Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole. 

Media Contact:

Liza Purvis, Director, Marketing and Communications, Colorado Chautauqua

Office: 303-952-1638

Liza.Purvis@chautauqua.com

Boulder, CO — Flatiron Sounds is back, and it’s Boulder’s best free music festival. On Sunday, June 21, Chautauqua Park fills with national touring acts, premium outdoor brands, local food, craft beer, and a dog-friendly crowd ready to celebrate summer at the base of the Flatirons.

From 1–8 pm, Neal Francis, Lindsay Lou, Armchair Boogie, Blessing Bled Chimanga, and Pick & Howl take the stage for a full day of funk, Americana, and bluegrass in one of Colorado’s most beautiful settings.

Flatiron Sounds is more than a concert. It is a full-day outdoor experience rooted in Chautauqua’s mission to bring people together through music, culture, and place. Guests can explore brand activations, take on outdoor games and a climbing wall, enjoy standout bites from local vendors, and sip Colorado brews throughout the park.

It is also the best place in Boulder to spend Father’s Day. Bring your crew, bring your dog, and settle in for a day that feels distinctly Chautauqua.

“We’re proud to host what has become Boulder’s best free music festival in one of the most iconic settings in Colorado,” said Scott Bauer, General Manager of Public Events at Chautauqua. “With national acts, incredible local partners, and a full day of experiences throughout the park, there is no better place to celebrate Father’s Day.”

Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: 1–8 pm
Location: Chautauqua Park, Boulder
Tickets: Free; Dogs welcome
Website: flatironsounds.com

Flatiron Sounds, where Boulder shows up, spreads out, and lets the music flow.

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Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Contact: Katie Farnan, (720) 383-7269

press@thebighorncompany.com

High-resolution photos can be downloaded at this link (photo credit: Butterfly Pavilion / Hannah Hitchcock).

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — May 28, 2026 — Scientists from Butterfly Pavilion completed their first baseline survey yesterday along the Northwest Parkway’s southern right-of-way, advancing the pollinator corridor project that the two organizations announced in February 2026.

The surveys, conducted along approximately one mile of the Parkway in Broomfield, assess the pollinator species currently present at the site and evaluate existing habitat conditions, establishing a scientific foundation for the seeding and landscaping work to come later in the fall.

The May 27th survey was conducted by Butterfly Pavilion entomologists, who documented pollinator species to the lowest possible taxonomic level while also assessing the vegetation present and the general capacity of the site to support pollinator populations. A formal report will follow, with science-based recommendations for plant selection, placement, soil conditions, irrigation access, weed management, and long-term maintenance.

“What we observe in a baseline survey shapes everything that comes after it,” said Alex Han, EES Entomology Technician at Butterfly Pavilion. “By understanding which species are already using this corridor and what the habitat conditions look like today, we can make targeted recommendations that give pollinators the best chance of establishing and thriving here over time. This site has real potential, and the data will help us realize it.”

Pollinators are experiencing documented decline across North America, driven by habitat loss, chemical exposure, parasites, and disease. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 85 percent of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce, and roughly one in three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinator activity. The Northwest Parkway’s corridor project is designed to address part of that habitat deficit by converting unused right-of-way land into functional pollinator habitat.

“The survey results are an important milestone, and we are grateful to have Butterfly Pavilion’s scientists guiding this work,” said Mathieu Lisbonis, CEO of the Northwest Parkway. “This stretch of land runs alongside thousands of daily commuters, and we want it to do more than look maintained. We want it to function as part of the local ecosystem. The science will help us do that properly.”

Northwest Parkway’s partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion is part of their vision to make transportation corridors as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. Both the Parkway and its parent company, VINCI Highways, are committed to these goals globally and are constantly finding new ways to engage with local community partners on the development of stewardship initiatives.

With the spring survey now complete, the next steps in the project include a fall survey of the same stretch, followed by seeding and landscaping guided by Butterfly Pavilion’s plant palette recommendations, maintenance training for Northwest Parkway staff, and recommendations for interpretive signage along the corridor.

High-resolution photos of the survey activities can be downloaded at this link (photo credit: Butterfly Pavilion / Hannah Hitchcock).

About Northwest Parkway

The Northwest Parkway links Broomfield to surrounding communities, including Lafayette, Superior, Boulder, Erie, Thornton, and Northglenn. Serving about 20,000 daily trips, it eases congestion and supports smart regional growth while respecting planned open space. The Parkway is operated under a concession agreement between the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, composed of the municipalities of Broomfield and Lafayette, and VINCI Highways. Learn more at nwpky.com.

About VINCI Highways

VINCI Highways is a leading international roadway concessionaire and mobility services provider, managing a 2,330-mile network across 13 countries. By integrating design, financing, construction, operations, and tolling, we give public authorities the assurance of a single industrial partner able to deliver strong operational performance throughout the full life cycle of highway projects. As a long-term partner to the regions we serve, we are committed to safety, environmental progress, and economic development.

In the United States, VINCI Highways is active in six states with Northwest Parkway in Colorado, the Ohio River Bridges connecting Indiana and Kentucky, and tolling services in California, Texas, and Georgia through ViaPlus. Learn more at vinci-highways.com.

About Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion, established in 1995, is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited, stand-alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world, located in Westminster, Colorado. Butterfly Pavilion’s mission is to foster an appreciation of invertebrates while educating the public about the need for conservation of threatened habitats in the tropics and around the world. Beyond Colorado and the United States, Butterfly Pavilion conservationists are doing important invertebrate research projects around the world, from Mongolia and Tanzania to Sumatra and Mexico. Learn more at butterflies.org.

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Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

May 19, 2026

Stacia Sellers

CDOT Maintenance & Operations Communications Lead

720-280-5291 | stacia.sellers@state.co.us

CDOT launches emergency tree cutting project to reduce wildfire risk along state highways

Work underway on five high-risk corridors along the Front Range and foothills

Front Range – The Colorado Department of Transportation began a $4 million emergency tree cutting project targeting state highway corridors determined to be at the highest risk for wildfires this summer. Work is expected to continue through the end of June.

The project is being performed by two contractors, VM West and Asplundh, and covers five highway corridors:

• Colorado Highway 119 from Mile Point 0 to 40 (from US 6 in Clear Creek Canyon north to the Nederland area)
• Colorado Highway 72 from MP 10 to 53 (from Coal Creek Canyon through Pinecliffe and Nederland to near Allenspark)
• Colorado Highway 93 from MP 7 to 10 (between Golden and Boulder)
• Colorado Highway 128 from MP 1 to 3 (near the junction with CO 93, west of Broomfield)
• Colorado Highway 67 from MP 77 to 100 (from the Woodland Park area north toward Westcreek)

Crews will work Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., advancing approximately three miles per day.

“Reducing fuel loads along our highway corridors is a critical step in protecting both our infrastructure and the communities these roads serve,” said Jim Fox, CDOT’s deputy director of maintenance. “This emergency project allows us to address the highest-risk areas quickly and aggressively before fire season peaks.”

Motorists traveling through active work areas should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by flaggers. Signage is in place along affected corridors to alert drivers of upcoming tree-cutting activities. Drivers are urged to slow down, follow flagger instructions, and remain alert when passing through work zones.

Additional highway corridors may be added to the project scope if funding allows. Once the project funds are exhausted, work will conclude. Motorists can check current road conditions and project updates at COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app.

About CDOT’s Division of Maintenance and Operations

The vision of the Division of Maintenance & Operations (DMO) is to create one integrated division. The division’s focus is on real-time maintenance and operations services, as well as near-term improvement projects. We can best support the crucial work of our five CDOT regions. Our support helps to provide the optimal service and safety for the traveling public in Colorado. CDOT’s DMO – we do more than you think.

Download the COtrip Planner App!

The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

About CDOT

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide the best multi-modal transportation system that most effectively and safely moves people, goods, and information. CDOT maintains more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,400 bridges, and 35 mountain passes. Our team of employees works tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. CDOT leverages partnerships with a range of private and public organizations and operates Bustang, an interregional express bus service. Find more details at codot.gov.

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Sherpa Kitchen taught us something; in Nepalese culture “the guest is God.” Owner Ombo Sherpa surprised his regulars, the mayor of Boulder, and members of the Yellow Scene Magazine Staff with gifts in honor of their 7th anniversary. 

The Sherpa Family with Boulder Mayor, Aaron Brockett

Rasoj Shrestha, nicknamed RJ, led the invited group to a community table in the center of the restaurant. Guests were greeted with appetizers and drinks while sitting with genuine Sherpas that had guided countless tourists along the Nepalese mountains including Mt. Everest. Seated with Aaron Brockett, the mayor of Boulder, were neighbors of the kitchen including a resident of Gunbarrel that traveled to indulge in Sherpa Kitchen’s cuisine frequently. 

Nima, a niece of Ombo, led the festivities showing a video of Pasang Tendi Sherpa climbing Mt. Everest with the Sherpa Kitchen flag in hand. Afterwards the Sherpa Kitchen family gifted hand-made plaques engraved with their regulars’ names to each of the guests invited. To our surprise the Yellow Scene Magazine Publisher, Shavonne Blades, was gifted a shawl made in Nepal. Yellow Scene’s Business Development Manager, Peter Constas was gifted a sash with the Nepalese flag and American flag. 

Akriti Rai, the president of the Rocky Mountain Friends of Nepal, demonstrated a donated collection of mountain-climbing gear used by Sherpas, still climbing to this day. The night was filled with celebration as Nima thanked the loyal customers who helped them endure the pandemic. She reminded the crowd of another celebration; The Nepal Day Parade scheduled on May 16th. 

Beautiful table placement for Sherpa Kitchen’s 7th Anniversary

It was beautiful to see the looks on the unsuspecting faces of everyone as each one was announced and given a sincere gift of gratitude. The food was incredible as Ombo handed out curry and naan, showering the community table with generosity.

The night was a beautiful cultural exchange, and gave everyone in the room a chance to feel grateful. No one invited was expecting a gift, much more, a custom engraved plaque of their name commemorating their contribution to Sherpa Kitchen’s success. 

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The post At Sherpa Kitchen’s 7th Anniversary, the Guests Received the Gifts appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Monday, May 4, 2026

Media Contact:

Sam Clusman, Media Relations, 303-441-4247

bouldercolorado.gov

Let’s DOO It! DOO your part to keep shared public land beautiful

Regional collaboration encourages visitors to pick up after their dogs to protect water quality, native plants, and shared outdoor spaces

BOULDER, Colo. – The City of Boulder, Boulder County, and Jefferson County are teaming up for Let’s DOO It! – a regional effort on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, to remind open space and parks visitors that picking up after pets is a simple action that makes a big difference for the health of our environment and community.

City and county open space and parks staff will welcome visitors at several locations across Boulder, Boulder County, and Jefferson County to encourage participation, share information, and distribute free dog swag. This regional effort is about shared responsibility. Our parks and open spaces belong to everyone, and caring for them ensures they remain healthy and enjoyable for people, wildlife, and future generations.

Ahead of the events, staff and volunteers will flag every piece of uncollected dog waste at the following selected sites. These flags will provide a visible reminder of how widespread the issue can be and encourage visitors to pick up extra dog waste during these events.

• City of Boulder: Dry Creek Trailhead, Shanahan Ridge Trailhead – Lehigh Connector, and Coot Lake Trailhead from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 17.
• Boulder County: Pella Crossing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.
• Jefferson County: Pop-up booths from 9 a.m. to noon at North Table Mountain on Saturday, May 16, and at Gateway Trailhead in Clear Creek Canyon Park on Sunday, May 17.

Dog waste may seem small, but it has outsized impacts. When left on trails or in natural areas, it can wash into waterways, introducing harmful bacteria and excess nutrients that degrade water quality. It can also damage native plants and spread invasive weeds, disrupting the ecosystems that make these landscapes special. Just as importantly, uncollected waste affects the experience of others who come to enjoy clean, welcoming public spaces.

To learn more about the harmful effects of dog poop on the environment, visit the city webpage.

–CITY–

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Longmont Museum presents Boulder International Film Festival, Apr. 10-12

From April 10-12, the annual Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) comes to Longmont. This weekend is packed with series including new releases, short films, documentaries and indie projects. Bring friends and family to the Longmont Museum’s Stewart Auditorium for this year’s diverse lineup. Showings include 2025 films Caroline Caroline, Snow Leopard Sisters, and A Portrait of a Postman.

Longmont Museum members can purchase tickets for events and showings, but non-members must create an account or register for approval.

Boulder International Film Festival | Apr. 10-12 | Longmont Museum’s Stewart Auditorium

AFB and Vinyl Drift Live at the End Lafayette, Apr. 11

Come by The End Lafayette this Saturday for a fun show featuring AFB and Vinyl Drift. AFB is a Denver cover band that brings some of the classics to life. Vinyl Drift brings their own unique blend of blues, rock, and funk. The show features food, as well as a bar that keeps the drinks flowing. For an exciting and unique show at one of Lafayette’s finest venues, check out AFB and Vinyl Drift this Saturday.

AFB and Vinyl Drift Live | Apr. 11 | The End Lafayette

Gaza’s Living Cinema Fundraiser @ Junkyard Social Club, Apr. 12

Come out and support the Palestinian people at a screening of student-made short films hosted by Boulder SJP and SPOCs for Gaza on April 12. The screening will center emerging voices and highlight film as a tool for political expression and solidarity, offering a more intimate, community-driven alternative to traditional cinema spaces. All proceeds from the night will go to the student filmmakers.

Gaza’s Living Cinema | Apr. 12 | Junkyard Social Club, Boulder

CU Boulder SoundWorks performance, Apr. 14

CU Boulder’s School of Music celebrates new student composers, improvisers, and performers. In their belief in aesthetic musical art from classical to jazz to electroacoustic, SoundWorks will be putting on the choral group Renova New Music Ensemble in their next concert. From brass ensemble to choir, SoundWorks will feature music from CU composers.

CU Boulder SoundWorks | Apr. 14 | CU School of Music, Boulder

SMOSH Reads Reddit Stories LIVE, Apr. 16

Shayne Topp and some of his friends from SMOSH are bringing their hit YouTube series to the stage for their first tour of 2026 at the Bellco Theatre with a night of laughter and opinions. They’ll read stories and comments from subreddits like “r/AmIOverreacting” and “r/RelationshipAdvice,” give commentary, share personal stories, and offer advice to the original posters.

SMOSH Reads Reddit Stories LIVE | Apr. 16 | Bellco Theatre, Denver

Boulder Rock Show, Apr. 16

Boulder’s local rock scene takes over the Fox Theatre on April 16 as Big Pinch headlines a high-energy hometown show alongside fellow Boulder bands On The Dot and Surprise Soup. Known for their tongue-in-cheek promise of “loud rock music for grandma,” Big Pinch delivers powerful, accessible rock that bridges generations. With doors at 7:30 p.m. and an 8 p.m. start, this all-ages concert celebrates community, volume, and the raw spirit of live local music tonight.

Boulder Rock Show | Apr. 16 | Fox Theatre, Boulder

Starry Night Out, Apr. 17

Join the Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities (BCAH) for this lovely night-sky-themed gala. This event will feature many activities for guests, including stunning live art performances, a curated gallery, and their signature Creative Immersion Room. Enjoy this beautiful event hosted at The Establishment in Bradburn Village. There will be silent and live auctions available, hors d’oeuvres in a Telescope lounge, and a dessert discovery. All proceeds go to BCAH so they can continue to serve Broomfield’s creative community.

BCAH Starry Night Out | Apr. 17 | The Establishment in Bradburn Village, Broomfield

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There is no shortage of coffee shops in Colorado, nor is it difficult to secure a sweet treat at a moment’s notice. However, it can be argued that many of the shops leave something to be desired. Seating is often scarce and pre-packaged, grab-and-go options outnumber freshly baked goods by a landslide. Seeking a well-made breakfast without adding your name to a waitlist? Good luck.

So, where does one go on a slow morning – or afternoon – to sip and eat? Maisonette, a cozy street-side cafe off Walnut is a place to start. Touting itself as an “authentic French café and bakery,” this charming space offers scratch-made artisan pastries, fresh bread, and a variety of French breakfast and lunch options. Seating is ample – seriously, it seems almost impossible to fill every chair.

For the full selection of pastries, it is advised to arrive early. I wandered in on a Saturday afternoon to find a fraction of the desserts left in the display case and opted for a classic almond croissant. After destroying said croissant with delight and enthusiasm, I asked myself the question, “Do I not eat enough almond croissants, or is this the best almond croissant I have ever tasted?” The verdict is still out. After all, the pastries are made by a Michelin-starred French chef, Florian Tétart.

I decided to try the scrambled eggs with truffle and chives, opting to enjoy a little breakfast for a lunch treat. The eggs came out more like a French omelette – and, yes, the taste of truffle was pronounced. It pleasantly lingered in my mouth for the rest of the afternoon.

My eggs came with a small side salad and a slice of toast. It may seem like a smaller portion for some, but I appreciated having room for my aforementioned croissant. The meal was washed down with an iced strawberry matcha. As someone who generally avoids sugary coffee and tea drinks, I was surprised myself by my choice but they hooked me with “house-made strawberry puree,” which had the flavor and consistency of a nice French jam.

I easily could have stuck around all afternoon. The ambiance is open and inviting. Despite being a counter-service establishment, one of the staff members came over to my table for a genuine and friendly chat.

Do I want to return? Absolutely. With so many items to try and endless places to sit, Maisonette is a lovely addition to Downtown Boulder.

It should be noted that the goal of my café quest was not to find particularly unique menu items. I sought out well-made staples in spaces designed for prolonged visits. On another occasion, I decided to venture to Suti & Co., off the East End of Pearl Street, at 2031 16th St. A cursory amount of research was done prior to my visit.

This distinctly European café is precious. Owned by Chef Andrea Uzarowski of Copenhagen, everything about the aesthetic makes you want to stay awhile. Part Scandinavian-style café, part artsy, aspirational lifestyle shop, Suti & Co. is both an influencer’s dream and a coffee drinker’s paradise.

There is a fair amount of seating on the patio, with tasteful outdoor furniture covered in comfy sheepskin. The café is located in a small house that was preserved from the 1890s. Upon entering, I was directed to a gleaming display case of handmade shortbread cookies, a house specialty made with Danish butter and locally milled flour from Moxie Bread Co. I found a cozy corner to post up and sample the signature shortbread, alongside a latte. Specifically, I enjoyed the ‘Melting Moments’ shortbread cookie with a subtle citrus filling and my humble latte featuring Boxcar Coffee and organic whole milk. As advertised, the shortbread cookie melted in my mouth.

Each of Suti & Co.’s display cases appeared well-stocked with a gorgeous array of treats. I am eager to return for more, especially the pastries and savory toasts. Amazingly, I managed to make it out the door without impulse-buying a pair of earrings or an artisan candle.

Whether you are seeking a wallet-friendly European-inspired jaunt or a spot to enjoy well-executed goods, Maisonette and Suti & Co. are both excellent options. Rather than picking up a coffee somewhere that is brimming with people who have places to be, Maisonette and Suti &. Co are the places to be. Here’s to enjoying slow mornings (or afternoons) and basking in simple pleasures.

Masionette is open Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Suti & Co is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Skratch Labs Table isn’t just for athletes. While bicycle shorts and clicking shoes are commonplace in this vibrant eatery, Executive Chef Aaron Thebault has created a menu offering “nourishing food that is approachable for the community.”

“The concept is based around the evolution of Skratch,” Thebault explained. Skratch Labs began as a “secret drink mix” that eventually became a widely popular line of nutrition products developed by Dr. Allen Lim. While on the Tour de France, Lim discovered that teams who ate together performed better — an idea that ultimately inspired the creation of a Skratch Labs food truck.

Since then, the concept has evolved from its original brick-and-mortar location and a limited-menu space on the east end of Boulder’s Pearl Street into the fully realized restaurant that opened in the Ideal Broadway Shops this past August.

“Since we moved here, I feel like we have captured more of the community,” said Thebault.

Before a “happy accident” landed him at Skratch Labs Table, the dynamic chef cooked in some of Chicago’s most celebrated kitchens. Thebault’s résumé includes the award-winning Girl and the Goat along with stops in the kitchens at Spiaggia and the Chicago Cubs, to name a few. After relocating to Nashville to help open a hotel at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thebault and his wife decided to step away from city life and settle in Boulder. As the father of a young child, he longed for more work-life balance and a healthier environment for his family.

When initially applying for the position at Skratch Labs, Thebault admitted he had no idea what he was stepping into. “Skratch didn’t even have a restaurant website at the time,” he said. However, after meeting with Dr. Lim, things quickly fell into place.

The food at Skratch Labs Table is both nutrient-dense and delicious. “There is heavy Asian influence, but we cook whatever we want,” said Thebault. “Rice is part of the startup of Skratch — the grain is easy to digest for athletes.”

Among the most popular dishes are the Salmon Bowl featuring coconut lime dashi broth, serrano, and pom seeds over rice; the Skratch_labs_Tablewith rice, sweet potato, edamame, kimchi, cucumbers, carrots, and kale; and the Tuna Poke Bowl, a “happy accident” that began as a popular special.

