27th, join eTown for Earth Week, a community-driven celebration of music, community and sustainability through a series of events. Find more information and get your tickets!
- April 26th - Independent Booksellers Day: Downtown Boulder is the home to charming, local spots including Boulder Bookstore and Trident Booksellers & Cafe - give your favorite reading, coffee/tea sippin' hang out spots a little extra love.
Downtown Boulder signature events add vibrancy and a chance to connect with your local community. Please consider donating your time as a volunteer at Taste of Pearl. As a thank you for your support, Taste of Pearl volunteers will receive:
- A $20 Downtown Boulder Gift Card
- A free Gelato Boy coupon
- A free Capital One Café coffee coupon
Highlights for April 2025
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
Tuesday, April 27th* | 1 PM - 5 PM | Pearl Street Mall
Fairies, elves and tulips (oh my)! The ceremonious tradition of "waking up of the tulips", Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival, returns to the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, April 27th* from 1 PM - 5 PM.
The festival brings live performances from children performers including Jeff & Paige and PBS's own Farmer Dave & Friends, free arts and crafts, face painting stations** (**for an additional fee), a special appearance from the Tulip Fairy herself and more. Check out this year's performance schedule and activity offerings on our website.
*In case of inclement weather, please note that this event has a rain date, Sunday, May 4th.
Taste of Pearl: Get your last-minute tickets!
Sunday, April 6th | 2 PM - 6 PM
Downtown's annual Taste of Pearl is just over a week away on Sunday, April 6th from 2 PM - 6 PM.
With new VIP experiences making their debut, to expanded beverage options including beer, mead, wine and non-alcoholic drinks and a wide menu filled with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian bites - we can't wait to take your taste buds on a local adventure.
While you sip, eat and stroll, make sure you are supporting your local shopping scene (view event-exclusive shopping specials). Don't forget, for every purchase made at participating retail hosts, you will receive an entry card to enter a one-of-a-kind Taste of Pearl Giveaway.
West Pearl Art Walk
Thursday, April 17th
The second installment, presented by The New Local, encourages folks to stroll to locales teeming with vibrancy, creativity and flavor. From 4-7 p.m., check out the artwork and wares of over 90 female creatives and a pop-up stem bar by botanical artist Tara Huston of Fawns Leap at The New Local's main gallery. Swing by The New Local's Annex for Andrew Barker's solo show and clothing pop-up by Ida + Moon, visit Tad Kline's studio above Japango, stop into Wonder to view artwork by Sarah Kinn and pop into Gemini to see the artwork of Allyson McDuffie and enjoy extended happy hour drink specials.
Boulder Farmers Market
Saturdays, April 5th - November 22nd | 8 AM - 2 PM | 13th Street (between Arapahoe Avenue & Canyon Boulevard)
Saturday, April 5th kicks off the first Boulder County Farmers Market of 2025 - grab your reusable totes and get ready to stock up on fresh finds!
Every Saturday from 8 AM - 2 PM (through November 22nd), enjoy strolling through an array of vendors on 13th Street (between Canyon Boulevard & Arapahoe Avenue). Live music, food trucks and children's activities are available throughout the day.
Looking to ditch the drive? Consider biking to the farmers market and using their new, secured bike valet!
*Please remember this a humans-only event, kindly leave your four-legged friends at home!
Boulder Arts Week
Friday, April 4th - Thursday, April 12th
Save the date(s)...Boulder Arts Week happens Friday, April 4th - Thursday, April 12th!
Check out this year's full event calendar featuring performances, exhibits and workshops from local art organizations and studios. Downtown-specific happenings include the 13th Annual Student Banner Project, Downtown Boulder Mural Walking Tours with Street Wise Arts, Taste of Poets on Pearl and more!
Coinciding with downtown's Taste of Pearl (Sunday, April 6th), enjoy performances along the event route from featured Boulder Arts Week artists, Chris Ruiz, Linda Park, Beyond Academia and Ajnai Morin Khurr Ensemble.
Happy Boulder Arts Week!
Photo of Art + Soul Gallery (courtesy of Boulder Arts Week).
Boulder Out to Lunch Day
Boulder's new tradition, Go Out to Lunch Day occurs on the last Monday of each month! It’s time to show downtown restaurants some extra love during lunchtime while also enjoying a midday pick me up with your coworkers, friends, family or just yourself! Step away from your phone screens and phones and get back to your community. Check out additional details on their website.
Boulder Symphony & Music Academy Presents Beethoven Symphony No. 9
Sunday, May 18th | Grace Commons
Join the Boulder Symphony for their Beethoven Symphony No. 9 concert happening Sunday, May 18th at Grace Commons from 4 PM - 6 PM. From notable works like "Ode de Joy", enjoy a wonderful evening of classical music in downtown Boulder. Get your tickets today!
Tickets
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