Summ-ah, summ-ah, summ-ah time...! We're singing with joy at the arrival of this sweet season when longer days let you explore more and relax in the sun for hours in Boulder.
This summer's made for seizing the day and finding new adventures. Boulder is a town of adventure experts who make it easy for you to try new thrills with a guide. Go on a hot air balloon ride, feel the gleeful freedom of an e-bike, or go mountain biking, kayaking or summiting a mountain.
All summer long you can find live music shows and festivals across town. Dance under the stars or pack a picnic and soak up the sweet sounds of music on the Colorado breeze. There are also several annual music festivals to celebrate all things song, including an amazing lineup of artists at the Colorado Chautauqua (celebrating its 125th birthday this summer!). Or beat the heat with an indoor concert or silent film series with live musical accompaniment. All the details are on our Hot Summer Music page.
There's no better picnic town than Boulder. With 1,800 acres of city parks — many of them with spectacular Flatirons views — you can easily find a patch of green or a picnic table to gather over good food al fresco. Pick up nibbles from Blackbelly Market, Dedalus Wine Shop & Market, Dish Gourmet or Le Frigo and a picnic basket from Peppercorn and head to one of our favorite picnic spots.
The Boulder Farmers Market is bright with blooms from local growers, or you can swing by Munson Farm to buy some blossoms right where they're grown. Sol y Sambra Farm also has a charming, self-serve roadside flower stand, while Ya Ya Farm and Orchard lets you pick your own, right from the garden where they're grown.
In the heat of summer, we like to choose a heavily wooded trail for the shade, wildflowers and the heavenly summer scent of ponderosa pine — some compare it to chocolate or ice cream. Shady summer hikes include Lion's Lair (with a summit that overlooks all of Boulder Valley) Ranger Trail (the first part is lush and cool), or Anne U. White (in the shade of a narrow canyon).
A floaty new sundress, a new straw hat, some great sandals or a colorful new bag will brighten your summer. Shop silk dresses at Haven, sandals at Savvy on Pearl or head to Twenty Ninth Street for a shopping center full of finds (and views).
If it's the heat of the day, hop in the car and drive to higher ground for cooler temps. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a favorite with visitors, described as, “Omg, it was like being inside a dream world of unbelievable mountains.” Along the way, you can stop to dip your toes in a mountain stream, stop for photo ops at a picturesque stone church and stop for some fun roadside adventure.