A revamped dinner menu will also be available on weekends.

Beverages include coffee-focused drinks, Skratch recovery lattes, and a small selection of beer and wine.

Skratch Labs Table is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse

I can’t imagine a better spot for a post-ski beer and pizza than Crosscut. This is one of my favorite places to take friends from out of town. If you find yourself coming off Eldora after 3 pm, stop into this cozy corner of Nederland. Crosscut is an underrated option; it’s up there and smaller space-wise, but once you smell the wood-fired pizza and sit back to enjoy the view of fresh snow falling out the window, it’s perfect for Apres. My favorite post-ski/work/weekend order is the Mario Pizza: Colorado hot Italian sausage, pickled shallot, basil, cremini mushrooms, mozzarella, and herbed ricotta sauce. Pairs well with a beer on tap or Crosscut’s Colorado-drafted root beer.

Jungle

The liveliest of our apres options! Jungle is a tropical-themed tiki bar and burger (with tropical twists!) shack. Located in Boulder on 10th Street, it’s known for fun, island-inspired cocktails and a huge variety of rum from all over the world. Food-wise, they offer a creative menu that includes burgers, plantains, and vegan/vegetarian options. They’re open from 4-11 pm on weekdays, 11 am-12 am Fridays and Saturdays, and closed Sundays. They’re the ideal spot for ski buddies who love to have a great time on and off the mountain. I kept it simple with a Cheeseburger—that Hawaiian bun makes it!—and a frozen Piña Colada.

Bitter Bar

Looking for apres drinkies only? I know just the spot. Bitter Bar in Boulder is off of Pearl Street on Walnut, which is noticeably quieter just one street over. It’s great to decompress after ski traffic. Bitter Bar is laid back, and you won’t want to spoil your dinner as it serves drinks only. It’s a unique spot that’s a happy change from pub fare and beer if you need something new. I love the loungey, Japanese cocktail bar vibe they have going on, but they still keep up a neighborhood bar energy. My go-to lately has been their Fire & Ice cocktail, which is bourbon, ginger beer, Angostura bitters, and candied ginger–a little something to warm up after a cold day.

West End Tavern

If you’re down from the mountains but not quite ready to head home, take a turn onto Pearl Street and visit West End Tavern. They have an incredible view of the Flat Irons if you need to show off for your ski buddies, and their BBQ is the ultimate comfort food after a hard day of skiing. I keep coming back to their Fried Chicken Sandwich, Sticky Style, which is a delectable piece of fried chicken paired with spiced honey, smoked garlic mayo, green apple, and crunchy kale slaw, all on a buttered brioche bun. It hits different after you’ve taken your boots off, trust me.

Rosetta Hall

The snow hasn’t been so great this year, folks, I don’t need to tell you that! It was an early day off the mountain, and we needed a little something for everyone, so we checked out Rosetta Hall. It features eight restaurants and two bars, which offer seasonal, craft cocktail menus that are made with fresh-squeezed, organic citrus and small-batch spirits. I was appreciative to have so many options, from Thai food to Italian, so everyone could enjoy what they wanted rather than trying to decide as one big group. Hangry skiers were thankfully avoided, and we got to make the most of a not-so-great ski day. Rosetta Hall also has live music on Tuesdays and the weekends, which I hope to catch one of these days!

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The American Dream May Exist, but Not in Boulder

Skyrocketing home prices, limited affordable options, and rising student debt are forcing young residents to rethink what “home” really means in Boulder — and if the American Dream is anything more than a chapter in a history book.

You graduate from college — now what? Historically, the “success sequence” toward achieving the American Dream went something like this: find a stable job, get married, buy a home with a white picket fence, have a couple of kids, and maybe adopt a golden retriever. But in 2025, the American Dream is a pipe dream for many. In Boulder, young people are forced to consider alternative paths as the idea of traditional homeownership slips further out of reach.

Emilie Espinosa, a full-time student at the University of Colorado Boulder, defines “home” as wherever her friends and family are. Though she hasn’t solidified a post-graduation plan, the question of buying a house looms.

“I do see myself owning a home someday, but that’s pretty far down the line,” Espinosa said. “The hardest thing about planning for long-term investments is the unpredictability of the economy right now.”

Housing prices in Boulder have risen consistently over the past decade, bringing in an influx of high-income buyers from outside the state. Zillow reports that from 2017 to 2025, the median home price in Boulder has increased by nearly $300,000, creating a barrier for first-time buyers.

Eileen Kennedy, another CU Boulder student, is also rethinking the American Dream. Kennedy works part-time as an after-school counselor and sees home as “a safe space” to return to after long days. She plans to stay in Boulder after graduating and then move to Fort Collins to pursue further education at Colorado State University. Owning a home is on the list, but nowhere near the top.

“I don’t know that owning a home is as big of a goal for me as it once was,” Kennedy said. “There are benefits to owning, and there are benefits to renting. At this point, it wouldn’t make sense to lock down, like, ‘I’m going to live in Boulder County for 50 years.’ I can’t predict that. Maybe I’ll be better about that when I’m older and have a long-term job or kids but not right now.”

Recently, the White House proposed backing 50-year mortgages to help alleviate the affordability crisis. With 30-year mortgages still the standard, the idea of extending the timeline can feel like the clock is ticking even faster for young people.

“I think, as a kid, it was just expected that you’d have a home when you’re older,” Kennedy said. “That’s what you saw mirrored in previous generations. Get married, buy a home, have kids. But with the economy and the way things are going, renting looks like a safer long-term option.”

The desire to own a home is strong, but for many, it simply isn’t practical.

“Homeownership is one of the best ways to accumulate wealth in this country,” she said. “It kind of always has been.”

Who can still afford to dream?

The numbers tell a clear story: The average cost of a home in the city of Boulder sits around $935,000. With prices that high, the gap between wages and housing costs continues to widen. Statewide, 60% of Colorado households did not earn enough in 2023 to afford the average home, up from 47% in 2010. That means the majority of families can no longer afford to buy where they live.

For Boulder, this high cost is driven by limited land availability, strict zoning laws, and the city’s popularity among both remote workers and tech professionals relocating from other states. Even middle-income households face challenges as their incomes often fall short of covering mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance on the average home. The U.S. homeownership rate for those under 35 has had a significant drop from previous generations. High student debt and stagnant wages contribute heavily to this decline.

Historically, homeownership rates peaked around the early 2000s, then declined after the housing crisis of 2008. In Boulder and across the nation, younger generations face tighter lending standards, higher rents, and stagnant wage growth, making this iconic milestone harder to achieve. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 housing boom, secondary housing has made a grand entrance in Boulder.

Jill Grano, a Boulder Housing Partners commissioner, graduate student, real estate agent, and homeowner, writes about her research as a self-proclaimed “housing nerd.” In an article titled, “Changing Patterns of Ownership in the City of Boulder,” Grano dives deep into the effect of second homes:

“The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered urban landscapes in ways that we are only beginning to study and understand. At the start of the pandemic, the U.S. federal government slashed interest rates to all-time lows to avoid recession as businesses were forced to shutter overnight. At the same time, millions of people were unchained from the geographic boundaries of their offices and schools, yet unable to enjoy traditional travel and entertainment. As a result, the home became the epicenter of life. For affluent Americans, second homes quickly emerged as the commodity of choice, offering new spaces to ride out the pandemic.”

Boulder’s appeal — the university, employment, the Flatirons, access to outdoor recreation — has contributed to the rise of second homes and investments. Properties sit empty for much of the year while local workers struggle to secure housing. Neighborhoods are becoming increasingly desolate.

“Our single-family neighborhoods are really turning into second-home neighborhoods,” said Grano. “If you look at Boulder’s population between 2015 and 2025, it’s the exact same number, and yet we’ve built thousands of new multifamily units. That alone speaks to the rise of second homes.”

The impact of these trends is broader than just affordability. Small business owners, educators, and essential workers find themselves priced out of the community they serve. Many resort to commuting from distant towns, which contributes to traffic congestion and strains regional infrastructure. Boulder’s challenge reflects a national pattern: investment-driven buyers in desirable urban and suburban areas placing intense pressure on residents who are simply trying to make a home for themselves.

When it comes to renters and homeowners, many are still struggling to pay off student loans. U.S. student load debt is around $1.8?trillion — and it’s only getting higher. The average resident undergraduate student debt upon graduation at CU Boulder is $26,952, compared to the state average of $25,190 (2022 financial aid is the most recent available published data from CDHE as of June 2025). It’s important to note that in the past decade, growth in student aid awarded to CU Boulder students has outpaced loans obtained. It’s progress, but not perfection.

The number of 4-year college graduates over the age of 25 in the U.S. increased by 40 million or 90% from 2000 to 2022, yet people aged 35 to 49 carry the largest share of total student loan debt. This data shows that many current homeowners still carry student loan debt but choose to tack it onto their mortgage.

That being said, student loan debt will become an increasingly larger obstacle as the numbers get higher. Student loans affect debt-to-income ratios, credit scores, and delaying savings — all factors considered by lenders. Additionally, many young people are choosing to shift their priorities to prevent taking on more debt.

How does this affect future homebuying?

Home prices, cost of living, student debt, and high interest rates are locking many potential buyers out. As a result, the cultural meaning of homeownership is shifting. Living with parents into adulthood, once the norm, became stigmatized. Then owning a home became a marker of stability. Today, with prices rising faster than wages, younger generations are redefining what “home” means altogether.

Some residents are getting creative.

Amber Atkins, a 40-year-old consultant and Boulder resident, bought her first home in 2022 — but she doesn’t live in it.

“Home means investment in financial roots and stability,” Atkins said. “I wish it meant a roof over my head, but I can only afford to rent, even though I own a home.”

Atkins purchased a property in North Carolina after receiving a small inheritance following her father’s death. Colorado’s home prices were too high for her to buy locally, so she thought outside the box.

“Colorado is insane, rates were insane at that time,” she said. “The only way I could afford a home was to turn it into a vacation rental. Occupancy has been growing at a steady state of 30%, and I’m currently occupied 61% of the time.”

Her plan is to use Airbnb income to pay off her 30-year mortgage in less than half that time.

“Once I get to 75% occupancy and if rates fall and I refinance, I will pay it off in 12 years,” she said. “When that happens, I will be able to afford buying my own home — the ‘roof over my head’ that I’ve dreamed about since growing up with a single mom in a trailer for most of my young life.”

Across the U.S., co-living and cooperative housing models are gaining popularity as a way to make ownership accessible. These arrangements allow multiple buyers to pool resources, share costs, and collectively manage properties, offering an alternative to high-cost single-family homes. Atkins encourages younger buyers to think collaboratively.

“Buy a multifamily unit with friends or family,” she said. “Make it a co-op. Put it in a trust. Don’t do it the traditional way. Act like a millionaire, get a good accountant and financial advisor and put as much cash down as you can. We need to follow the 1% approach. If you do that, yes, you can have the dream that this country ‘promises.’”

Is there a solution?

In Boulder, one idea resurfaced repeatedly: the municipal airport.

“The airport is one of the [research] projects I’ve worked on for years,” Grano said. “It’s 174 acres of city-owned land. But what I’ve found is the community is largely against it. Unfortunately, that airport serves roughly 200 people, and increasingly it’s wealthy private jets, but the community really loves it and wants to keep it.”

To achieve the middle-income housing that’s the size and form that families traditionally want, such as townhomes with a garage and a nice backyard, the city would need to own more land — say hundreds of acres — to assume that project. The airport is the obvious option.

“If we had 174 acres of city land and it wasn’t an airport, and we asked the community, ‘What should this be?’ no one would say an airport,” Grano said. “But no one wants to get rid of it.”

Next time you drive the Diagonal and see airplanes overhead, consider how many people fit in that small plane — then consider how many people could be housed if that airport land were repurposed.

An easier solution, Grano said, requires expanding the definition of home. Condos, often the overlooked entry points, may be the most realistic path for first-time buyers.

“I could rent the same condo I own for less than my mortgage, but I chose to own because, over time, I’m feeding equity back to myself.” 

According to the city of Boulder, the number of affordable housing units increased from fewer than 1,000 in 1991 to 4,098 as of December 2024, marking progress toward the city’s 15% affordable housing goal.

With the voter-approved Affordable and Attainable Housing Tax now in effect, the county expects to generate $16.7 million in its first year for affordable housing development, maintenance, supportive services, and innovative solutions.

Reimagining the American Dream

Many people struggling to afford homes have already adopted their own version of the American Dream — one no longer centered around the white picket fence.

“Get rid of people that own 500 homes and do nothing with them,” Eileen Kennedy said. “We can fight all day about minor things, but it’s the rich ….”

Across the U.S., there is growing discussion about whether the traditional markers of success—homeownership, marriage, and a stable career—should remain the primary measure of achievement. Without the safety net of a substantial inheritance, younger generations are prioritizing mobility, flexibility, and experiences over a single investment in real estate, though the financial benefits of property ownership remain strong.

The American Dream reimagined may involve cooperative housing, mixed-income developments, and creative financing solutions that allow more people to access the long-term benefits of homeownership. While no single policy or plan will solve the affordability crisis, combining multiple strategies, while also shifting mindsets, could help ensure that future generations see homeownership not as a distant dream but as a realistic goal.

“We need to rethink the American Dream,” Grano said. “The idea that we’re a meritocracy is ridiculous. It’s a pipe dream. The new American Dream should be rooted in collective action to create a future that works for all of us.”

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Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Applications open for 2026 Boulder Arts Commission Cultural Grants Program

$2 million in grant funds will support arts, culture and creativity across Boulder in 2026

Media contacts:

Emi Smith, Media Relations, SmithE@bouldercolorado.gov, 720-822-9529

Sarah Harrison, Grants Manager, HarrisonS@bouldercolorado.gov

bouldercolorado.gov

BOULDER, Colo. – The City of Boulder is now accepting applications for the Boulder Arts Commission’s 2026 Cultural Grants Program. The program will award more than $2 million to support arts and cultural experiences that enrich the community throughout 2026.

Cultural grants help fund a wide range of activities, including public performances and exhibitions, professional development opportunities for artists, student field trips, general operating support for nonprofit organizations, performance space rentals and more. Funding opportunities are available for organizations, individual artists, private businesses, and classrooms. Applications are offered in both English and Spanish, and other translation services are available upon request.

Applicants are encouraged to review the grant schedule carefully, as some grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have set application deadlines.

The 2026 Cultural Grants Program reflects community input and research gathered through the Boulder Arts Blueprint process, the city’s update to its Community Cultural Plan. Based on this feedback, the program has adjusted several grants and processes to prioritize equitable access, respond to affordability concerns, and align funding with community benefit. Grant funding levels have increased across the program, along with several new and expanded opportunities.

These include a new pilot Lifelong Learning grant supporting intergenerational programming and safe third spaces for young people ages 21 and under; an expansion of professional development funding from 10 grants in 2025 to 36 grants in 2026; and a new impact-based general operating support tier, Bedrock, which provides $80,000 to selected organizations regardless of size (up to 50% of total budget).

Additional updates include early access to first-come, first-served grants for applicants who have not previously received a specific grant; a new pre-application step for competitive grants to confirm eligibility before submitting a full application; expanded access for individual artists to apply directly for Artist Hiring Grants; and closer alignment of all grants with citywide sustainability, equity and resilience goals.

During the 2025 grant cycle, the Boulder Arts Commission awarded more than $1.6 million in grants and fee waivers. In 2026, the commission will invest more than $2 million in community-based arts and cultural funding to support the continued vibrancy of Boulder’s creative ecosystem.

“Arts and culture are central to Boulder’s identity, economy and quality of life,” said Lauren Click, Office of Arts and Culture Manager. “Through this expanded Cultural Grants Program, the city is investing in artists and organizations that create jobs, attract visitors and generate lasting economic and community impact, while strengthening a creative sector that helps Boulder thrive.”

Updates to the 2026 Cultural Grants Program are informed by the Boulder Arts Blueprint, which will guide future arts and culture investments and is expected to be released later this spring.

To learn more about 2026 cultural grant opportunities and to apply, please visit the program webpage.

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Stella’s Cucina is a stunner — one of the best things to happen to Boulder since the legalization of cannabis. Speaking of the beloved botanical: when Stella Spanu and her husband, Jason Fibel, first envisioned Stella’s Cucina, their goal was to create something the world had never seen — a safe, sophisticated space where guests could enjoy marijuana alongside exquisite Italian cuisine.

The concept began with a marriage of art and science. Spanu, who grew up between Manhattan and Rome, comes from a family deeply rooted in the art world and the restaurant scene of Sardinia. Fibel, whose background lies in plant science, fell in love with food through Spanu’s lifelong passion for Italian gastronomy.

In 2019, the visionary duo purchased the building that formerly housed Walnut Brewery and enlisted architect Miguel Quismondo to design an Art Deco–inspired interior. Together, they outfitted the restaurant with a hospital-grade filtration system, sleek leather booths with built-in outlets for smoking devices, and even a subtle cannabis-leaf stenciled wall — among other thoughtful touches. However, when the city of Boulder opted out of legislation permitting cannabis consumption in hospitality venues, Spanu and Fibel pivoted to full-scale Italian in 2023.

Upon entering, Stella’s Cucina feels like a luxe speakeasy. The discreet entrance opens to an experience that’s impossible to forget. “A lot of heart and passion went into this place,” said Fibel, noting how every detail was designed to transport guests far beyond Boulder. In addition to superb sound and lighting, a regal navy-and-gold color palette, gleaming central bar, and softly curved interiors harmoniously create an atmosphere that is as immersive as it is elegant. “This is not just a place to get dinner,” Fibel explained. “It’s an experience.”

The hyper-seasonal Italian menu showcases handmade pastas, vibrant salads, gorgeous vegetables, perfectly executed proteins, and decadent desserts — each a crave-worthy work of art. Insalata a la Mano is a refined interpretation of a classic Caesar, featuring romaine hearts, white anchovy, three-year-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, house-made cesare foam, and golden croutons. Pasta highlights include Spaghetti al Pomodoro — house-made spaghetti tossed with Stella’s family recipe pomodoro, garlic-infused olive oil, and fresh basil — and Fusilloni al Ragù d’Agnello, with Colorado lamb, white ragù, fried artichokes, and mint. For those seeking something heartier, the Brasato al Barolo is a melt-in-your-mouth revelation: red wine–braised short rib with caramelized baby fennel, smoked potato purée, and a silky demi-glace.

While cannabis remains off the menu, Stella’s invites guests to get a little weird with its inventive bar program. Sip a glass from the robust wine list, a revitalizing non-alcoholic bubbly, or a signature cocktail like the Mia Marmellata — a blend of apricot and sage purée, dark rye whiskey, apricot liqueur, Amaro Nonino, and lemon. Craving a twist on a classic? Try the Negroni Giallo, featuring thyme-infused Marconi gin, Suze, Contratto vermouth, Tosti Vermouth Riserva, and yellow Chartreuse.

Zero-proof cocktails receive special attention as well. The Phony Spumoni channels the essence of the beloved dessert with Giffard Aperitif, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, lime, and Fever Tree soda water. For something crisp and invigorating, the Cetriolo Spritz combines cucumber, basil, lemon, Fever Tree tonic, and Thompson & Scott ‘Noughty’ N/A sparkling chardonnay.

Although Stella’s never became the cannabis-centric concept originally imagined, Spanu and Fibel have created something equally remarkable — a sanctuary for the senses. Live music fills the space five nights a week, from sultry jazz to vibrant DJ sets. On Fridays and Saturdays, Stella’s transforms into a chic late-night lounge, complete with a state-of-the-art sound system and a limited menu of late-night fare.

If the promise of fabulous food, exceptional drinks, and a stunning atmosphere isn’t enough to draw you in, Stella’s Cucina has also earned a coveted place in the Michelin Guide.

“There is nothing we want more than to be a part of this community in Boulder for many years to come,” says Fibel.

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Rebecca Rosenberg, a CU Boulder alumna and award-winning author, passed through her home state of Colorado earlier this month to tour for her new book, Silver Echoes: the second installment of her Gold Digger series.

“Baby Doe Tabor, [Silver Dollar’s mother] used to be a big deal in Colorado when I was growing up,” Rosenberg says. “But the more I met people on this tour, they don’t really know the history. They just have a small sketch of an idea of who she was. I realized at the Tabor Opera House—we had close to 100 people [at her tour event]—when I said, “So, how many of you know about Baby Doe?”, and not even half of them really knew her.”

Silver Echoes is inspired and based on real-life actress Rosemary “Silver Dollar” Tabor, a woman of immense talent—author, playwright, poet, and performer—in the Roaring Twenties. She seemed destined for stardom, but her dazzling facade concealed a life of devastating losses: the loss of her family’s fortune during the Panic of 1893; the death of her father, Horace Tabor, who was a former US Senator; and removal from the privileged life she knew after her mother moved them to Leadville, leading an impoverished life in the tool shed of the Matchless Mine. This, all culminating in a horrific sexual assault by a family lawyer, was a compounding story of traumas that triggered a fractured identity that haunted her life.

