Spring Things to Do in Boulder
Spring is a magical time in Boulder. Thousands of tulips gingerly open their buds all along historic Pearl Street, wildflowers begin to bloom trailside and restaurant patios offer refuge for sun-seekers!
Here are 5 ways to enjoy spring in Boulder:
1. Head to the Boulder Farmers Market
Starting in April, the beloved farmers market will fill with local farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, winemakers, and flower growers. Pick up goodies, or simply grab a meal from the food court and enjoy a picnic on the shady, green Central Park. Every Saturday 8am-2pm (April-November) and Wednesdays 4-8pm (May-October).
2. Stop to smell the tulips
Downtown Boulder’s brick-paved Pearl Street Mall is filled with flowerbeds that bloom with upwards of 15,000 tulips in springtime. The timing of the buds’ opening is, of course, up to Mother Nature, but it’s usually mid to late April. Bring a camera and make a day of it with Pearl Street’s amazing shopping and dining.
3. Go on an e-bike tour
If you’ve never tried an e-bike, you’re in for a treat. You'll feel like a superhero zooming up hills with the greatest of ease. This tour takes you through the historic downtown and up to the foot of the Flatirons. With nubby, fat tires, you can do these tours in most weather. Read our guide to e-biking in Boulder.
4. Go for a wildflower hike
Either by foot or by bike, Boulder’s hiking and biking trails are lovely and fresh in springtime, and there are close to 150 miles of them in Boulder. Here's a guide to Boulder's wildflowers and which trails to find them on.
“Flowers have powers when left on their towers.” When left alone, flowers influence the local ecosystem all year-round, but will only last a few days in a vase. Please don’t rob Colorful Colorado of its colors!
5. Go on an art walk
Some of Boulder’s best public art is included on this easy, downtown walking tour, every step of which is detailed here. And you’ll find plenty of spots to stop for beverages and snacks along the way. Boulder's collection of 135+ murals is worth exploring, too, as are downtown's 25 alley doors that have been beautified with artwork.
Spring Events
March
Boulder International Film Festival
March 2-5, 2023
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.
Chautauqua Community House Series
Ongoing
Stimulating discussions and performances from engaging authors, explorers and creatives at a National Historic Landmark.
Boulder Bach Festival
October 15, 2022-May 13, 2023
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
April
BoCo Flamenco Festival
April 4-5, 2023
See world-class Flamenco artists visiting from Spain as they dance on Dairy Arts Center stages, plus films, classes and parties.
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 1-November 18, 2023 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 3-October 4, 2023 (4-8pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
Boulder Arts Week
April 7-15, 2023
This annual citywide celebration of arts is on! Check out an innovative, pandemic-friendly lineup from a dance/climb fusion performance outside on the side of a bus to in-person, socially distanced workshops on figure-drawing and training to be a fine arts model to self-guided mural walks.
Conference on World Affairs at the University of Colorado
April 12-14, 2023
This year the Conference on World Affairs will focus on climate change, as it continues to be one of the fastest-growing issues and conversations globally. Keynote speakers James Balog and Rose Marcario as well as a diverse range of climate experts will present — all free and open to the public.
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
April 23, 2023
Downtown Boulder's annual awakening of the tulips, where little ones dress up like fairies and elves. Approximately 15,000 tulips adorn Pearl Street's flower beds in the springtime. Participate in scavenger hunts to win prizes all month.
Local Lab New Play Festival
April 24-30, 2023
A three-day theater festival of new works with fully-staged concert readings, workshops and the opportunity for playwrights and attendees to participate in conversations.
Bluebird Music Festival
April 29-30, 2023
Ben Harper, Watchhouse (previously Mandolin Orange), Shovels & Rope, Haley Heynderickx and more headline this festival with solo, acoustic performances inside the stunning Macky Auditorium.
Art for Hope
April 29-May 25, 2023
An art exhibition aimed at ending the stigma and raising awareness about mental health and substance use disorder. The exhibition presents the work of William Stoehr, whose paintings explore the impact of substance abuse on individuals, families and society.
Boulder Bach Festival
October 15, 2022-May 13, 2023
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
May
Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 1-November 18, 2023 (8am-2pm)
Every Wednesday, May 3-October 4, 2023 (4-8pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.
Art for Hope
April 29-May 25, 2023
An art exhibition aimed at ending the stigma and raising awareness about mental health and substance use disorder. The exhibition presents the work of William Stoehr, whose paintings explore the impact of substance abuse on individuals, families and society.
Boulder Startup Week
May 15-19, 2023
Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.
Boulder Creek Festival
May 26-29, 2023
Three days of festivities featuring makers, artists and small businesses; family activities; music; food and entertainment — all on the banks of Boulder Creek.
BolderBOULDER
May 29, 2023
One of the largest and most highly acclaimed 10Ks in the world, with runners, joggers, walkers and spectators of all ages — many in costume — and a bash at the finish line in Folsom Field stadium.
Boulder Bach Festival
October 15, 2022-May 13, 2023
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.
Want more? Check our complete, searchable event calendar for even more ideas.
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