Things to Do Downtown
Happy May!
A busy season is ahead from CU Graduation (Thursday, May 8th) and Mother's Day (Sunday, May 11th) to summer-fueled excitement just around the corner. With all things coming full speed ahead, don't forget that downtown has you covered with all your gift shopping and celebratory needs. Check out the 2025 Graduation Gift Guide, Mother's Day Gift Guide and don't forget your reservations and/or catering options at your favorite local spots!
Now through Saturday, May 10th celebrates National Small Business Week! Did you know that over 75% of downtown businesses are locally-owned or operated? That means, when you shop, dine and support downtown Boulder, you are contributing to the locals who work, live and love our community. Support your neighbors, reconnect with your favorite spots and Love the Local! Want to learn more about the stories behind the storefronts? Check out our downtown business spotlights page.
Soon enough Bands on the Bricks will return to the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall and we have a series of exciting performances lined up - a perfect mix of classic local bands and new faces. We can't wait to dance and sing our heart outs with you every Wednesday from June 11th - July 30th. Keep reading for the official 2025 bands lineup announcement!
Did you know that parking is free in City-owned parking garages on Saturdays, Sundays and City-observed holidays? When making Memorial Day weekend plans downtown, be sure to keep in mind that Memorial Day (Monday, May 26th) means free parking in city garages! Plan your visit downtown and find your preferred parking garage today.
Read on for more things happening in May - and don't forget to check out our online event calendar for daily updates
Highlights for May 2025
Bands on the Bricks 2025 Performance Lineup
Summers spent downtown aren't complete without the legendary Band on the Bricks concert series happening every Wednesday fromJune 11th - July 30th. Check out this year's performance lineup below...
- June 11th: Graham Good & The Painters (Openers: School of Rock Boulder)
- June 18th: Kind Hearted Strangers (Openers: Whiskey Practice)
- June 25th: Hazel Miller & The Collective (Openers: Julia Kirkwood)
- July 2nd: The Long Run (Openers: Performance High)
- July 9th: Selasee & The Fafa Family*
- July 16th: Los Mocochetes*
Special thanks to our co-presenting sponsors, W.W Reynolds and FNBO!
*Additional openers coming soon!
Boulder Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 AM - 2 PM & Wednesdays, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM | 13th Street (between Arapahoe Avenue & Canyon Boulevard)
Grab your reusable totes and get ready to stock up on fresh finds! Every Saturday from 8 AM - 2 PM (through November 22nd) and Wednesdays from 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM, 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 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.
Tebo Train
All aboard the Tebo Train! Summer train rides start back up on Tuesday, May 27th and continue Monday - Friday morning through August 29th* (weather permitting). *Please note: train rides will not occur on Wednesday, June 11th or Friday, July 18th.
Children ages 10 and under (along with accompanying adults) can enjoy free train rides along the the Pearl Street Mall in the 100% electric train. Board in front of Wells Fargo (corner of 13th & Pearl) starting at 9:30 AM and enjoy rides until the final train leaves the station at 11 AM sharp.
Thank you to our Engine Sponsors, Tebo Properties and our Car Sponsors, Pedestrian Shops, Slifer, Smith & Frampton Real Estate, St Julien Hotel & Spa and Allo Fiber.
BOLDERBoulder SportsEXHIBIT
Memorial Day weekend is always a busy month downtown including this year's 45th annual BOLDERBoulder race!
Before you cross the finish line on Monday, May 26th, gear up for this Boulder tradition at the SportsEXHIBIT Expo happening Saturday, May 24th - Sunday, May 25th on the Pearl Street Mall from 10 AM - 6 PM.
Visit featured race vendors and booths while sampling products and learning more about all the latest running merch and technology.
Boulder Creek Festival
The annual Boulder Creek Festival also returns Memorial Day weekend. Check out this year's event schedule below:
- Friday, May 23rd: 5 PM - 10 PM
- Saturday, May 24th: 10 AM - 10 PM
- Sunday, May 25th: 10 AM - 10 PM
- Monday, May 26th: 10 AM - 5 PM
Enjoy four days of musical performances (30+ bands), artisan market shopping (200+ featured vendors), good eats (30+ featured restaurants) and so much more. View this year's event schedule.
Coinciding with this free-entry festival, check out this year's Creekside Beer Fest happening Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th. This year offers three Saturday sessions and two Sunday sessions - enjoy two-hour long beer sampling from featured breweries and local live music when you purchase your tickets today!
929 PRL Summer Series
Events Happening May - July 2025
Join Conscience Bay Company for their 9th annual 929 PRL Summer Series! All of the tickets sold will benefit local nonprofits and includes live music, bites, beverages and a celebration of our wonderful community. The first installment kicks off on Thursday, May 22nd!
Tickets
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