Silver Echoes unearths this hidden torment, exploring the complex life of a woman torn between victimhood and resilience.

“I lived here through my college years,” Rosenberg explains. “And in school, learning about history, I wondered, ‘Why don’t we hear more stories like this?’ Of course, in Colorado, there’s Molly Brown–I was aware of her. Then I read Gone With the Wind, and she wasn’t a real person, but it brought a woman to the forefront of history.”

“I realized that there weren’t women who were identified as part of history. That it’s all about war, all about politics, all about economics, and all about men. That’s where I got excited to write about these extraordinary women who existed, whose real-life stories people don’t know.”

Rosenberg, as a historical fiction author, has dedicated herself as an advocate to convey the in-depth nuances of the Tabor women’s lives, which extend beyond just the tragedies.

“I love to write about women who’ve done extraordinary things or who were misunderstood,” Rosenberg said. “That’s how I feel about Baby Doe and Silver Dollar. They were misunderstood, and they had more complex challenges than anyone ever knew.

After taking a class at Stanford University on how to write a novel and finishing her first book, she came back to Baby Doe. Now, she’s telling Silver Dollar’s story.

“I went to History Colorado and read all of Baby Doe’s diaries,” Rosenberg says. “They let you read the diaries—the actual writing, her actual writing—and make copies of it and everything. I really got her point of view of what she was doing, what happened to her later in life, and that’s where I discovered that [Baby Doe] was sick to death with worry about [her daughter], Silver Dollar, who had moved to Chicago.”

Silver Dollar, Rosenberg speculates, may have experienced dissociative identity disorder (DID). She was found scalded to death at age 35 under suspicious circumstances, though Baby Doe suspected the young woman found was not actually her daughter.

“I knew that there was a major problem going on with Silver Dollar,” Rosenberg says. “She was involved with vaudeville and burlesque and the speakeasies. She was also a silent movie actress. She was so beautiful, so talented. All that seemed to be too much, though, so I really dove into that history and started reading about her to get a better understanding of her as a person, not just the scandal we know.”

Ultimately, Rosenberg will keep writing about famous, historical women whose stories continue to influence us and the times we live in—in ways we can’t totally comprehend yet.

“I find that women, given the chance, are very tenacious,” Rosenberg says. “And inventive and really determined to do things in life, and that really inspires me. And not just me. All of us. The next generation, and the next generation, and the next generation. Women are already doing way more than they were ever allowed to, and that’s inspiring.”

Rebecca Rosenberg is the author of seven best-selling and award-winning historical novels, including her Champagne Widows and Gold Diggers series. Silver Echoes (Lion Heart Publishing) is available now. 

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It’s time to plan your weekend! Boulder Roots Music Fest is bringing 170+ bands to Pearl Street, October 17-19. From indie and bluegrass to hip hop and funk, the lineup celebrates the sounds that make Colorado’s music scene so unique. The full schedule is now live!

Friday, Oct. 17

Coffee & Conversation: The Future of Boulder Music | eTown, 11:00 AM
A deep dive into Boulder’s cultural future with leaders from Sundance, Roots Music Project, and beyond. This session connects Boulder’s musical past with its emerging creative-tech frontier.

Asteroid Please! | License No. 1, Friday 6:00 PM
Fronted by Boulder singer-songwriter Matt Burks, this indie band blends alt-pop-funk with TV credits and a decade of stage experience. Their sound is fresh, irreverent, and Colorado-rooted.

Banshee Tree | Boulder Theater, 7:15 PM
Blending early jazz and swing with trance and psychedelic rock — high-energy and improvisational.

Andy Frasco & The U.N. | Boulder Theater, 8:30 PM
High-energy blues rock party led by a touring powerhouse known for unforgettable live shows.

Halle Tomlinson | Mountain Sun,  9:45 PM
Denver-based vocalist and multi-instrumentalist blending classic and contemporary R&B and soul. A standout from The Voice, Halle’s dynamic sound is as multifaceted as her artistry.

The Rumble ft. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. | Odd Fellows, 10:30 PM (VIP Required)
A full-force Mardi Gras Indian experience with seven GRAMMY-nominated musicians and electrifying brass.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Espresso! | Stone Cottage, Saturday 2:00 PM
Red-hot swing meets Gypsy jazz with French and English vocals. Danceable, dynamic, and steeped in tradition—“You owe it to your ears.”

Rootbeer Richie & the Reveille | Boulder Theater, 4:30 PM
Soul-infused swamp pop with a six-piece Denver rhythm section and joyful live energy.

North Mississippi Allstars | Boulder Theater, 7:00 PM
Southern rock/blues blending hill country blues with experimental jams.

Yonder Mountain String Band | Boulder Theater, 9:00 PM
Grammy-nominated progressive jamgrass pioneers from Nederland, Colorado.

Danger Foley | Odd Fellows, 10:45 PM (VIP/Late Night Required)
Eclectic female EDM artist bending genre boundaries with emotional, beat-driven sets.

Sunday, Oct. 19

Flow Yoga with Lisa Shanken | 8Z Real Estate, 11:00 AM
All-levels vinyasa flow to revive your dancing feet and reset your body. Guided by Lisa Shanken and set to an uplifting playlist, this session reconnects breath, movement, and community.

Bear Hat | Garage Sale Vintage, 3:45 PM
A grungy bluegrass blend of old-time, swing, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll — all from Colorado’s front range.

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe | 16th Street Discovery Stage, 5:00 PM
KDTU has electrified global audiences for 25+ years — from Fuji Rock Festival to Madison Square Garden.

David Lawrence & the Spoonful | Trident, 6:15 PM
Finger-picking blues meets Roots-Americana and Django-inspired jazz guitar. Raw, soulful, and full of heart, David Lawrence brings evocative storytelling and layered musicianship to the stage.

Roots Music Fest is presented by Roots Music Project and Caruso Ventures, with generous support from the City of Boulder, Create Boulder, Visit Boulder, and a wide community of valued partners and sponsors.

About Roots Music Project
Roots Music Project is a non-profit community of music fans and music makers based in Boulder Colorado. Roots Music Project’s mission is to amplify the live music community through performance and artist development. We believe in the power of music to make the world a better place. To learn more, visit www.rootsmusicproject.org.

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Ways to Indulge

For twenty-five years, Yellow Scene Magazine has given you permission to treat yourself in the indulgence issue. For this special Silver Anniversary edition, we sought to luxuriate in local cuisine. Our writers traveled up and down Highway 36 to bring you the best tastes from Nederland to Westminster, and every hidden gem in between.

1. Casual- Really Casual

Boulder County’s Casual Classics: Great Food. Great Times.

Getting dressed up and going out can be fun, but sometimes you just want something casual with really good food. These four establishments fit the bill perfectly. So throw on some stretchy pants and get out there.

Village Coffee Shop

Village Coffee Shop, located at 1605 Folsom Street in Boulder, is “890 square feet of reality, surrounded by Boulder.”  According to owner Shanna Henkel, “Village Coffee Shop believes in building relationships and the vehicle for that is delicious food with generous portions at an affordable price.” But it’s not just about the amazing food, it’s about those relationships. She sat with me while I ate the lightest, fluffiest blueberry pancakes prepared by her husband, Chef Ryan. Beloved by their regulars, the wall by the register is covered in holiday cards from guests that the duo now consider family. You make friends here, and relationships continue way after the delicious meal has been consumed. I can’t wait to go back. 

Rising Tiger

Find yourself hungry at the Longmont Farmer’s Market?  Check out the pop-up, Rising Tiger. Chef and owner Devin Keopraphay is a master of both skill and innovation. He says, “My goal is to foster the bridge between cultures. My food is based in tradition, but not traditional.” One of the most exciting dishes on the menu right now is the Scallion Pancake. You get your choice of char siu or smoked tofu wrapped in a scallion pancake with local greens, provolone, egg foo young patty, and roasted garlic aioli. Try it with the chili crips. It has heat, but also a sweet component to it. The scallion pancake is a win. After success with pop-ups and catering, Rising Tiger is looking for a brick-and-mortar space.  

Marco’s Hot Dogs and Tacos

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Jose Luis Arce, owner of Marco’s Hot Dogs and Tacos. Marco’s has been a staple in Longmont for 25 years. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s a family legacy. Please go get a bacon-wrapped hot dog with everything. Pinto beans, mayo, ketchup, mustard, onions, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Hear me out. It sounds like it wouldn’t work, but it is incredible. And do NOT skip the tacos. They offer a taco condiment bar to customize your experience: red and white onions, cilantro, pico de gallo, roasted jalapenos, salsa roja, and salsa verde. Marco’s flagship location is at 1647 Kimbark Street, but you can also find their food truck at the northeast corner of Main and 119. They offer catering as well. 

Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse

Take a beautiful drive up Boulder Canyon to Nederland, and you will find Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse in the center of town. Located at 4 E 1st Street, the place is hopping. When you walk in, the first thing you see is the massive wood-fired pizza oven. It runs around 900 degrees Fahrenheit and makes the most mouthwatering pizza. Owners Seth and Jessica Colter have found the perfect medium for their pizza: the dough. It is made of organic, Colorado-milled flour and undergoes a three-day fermentation process. It almost doesn’t matter what you put on it. It’s delectable. But I went with Mario. Colorado hot Italian sausage, pickled shallot, basil, cremini mushrooms, mozzarella, and an herbed ricotta sauce. Creamy and delicious with that heat from

2. Deli Feature

Northern Colorado isn’t exactly known for its delis. But tucked between breweries and the unavoidable flock of farm-to-tables, you’ll find a few counters that know their way around a sandwich. No gimmicks or East Coast cosplay – just charm and a reminder that lunch doesn’t have to be a letdown. Locals know them, outsiders don’t, and that’s the point.

Pelos Deli in Longmont

If you’re going to indulge, you might as well do it somewhere with a turtle terrarium in the back. There’s a psychic storefront next door to Pelos Deli in Longmont, but I can already predict your future after one of these sandwiches; you will be stuffed. The music drifts between R.E.M. and Bowie – not what you expect in a deli, but neither is the décor. Mule-blanket couches and a mix of hipster cowpoke saloon touches might confuse deli purists, but if your pastrami is good, I couldn’t care less. And here it is. Served with sauce on the side, kraut piled high, and thin, crispy fries that make a surprisingly fine stand-in for classic potato salad – a claim most delis can’t make. Grab a Dr. Brown’s cream soda, and speaking of indulgence, don’t skip the black-and-white cookie.

Your Butcher Frank in Longmont

On the surface, Your Butcher Frank in Longmont is an old-school butcher shop and Italian market, but there’s a friendliness here that rises above the stoicism you’d expect at first glance. The interior says “regulars only,” but the vibe is more neighborly than guarded: think a Sopranos–Brady Bunch mashup featuring Alice the Maid as a hitman that shoots winks and smiles, and maybe a free half pound of mortadel on your way out the door. The kale-lined meat case and white-with-red-accent subway tile are pure throwbacks, and the only remotely scary thing in here is the rack of meat hooks near the walk-in door toward the back. A crew in crisp white shirts, red caps, ties, and aprons turns out a short list of fat signature sandwiches alongside a broad make-your-own menu. Lunch in one hand, a T-bone for dinner in the other – that’s how Frank’s works.

Lolita’s Market & Delis

Lolita’s Market & Delis is Boulder’s take on the urban bodega, except instead of ciggs, scratchers, and taquitos spinning since sunrise, you’ll find organic crackers, all-natural cleaners, and enough gluten-free superfoods to pack the glove boxes of every Subaru in the Chautauqua parking lot. The deli counter runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., serving sandwiches made without the attitude tax you’d pay in New York, while the market itself keeps the lights on until 1 a.m. – just in case you need late-night oat milk or an emergency bag of turmeric popcorn. Lolita’s is more Boulder than a kombucha-stained yoga mat. And truthfully, it’s hard not to love a spot that pulls off practical, quirky, and downright dependable all at once.

3. Color(ado) Me Impressed; Dining with a View 

Whether you are looking to woo a first date, impress the in-laws, or setting up a business dinner with a “wow” factor, scenic Colorado, and it’s gorgeous backdrop has you covered.. We found amazing locations that serve up delectable food with an extra-large helping of Colorado Front Range views. Here’s a scenic sampling of some of the best BoCo and surrounding area establishments that will make even the locals go loco. 

“I’ll never get over this view” is what I heard from a fellow restaurant patron as I roamed the outdoor dining area of Acreage in Lafayette. The sunset was nothing less than stunning from this hilltop location, but it is also so much more. Crisp, delicious ciders, the best truffle fries I’ve ever had, cornhole, music, trivia, and so much room for the kids and adults to frolic. Acreage is an absolute gem when looking for somewhere to entertain friends and family without having to do the cooking. A place I guarantee you will want to come back to time and time again. Oh, and did I mention the food is as wonderful as the views? 

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s super good! The unsuspecting little joint called Blue Sky Bistro is tucked away in the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport in Broomfield and is absolutely one of a kind. I could have sat on the patio watching the planes come and go all day while munching on the Texas Toast Grilled Cheese with brisket and tangy pepper jam. It was the perfect amount of crunchy, melty, smoky BBQ goodness. The setting is casual, but the food is top-notch. And the view is just the proverbial chef’s kiss. Bring your kids, bring your buddies, bring your favorite grandparent; they’ll all enjoy it just the same. Keep an eye out for their music and weekly happy hours. This eatery is fly AF. 

I was transported from Boulder to Barcelona when I stepped out onto the patio of Corrida, in Boulder. This 4th-floor downtown establishment has all of the elements of a traditional tapas restaurant in Spain but with an astounding view of the Flatirons. I felt like my stress dropped away as I took the first sip of my Indigo Gin and Tonic, which is made tableside via their Service Cart. The Camarones (shrimp), Pimientos (shoshito peppers) and Queso Asado (goat cheese) tapas were so divine, it made for the perfect sunny afternoon. However, don’t limit yourself to tapas, they also provide one of the most delicious upscale dinner and brunch services as well. This place is impressive and sexy and will leave any guest you invite thinking you’re the most interesting person in the world -well, maybe not, but it would definitely help. 

Kick your boots up and get down with some wildly delicious ciders and wood-fired pizza at Wild Cider in Firestone. I felt like I was on my own back porch…if I actually had an awe-inspiring view of a country orchard, mature cottonwoods and countless  mountain peaks. The refreshing slushy peach agave cider combined with the Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza made the transition from work day to “weekend is here” so seamless. By the way, the perfectly thin, crispy, but chewy pizza crust has cider in it. Yeah, that’s right. To top it off, they have live local music artists on Saturday from 4-7 pm and a Sunday Maker’s Market with local artisan vendors. Don’tforget to include the kids and fur babies, because there is tons of room for them to roam while you sit back and relax. Y’all, I’ll be coming back now, you hear? 

If you’re looking for delicious food with the added “don’t act like you’re not impressed” sentiments, you can’t beat these restaurants. They truly put the awe in awesome.

4. Food Halls

Food Halls offer space, games, options for the whole family

Designed to provide large groups with comfort and options, food halls across Boulder County have one thing in common—they emphasize flexibility, convenience and a good time out with friends. I explored Rosetta Hall and Avanti, both in Boulder, Relish in Louisville, and Parkway in Longmont. While they can all boast of high ceilings, delicious chow from around the world, and space galore for families, business functions, and large groups, there’s plenty of variety between them to find your favorite.

Rosetta Hall

At Rosetta Hall in Boulder, the vibe is the highlight. Built to offer an eye-catching, classy, and inspiring space, this location’s interior will impress just about anyone. It has ceilings vaulted to three stories and a huge skylight over a massive central space filled with long tables. A mezzanine floats above, and guests can ascend further to a rooftop bar for cocktails and views of the Flatirons. Even during hot summer days, an array of misters (and spritzers) promises to keep you cool inside and out. 

Choose from a variety of cuisines inspired by the flavors of Europe, Central America, New York, and LA, prepared in individual restaurant spaces as you’d expect in any food hall, but with a twist. Every menu is curated under the same head chef, Mike Galen.

“We opened in 2018 with a bunch of different vendors,” Marketing Director Chelsea Meier said, “then COVID hit, and it became difficult for all the different restaurants to keep that happening, so now, they’re all under one independent operator.”

The cuisine owes its deliciousness in part to locally sourced ingredients and a secret rooftop garden where Rosetta’s chefs gather herbs and spices for drinks and finishing touches. In the “Chameleon” space, you can catch chefs preparing specialty whole-fruit super-juices and dehydrating citrus to add panache to cocktails. That is, until a guest pop-up restaurant might arrive, which happens often. 

I went to the rooftop and chose a light summer spritzer garnished with house-made dehydrated orange rounds, which complemented my falafel, cucumber, and labneh plate with a hint of mint and parsley. Head in around 6 p.m. on a Tuesday for live music on the rooftop or Thursday through Saturday for bands set up on the quirky main stage overlooking the entirety of the food hall. You’ve never seen a band perform higher—get it?

Avanti Food & Beverage

Now, if you want all-encompassing views of the Flatirons, head to Pearl Street and check out the rooftop of Avanti Food & Beverage. Having opened in 2020, it’s safe to call it Boulder’s second food hall, and I’d argue its panoramic vista is the best in town.

The ride up to Level 4 on the glass-sided elevator is its own attraction, giving you the sensation of rising from street-level like a city pigeon, and in about thirty seconds, you’re at the rooftop, feeling more like a red-tailed hawk. On busking days, you will hear some songsters. Bring a small pair of binoculars—from this vantage, you could probably spy on hikers in Chautauqua Park or eye a climber or two sending the Flatirons. Look north, and you’ll catch paragliders launching from Wonderland Hill in NoBo. To the south, you can ID NCAR and the sharp point of Bear Peak.

The cuisine on the street-level main hall offers options including Venezuelan arepas, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, and American, alongside coffee and a full bar, but to truly indulge, I’d suggest some pizza from New Yorkese upstairs. I housed a whole 14” Steverino, an olive oil-based pie, both rich and somehow light. Maybe it was the crunchy toasted kale or the hint of fennel seed in the Italian sausage. Coupled with the view, I felt like I owned the whole city.

Relish Food Hall and Pickleball

For a more active evening, head to Relish Food Hall and Pickleball in Louisville. I went with my partner and a friend, and we ended up killing four hours playing a round of America’s fastest-growing sport, and enjoying wine, cocktails, and seasonal cuisine inspired by the Palisade peach.

Built in a re-claimed Sam’s Club, this is the largest of the four, boasting of 50,000 square feet of pickleball courts (19 in all) and 30,000 square feet of food hall. Co-founder Tory Leggat said the name “Relish” pulls together the many sides of the concept.

“Obviously, the name is pickle-related; it’s food, but it also means ‘extreme enjoyment,’ and we want people to enjoy everything they’re doing here.”

If you’re a first-timer, you can get a court and a coaching session for the incredible price of $5, and serious competitors can have their matches recorded. Levels of experience are assigned to the courts themselves, so no matter your experience, you can find others to play with.

After your match, you can choose from eight different cuisines including some unique options like salad and charcuterie, a specialty soup, or a milkshake. Every vendor offers gluten-free and dairy-free options. While the courts are the main attraction, the food hall offers outstanding event spaces and live music every other Thursday. For families seeking more engagement, screen-free areas offer better eye contact.

Whatever you’re into, Relish is designed to be a place where people can connect, with a focus on families and retirees.

Parkway Food Hall

Now, for an easy, good time or a place to get a little wild, head to Longmont and pop into Parkway Food Hall. It’s a laid-back hangout—think pub with tons of space—with bar games for the whole family, including beer pong, darts, and cornhole in the 21-plus lounge and video games of all kinds in the arcade, both spaces off the main hall.

You’ll find heavier pub fare like barbecue, burgers, shawarma, and pizza, and some unique options like gelato bars, Asian fusion, and Cajun. I chose a fried alligator tail po’ boy from Back Alley Bayou, served with fries that taste like New Orleans-style kettle-cooked chips. Alligator is a white meat, lean and light like catfish, with a texture akin to calamari, but the star of this flavor profile is the remoulade, a tangy, spicy red sauce that perks up the swampy southern seasonings and will leave you talking about your meal all week.

Parkway promises a diverting evening out for both the young and the young at heart—sports, billiards, foosball, shuffleboard, and more. Come hungry, ready to compete, and with time to kill.

5. Hidden Treasures Of BOCO

Escape the Ordinary: Unearth Boulder County’s Hidden Restaurant Gems

In a world full of corporate-owned restaurants, discover the riches that these local eateries are offering. What I love about each of these restaurants is the immediate sense of feeling right at home. The owners and staff are welcoming and truly enhance your dining experience with their hospitality. Across the board, these gems will dazzle you.

John’s Table

The first stop is John’s Table located at 1700 Dogwood Street in Louisville. It is owned and operated by Alex and Kelli Gianopoulos. With a dealer’s choice at hand, Chef Alex prepared the Prime Rib Philly. This dish, like most dishes on their menu, has a story. Every year on their wedding anniversary, Alex prepares a prime rib for them to dine on. The next day, the couple has the Prime Rib Philly and watches movies from their childhood. The sandwich starts with marinated, roasted, and thinly shaved ribeye served with sauteed onions and peppers, drizzled with delectable Swiss cheese sauce. This is served on a perfect hoagie roll with a side of au jus and creamy horseradish. I’m not going to lie, I have thought about this sandwich every day since I tried it. It is meaty, cheesy HEAVEN. There are not enough words. Just GO. Your life will not be complete until you eat this sandwich.

