LIVE MUSIC
See a Show at an Iconic Venue
The historic Boulder Theater has been a stage for music and film since 1906, in various incarnations. Today, the theater’s art deco facade and neon marquee are almost as iconic to Boulder as the Flatirons. From big-name musical acts like The Lumineers and Brandi Carlile to local faves such as Big Head Todd and the Monsters and The Samples, the Boulder Theater has put on some of the finest shows in Boulder's history.
Another iconic venue, the Fox Theatre, was named one of the best places in the U.S. for live music by Rolling Stone magazine. Being on The Hill, next to the University of Colorado campus, it caters to a college crowd but draws a huge variety of accomplished artists worth seeing almost any night of the week.
Small Stages, Big Vibes
Velvet Elk Lounge is Boulder’s newest live music venue, opened in the tradition of the town’s old favorite music halls to welcome up-and-coming musicians on the touring circuit. It's a great place to sip a quality cocktail and discover new artists.
Other great small-venue choices include Rayback Collective, a food truck park with insane Flatirons views and a regular lineup of musicians and the luxurious St Julien Hotel & Spa, where the Terrace becomes one of Boulder’s most scenic settings for live music Wed-Sat starting at 6pm, with jazz and Latin beats.
For the ultimate in intimate, catch a show at eTown Hall, inside a repurposed church with state-of-the-art sound systems and one of the greenest buildings around. Listen to archived recordings of the eTown radio broadcast, which feature interviews with musicians and philanthropists, and astounding live performances taped in Boulder.
Sip Cider and Sing Along
BOCO Cider is a craft cidery in North Boulder that’s jamming every Thursday-Sunday with amazing artists and bands. Heading there for a sampler of cider and a show makes for an intimate musical experience.
NIGHTLIFE AND DANCING
Dance the Night Away
If it’s dance music you’re after, DV8 Distillery doubles as a nightclub where DJs spin all night long several nights a week. It's a wild ride, with the tagline, "Friends, freaks and lusty libations."
Other options include Rosetta Hall, a chic food hall by day, that becomes a world-class dance call by night, Thursday-Saturday; Press Play, an arcade and billards lounge that hostings rotating DJs on Friday and Saturday nights; and, for samba, salsa and more, the St Julien Hotel & Spa’s terrace on a weekend evening.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Rub Elbows with the Radio Industry
For 30 years, radio programmers from around the country have traveled to Boulder in August to attend the AAA Radio Conference to hear both up-and-coming and high-profile music acts. Triple A radio stations play “adult album alternative,” and past lineups have included Grace Potter, Neko Case, Cake, The Head And The Heart, Brandi Carlile, Death Cab for Cutie and dozens more. Performances happen on free stages on the Hill, and in indoor venues like the Boulder Theater and the Fox, a limited number of tickets are put on sale to the public.
Hike Near a Storied Recording Studio
Caribou Ranch was a recording studio built in 1972 in a converted barn in the mountains outside of Boulder. Elton John’s 1974 “Caribou” album was recorded there, which set off a stream of artists who followed in his footsteps. John Lennon, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder, Supertramp, Michael Jackson, Stephen Stills, Jeff Beck and Joe Walsh all recorded at Caribou Ranch. The studio closed after a 1985 fire and hasn’t reopened. Today, the ranchland is protected land with popular hiking trails.
Enjoy Scones with a Side of Swing
On select Friday and Sunday mornings, the leafy courtyard at Spruce Confections on Pearl Street’s West End comes alive with the sounds of gypsy jazz and folk music (call ahead to check the schedule).
SHOPPING
Pick Up Some Fresh Vinyl
Paradise Found is an indie record store that's been around Boulder in various incarnations for some 30 years, specializing in vintage and new vinyl. The current shop has a killer location right on Pearl Street and a classic, record-store vibes, great staff recommendations and good tunes always flowing out the door.
Rock Your Walls
Stop in PosterScene on Pearl Street to flip through an astounding collection of concert posters, including some rare collectibles and artwork from famed Boulder rock shows.