Marigold

Next, I had the pleasure of meeting Theo Adley. He is the chef and owner of a little sensation called Marigold. Located at 405 Main Street in Lyons, it is the coziest place on the block. With just 40 seats, reservations are recommended. Everything is fresh and the menu changes daily based on what is available locally. This is the perfect spot for date night. We started with sourdough from Babette’s with beurre sarrazin and finocchiona. It was superb. Our waiter, Jordan, sliced the finocchiona on a table in the center of the room and it was nearly translucent. I chose the Poulet Rouge “under a brick” with charred romano beans and shishito. Chef Theo comes out of the kitchen periodically to check on diners and make sure they are enjoying their experience. He insisted we try the Budino for dessert, we were not disappointed. If I could marry a dessert, it would be this one. The dessert is a cold chocolate budino over a warm peanut butter mousse with little sea salt sprinkles. Absolute perfection.

Hidden Cafe

Ron Brown is the owner and chef of Hidden Cafe, which is tucked into 829 Main Street #5 in Longmont. Hidden Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. Chef Ron takes pride in using the freshest of ingredients. The home fries are fresh, never frozen: seasoned to perfection. The outside is crispy, and the inside is soft and fluffy. I had these magic potatoes alongside the Mexican Scramble; it was wonderful. Scrambled eggs with chorizo, fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers under a blanket of melty cheese, topped with house-made green chili and sour cream. They also make their sausage gravy in-house. My server, Steven, said the burgers are the best in Longmont. Plans have already been made to return to this homey spot.

Jamestown Mercantile

Feel like getting out of the city? Head up Left Creek Canyon and check out Jamestown Mercantile, which is affectionately referred to as the Merc. Chef and Owner Rainbow Schultz has created something really special in Jamestown. I dined there on a Thursday. It was Indian Food Night and the place smelled incredible. Chef Ryan Turano was in the kitchen whipping up some creamy Butter Chicken and Samosas. There was a zucchini salad appetizer with parmesan, mint, and pistachios which made for the perfect bite. Plus, what a great way to utilize all the zucchini in season. The portions were generous. So generous, that when it came time for Mango Cheesecake, I only had room for two bites. But boy, were those good bites. I enjoyed absolutely everything while listening to David Lawrence and the Spoonful. The food at the Merc is outstanding, they have a full bar, the decor is so fun, but what makes it so special is the community. People gather at the Merc. Some by chance, some by arrangement, but all are welcomed with open arms by Rainbow. It was a beautiful thing to see. Follow them on Instagram @Jamestown_Mercantile for their event schedule and menu.

6. Vegetarian Indulgence

I’m not giving up meat- let’s start there. But here are a handful of spots that don’t need it. Often, when a person cuts out meat, they go overboard on pasta. These places don’t need that crutch. The menus are built out of conviction by someone who cares as much about the product as the purpose behind it. You can feel good working these into your regular rotation without missing out

Falafayette is a food truck, but not in the traditional sense. You order online, pick a time slot, and pick up your food. They sell out often, so sign up for alerts or you’ll miss the next pop-up. The hummus is the best in the state, and you won’t find a fresher stuffed pita anywhere nearby. Don’t forget the fresh-squeezed lemonade of the day and fries in the pita or you’re doing it wrong. The only thing better than the food here is the owner, Adam’s, dad jokes.

Lotus Moon is the best magic show in town. Vegan “beef bowls,” “calamari,” “chicken wings.” Usually, these stunts collapse after the first bite, but here the tricks hold up. The pho broth tastes so good, I feel like I’m in a frozen yogurt Seinfeld episode; no way should it be that rich without bones and FAT. It’s one thing for vegans to line up for a place. The grand finale is how many meat-eaters keep coming back.

There’s no hiding it here. Vegan Thai Co in Longmont is 100 percent plant-based, full stop. Fresh ingredients, bold flavors. Thai food that is vegan, instead of dressing it up. There’s no shimmying around with “meat-ish” variations. Mostly a takeout operation with minimal seating, so you vegetarian skeptics can get in and out without anyone catching on to your hypocrisy.

Zeal is the restaurant equivalent of a non-denominational church. You can worship whatever you want as long as you keep it cool and don’t mess with the rest of the flock. Meat’s on the menu, but it isn’t a threat and it isn’t there to insult anyone. The place is pro-choice in the best way. Plant-heavy, with no dogma to it. The ideology here is simple: let the food speak for itself. Feel free to insert your own sal(i)vation joke here.

7. Main Street Lafayette

What is served on South Public Road

Lafayette is a town built on the arts. With a community that celebrates the creatives with Art’s Night Out, performing art centers, and free festivals with live music, it only makes sense that they also celebrate culinary art as well. From fried chicken, to pho, to frozen treats, Lafayette is the place to go.

In an unassuming strip mall, at the base of South Public is some of the best food you can find in Lafayette. When you walk up to Pho Cafe, do not be discouraged by the plain outside, once you open the door, you will feel right at home and ready to eat. A cup of hot tea and a perfectly rolled spring roll is an amazing way to start the meal. The peanut sauce is the perfect consistency and tea relaxes and warms. While there are plenty of options on the menu, from Thai curry to Kung Pao Chicken, I ordered the restaurant’s namesake and got a big bowl of Tofu Vegetable Pho. Delicious and hearty, it was packed with the broccoli, onions, jalapenos, bean sprouts, and lots of noodles, leaving me feeling nourished and satisfied.

On the more heavy side The Post Brewing Company specializes in chicken and beer. The menu is stacked with comfort foods like chicken and waffles, chicken sandwiches, and roasted chicken. Though, if you are feeling like you need some read meat, there is also burgers and meatloaf on the menu. I, a sucker for a good veggie, got the Roasted Vegetable Bowl, which was a vegetarian and gluten free option. It was an amazing and flavorful combination of broccoli, cauliflower, and a cucumber tomato salad, served with chickpeas and humus, to keep the protein count high. Served with the Townie Easy Drinking IPA, a lightly hoppy option, it was a great mix of homey and healthy.

For some, a nightcap might be a sip of liquor, but I will always tend towards a sweet treat and a cup of decaf. Stam Chocolatier is a great place to start or end your day. With a full coffee shop, an array of chocolates, and gelato there is plenty to indulge in. Kaycee, the cafe manager, steamed up the perfect cappuccino before our chat. The rich espresso, paired with a salted chocolate and praline chocolate was an incredible combination. Kaycee explained,  “People come here after dinner out a lot, they come for both the chocolate and gelato, but will stay for the atmosphere.” The large seating area with a piano in the corner, for evening melodies, gives the shop a European feel, which makes sense, since the Stam family began making chocolate over 100 years ago in Amsterdam.

8. Main Street Longmont

There are no shortage of amazing restaurants in Longmont, but it’s not a competition to them. Everyone wishes the best for one another and I love that for Longmont. This is what makes this community strong and vibrant.

It had been a minute since I had experienced Pumphouse Brewery located at 540 Main Street, but thanks to the hospitality of Bryan Schosker of the leadership team and my wonderful waitress, Melissa, I fell in love with it all over again. Pumphouse has been employee-owned since 2022, you can tell the staff takes pride in giving you an amazing dining experience. The menu is expansive, so there is something for everyone. Pumphouse offers a full bar in addition to in house brewing; they always have five beers continuously on tap and rotating seasonal beers.

I started with Pretzel Bites that were brushed generously with garlic butter and salt. Then came the sauces: White Cheddar “Wildfire” Fondue and Housemade Beer Mustard. The sauces are fantastic! I wanted to do shots of the fondue, but thought that might be frowned upon. I enjoyed the Cabo Fish Tacos;the fish was perfectly crispy yet light. But for me, the show stopper was the Toffee Fig Cake. It is served with a warm toffee sauce to pour over the rich decadent cake that is bursting with figs. The portions at Pumphouse are huge and you will leave with leftovers for lunch the next day.

Just a few doors down is Red Cedar Bistro located at 516 Main Street, which offers approachable, modern Tri-Regional Mediterranean cuisine. Red Cedar Bistro is the creation of Executive Chef Larry Shore and his talented wife, Sandy. Larry worked for Michelin Star Chef Serge Backes in Manhattan, who advised Larry to “get really good ingredients and don’t screw it up.” I have many favorites, but don’t skip the Steak au Poivre. It’s a perfect filet mignon from Buckner Farms with garlic mashed potatoes in a cognac jus. Absolutely impeccable. Stay tuned for some upcoming menu changes featuring a Bison Bourgeois over Pappardelle and a Triple Cream Brie and Phyllo with Moroccan Almonds. Is your mouth watering yet? The Bistro also offers themed wine dinners with menu creations by Chef Larry and wine pairings by Sommelier Roland Hermann. The best part about having this level of culinary talent in Longmont is that it is not pretentious. Larry and Sandy are very down to earth. You will leave with a full tummy and a set of new friends.

Miss Krissy’s Bistro is tucked into Brick’s at 471 Main Street. Chances are you will be greeted warmly by Miss Krissy herself upon entering this spacious hangout.  “My vision when I dreamed of opening the bistro was to have it feel like the TV show, Cheers. Where everybody knows your name.”  She has achieved exactly that, along with a killer menu and a full bar. Need a Bloody Mary at 10am on a Tuesday? Miss Krissy will hook you up. The bistro offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I had the pleasure of trying their new Shepherd’s Pie, which will debut in the fall. Chef Brigitte served up a hearty bite with probably the best mashed potatoes I have ever had in my life.  But the jaw-dropper on this menu is the Moroccan Flatbread. That Moroccan honey drizzle has so many layers of flavor. It will keep you coming back for more. It pairs perfectly with the roasted bell pepper, kalamata olives, and melty mozzarella. Need some more protein with it? Add the delicious oven-roasted chicken. Your taste buds will thank you.

A little further south on Main Street is Urban Field Pizza. Located at 150 Main Street, Chef and Co-Founder Nick Swanson is serving up some of the best pizza in town. The most popular pizza on the menu is the Arrabbiata. Calabrian chiles, house cheese blend, pepperoncini, Ezzo cup and char pepperoni, basil and hot honey. The way that honey fills those little cups of meat is culinary art. The pizza is phenomenal, but do NOT miss the Burrata. It is so bright and flavorful. It’s a beautifully baked flatbread topped with cherry tomatoes, arugula and roasted garlic oil. Follow them on Instagram to see the biweekly pizza specials. When I asked Nick what he wanted BOCO to know about UF, he said “I want people to know about the culture of our staff.” He went on to talk about the dedication of his team,  the enthusiasm they bring with them every day, and their commitment to making Urban Field feel like home. It definitely does.

9. Main Street Erie

Main Street Erie restaurants delight patrons with fresh, fine food and drink

Erie locals share a secret—this close-knit community off the beaten path is growing exponentially, and the restaurants downtown offer some of the best cuisine around. But the owners of fine dining establishments all know that in east Boulder County, while the mountain panoramas are great, the patrons are the real gem.

If you happen into Piripi, the Latin and Mediterranean restaurant whose name translates from the Spanish to “tipsy,” you’ll see how much of the world Owners Hugo and Victoria Meyer have brought to Erie through their food. Tucked into the top corner of a two-story building on Main Street, the menu offers tapas and dinners inspired by the cuisines of Spain, Italy, and Central America. With views of downtown from the balcony, the people watching is exceptional, especially on a Farmer’s Market Thursday.

There’s a touch of both land and sea with dishes like paella—a mixture of shrimp, squid, and mussels over rice—alongside Argentinian-style steak served with a delectable chimichurri sauce. I had a taste of the traditional, the chicken parmesan, one of Piripi’s bestsellers. It was rich and filling, with thick, savory mozzarella and a deep, tangy tomato sauce, the chicken crispy outside, juicy inside, and the pasta a perfect al dente.

At 24 Carrot, just a few doors down, the menu is as good as gold. The emphasis in this fine dining establishment is fresh-as-can-be, locally sourced ingredients, and a rotating seasonal menu that will keep even regulars on their toes, anticipating what delicacy might be up next. As its name suggests, the cuisine is high-quality, offering a casual fine dining experience with farm-to-table dishes.

What ingredients can’t be obtained locally are shipped to the restaurant within twenty-four hours. This includes the popular calamari and from May to September, the halibut flown in from Alaska, according to Owner/General Manager Bianca Retzloff. Even within these import partnerships, 24 Carrot seeks sustainably sourced foods.

When I stopped by, the kitchen was rolling out a new special, corn-on-the-cob “ribs,” prepared in a such a way that mimics the experience of eating meat off the bone. But I went for a bruschetta inspired by the seasonal Palisade peach and ordered a mezcal cocktail. The drink blew my mind, served with a plank of dark chocolate floating atop a square ice cube like a walrus on an iceberg, and the bruschetta was just as incredible—thick focaccia with a sliced half-peach glazed in balsamic vinegar atop a layer of honey-whipped goat cheese. It was as beautiful as it was delicious.

Photo credit: George Hudetz

You’ll know you’re at The Dugout, a baseball-themed sports bar at the end of Main Street, when you hit the Astroturf. Surrounded by plastic grass, this fun little drop-in serves tasty pub fare alongside your favorite glass of beer. Their burgers are to die for, but their specials will make the restaurant your sport-loving family’s second dinner table or your office crew’s regular happy hour haunt.

I was there on Wing Wednesday—a half-price pitcher after 5 p.m. and a $1.25 per-wing deal, so I got a basket of six tossed in a classic and killer Buffalo sauce. Other specials include $4 Taco Tuesday, with two-for-one margaritas after five, and Prime Rib Friday during Karaoke Night.

One of the newest additions to the downtown Erie scene, Cellar West is celebrating its grand opening in the second half of September after Founder Zach Nichols decided to expand his original Lafayette brewery northward. The brews offer something fresh out of a well-loved historic building, locally referred to as simply “The Yellow House.”

Nichols said he “immediately fell in love with it,” bought the building, and dove into a remodel to give the structure a welcoming feel with plenty of nooks and corners for a conversation over a pint. No brewing will happen on the premises, but the taproom will deliver Cellar West’s fan favorites and also feature a few proprietary recipes sold only in Erie. Call it a reward to the residents who welcomed him to town.

With an ample backyard area and an auxiliary building with a Grateful Dead-inspired interior, not to mention room on the premises for a food truck, Cellar West plans to offer a hangout spot perfect for an afternoon listening to live local music and catching up with best friends.

10. Main Street Louisville

The Taste of Community

Main Street Louisville is one of those idyllic streets. A former mining mecca, the town has transformed into a place for quirky local eateries, outdoor seating, and a vibrant music scene. With a museum, local shops, and plenty of people-watching, it is the kind of place you could spend the whole day. 

The Huckleberry

Start off your tour of Louisville with the best breakfast/ brunch around at The Huckleberry. In one of the historic buildings, there is a certain cozy feel that will immediately put you at ease. The restaurant is broken into two sections, group restaurant dining and a bakery/cafe. I started my meal with a starter of freshly baked apple fritters and a cup of perfectly brewed coffee; where I could relax and take to my favorite pastime: people watching. There was a group of women catching up, giggling about adventures of the past. A young couple and their baby celebrating a first birthday, a long-time married couple sitting in comfortable silence. Everyone had a space to be themselves and enjoy. Josh Adams, the general manager, agreed with this thought. “We get lots of families, and a lot of regulars coming in. It is great to see people over the years and get to know them.” 

For my main course, I had the Huevos Rancheros. Now, I am born and raised in Colorado and take my Huevos Rancheros very seriously. I could not help but feel a little skeptical when they were brought out with crunchy tortillas, stacked high and neat rather than slopped around the plate. As it turns out, this is now how I will be making them moving forward. The crip tortillas were the perfect compliment to beans and runny eggs.Not just a restaurant, but also a bakery and cafe, The Huckleberry is deeply entwined with the community. During my visit, they were in the midst of baking thousands of pies for the Lafayette Peach Festival.

The Jasmine Bar

There are only five blocks of Main Street Louisville, and they are packed with places to grab a drink, so it takes a little bit of work to stand out. However, The Jasmine Bar has it’s work cut out for it. A little hide-away, down a footpath through blooming flowers and rustic buildings, the most creative drinks you could imagine are being poured. Eli, the Bar Manager guided me through my wide-eyed wonder, setting me up with two cocktails: A Southern Hospitality and a Shadow Woman. The Southern Hospitality, made from a bit of dark rum and kashasa, a rum made from sugar cane and cinnamon-malassas, then adjusted with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and blueberry cane syrup. The final step of the drink was Eli stepping outside to cut a fresh flower to garnish the drink. and the Shadow Woman was a derivative of an Old Fashioned with a hint of pear, sweetened with honey, and a hit of robust Mitcher’s bourbon. 

I enjoyed a glorious sunset, soaking in the sweet florals and rosy rays. People flowed through with friends, on dates, taking in the last sips of summer. Eli explained that they get everyone from aficionados to those celebrating a twenty-first birthday. “We get a lot of people who have never had a specialty cocktail, and want to try something new […] we also have a whisky club where people come to sip new whiskeys and discuss.” The Jasmine Bar lends itself to both, with over 200 whiskeys, it is a great place to get exactly what you want, or to be carefully shepherded through a new experience.

Lulu’s BBQ

A short walk south of the Jasmine Bar is Lulu’s BBQ. Sweet, smokey, and southern; Ben Wilson, the general manager describes the old style building as having a roadhouse feel. He explains, “The major influence is Texas hill country bar-b-que,” but he explains that there is also inspiration taken from Kansas City, Oklahoma and North Carolina coming together to create a “Colorado BBQ.” 

A menu heavy on pork, since it is BBQ, but also offers chicken, turkey, and some vegetarian sides; the unique and creative dishes have many repeat customers. Wilson explains that while they get patrons from all over Denver, the repeat customers are their main clientele, with some coming as many as three times a week.

Their signature Texas slush: half frozen margarita and half specialty Lager, made for them by Crystal Spring Brewing. With a big swig of Texas slush and hearty BBQ ribs on the front porch overlooking the small town charm, you really can’t go wrong.

Nora’s

Some secrets are meant to be shared, such is the case with Nora’s then Louisville speakeasy. Subterranean, dimly lit, cozy, and open late; it is the perfect place for a nightcap.When I arrived, the team was finishing up the monthly meeting, where they gathered around the table to try out new tastes and sips for the fall. Shannah, the mixologist serving that evening, explained that they take a collaborative approach, making changes and coming up with names together.

The cocktails are divided into standards and “Nora’s Takes” which are the specialty creations. On Shannah’s suggestion, I got a Nora’s Whisky Sour. With the memory of bad mixers of fifteen years ago, I was ready for a sugar bomb; but instead, I was greeted with a refreshing mix of amaretto, rye, and fresh lemon with orange. 

Caitlyn Kelly co-owns Nora with her dad. The two of them first opened The Simon Events center upstairs as a venue for weddings, reunions, and the like. They knew they had to utilize the basement space, and from that, Nora’s came to be. The name came from Kelly’s grandmother, who she described as being “Quiet, reserved, but caring deeply for other people.” This namesake is brought not only to the well-cared for clientele, but also the staff that feels uplifted and inspired by Kelly’s management.

11. Main Street Niwot

Small Town, Big Bites

Every street in Niwot kind of feels like Main Street. The town has fended off the sprawling housing divisions its neighbors fell prey to, leaving behind a pocket of legit small-town character. It’s a detour off the east–west grind between I-25 and Boulder where the pace slows and indulgence isn’t treated like a special occasion. For a place known for its wealth, you might expect some cold shoulders, but instead you’ll find open arms. Main Street isn’t a showpiece here; it’s just where Niwot works, eats, and hangs out, and that’s the appeal.

Tucked into a small row of shops at the center of town, Niwot Tavern walks the line between restaurant polish and pub grit – mirrored walls, oak and (oddly enough) Jägermeister trim. It’s got the vibe of a countryside pub you’d stumble across on a backpack trip through farmland where you and your buddy later get attacked by a werewolf – only here the locals are welcoming, and the only curse is on your calorie counter. The narrow entry bar makes rubbing elbows unavoidable; you’re making friends here whether you like it or not. The menu is long and leans heavy: shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, fat burgers. You don’t come here for restraint, and thankfully, theydon’t serve it.

Cimmini’s is an “Authentic” Italian restaurant that serves eggs Benedict and bottomless mimosas. On paper, it’s a jarring juxtaposition. In practice, it makes perfect sense – kind of like Snoop Dogg showing up at the Olympics. Cimmini’s stirs up a strange but balanced sauce that doesn’t break, sliding from hollandaise in the morning to marinara at night, and the consistently full tables prove no one here is confused.

Broken bike? You should probably have a drink. The Wheel House has a solution for both. Part shop, part social club with trivia nights and live music, it’s built for everything but biking. Out back a food truck opens a couple evenings a week, but the real indulgence is at the bar — taps lined with beer, kombucha, and cider, and the menu is stacked with specialty cocktails, solid wine list, a long whiskey list, vodka, tequila, gin, rum… it actually might be worth keeping your helmet on when you’re drinking here.

12. A Walk Down Pearl Street

Downtown Boulder is the ideal destination to indulge. Breathtaking mountain views serve as the backdrop for a lively promenade teeming with eclectic characters, a spectrum of storefronts, and — perhaps most notably — a dynamic culinary scene. From iconic hotspots on Pearl Street to notable newcomers on Walnut, this vibrant district offers a wealth of acclaimed restaurants to embark on your culinary journey – or just get a little weird. Choose your own adventure.

Cozobi Fonda Fina, the Boulder sibling of Denver’s Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina, opened its doors at 909 Walnut Street in the summer of 2024. The restaurant gets its namesake from Cozobi, the Zapotec god of corn. To say Boulder has been blessed with this corn-revering haven is an understatement. Chef and Owner Johnny Curiel has curated dishes that are both refined and complex, with explosive flavors and enchanting presentations.

The food menu is divided into four sections: Entradas, Crudos, De Nixtamal, and Los Fuertes.

For an “entrada,” guacamole gets a glow-up with smashed avocados, charred vegetables, salsa negra, and queso fresco. Curiel’s crudos are literally and figuratively in a category of their own. The Aguachile De Piquin features Japanese hamachi, orange supremes, orange oil, and chile piquin.

From the De Nixtamal section, Tlacoyo De Favas packs a flavorful punch. Still hungry? The larger plates, or “Los Fuertes,” range from stellar proteins to meaty mushrooms with exceptional depths of flavor.

For a fresh, creamy take on a classic, the Avocado Margarita is kind of a big deal. It can also be made sans-spirits.

*Tip: Save room for tres leches cake.

Multiple taste-induced mindblowing momentsorgasms are on the menu at Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar. This playfully risqué Japanese-and-Hawaiian-inspired concept may not be the most traditional option for sushi in Boulder. Nevertheless, Hapa’s bawdy menu and ultra-modern vibe have made it a local tradition since 1999.

The restaurant moved to a larger space on the west end of Pearl Street in December 2023. Proving size really does matter, the leveled-up location subsequently expanded its menu of fusion fare. Among the new menu items are the Inari Bombs – marinated tofu pockets stuffed with rice and spicy tuna – as well as the miso-marinated Black Cod.

Hapa’s flavors are unique, exciting, and a little rebellious. Go for gold with the 24 Karat Roll, featuring ebi, cucumber, jalapeno, and avocado, topped with tuna, golden tobiko, and yuzu garlic sauce.

Rather than making mocktails feel like an afterthought, Hapa offers a superb selection of non-alcoholic beverages. For those sticking to the hard stuff, Ronin’s Redemption is a classy concoction made with Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky.

*Tip: Hapa’s famous happy hour happens every day from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Stella’s Cucina is a stunner. Originally intended to be a sophisticated cannabis sanctuary, the visionary husband-and-wife team behind Stella’s decided to pivot to “full-scale Italian” in 2023.

The soft curvature of the Art Deco-inspired interior, regal navy-and-gold color palette, and gleaming central bar set the stage for an exquisite culinary experience.

Every dish at Stella’s is a craveable work of art. The Insalata di Polpo is as beautiful as it is delicious, composed of caramelized octopus, marble potatoes, haricot vert, cherry tomatoes, Taggiasca olives, and arugula, delicately drizzled with parsley oil. A seasonal showstopper is The Spaghetti Alla Nerano, house-made saffron spaghetti, basil, Esoterra Farms zucchini, and squash blossoms.

For carnivorous palates, the Brasato Al Barolo (divine red wine-braised local short rib) is a melt-in-your-mouth must.

While the devil’s lettuce remains off the menu, you can still get lit with a glass of vino, non-alcoholic bubbly, or a genius cocktail such as the Mia Marmellata.

*Tip: Check out Stella’s website for a schedule of live music.

SALT has been a Pearl Street staple since 2009. The food is polished, seasonal, local, sustainable…and all those things that make Boulderites giddy to gobble. Unlike some of the previously mentioned menus that require explanation for navigation, SALT’s selections are recognizable and approachable without being boring.
The Original Tomato Soup is, truly, just damn good tomato soup. It comes garnished with a grilled cheese crouton and a little Tuscan olive oil. Additionally, The Rosemary Roasted Chicken is a comforting plate of chicken breast and confit chicken thigh with seasonal accompaniments. Scallops are seared to perfection and plants steal the spotlight with SALT’s impressive selection of vegetarian-friendly dishes. Try the Quinoa Chickpea Burger or rotating Vegetable Tasting.
A focus on seasonality even carries over to the cocktail program.
*Tip: Say hi to Evan behind the bar for a well-made drink.

13. Pet Friendly

My Life in Dog Beers

Whether you are coming back from a hike with your four-legged pal, or just having some guilt about leaving them home, it can be nice to have a pet-friendly option in your dining. A spacious dining area and accepting ownership is a must in furry friend dining.

When dining out with a pet, you can feel limited by the weather. At 

Crystal Spring Brewing in Louisville, a semi-covered patio and spacious seating in the back gives lots of room for multiple pet families to spread out and enjoy, even on a rainy day. There is more seating in the front, as well as inside, so on a busy day, all can be accommodated. I enjoyed the Louisville Lager, which was light and crisp, while my pup and I soaked up our last sips of summer. While Crystal Springs does not serve food, you can order from Verde or Rocket Dogs, and they will bring the food straight to your table.

Even more space can be found at Avery Brewing in Gunbarrel. With a large, astroturf area, there is plenty of space for you and your pet to have a seat and enjoy each other’s company. While you need to order your beer at the bar, you can order food directly to your table, so you do not have to leave your fuzzy friend unattended. Still on a Lager kick, I had their new release Beach Buffalo, which is a variation of their popular Stampede Lager, but with a little kick of lime for summer.

14. Live Fire / Open Flame

Cooking over an open flame has been a concept since cave dwellers roamed the earth. While early live fire cooking was practiced out of necessity, modern culinary luminaries have utilized this primal tradition to impart distinct layers of flavor. Fortunately, diners seeking complex smoky, earthy, or woody flavor profiles have a wealth of refined dining options scattered across the Front Range.

Oak at Fourteenth has been delighting diners with its gorgeous woodfired seasonal fare since 2010. The brilliant dining room is a beacon of indulgence in the heart of downtown Boulder, with the option of getting front row seats to the action at the lively chef’s counter.

Executive Chef Rob Monahan is currently at the helm of the kitchen, crafting hyper-seasonal and inspired dishes with subtle Asian and Italian influences to please even the most discerning palates.

To start, the Hamachi Crudo is fresh and punchy with yuzu, Persian cucumber, serrano chili, and cilantro. The Crispy Arancini, fried risotto balls with Bayley Hazen blue cheese and spiced honey, are not only texturally appealing, but a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

To kick things up a notch, the Rigatoni Alla Vodka serves just the right amount of spice with Calabrian chili, rock shrimp, and pangrattato.

For a seasonal showstopper, do not miss the slow-roasted porchetta with sweet creamed corn, grilled nardello peppers, and fennel pollen.

As always, Oak offers an outstanding beverage menu ranging from signature cocktails to low alcohol and zero-proof options in addition to wine, beer, and cider. 

Dining at Kachina Southwestern Grill feels like being on holiday. Located in Westminster’s impeccably maintained Westin Hotel, the beautifully designed restaurant was created to feel like an “adventurous culinary road-trip through the four corners of the Southwest.” In essence, Kachina is a gem hidden in plain sight. Let’s get right to it – Kachina has a succulent 12-ounce prime ribeye for $38. It comes with rajas con corn crema (addictive creamed corn and roasted poblano peppers), boursin mashed potatoes, and peppercorn demi-glace. The steak actually melts in your mouth, and – in this economy – is a steal for a perfectly prepared plate of high-quality beef.

A selection of salsas and guacamoles are offered alongside house-made chips to set the stage for this culinary journey. Not to mention, the expansive bar boasts an impressive beer, wine, and spirits program with coin-style margaritas strong enough to put your mind in vacation mode. 

There is something effortlessly cool about Hickory & Ash. While many of Colorado’s culinary names have leaned into lavish or experiential dining concepts, Executive Chef Ryan Taylor has maintained his focus on offering handcrafted “Colorado cuisine” in a stylish, approachable atmosphere. Unlike steakhouse-identifying concepts that serve up pricey slabs of meat with a side of potatoes and pretentiousness, this beloved Broomfield restaurant centers around perfectly executed plates with sustainable, locally sourced ingredients – grilled in hickory-smoked fire.

The H&A Steak Tartare is a flavor-bomb – made with a mixture of tenderloin and NY strip, tossed in traditional mustard, shallot, and caper dressing with a parmesan aioli, Beech mushrooms smoked over hickory wood and pickled in sherry vinegar and tamari, and served with grilled bread. Despite identifying as a “meatery,” Taylor claims that his vegetarian options are as popular as the dishes designed for carnivorous palates.

The Sweet Pea Agnolotti is a creative and hearty dish, featuring a pea and leek herb filling, parmesan cream, toasted hazelnuts, roasted mushrooms, and a carrot n’duja – Taylor’s take on a spicy vegetarian salami made with Calabrian chilies.

 The bestselling Braised Short Ribs have been on the menu since day one. Succulent Colorado short ribs are served on a bed of Irish cheddar polenta with grilled broccolini and smoked tomatoes, topped with fresh grated horseradish.

15. Family Friendly Dining

Quality Time at Quality Places

At our absolute best, dinner time consists of coloring, singing, and a few bribes. My kids are young, the energy is high, and we are all doing our best. Along with being a parent, I also enjoy having a life and going out on occasion. Nothing can feel more shaming or stressful than trying to keep a rowdy superhero-in-training contained while onlookers peer over their menus, judging the noise or energy level. For this reason, we indulge in family-friendly dining.

In a life before kids, I loved to go out to breakfast. A nice, leisurely morning filled with coffee and eggs was my dream. After kids, it can be more of a nightmare to get everyone organized and ready to sit for a long wait time. Bob’s Diner in Louisville cures my fear and has give my family that favorite haunt. With a pancake breakfast split between the little ones, I can enjoy the Louisville Muffin; which is an English muffin topped with eggs, avocado, and served with perfectly baked breakfast potatoes. Along with coffee and espresso drinks, there is also a full bar for a morning cocktail. 

Sometimes, I feel like Mary Poppins when we go out to eat. My backpack is a never-ending supply of toys, most of which will get lost on our outing. Fitz Family Brewing fixes that problem with a beer garden packed with fun, interactive toys. Immediately, my boys were climbing in cars and bouncing around. Owners Corey and Kelly Buenning moved to Niwot from Kentucky, where they also owned a brewery, and set to work making a place that was welcoming to families. Kelly explains that German style of beer gardens is where the whole family is welcome, which is what they wanted to emulate. Corey agrees, explaining that the whole community has fallen into this mentality, donating toys and dividing themselves into kid and kid-free sections without any guidance from the brewery.

Kids can be picky, and so can adults. It can be hard to find something that the entire family enjoys. Pizza is the universal satisfier. Lucky Pie Pizzeria in Louisville is a perfect easy dinner after school or on a celebrity weekend. Nichole Stack, general manager, explains that kids and young families are a big part of the business. This is seen in their care and extremely quick service, because nobody wants to keep a hungry toddler waiting. Here, kids can talk at their normal volumes and move about in comfy booths, coloring and enjoying a simple cheese or pepperoni pizza while adults enjoy a drink and something a little bit more exciting. I had the Alla Vodka, packed with vegetables, many of which were grown in the on-site garden, and served on a flavorful and crispy thin crust, the pizza was filling without being greasy. 

In the quirkiest corner of Louisville is Tilt! Pinball. An old school arcade with a bar, it is our favorite place to kill a rainy afternoon. Steve Long, the co-owner, created Tilt! After collecting almost twelve pinball machines, which he enjoyed playing with his own children. Over the past twenty years, Tilt has become a staple of the community, with a partnership with Crystal Spring Brewing and involvement in several school fundraisers, it is a place that families can feel safe letting their children run wild and have some old-school fun. Recently, Steve has opened Rocket Dog above Tilt, where patrons can order a gourmet hot dog to munch while they perfect their gaming skills.

16. Brunch

Toast of the Town

In Boulder County, mornings carry weight. For some, it’s a quick coffee and a pastry on the way to work. For others, it’s sitting down with friends over pancakes, eggs, or something you can’t quite replicate at home. Brunch has become the default label, but here it’s more than the cliché of bottomless mimosas and Instagram spreads. It’s breakfast, lunch, or somewhere in between—food that wakes you up, grounds you, and reminds you that the first meal of the day can be something worth looking forward to.

A handful of local spots capture that spirit and turn it into something memorable: Moxie Bread Co., Morning Glory Café, and Tangerine. Each has its own rhythm and philosophy, but together they tell the story of how Boulder County does mornings—with integrity, craft, and a refusal to overcomplicate good food.

At Moxie, indulgence doesn’t start with sugar or butter—it starts with the grain. Owner Phillippa Clark, with a flagship bakery in Louisville and a mercantile in Lyons, has built something that feels both rooted and forward-thinking. Moxie mills its own flour, sources roughly 90% of its products within five miles, and treats bread not just as a product, but as a craft worth honoring. The loaves are what put Moxie on the national map, but the brunch crowd knows there’s more waiting behind the counter. The key lime kouign-amann—layers of buttery pastry balanced by tart custard—manages to be rich and bright all at once. The heirloom tomato tart, available in summer, distills the season into something both rustic and refined. Nothing at Moxie feels flashy. It’s thoughtful, direct, and satisfying—the kind of food that proves sustainability and pleasure can exist on the same plate.

Over in Lafayette, Morning Glory Café has been quietly shaping the local brunch scene for 14 years. Owner Lilly Lieb’s mission has always been straightforward: make sure nobody feels left out of the table. That means sourcing responsibly—cage-free brown eggs, organic tofu, produce from nearby farms—but also designing a menu that works for every kind of diner. Gluten-free, vegan, or just cautious eaters will find options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. Take the gluten-free blueberry pancakes: made with almond meal, they’re nutty, fluffy, and deeply comforting. They’re not a stand-in for the “real thing.” They are the real thing. Morning Glory succeeds because it doesn’t make inclusivity feel like an obligation—it makes it feel natural. The café’s atmosphere reflects that same spirit: welcoming, familiar, and anchored in community. As it nears its fifteenth year, Morning Glory has proven that comfort food doesn’t have to come at anyone’s expense.

Then there’s Tangerine, which insists on something often overlooked in Boulder County’s food culture: breakfast itself. With locations in Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont, chef-owner Alexander Schuler has built menus that cover the spectrum. Yes, it can be brunch—lazy, late, and indulgent—but it’s just as much a place for an 8 a.m. breakfast when you actually need to start your day. Coffee, eggs, pancakes, chai—done with care, not complication. The corned beef hash is a cornerstone: hearty, savory, and made with meat from Denver’s Custom Corned Beef. On the sweeter side, the strawberry–goat cheese French toast strikes a balance that most versions lack. And the chai latte—spiced, just sweet enough—works as a wake-up or as an afternoon anchor. Tangerine thrives on that versatility. It doesn’t draw lines between breakfast and brunch. It just makes the hours between morning and afternoon taste like they matter.

Taken together, these three restaurants sketch out what mornings can look like here. Moxie reminds us that the foundation matters—that a pastry can carry the story of its grain. Morning Glory shows that a café can serve comfort without exclusion. And Tangerine proves breakfast deserves as much attention as brunch. In Boulder County, “indulgence” isn’t about excess. It’s about food that feels special without trying too hard—food connected to place, people, and the simple fact that mornings should be worth showing up for.

17. BBQ

Flames, Flavors, and the Truth Between: Real BBQ in the Rockies

There is good BBQ, there is bad BBQ, and then there is BBQ that makes you forget about the sauce on your face and just dig in.. The kind that comes from real people doing things the right way, without shortcuts or show. You won’t find it following big ads or behind trendy storefronts. You find it where folks still care about the food, the crew behind it, and the people they serve.

Smokin’ Dave’s in Longmont isn’t trying to be Memphis, Texas, or Carolina. Dave’s been to all those places and came back with a style that doesn’t pledge allegiance to any city or region. His food is an amalgamation of what works, glued together with house rubs that could sell their own merch line. The brisket was tender and smoky, and the wings had a crisp bite and real flavor. But the catfish said the most. Plenty of places claim Southern roots, but fried catfish is the real test, and Dave’s passed with flying colors. Over half of Dave’s staff have been with him for over eight years, which tells you the vibe behind the scenes is as legit as what’s on the plate. His GM, Andrew, has worked in kitchens from Australia to San Francisco, but says he’s staying put because, in his words, “food is community,” and Dave built a damn good one.

Then there’s Wayne’s Smoke Shack in Superior. Open Friday and Saturday and closed the moment the meat runs out, the Smoke Shack doesn’t cater to fads or trends or pretend to be anything it’s not. What they have is word of mouth and the kind of loyalty most places would kill for. Wayne came from the world of high-tech software sales, but after struggling to find good Texas-style BBQ in Colorado, he taught himself how to make it. He and his wife, Sam, now run the place together, keeping it tight-knit and focused on the food. They do nearly everything themselves. The brisket, sausage, pulled pork- every bite had this stripped-down honesty to it. No flash or pizzazz, just great meat treated right. Rubs are massaged in by hand. Sauces that complement instead of overpower. It’s the kind of BBQ that wasn’t made to impress Yelp, but to make Wayne happy. And it does. He hasn’t missed a day in twelve years. When asked what keeps people coming back, Sam put it simply: “Love is the secret ingredient”, and she’s not wrong. But also, the meat is exceptional. The beauty is in the simplicity, not the complexity.

In Boulder, Moe’s Original BBQ somehow manages to be a chain without feeling like one. Alabama-style that’s smoked with peach wood from the Palisades gives the meat a mellow, subtly sweet edge you don’t expect. It’s a Colorado signature on an Alabama classic. Moe’s was named a Top 10 BBQ chain by USA Today, but the Boulder location, run by Alex Kuzel, is one of only two in the country that serves brisket every single day. Alex ran the Lakewood shop for years before taking over in Boulder, and since then, the business has exploded. His secret? He cares about the food and the community around it. He hires CU students and knows his crowd; Moe’s is a local melting pot of students, school staff, and working folks. He built one of the best happy hours in town and offers smoked tofu and vegan options, catering to all diets. And yeah, they do crawfish boils too. Moe’s in Boulder is lively and lovable, just like the town itself.

It is hard to think of much good that came out of the Great Recession, but our final BBQ rave, Georgia Boys, did. Two frat brothers got laid off and started slinging brown bag BBQ out of their Boulder apartment to pay for ski passes. That hustle turned into one of the most community-driven operations in the region. They now do huge catering gigs, but they also show up where it counts, feeding homeless veterans, donating meals to wildfire victims, and sticking to the belief that you build something real by feeding people first and letting the rest come later. The brisket is exactly what you want it to be: tender, juicy, and elevated by a hot ghost pepper sauce that hits hard but finishes clean. Everything’s made in-house, and they don’t cut corners. There’s also the Barnyard Challenge: 5 lbs of food that fewer than 10 people have ever been able to finish. Georgia Boys doesn’t just claim Southern hospitality. They show it, and their track record proves it.

Every joint on this list makes damn good BBQ, takes care of their people, and let’s that speak for itself.

18. Lunch

The Long Lunch: Sit Down, Stay Awhile

Lunch doesn’t usually come with a story. Most days, it’s whatever’s fast and near. But some meals carry more. They hold the people who make them, the places they come from, and the small details that stay with you long after the table is cleared.

At Colorado Dumplings in Longmont, Kaal Nakarmi folds memory into every plate. Growing up in Nepal, the youngest in a family of blacksmiths, he learned the trade from his father. But he also spent his time in the kitchen with his mother, serving as her most-trusted taste-tester. Kaal’s passion pulled him toward art and traditional Nepalese music and dance, where he organized community events. After living and working around the world, he restarted his life in a Colorado kitchen before deciding to serve food that reminded him of family and home. For Karl, dumplings represent comfort and connection, reminiscent of the street food he loved as a child. Colorado Dumplings carries the spirit of Asian street food culture, a place where the focus is on flavor and community, not fluff. Kaal keeps the atmosphere simple, aiming to capture what he calls the soul of food in the streets while giving people something personal and familiar.

I went straight for the beef dumplings with Kaal’s “Tesame” sauce (a mix of sesame and tomato) convinced they’d be the knockout. They were rich and hearty, exactly what you want. But the vegetable dumplings blindsided me with their bold flavor, outshining the beef. For someone who usually eats like vegetables are a side note, it was humbling to admit the veggie option stole the show.

In Lafayette, East Simpson Coffee Company shows what happens when a café becomes a cornerstone. For the past decade, it’s been where the community wakes up, works, and meets. Ty Hubbard started as a customer before managing the shop and eventually took over ownership last year. He kept what worked and added a few efficiencies in the form of self-serve coffee and a kiosk for quick orders, all while preserving its warmth. The result is a café that feels more like a neighborhood hub than a business. The patio stays busy, the interior hums with an array of Lafayette locals, and the food, from burritos to sandwiches, is all made in-house. Ty believes it is a third place, a spot between work and home where the community naturally comes together. Sitting there munching on a homemade grilled cheese sandwich and coffee, watching people come and go, it’s hard to disagree.

The Sink is not just another Boulder restaurant. It’s an institution with a century of history and walls covered in layers of graffiti to prove it. For generations, it has been a student hangout, a local landmark, and the kind of place where presidents and food legends stop in. Barack Obama ate here, Guy Fieri filmed here, and Anthony Bourdain even passed through. But they don’t hang their hat on celebrity endorsements. The Sink keeps going because it never stands still. Marketing manager Gwynedd Bailey points out that the menu shifts with what people want, from mocktails for people who are not drinking to salads that carry as much weight as the wings. Chef Chris Cunningham put in his time in Michelin-starred kitchens, but the grind bled the joy out of cooking. But he reignited his passions at The Sink, trading white tablecloths for graffiti walls and a kitchen that runs on creativity. Chris says he inherited a ship that has been sailing for more than a century, and his job is to keep it steady while giving the crew room to enjoy the ride. Staff are encouraged to pitch dishes, guests taste new ideas, and the menu keeps moving without losing its identity. I started with the pesto Cobb salad, piled high and tied together with a pesto vinaigrette that made it bright instead of heavy. The JuJu hot honey lemon pepper wings had just the right balance of sweet, heat, and tang that kept you reaching for another, and the burnt end mac and cheese was as rich and smoky as it sounds. Then came the pickle lemonade mocktail. It was cold, briny, and oddly refreshing. I drained the glass, a little annoyed at how much I enjoyed it. The Sink has been feeding Boulder for over a century, and it still knows how to keep a table full and a crowd coming back.

Lunch is often overlooked, but at spots like these, it becomes something worth slowing down for.

19. Farm to Table

The Hands Behind the Harvest

Some meals carry a meaning that reaches past the plate. They carry the hands that grew it, the land that shaped it, and the people who built a life around feeding others. Around here, certain farms and kitchens serve food that speaks as much to its origins as to its taste.

The Whistling Boar is led by Chef David Pitula, who spent 16 years cooking in New York before bringing his craft out West. In Brooklyn, his food’s origins were a mystery, but here he knows every root and cut. During the growing season, roughly 80% of the produce comes from local farms, as well as the meat. Everything is made from scratch, down to the bread. While heavily focused on catering, their restaurant has a rooftop bar and event hall attached. While they don’t have a liquor license yet, they make mocktails that are every bit as thoughtful as cocktails, like the Boar’s Whim, a playful take on a Shirley Temple. Their farm-to-table approach is simple: they cook with what is in season and coming fresh from nearby fields. Locally sourced food is their foundation, and they put their money where their mouth is, giving 2% of their revenue to Restore Colorado, which provides grants to farmers. They’re expanding their café and grab-and-go options, but catering is still their stage. Pitula says the secret is consistency and design, but what really makes it sing is their devotion to food that feels local, hand-touched, and unmistakably theirs.

Drive out to Lafayette and you’ll find Three Leaf Farm, owned by Lenny and Sara Martinelli. The Martinellis own multiple restaurants, as well as the Boulder Tea Company, and their farm feeds all of it. For Lenny, knowing and understanding where food comes from is non-negotiable. He runs with a motto “The answer is yes, what is the question?” That attitude permeates everything from farm dinners to workshops. Sara is a medical herbalist, and her knowledge fills the Medicine Trail that winds through the farm, educating visitors about the plants that grow naturally along the Front Range. The farm hosts four-course dinners for 50 to 60 guests, with a rotating menu. They also host the Botanica Festival, a beloved summer gathering that always draws a crowd. In late summer, almost everything on the menu comes from the farm itself, and favorite dishes include corn soup with chili shrimp, kale salad, and Lady Grey ice cream made with their own teas. Chickens, goats, and horses add to the farm’s ecosystem, and flowers, fruit trees, and herbs dot the property. Their work has earned them recognition: the Nature Conservancy’s Nature’s Plate Award for greenest restaurant in Colorado, designation as a Botanical Sanctuary, and in 2023, a spot in the Michelin Guide for their flagship Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Lenny says what makes Three Leaf special is its sense of community; it’s close to downtown yet carries the serenity of the country.

Ollin Farms, run by Kena and Mark Guttridge, takes its name from an Aztec word meaning constant motion or transformation. The idea is simple: the farm is alive, always changing, always improving.  What began as a family necessity to care for their grandmother has become a philosophy of nourishment. Kena says, “Food is medicine,” and she means it. They presented at the U.N. last May on the role of family in climate change and were the only family at the conference among representatives from entire nations. At the heart of Ollin Farms is education, especially for the next generation. They believe teaching kids that planet Earth is our home, a philosophy as important as growing the food itself. Alongside youth programs, their Farmstand sells their produce and that of trusted neighbors, and every first Saturday of the month, the fields come alive with a free community festival. Farm dinners feature four-course meals, with 90% of ingredients pulled from their land or nearby farms. They put an emphasis on young chefs carving their path to take the lead in the kitchen, giving them space to experiment. Ollin’s commitment to regenerative agriculture means no pesticides or herbicides, not even organic-approved ones. They build everything from the soil up in pursuit of the most nutritious and flavorful produce possible. Kena puts it straight, “When you’re here, you’re safe, happy, and you cannot beat the flavor.”

Each establishment has its own character, but they all illustrate that food is never just food. It’s care for people, a tie to tradition, and a way of keeping community alive at the table.

20. Wine and Cheese Pairings

A Gouda Day in Boulder Valley

Colorado has a storied history of being an agricultural state. One that prides itself in dairy in the east and grapes in the west. The two come together in Northern Colorado to make an elevated culinary experience. Three local establishments—/pôr/ Wine House in Louisville, Erie Social Club in Erie, and Le Frigo in Boulder—stand out as destinations where passion, quality, and atmosphere converge. These are not simply restaurants or wine bars; they are thoughtfully curated spaces where community, craftsmanship, and palate-expanding menus invite guests to indulge, explore, and savor.

Start with /pôr/ Wine House, a cozy and elegant spot situated on the corner of Main and Pine in historic downtown Louisville. Since opening in 2014, it has established itself as a neighborhood favorite for its welcoming ambiance and carefully curated selection of wine and small plates. The interior is warm and inviting, effortlessly balancing rustic charm with modern refinement. The menu is designed for sharing and grazing, offering a variety of seasonal tapas that range from blistered shishito peppers and burrata with braised tomatoes to expertly constructed charcuterie boards and citrus-braised pulled pork tacos. With wine-on-tap, half-price bottle nights, and regular live music, /pôr/ encourages guests not just to dine, but to linger and connect. It’s a place where every detail—from the local ingredients to the playlist—feels intentionally designed to elevate the experience. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying a quiet evening for two, /pôr/ offers an atmosphere of effortless sophistication and community-focused warmth.

Travel a short distance northeast and you’ll find Erie Social Club, a wine and whiskey bar that has redefined the downtown Erie scene. Despite its name, no membership is required—this is a space designed to be inclusive and inviting to all. Owned and operated by the charismatic Varnadoe family, including a former Disney Jungle Cruise skipper, the Social Club combines playful energy with serious hospitality. The space is richly appointed with velvet couches, exposed brick, and soft lighting, creating an environment that feels at once upscale and deeply relaxed. Erie Social Club has been recognized repeatedly by local publications for its outstanding happy hour, bar program, and service, and it’s easy to see why. The bar offers 25% off bottles every Wednesday, a rotating lineup of wines and whiskeys, and an ever-evolving schedule of events—from trivia nights to community fundraisers. Even the outdoor heated patio welcomes all members of the family, including pets, with charming touches like “barkcuterie” boards. The staff is attentive and passionate, and the drinks are crafted with both precision and creativity. At its core, Erie Social Club is more than a bar—it is a gathering place, a reflection of Erie’s growing cultural scene, and a testament to the value of locally driven hospitality.

Tucked away on Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder, there is Le Frigo: a gourmet deli and European-style provisions shop that feels like a portal to another continent. Le Frigo’s dedication to imported products, artisan goods, and exquisite sandwiches is unmatched in the region. The centerpiece of the experience is the walk-in cheese cellar, a chilled sanctuary filled with aged wheels of French brie, nutty Alpine cheeses, salumi, and condiments that rival those found in Parisian epiceries. Their sandwiches, such as the Catalan, Le Frigo Royale, or the daily specials, have become legendary among locals. Le Frigo remains one of the few places in the area to slice prosciutto to order, a detail that speaks to their commitment to traditional methods and high standards. It is not only a place to grab lunch, but a destination for those seeking rare oils, mustards, jams, and cheeses…each item a story, and a sensory experience waiting to unfold.

Together, these Boulder County gems offer a compelling invitation: to slow down, taste more carefully, and celebrate the flavors that bring people together. Whether you’re sipping a crisp rosé under string lights, sampling a carefully aged gouda from a walk-in cheese cave, or toasting a neighbor with a whiskey sour on the patio, each of these establishments offers more than just a meal—they offer a meaningful, memorable experience steeped in local pride and culinary delight.

21. European Cuisine

The Ultimate European Culinary Experience, without Leaving Colorado

America is built on the entire world of cultures coming together. When’s the last time you ate at a restaurant knowing your entire experience was curated through its ambiance and scratch-made food? In this European tour of Boulder County, you are sure to feel like family.

From the moment I walked through the doors at Arabesque in Boulder, I felt a sense of love, understanding, and belonging from the owner, Manal. You can expect to be served a smile and some laughs alongside a perfectly procured taste bud explosion. I sampled the creamy, dreamy hummus, pillowy bread, refreshing tabouleh, and the savory, oh-so-flavorful dish of roast chicken and potatoes in an olive oil sauce with Israeli spices. 

To make my visit a little more special, I was brought lightly sweet and spicy Chai tea and Tiraklava (Tiramisu and Baklava) The location and uniqueness of the building, along with its shaded, inviting outdoor patio, are just extensions of the culinary treats you will discover here. While I came here to sample some delicious food, I left with a friend and a reminder of how interconnected we all are and the significant role food plays in building those relationships. 

Schnitzel, spaetzle and streudel… oh my! When you’re looking to enjoy some central European fare, Bohemian Biergarten in Boulder is the place to go. You can see the passion that the owner, Zdenek, has for creating this dining experience. The decor isn’t a re-creation of, but rather, a perfectly crafted European gastropub that holds 150-year-old reclaimed lumber tables, light fixtures dating back to the 1900s, and original bricks and vaulted ceilings from its historic downtown building. The experience is rounded out with imported classic European biers and tasty traditional dishes from the central region such as Goulash, scratch made sausages and my favorite, Jager Schnitzel. The only way to finish is by trying the apple streudel, which was hands down, one of the best desserts I’ve tasted. Unfortunately, “everything has an end, only the sausage has two”. Which is a fun way of saying I didn’t want to leave but I can always come back. Make sure to check out what events they have planned as Oktoberfest quickly approaches. 

Blimey! If you’re looking to hit up a neighborhood British pub without taking the long flight over the pond, look no further. You’ll be chuffed to bits with Burns Pub and Restaurant in Broomfield. It’s the perfect place for some delicious comfort food, an astounding award-winning collection of whiskeys and that iconic pub feel. The crispy Cod Boxty (potato and cod cakes), savory Scotch Eggs and perfectly flakey fish with chips were the bee’s knees. This family owned treasure sits atop a hill, attached to the original Country Inn that the Odde family purchased 24 years ago. If you fancy a pint and want to be gobsmacked by some delicious British favorites, head on over. It’s bloody delicious! 

I’m calling my visit to Cracovia a divine intervention, as it seemingly delivered me from what has been an uncertain time in my life, to one of the most special and meaningful dining experiences I’ve ever had. Everything, and I mean everything, is made from scratch; from the sausage, to the mustard (dang, that mustard), to the naturally fermented sauerkraut. They even make their own infused Vodkas used in their signature cocktails, such as the “Polish Kiss”. The cabbage roll and kielbasa created such nostalgia for me and were a welcome reminder of the dishes my grandmother served me as a kid. But the pierogis with mushroom gravy, the krokiet, and something as simple as the horseradish beets…I think I died and went to Polish heaven. This experience would have been amazing even if it was just the food served, but add in the kind faces (Jutta and Alan) and the best restaurant origin story I’ve ever heard, and it will quickly become one of your favorite places to dine. 

There’s something to be said for the care and detail that European restaurateurs put into their craft. We should all be so grateful to have such unique restaurant destinations in Colorado. It’s an important reminder that diverse experiences are the backbone of what makes a place truly special. And what better way to celebrate the richness of diversity than by breaking bread?

22. Whisky

Aged at Altitude: Boulder’s Craft Whisky Experiences

Vapor/Boulder Spirits

Walking into Vapor/Boulder Spirits’ distillery off Arapahoe, the first sense that takes over is the smell. Sweet, smooth, dessert for your nose. Mouth-watering—imagine a boozy Wurther’s. 

I can’t help but fall into a cliche and tell the whiskey-maker that his work smells of sweet caramel.

Instead of nodding politely or glazing over it, Alistair Brogan—who’s already greeted me with a huge smile and handshake—tells me it’s because of reflux. I ask, and he lets me know the room breathes, with pressure coming out of the still and into the air, and the air around us creates pressure back. Due to Boulder’s elevation, this causes an increased amount of evaporation and results in 50 lost barrels of whisky a year, compared to maybe the two to four barrels that distillers in Scotland anticipate.

Right away, the technical process of distilling whisky comes up.

“How did you even learn this?” I ask. He laughs. 

“This was going to be a hobby,” Brogan says. “I was doing family business consulting for a law firm in Scotland at the time. I was going to try and establish that over here, but I brought a Scottish copper pot still with me from Forsyth, which is where they make all the stills. I was just going to lay down whisky and I bumped into Ted Palmer who was the gin guy here.”

Alistair and his wife, Megan, moved with their two sons to America in 2013. Brogan, originally from Glasgow, has had multiple lifetimes of learning. From joining the military when he was 18 to being a Tribe Member on Survivor: Panama, to operating his family’s business until it sold and they moved to America. Brogan took over Boulder Spirits in 2015, and they opened their tasting room on Pearl nine months ago. 

“It’s tougher times for people to enjoy themselves without that guilt stepping in,” he says. “I mean the cost, the price gouging—find ways to indulge how you can.” 

For Alistair, whisky is a way to expose yourself to more of the world. And he wants to welcome people into that education aspect of distilling. 

“It’s a way to meet new people, and think not just about how something tastes, but explore the tastes and flavors of their imaginations,” Brogan says. “When, where, how, and who do you want to drink with?” 

His way to encourage others to indulge? Try whiskies. Ask and educate yourself about what you like or don’t like. If it’s out of your budget? It’s okay to go for the more affordable option.When I asked if he had a favorite that Boulder Spirits makes, he said he always comes back to their Single Malt.

“It reminds me of Scotland,” he says with a small, thoughtful smile. Alistair indulges by enjoying whisky on his leather couch that he brought with him. “For me, it’s got to be quiet. No one else is around. Just me and a glass of whisky to truly appreciate it.”

Visit their tasting room on Pearl for a more intimate sampling or consider visiting their distillery for a tour or tasting night.

Hogback Distillery

Since age 25, Graeme Wallace of Hogback Distillery has been an entrepreneur, spirits reviewer, landscape photographer, and author of coffee table and children’s books. But at the root of it all, he’s always been a whisky maker. 

He started a sales job that provided vouchers for whisky, sometimes well-known and, other times, extremely rare. 

“I was getting these, you know…crazy, hundred-pound [dollar] bottles of whisky that I was trying every night and learning from,” Wallace says.

Then, he started to photograph the distilleries and began producing books about Scotland and its distilleries. He has one specifically about Ardbeg Distillery, where he got to meet and spend time with Master Distiller, Dr. Bill Lumsden. 

“The whole time I was writing these coffee table books about whisky, I was learning how to make it,” Wallace says.

He moved from Scotland to Colorado to start Hogback. But moving here was more for him.

 “America is the land of reward for working hard, and Colorado was always this land of rugged beauty,” he says. “Which I think says something about whisky, too. […] I’m not a huge risk taker, but I am a huge dreamer.”

Hogback’s slogan “Savor the Adventure” captures that to a degree.

“One of my first memories in the early days of Hogback was that I wanted to do a rum rye whisky,” Wallace says. “So, I drove up to this distillery in Crested Butte, and it was me in my tiny van with four barrels of rum. […] I was just there, driving through the mountains, listening to a John Denver song. And that’s when it really hit me that I had made it. I had accomplished this dream, and all the pieces had come together.” 

Self-identified as a true micro-distillery, Hogback relies on Graeme and his partner Catherine’s efforts to keep things running smoothly. 

Recently, Hogback’s Eclipse Rye Whisky was featured on ADHD Whisky: a YouTube channel produced by Matt Porter, who’s based out of Rifle, CO. Matt sent Graeme a text the day the video went live.

“He posted it at 3p.m. By 4p.m., we had 250 orders,” Wallace says. “By 10a.m. the next day, it was maybe 450. Now, it’s 1000 bottles. I had to message our marketing people and let them know we were out. It’s a lot to produce, but it’s very, very exciting, too.”

The whole video is less than 9 minutes long.Graeme’s pride is Hogback’s Peat Smoked Single Malt. Immediate notes of BBQ smoke, sing with pepper and oak, followed by a fantastic follow of blackberries. The quality is there in every first taste of whisky.Hogback, though made and stored in Boulder, has established roots in Estes Park, where their new tasting room is. 

“The real dream, and I mean the real, real dream, is to move everything to Estes,” Wallace says. “I love it and feel a real sense of the old West up there.”

When I ask how Graeme indulges, he starts counting under his breath. I wait patiently until he says, every night, for nearly 40 years—since he was 25—he has had a dram of whisky. Occasionally a cigar.

“I have a dram at the end of the day, watching the sun go down over the mountains until the stars come out,” he says. “I like to just to contemplate and remember this is the real deal.”

Their whisky has that taste of wisdom, time, and craft that a micro distillery truly can and should pride itself on. Visit them at their tasting room in Estes and be sure to try the Peat Smoked. 

William Oliver’s

What’s immediately refreshing about walking into William Oliver’s in Lafayette? No blasting music, no TVs from all angles, no overwhelm. They have long communal tables to encourage conversation with your neighbors while dining, and they’re even open until 2 am, so other local hospitality workers can have their own space after a shift. It’s all very courteous and laid back from the get-go.

“This is everyone’s pub. We’re happy you’re here,” the general manager, Jack Calhoun says.

Calhoun has been the general manager at William Oliver’s for six years. His favorite thing about working in hospitality is helping create new and unique dishes and beverages.

“I have a monthly challenge for our chefs,” he says. “I ask them to create an option for our next monthly special. They have to make it with our existing ingredients, and they’re allowed to bring one unique ingredient in.” […] It’s another way for us to find a unique whisky pairing. Everything is very intentional and creative. It’s our way of having fun.”

William Oliver’s has more than 400 whiskies available. And if it’s not whisky, it’s Colorado.

“We’re big on supporting businesses based out of Colorado or Colorado-owned,” Calhoun explains.

They focus on a different whisky distiller every month. A representative from the distillery will come to William Oliver’s, provide some history and insight into their process, and then they pour samples from five different types of whisky offered. William Oliver’s has been doing this for three years to highlight the whiskies they offer.

During my visit, I enjoyed the Colorado whisky flight, which included: Breckenridge Distillery’s Port Finish Bourbon, Stranahan’s Blue Peak, Laws Whiskey House Rye, and NoCo Bourbon #2. 

They all paired beautifully with the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers made with the restaurant’s own maple bacon bourbon spread, and sweet & sour pork belly sandwich, featuring William Oliver’s feta coleslaw and a toasted telera roll. 

“We want to lift up other businesses,” Calhoun says. 

They also have charity events, fun holiday events like an advent calendar with discounted bottles, and offer field trips for staff education, which, specifically, Jack notes as another kind of indulgence. This surprises me, and I say as much.

“Some places of business might consider staff education as a necessity or a basic,” I say. “Why would you qualify it as an indulgence?”

“One of the greatest things in this world is having access to resources to indulge in,” he says. “But if [the staff] can’t bridge into that curiosity and indulge themselves, you’re missing the point. You’re nothing without your staff.” 

We talked briefly about how maybe some of afraid to indulge because one of the obstacles to it is coming off as picky or rude. What’s keeping you from asking for what you want?

“You can be a pain in the a** about modifications so long as you’re polite,” Calhoun says. “Indulgence to me is taking a chance, stepping out of your comfort zone, and finding the uniqueness of something that’s not in the day-to-day. Surprise yourself.”

Spirit Hound

“You’re the fourth and final distillery or whisky spot I’ve interviewed this week,” I tell Craig Engelhorn of Spirit Hound in Lyons. “The first three either told me I had to talk to you or had nothing but nice things to say about Spirit Hound when I told them I was coming to see you. How does that feel?”

“Oh geez,” Engelhorn says. “Well,  it goes both ways. There’s a camaraderie and respect in our community that you can only really find in small towns or in Colorado.”

Craig came to Lyons from Neligh, Nebraska. After working in corporate telecommunications, he served as the head brewer at Oskar Blues where he created Dale’s Pale Ale. From there, he decided whisky was the direction he wanted to go in. He personally built Spirit Hound’s copper still in 2013, which every drop of whisky they’ve ever produced has gone through it. He learned to weld and connected with other whisky lovers in Lyons, like Neil Sullivan, Wayne Anderson, and Matt Rooney. 

“We’ve made some amazing connections,” Craig says. He talks about partnerships like Bee Squared, an apiary in Berthoud, that helps them produce their honey whisky, and how their American Single Maly is finished in a Suerte Tequila barrel. 

“We’re a business built on the relationships we make. We can’t do this alone. I’m also a big believer in “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

“When I was first learning how to distill, I thought maybe another distiller might come help me. But at one of our first bottling parties, I had some musician friends here,” Engelhorn recounts. “I was playing music in the back, and my one buddy asked, “Hey Craig, do you mind if we cut the music actually?”

“I was like, “What? You guys are musicians. Don’t you want music?”

“He said, “Well yeah, usually, but we’re in the process of making a new album. We want to avoid outside influences. To be creative from the inside out.”

“That’s really stuck with me,” Craig finishes. “Here I was, thinking this other distiller would teach me. But it’s not his whisky. It’s my whisky, it’s Spirt Hound whisky. People love what we do because it’s ours. So we create from the inside out.”

Spirit Hound’s Straight Malt Whisky secured the Whisky of the Year with 96 points and a Gold Medal at London Spirits Competition in 2022.

The award-winning barrel? #473 of their Single Malt. 

“The malt is my baby,” he says. “We thought about bumping up the price when we first won. But we didn’t. We wanted people to come enjoy it as is, to see why it won. We sold out in a week. I’m still really proud of that. I want everyone to enjoy and experience joy.”

Craig also shows me his “Whisky Library”: a part of the distillery he’s sectioned off to keep bottles from every barrel. He pours a dram without showing the barrel number. It has all the layers of the different whiskies we tried inside, but it’s noticeably unique. Creative and new.

“There’s barrel number one for you,” he says finally. “I don’t share that very often. I like to keep it, to make a moment special.”

Next time you’re on your way to Estes or Rocky Mountain National Park, stop in for a taste of Colorado’s craft distilling community in a dram whisky.

23. Tavern Time

The Best Spots for A Pint & Something More in Boulder County

West Side Tavern

I don’t know if I  can properly capture just how fun it was to talk to Wes Isbutt, owner of the West Side Tavern in Longmont.

Wes greets me with a huge smile and handshake, guiding us inside while waving at everyone dining or checking in with his staff. We sit down, and he makes sure to order me the special for the evening before we start talking. They have a different special every night. I’m lucky to show up one evening when they’re serving a rack of elk with a port demi glaze over a four cheese risotto with roast vegetables, paired with Wes’s award-winning Old Fashioned. It’s a seriously gorgeous meal.

What is now West Side Tavern used to be Longmont’s grocery store. The building itself is 100 years old, nestled in a neighborhood off Highway 287.

“I came by once a month for three years to ask the owner at the time to sell it to me,” Wes tells me. “He said yes. We took two years to renovate, and now we’re here.”

This is the first restaurant Wes has owned in Colorado. The first five were in Las Vegas. 

“Always focus on one at a time, otherwise you’ll lose what makes that place special,” 

His big personality–which West Side guests sometimes specifically come to visit just for him–paired with his involvement in the restaurant shows for it. There’s a tiki bar outside, and inside is a small bistro meets tavern meets modern art decor. 

Wes describes it as a more grown-up “cocktail and conversation” spot, and he’s very involved in the process. They offer cocktail classes, wine tastings, cooking experiences, and more. Inside, they seat 38, outside 60. It’s intimate and neighborly, with a decided dedication to the finer things in life. They also have more than 400 bourbons to try. They focus on offering a luxury whisky experience that you can only find at West Side Tavern. 

“This is my idea of fun,” he says. “Fine dining, fresh food from scratch, good company, and then a walk home? That’s the way to indulge.” 

“People deserve to have enough money to pay their bills, have control over their lives, and love it all the while,” he says. “Have a drink, be here.” He finishes with an emphatic point down to the ground beneath us. Being present is persistent at West Side Tavern. 

Bambei Brewing

After Sean Bambei, of Bambei Brewing, was laid off from his IT job in 2021, he was determined to start a brewery.

“I had a chili beer at Bootstrap, which is exactly how it sounds,” he says. “It’s beer with chili in it. And it was amazing. I knew I wanted to make something like that. Something memorable.” 

Sean grew up in Arvada and stayed in Colorado with his family. Every Saturday for two years, Sean and his friend Paul brewed at home together. Their first brew, Ass in the Sand, is a dynamic and delectable Mexican Lager. With that as their start, they pursued finding a space to brew and share beer.

“We signed our lease offer six days before the Marshall Fire,” Sean says. “Some of the buildings around here burned down or had fire damage, but at the time, we didn’t know what we were coming into. There was even a point where I wasn’t sure if this would happen. But we opened in June 2023, and we’ve been going ever since.”

When they first opened, Superior still felt the effects of the fire. 

“Everyone wants to tell their story,” Sean says. “How it affected them, continued to impact them. We became a community spot.”

Bambei Brewing is the only brewery in Superior, which takes me off guard at first until I realize other spots nearby are actually in Lousiville or Broomfield. They offer cocktails on tap, and their food, Sean tells me, is “more than pub fare.”

When asked how he likes to indulge, Sean says, “I like to eat too many wings, enjoy a Dank West Coast, and watch football.”

Catch a game or bring your family to Bambei Brewing in Superior next time you want craft beer with a bit of Colorado heart behind it. 

West End Tavern

There was a time when the West End Tavern marked the west-most end of Boulder, with unobstructed views of the Flat Irons and nothing more west when it came to Pearl Street. Some things–okay, a lot of things–have

 changed since West End Tavern opened in 1987, but the team there stays true to the nostalgia of what Boulder used to be.

“A lot of out-of-towners come in from referrals,” West End general manager, Ashley Millikin, says. “Sometimes they’re visiting and they join us two or three times during their visit, or there are folks who came here in college, had their first date here, or used to come with friends. Either way, it always really feels like a community.”

Millikin, who’s been the GM for 10 years, has seen folks from every walk of life: families from out of town, college students working a job throughout school, couples getting married. She even says the original 1987 staff reunites at West End Tavern every year.

“I think that goes to show how special this place is,” she says.

I had the Kansas City style burnt ends, a taste of their bourbon collaboration with Breckenridge Distillery, and the Fried Chicken Sandwich, Sticky Style, which is a delectable piece of fried chicken paired with spiced honey, smoked garlic mayo, green apple, and crunchy kale slaw, all on a buttered brioche bun. It’s unique and an understandable staple of the menu.

“We don’t mess with the menu,” Kevin Gossi, the Culinary Director, says. “People are very passionate about it and let us know how things used to be when [West End] first opened, or what it was like even when they visited ten years ago. They want “You get what you expect.” They want that sense of time.”

The nostalgia nods are everywhere, from the original owner’s Blackened Mahi Sandwich recipe, which you can still find on the menu, to their Whisky Club as a way to recognize community members throughout the years.

“We’re learning every day, making those connections, and following that bread crumb that leads us into the future,” Ashley says.

Visit West End Tavern, whether it’s your first time or in 40 years, for a taste of the good ol’ days.

The Hungry Toad

The Hungry Toad is definitely the most English of the taverns I’ve been to on this assignment. The brick face, coats of arms, toile wallpaper–I even catch them on a rainy Friday afternoon during a CU football game day. I get the chance to enjoy a Guinness and their Bangers and Mash on my own before I sit down to talk with Johnny Rutter, the General Manager of the Hungry Toad. The Bangers and Mash is comforting, delicious, and doesn’t skimp on the meat with four sausages. Not to mention the onion gravy makes everything come together.

“The benefit of being a pub is that we make everything from scratch,” Johnny tells me. “I think comfort food can still be whole food, and we can redefine what’s good for you.”

Rutter explains how The Hungry Toad was owned by Terry Morton for 30 years before Bonnie and Hansen Rada became the new proprietors.

“The thing about pubs in the UK is that they’re an extension of your living room,” Rutter says. “We’re part of their habit, their routine. COVID disrupted that, and people found new routines. It takes a lot for people to find their flow again, and it took a lot for us to win back hearts and minds.”

When they first reopened, Rutter says, it was the World Cup.

“We remodeled, closed for three weeks, opened, and we were fully in for the soccer scene,” Rutter recalls “Seeing this place come alive–the energy was electric. Seeing that and understanding what we were capable of, it’s definitely a favorite memory.”

The identity of the Toad is focused on being a community center.

“Neighborhood spots are starting to diminish,” Rutter says. “We want to be your local, indy, neighborhood spot for the Boulder community. This is your place, we’re just the building and the food.”

Johnny says: indulge in food that makes you feel good. 

“Eat to feel good because it tastes good,” he says. “Food should make you feel good on multiple levels. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fine dining. Enjoy yourself, get out to your neighborhood spot, and have some comfort food.” 

Stop by the Hungry Toad the next time you want to watch a game and enjoy a pint. 

24. Asian Cuisine

Spice Level: Indulgent

Busaba

I’m early for lunch at Busaba. SP, the owner, has to help with something at their Baseline location, which gives me the chance to order and have a quiet lunch on my own. I get the Thai Iced Coffee, veggie dumplings, and drunken noodles. The final dish gets me. It’s a wonderful breath of Thai Basil worked into the layers of the meal among peppers, onions, and bean sprouts. When SP joins me, he tells me they’re his favorite, too.

“That basil makes it,” I say with an approving nod.

“It’s all thanks to the family I bought Busaba from,” he says.

Owner, Shekhar Pokhrel, known to family and staff as SP, is originally from Nepal. He grew up on a farm before moving to Boulder to attend CU, where he studied accounting and finance. In college, he worked at The Siamese Plate, a restaurant that had previously occupied the space Busaba is in now. SP moved to Minnesota for a time, where he met his wife, before they returned to Boulder, and he worked from home for a time. Most evenings after work, SP would visit Busaba with co-workers and friends, quickly becoming a regular.

“It was mostly a bit we would do, joking about me buying the restaurant from them because I came so often,” he says. “But then it became more serious, and I agreed to do it under two conditions.”

SP’s first condition: the original owners, the Phairatphiboon family, would stay on until SP felt fully confident managing everything. The second? He wanted them to teach him all of their recipes. The sauces, the dishes, the drinks. Everything.

“I haven’t changed anything,” he says. “It’s all the original family recipes that they had before. I wanted to keep that nostalgia and experience for people who continue to visit us—for the first time or the hundredth, because they definitely have their expectations of how everything is supposed to taste. They have that nostalgia, too. I asked the family to teach me their legacy.”

The Phairatphiboon family, SP says, is a family of four from Thailand. When they retired and wanted to return home, SP–who was a passionate regular–understood the importance of keeping Busaba what they made it, rather than what he wanted.

“The mom of the family—I call her Mom—taught me everything I know now,” SP says. “Not just the sauces and the recipes, but she really showed me her precise way of doing things, and that if you want to be successful, you have to grind.”

He initially spent two years learning from them, sometimes focusing 16 to 17 hours a day on understanding Busaba’s story and essence. SP is still in touch with the family, and actually visited them at their home in northern Thailand last year. He stayed with them for two weeks.

“Mom asked me, actually, she goes, ‘How are you?’ Then, immediately, ‘Have you changed anything? Don’t change anything!’ And she’s happy when I tell her I haven’t. We cooked together the whole time. I’m still learning from them.”

With this in mind, he says there’s something special about Colorado, and Boulder in particular.

“Busaba is a way for guests to indulge in authentic Thai and a passion for sharing an experience. Boulder has a great food scene with a community that has always been so welcoming. I’m lucky to be a part of that.”

The community gives back to Busaba, too, he tells me.

“Our regulars are comfortable reaching out to me directly, which I really appreciate,” he says. “Recently, I got an email that said, “Your medium spicy is too spicy, something changed.” And I tried it myself, and they were right. We realized what happened and were able to adjust. I appreciate that our community wants to support us, not destroy us.”

He takes the time to really talk with me, so we never feel rushed. He orders us some crab rangoons so we can still share part of the meal. He even asks me how I like to indulge, which I haven’t had yet in an interview. I appreciate that I got to have lunch on my own and maybe experience Busaba how SP used to before he took over.

Whether it’s human connection or a legacy of family recipes, consider visiting any of their five locations, in Longmont, Louisville, Erie, Baseline in Boulder, or on Peart Street.

Momo House

East of Boulder, in an unsuspecting outlet on 92nd Avenue in Westminster  , is Momo House. “Momo” is Nepal’s take on dumplings. Sabin Katila, the owner, personally cooks their chili chicken momo for me himself. Their tagline, “A taste of the Himalayas,” comes through right away. It’s full of flavor—curry, ginger, onions—wrapped into a perfectly soft on the top, golden brown on the bottom dumpling. Coated in a chili sauce, it’s a great way to indulge in a new type of food, treat yourself to a quick lunch, or get a group of friends together to try more than one item, like their bison or vegan momo. Momo House got their start at the Farmer’s Market in Boulder during COVID. 

“All the vendors would buy from each other to support one another,” Katila says. They’ve been in their Westminster location now for two years.

Sabin shows me their website, which they’re currently working on updating. “That’s my mom,” he says, smiling as he points to a picture of a woman decked out in a mask and hair cover, flipping momo in a pan at one of the farmers’ markets. “This whole thing exists because of her.” 

Sabin and his mom, Daya, are Newari: an indigenous group in Nepal. Newari recipes inspire the momos they make and serve. Momo are one way anyone interested in trying something new can enjoy a homemade taste of Nepal. 

Consider heading out to Westminster to try Momo House, and follow them on Instagram, @therealmomohouse. 

Yummy Hot Pot

Further east of Westminster, nearly to Thornton, is Yummy Hot Pot on Federal. They offer an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) Sichuan hot pot under $30 per person, including chili oil and soup dumplings, which are flavorful and fun to try. They also offer scallion pancakes if you’re interested in something new. 

The AYCE option is where things get interesting. This is a great option for a date night or a large group interested in doing a more expensive outing together. Lunch time may be the real winner, with a $2 AYCE option. If you want to be a responsible adult who doesn’t gorge themselves on stupendous broth and meats, then go for one of their other options like the Spicy Fire Noodles with Beef or Seafood Noodles. 

The AYCE features a make-it-yourself option. Choose your own soup base, order any meat, seafood, and vegetables you’d like to cook yourself, then go over to their self-service buffet complete with add-ins like udon noodles, eggs, nori, and more. The best part? Make your own sauce. There are so many to choose from, including oyster sauce, Mae Ploy (sweet chili sauce), and more. According to their Instagram, they go through (a lot) of their chef’s sauce every day. 

25. More than just ice cream

Glacier Homemade Ice Cream

I’ll set the scene: Walking into Glacier Homemade Ice Cream, you are greeted with a playful atmosphere, psychedelic tapestries, and that sweet, toasty aroma of fresh waffle cones.. Most importantly, an army of ice cream flavors are waiting to be tasted. From their fantastic vegan Butter Pecan made, cashew milk (which made me do a double take to make sure it was vegan), to the puckeringly tart lemon sorbet, you’ll want for nothing. Their ice cream is made of only high-quality local milk, which gives them a dense, ultra-creamy texture. Owner Mark Mallen says, “We get our milk from a local, called Farmers, based in Longmont. They don’t use chemicals, and our mixes don’t have corn syrup in them.”  If you are a fan of mix-ins like caramel, Oreos, fruit, cookie dough, or nuts, Glacier has got you covered. They are not shy, filling their butter pecan to the brim with whole halves of pecan, and the Salted Oreo Caramel with full chunks of Oreo and generous swirls of gooey caramel. The craziest flavors Mark has developed in the past were a Lox and Cream Cheese ice cream for the Jewish festival and a medical marijuana flavor. Mark says it was delicious and savory. I’ll take his word for it. 

Given the numerous ice cream shops in Boulder, I asked Mark what sets Glacier apart He answered, “The quality of ingredients and the variety. It’s a treat, but it’s real ingredients.” When Mark thinks of indulging, he immediately thinks of high-quality chocolate and honey. “We have some 100% chocolate that we use for the ice cream. I’ll bring some home and dip it into some high-quality honey, and that’s perfect.” Bitter, dark chocolate contrasted with sweet, floral honey is something I can get on board with.  

As I spoke to Mark about Glacier, many community members came up to chat, catch up, and say a quick hello. This is what it’s all about: connection.  An idea that we are quickly losing in the digital world. Especially since the pandemic, we have forgotten connection; it is literally what life is about. Glacier fosters the idea of connection beautifully. 

Mark started Glacier out of love for the community and a desire to recreate that comforting sense of nostalgia. Glacier has been there beside those who mourn, celebrate, and the in-between Saturday afternoons. “It’s one of those things that reminds you of your childhood. The smells, the warmth, the smiles, it’s a wholesome treat.” Being inside Glacier, all of a sudden, Boulder felt a lot smaller. With the regulars greeting one another and the sense of community dwelling richly within, those comforting, childlike feelings set in. I indulged in the remembrance of what life used to feel like, a simpler, slower time, when all that seemed important was what flavor to choose. 

For those who would say ice cream is not their chosen sweet treat, Mark has something to say about that: ”Try Glacier”. The flavors are truly delicious.. Not only are they slightly sweet, but they also have an incredible texture that makes you want to go back for more. 

Love Ice Cream

It can be a hassle, not to mention pricey, to go out with your family for a simple treat. In today’s world, even going to get ice cream with your loved ones can drain the bank. If you are looking for a cozy local spot to enjoy a frozen treat that’s also affordable, Love Ice Cream might just be the perfect choice. This family-owned business, nestled on Main Street in Niwot, is creating not only a delicious, but wallet-friendly treat but an experience. Their mission is to remove the stressors that prevent families from enjoying ice cream and create a space for them to be together. Talking with co-owner Vincent Love (husband to owner Katy Love), it’s not that deep; they just create a good place for the community to gather. “It’s just a happy place to be, we keep it simple, you can come to enjoy and be with family.” Vincent Love says ice cream is about joy, a place to be happy, no matter what’s happening in life. This is their love letter to Niwot; being locals themselves, they needed a place to go with their five kids. Love Ice Cream is cozy, simplistic, about the family, and centered around gathering. Sourcing their ice cream from High Point Creamery in Broomfield, accompanied by an impressive array of toppings, you’ll be in Love after your visit. The Salty Dog Chocolate was the perfect balance between salty and rich dark chocolate, making your mouth water with each bite.

Their mission is what most of us are missing in life: a moment to pause and enjoy. They cultivate a simpler pace where going to get ice cream at the end of your day is easy, affordable, relaxing, and filled with real joy. It was important to the Loves to give back to their community. With regular charity events supporting schools or after-school activities, they are filling Niwot’s cup to the brim. Having been open for almost one year, Love Ice Cream is surely already a staple in the community. With many small, locally owned businesses closing in Old Town Niwot, we need to support them now more than ever. 

They are not just serving delicious ice cream; they are fostering a place of family. If you are a local, consider taking an evening walk with your family to Love Ice Cream and experience the warmth I felt during my visit. Niwot is unassuming and most often missed, but it is a hidden gem in the Boulder area. The old town’s main street takes you out of the rustle and bustle of everyday life and makes you slow down. With a quant mountain feel, Niwot’s charm is contagious.

In a world full of distractions, a constant pull here and over there. It can be very difficult to prioritise an essential part of our well-being. Slowing down. Taking even 15 minutes a day to remove yourself and breathe. To hear the sound of the trees, to hear your loved ones laugh, and to observe the smile on people’s faces, whatever it is. This beautiful part of life seems to be continually slipping through our fingers. There are very few activities in life that promote stillness, presence, and force you to stop and be. A place like Love Ice Cream is a great outlet for this practice. Sitting on a picnic table in the fresh air, with nothing else to focus on but your delicious ice cream, is a rare and beautiful experience. Let your nervous system melt alongside your scoop. So, let’s try. Try to stop and not smell the roses, but taste the ice cream.

Heaven Creamery

Let me introduce you to a world of ice cream you’ve never visited before. Ice cream meets fine dining in an approachable, intriguing way at Heaven Creamery.  Walking through the doors at the Boulder location, you are truly transported to another realm. A realm of ice cream flavor combinations that you never would have dreamt of, like Dark Chocolate Jalapeño. Not only are they delicious, but they are also a unique experience to enjoy. You certainly won’t be able to find these flavors just anywhere. The pristine interior makes you feel as though you just won a prize to taste this special ice cream. They offer rotating flavors and frequently introduce new creations, such as their Heaven Pumpkin. This is their seasonal pumpkin spice ice cream, served inside an actual pumpkin, topped with fruit compote. You can always expect something interesting and exciting at Heaven Creamery. 

An artistic flair surely shows up not only in the ice creams but also in the extensive dessert menu: featuring crepes, mango sticky rice, and brownie à la mode, to name a few. But back to the ice cream. I had the delight of trying a flavor that a patron next to me exclaimed with joy while trying. This was the Dubia Chocolate gelato. It was not just decadent, but with each bite, it felt as though thought, care, and time had been spilled into the mixture. The Blueberry Lavender was lavishly topped with lavender sprigs, as if the ice cream were a work of art. You can truly taste every ingredient inside, fresh, real, and of the highest quality. Owner Martha Trillo had a mission to create frozen desserts that are wholesome, healthier, and made with top-tier ingredients. Martha and her team have certainly achieved that through the work and dedication I observed. 

Sweet Cow

With locations in Louisville, Longmont,  Boulder, and Denver, as well as a pop-up ice cream truck,  is a Colorado staple. At the Louisville location, their long list of handcrafted flavors fills the wall behind the counter, filling every need from a simple Dutch chocolate to the boozy Big Lebowski. For me, a hot day called for a refreshing fruit flavor, Chocolate Acia Blueberry in a waffle cone. Sweet, refreshing, and something you cannot buy at the store. 

While indoor seating is limited, to make room for the quick-moving line, there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy once you get outside. An astroturf lawn, shared with Lucky Pie Pizza, houses picnic tables and lots of room for kids to get their post-ice cream wiggles out. 

The post Ways to Indulge | Indulgence Issue 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Tots Opps

45th Annual Halloween Parade & Trick or Treat Street
Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Roosevelt Community Park, Longmont
The costume parade and Trick or treat Street is back for another year to march down Main Street Longmont.

Apex Foundation Trick or Trot 5K & Halloween Candy Hunt
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 27, 8:30 a.m – 11 a.m.. at 13150 W. 72nd Ave., Arvada
Proceeds from this Halloween-themed fun run and candy hunt go to the non-profit Apex Foundation.

Halloween Themed Drag Bingo Brunch!
Thursday, Oct. 30, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at The Passenger 300 Main ST Longmont
18+ Drag BINGO Brunch hosted by the one and only Jessica L’Whor—yes, that Jessica who rocks the stage monthly at Dickens!

Halloween Kids Fest
 Oct. 25, 29 & 31 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Downtown Aquarium
Kids in costume with an adult receive half-price admission cost. Festivities include a guess the weight of the giant pumpkin, costume contest, animal appearances and trick-or-treating.

Halloween Spooktacular! 
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2:30 p.m., Colorado Symphony
Featuring Halloween music from films, television, and more. Families can attend wearing costumes.

Munchkin Masquerade
Friday, Oct. 31, 3-6 p.m. at Pearl Street, Boulder
Recommended for children 12 years or younger, Pearl Street opens for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.

Spooky Skeleton Cookie Decorating Class
Saturday Oct. 18, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at 194 South Federal Boulevard Denver
Learn how to design and make Skeleton cookies just in time for your Halloween Festivities.

Paint & Sip Halloween Gnomes 
Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Pinot’s Palette, 159 W. Mountain Ave. Fort Collins, CO
Come for a fun-filled afternoon of painting spooky gnomes and good drinks.

Shows & Events

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Friday, Oct. 24, Saturday, Oct. 24 and Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, Denver
A candlelight concert to Halloween-inspired music.

Boos and Brews Halloween 5k
Saturday, Oct. 25,  10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Number Thirty Eight, Denver
Finish the 5K course and celebrate with a free beer.

Boulder’s Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Monday Nov. 1, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. check in at The Spotted James, Boulder
Enjoy drink specials while participating in fun games and contests along the way.

Denver Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Friday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. at The Passport, 1437 Market Street, Denver
Come ball crawling in costumes in Denver. Get cover fees waived and discounts on drinks or win big during the costume contest.

Elitch Gardens Fright Fest
Sept. 27 through Nov. 2 at Elitch Gardens, Denver
Elitch has normal family-fun during the day and fright by night.

Ghosts & Goblin 5k/10k
Sunday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. at City Park. Denver 2001 Steele St, Denver
Join in a Halloween-themed run.

Creepy Doll Making Class
Thursday, Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m. at Park Hill Treasures, Denver
Come join us for a spooky and fun Creepy Doll Making Class where you can create your own eerie dolls to spook your friends!

Halloween Goat Yoga
Saturday Oct. 19,  10 am – 11 am,  at The Community Farm 15000 W 72nd Ave Arvada
Trick or Treat Yourself to Goat Yoga!

Halloween Themed Date Night: Stained Glass & Chill
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 – Nov. 11, 14  6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Colorado Glassworks, Boulder

5th Annual Motown Haunted Prom (A Halloween Dance Party)
Friday Oct. 31, 8 p.m.  at Roots Music Project, Boulder
Groove to live Motown hits in your costume for the 5rd annual Motown Haunted Prom.

Nightmare on Shimmy Street, A Theatrical Bellydance Halloween Event
Saturday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Althea Center for Engaged Spirituality
Egyptian deities, witches, and more will perform a Halloween-themed performance.

Oddities and Curiosities Expo
Oct. 4 and 5, at 10 a.m. at Colorado Convention Center, Denver
The expo showcases all things weird including horror and Halloween-inspired pieces.

Boulder Magic Show: Halloween  
Nov Oct. 2, 12 p.m. – at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Boulder.
Visitors can expect a family-friendly spooky magical show just in time for Halloween!

Halloween Nightmare on Curtis Street
Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. at the Ellie Caulkins Opera house in Denver
The opera is premiering its spooky rendition of Nightmare on Curtis Street!

Halloween Laser Magic and Mysterious Moons
Oct. 19, 25, 26 – at Fiske Planetarium 2414 Regent Dr. Boulder, CO
This expo explores the moons of our solar system followed by a Halloween themed laser show.

Day of the Dead, Longmont Museum
Día de Muertos Family Celebration
Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 am – 3 pm : Downtown Longmont 4th Avenue & Kimbark Street

Art & Sip: Tunnel Book Altar
Thursday, Oct. 23, 4 – 6 pm & 6:30 – 8:30 pm;

Noche de Museo: Celebrating Day of the Dead
Saturday, Nov. 1 , 7 pm – 8:30 pm; reserved seating $20, $18 members

Dia De Los Muertos Art Show Art Reception
on October 26, from 4:00-9:00PM at The Armory Performing Arts Center, 300 Strong St. Brighton.
This is a community event featuring: free face painting, sugar skull decorating, Aztec Dance Performance, local vendors, music by Colorado Youth Mariachi Program and a free concert LatinSoul Band at 7PM! 

Mazes ‘n’ Pumpkin Patches 

7th Generation Farm
Fall festivities begin on Sept. 26 – Nov. 2.  Tuesday-Thursday 12 pm – 6 pm and Friday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 100 S 96th St Louisville, CO 80027 Phone: 720.499.8199
This farm offers pre-picked or U-pick pumpkins. Visitors can get lost in the hay bale maze or climb the big bale hay mountain. Visitors can see the cows, sheep, horses, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, and two dogs living on the farm.

Anderson Farms
Events begin on Sept. 24 – Nov. 1 . at  6728 County Road 3-1/4 Erie, Colorado 80516 
Phone: (303) 828-5210 Email: info@andersonfarms.com
The farm is home to the first corn maze in Colorado and has a long history dating back to 1911. Visitors at the farm can experience the fall festival, terror in the corn, zombie paintball, private campfire sites, and the pumpkin patch.

Cottonwood Farms
Open every day after Sept. 24 until Oct. 31,
Hours are from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 10600 Isabelle Rd., Lafayette
Visitors can buy pumpkins, squash, and decorative fall items. There is a corn maze for the family and a straw bale maze for the kids. Prepaid admissions are encouraged on weekends and can be purchased a week in advance.

Munson Farms
Open now through early November.  9 a.m.- 6 p.m. at 75th & Valmont Boulder, Co 80301
Phone: (720) 491-1421
This U-pick patch has many varieties of pumpkins along with a farm stand. Admission is free, and produce is priced by the pound.

Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch
Open Daily from from Oct. 1st – Oct. 30th, Hours are 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m on Oct. 31, 
Visitors during the week can experience a more mellow visit. Groups like daycares, schools, and recreational groups are welcome. The weekends are more robust with carnival rides, a petting zoo, face painting, a food truck, and U-pick pumpkins.

The Bee Hugger Farm
Open everyday in Sept. and Oct., Hours are from 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. at 12590 Ute Hwy, Longmont
Open almost always, except for when private events are booked, the farm is open for self-guided experiences and operates on an honor system — pay for pumpkins using cash or Venmo, but entrance is free. Visitors can explore and climb on the tractors and observe the bees. Hay rides and pony rides can be arranged along with group or photographer experiences.

VT Pumpkin Patch
Open  Fridays noon – 6p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., in Boulder County
Started in 2021, this family-friendly patch is great for people of all ages to come pick out their perfect pumpkin.

Haunted Houses & Other Scares

13th Floor
Sept. 6 – Nov. 9, 3400 E. 52nd Ave, Denver
Billed as one of the Top 5 most terrifying haunted houses in the United States

Boulder Escape Room
Open daily 12-8 p.m. at 13th Street #LL60, Boulder
Locally owned and operated, solve puzzles and explore the underworld of Pearl Street.

Boulder Ghost Tour
Daily, 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. at Pearl Street, Boulder
Meet the ghosts of Boulder’ s Pearl Street Mall during a haunted walking tour.

Denver Terrors Tours
Daily, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Pearl Street, Boulder
Denver Ghost Tours offer an unflinching look at the seething darkness within the Queen City of the West. Join us nightly for a unique collection of captivating and unnerving historical stories that reveal what makes Denver one of the West’s most compelling haunted destinations.

Frightmare Compound
October 1 – Nov. 1,  Nov 7 10798 Yukon St Westminster, CO 80021
Terror lurks on the grounds of The Frightmare Compound as you make your way through the scariest horror house near Denver.

Haunted Field of Screams

10451 McKay Rd, Thornton
Open Thurs – Sun, and on the 31st
Prices from $39.99 to $54.99
This epic horror show offers a classic maze, multi themed haunted house, escape room, and zombie shooting game.

HellScream Haunted House
Thurs – Sunday 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. 3021 N Hancock Ave, Colorado Springs
For over a decade and a half, HellScream Haunted House has redefined the boundaries of fear, offering an intense, cutting-edge, multi-story, multi-attraction experience that has thrilled and terrified visitors year after year.

Haunted Stage Stop
One night only, Oct. 31. 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 60 Main St, Rollinsville, CO
Spookygrass Presents Haunted Stage Stop is an immersive walk-through haunted house in an actually haunted historic venue in Rollinsville, Colorado.

Haunted Stage Stop
One night only, Oct. 31. 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 60 Main St, Rollinsville, CO
Spookygrass Presents Haunted Stage Stop is an immersive walk-through haunted house in an actually haunted historic venue in Rollinsville, Colorado.

Old Town Lafayette Haunted History Walking Tour
Oct. 10 – Oct. 30 multiple days of the week see site for details, Located at 300 E Simpson St, Lafayette CO
Free walking tour featuring ghosts of Old Town, the Lafayette Vampire, the Tommyknockers, and more! Tickets purchase support lafayette museum

The Ritual Haunted House
Oct. 3 – Nov. 2, Sun – Thurs 7 – 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.  301 Englewood Pkwy, Englewood
The Ritual begins inside a rickety shack, barely held together with the souls of the damned.

Local Costume Shops

Crimson Rose Masquerade
Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. at 1456 South Broadway, Denver
Crimson Rose offers a selection of high-end costumes, fancy dress apparel, corsets, and masks.

Disguises
Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. at 9797 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood
One of the largest costume stores in the region, it offers a large selection of costumes for purchase and rental.

Gott-A-Costume
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 15167 E. Hampden Ave, Aurora
This costume store offers costume purchases and rental options as well as character rentals for parties.

Reinke Brothers, Inc.
Halloween season hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m, Friday 10 a.m.- 12 a.m.,  Saturday 11 a.m.- 12 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m at 5663 S. Prince Street, Littleton
Not only a costume store, Reinke Bros. has a haunted mansion inside. They offer a child-friendly version of the haunted mansion with lights staying on.

The Ritz
Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m – 6 p.m., at 959 Walnut Street, Boulder
Bringing costume visions into reality, customers can rent or buy their costumes with the help of friendly staff.

The Wizard’s Chest
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday to Sunday at 451 Broadway, Denver
This magical toy store and costume shop has costumes for all ages.

The post Halloween Directory 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Trick or Treat, Check Out These Streets

The top 25 spooktacular neighborhoods in Boulder County and beyond

From the spooky to the sweet, little costumed trick-or-treaters deserve the best. While there has been a reported 74% decline in trick-or-treaters in 2023, these neighborhoods in Boulder and Weld Counties are not ready to let the tradition die out. From homeowners who go all out on decorations, music, and food to fun town-orchestrated events, your little monster is sure to have a great time and make the most of the holiday.

Erie

• The Most Popular: Erie Village

Starting at the Erie Town Square and working your way through winding streets, Erie Village is the perfect place to stay safe and hit a lot of houses. Local mom, Diana Carty states, “It will be our fifth year trick-or-treating in this neighborhood. It is a blast!” With residents who go out of their way to make the Victorian-style homes look extra spooky while many of the homeowners dress up themselves, kids and adults alike will have a great time.

• The Most Fun: Meadow Sweet Farms

If you are ready for a party, head to Meadow Street Farms. Kids will stock up on candy, adults can partake in Jell-O shots and beer, and  everyone can look forward to hotdogs.

• The Safest: Colliers Hill

On the Weld County side of Erie, the planned community of Colliers Hill offers a quieter energy. With houses just a short walk apart and lots of young families, there is plenty of opportunity for little ones to stock up on candy without worrying about reckless drivers or getting lost in the crowd.

• Maximizing stops: Vista Ridge

Jean Tam, a long-time resident, boasts of her neighborhood: “Folks at Vista Ridge have everything from haunted houses, displays synchronized with music, and full-blown displays.” She adds that she is so glad that her kids experienced the holiday magic growing up in this neighborhood.

• For the Littles: Erie Safety Stop

Swing by the Erie Police Station for a trick-or-treat safety stop. The 2025 theme is “Toy Story,” so come prepared for your little ones to meet some of their favorite characters and have a safe indoor trick-or-treating experience. 

• Halloween Warm-Up: Boo on Briggs Street

Music, activities, and trick-or-treating, downtown Erie gets everyone warmed up for the holiday on October 25 with Boo on Briggs. Supported by local businesses and residents, this is the perfect way to finish trick-or-treating early while enjoying what the town has to offer.

Longmont

• The Most Popular: Prospect New Town

With festive houses, lots of families, and winding neighborhoods, Prospect New Town is not only the perfect place for a local Longmonster but also worth the drive for those in quieter towns. According to local parent Windy Coleman Lohr, “The winding streets are fun, massive turnout always, and the neighborhood really does it up big!”

• The Most Fun: South of Loomiller Park

Located near Longmont High School, the neighborhood to the south of Loomiller Park is a perfect grid for candy collecting. In particular, 15th Street is not to be missed, as the residents coordinate their houses and sweet offerings, making it fun for all. Head to Loomiller Park at 11:30 a.m. on Halloween to take part in the holiday drum circle.

• Maximizing Stops: Thompson Park/ Olde Town Longmont

Here, you can start your night off at the newly renovated playground to get some of the wiggles out before running a sweep of the houses in downtown Longmont. Located next to Central Elementary School, the area is safe, and houses are kid-friendly with decorations and enthusiasm.

• Halloween Warm-Up: The Longmont Halloween Parade

Get ready for Halloween a little early at the Longmont Halloween Parade. Starting at 9:30 a.m. on October 25, local business owners and employees parade up and down the street, handing out candy, dancing, and showing off some creative costumes. If an early bedtime might interfere with trick-or-treating, or you just want to make the most of the holiday, this is a great way to get your little ones excited for the big day.

Boulder

• The Most Popular: Four Mile Creek

This neighborhood is so popular that it is recommended that you arrive early before it gets too busy. Located in North Boulder, the residents often enlist local bands to play in their yards, and many houses go big with the decorations.

• The Most Fun: Table Mesa

Table Mesa neighborhood has a little bit for everyone. One block up from Bear Creek Elementary School off of Ithaca Drive, a Halloween parade begins at 5 p.m. To see some wild decorations, head to haunted Heidelberg Drive, where the residents go all out to make their short road something to be admired.

• The Safest: Martin Acres

For a family of social butterflies, Martin Acres is one of the busier neighborhoods. Lots of kids means lots of candy, and the homeowners know their audience.

• For the Littles: Pearl Street/Munchkin Masquerade

For the ultimate safe and easy Halloween, take the family to Pearl Street. From 3-6 p.m. on October 31 for the Munchkin Masquerade. The shops and restaurants of Pearl Street set up for trick-or-treaters and their families. With early hours, this is a perfect option for small children with early bedtimes or a slightly older crowd that may want to maximize trick-or-treating in a few neighborhoods.

Superior

• Most Popular: Rock Creek

Tucked behind Colton Road, Rock Creek is a safe and quiet neighborhood. With houses a little closer together than other areas of Superior, it will be easy for your little goblins and ghosts to get to as many houses as possible while staying safe from cars. 

• Halloween Warm-Up:  Monster Mash

The Monster Mash Party is held at the Superior Community Center on the Saturday before Halloween. This free event is a great way to get your little ones used to their costume while enjoying sweet treats, crafts, and games.

Louisville

• Most Popular: Dutch Creek 

South of Community Park in Louisville, this older neighborhood with winding and quiet streets comes alive with spooky decorations and roaming trick-or-treaters. You can take a play/ candy break at Elephant Park halfway through your candy mission or push through and enjoy a bite to eat downtown afterwards.

• For the Littles: Louisville Library

On October 30th, the Louisville Library will have a silly-spooky story time, followed by trick-or-treating. Designed for ages 2-5, this is a great way to get your little one in the mood for the holiday while abiding by naptime windows.

• Town Tradition: Main Street Trick or Treat

Starting at 9 a.m. on Halloween morning, Main Street Louisville closes down for the local elementary school, or any other interested kids, to parade up and down the street, collecting treats from local businesses. This event has been held every year since 1968.

Lafayette

• Most Popular: Old Town Lafayette

With less traffic, sidewalks, and houses that are closer together, Old Town is a favorite for Halloween trick-or-treating. Additionally, take a walk down Public Road and hit up some of the shops set up for trick-or-treating.

• Lafayette Fire Department

The Lafayette Fire Department is holding their first Halloween safety event on October 11. Children 6 and under can look forward to trick-or-treating, a not-so-spooky haunted house, and touch-a-truck.

Niwot

• Town Tradition: The Great Pumpkin Party, Petting Zoo & Parade

Niwot loves holidays, and Halloween is no exception. Hosted by The Niwot Group the Saturday before Halloween, this event takes place at Compass and the Niwot Business Association where kids, families, and kid-friendly dogs can trick-or-treat, play games, and show off their costumes.

Broomfield

• The Most Popular: Broomfield Heights

With parking at the Broomfield Heights Middle School; you can spend the evening in this an older neighborhood with houses close together and a dense population of families, meaning they understand the importance of trick-or-treaters going for a big candy haul. 

Firestone

• Halloween Safe Night Firestone

One week before Halloween, the town of Firestone will be hosting their safety night. Complete with trick-or-treating, music, games, and food trucks, it will be a fun way to get the family out of the house and have a great (safe) time.

Frederick

• Town Tradition: Tiny Terror Town

On October 18, the town of Fredrick goes all out for a family-friendly Halloween with Tiny Terror Town. With two trick-or-treat opportunities, one at Crist Park and the other located downtown, local businesses and community members will be handing out candy to the parading candy-seekers from 3-5 p.m. For your furry (or scaly) friends, there is a pet costume contest, and for those wanting a good scare, the evening ends with haunted house tours at the Miners Memorial Museum.

Westminster

Bonus: Bug-a-Boo at the Butterfly Pavilion

Taking place on October 18, 19, 25, 26, and a special after-dark addition on October 31, the Butterfly Pavilion is hosting indoor trick-or-treating among the butterflies and aquatic displays. Additionally, there is a special spider zone where visitors can walk among free-roaming spiders. This event is included in the standard entry price.

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The post Trick or Treat, Check Out These Streets appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

We have the power as consumers to stop giving money to billionaires who perpetuate violence and injustice. The people in power, who control the headlines, are listening to your purchases. They listen to their bottom line. Taking small, actionable steps can make a difference for a world in crisis. If you are looking for a sense of connection or a way to make your money matter, consider shopping at independent businesses that share your values.

One main difference between shopping with big corporations and your neighborhood outlets is the mission. Most Big corporations operate solely to make a profit, but at Elevated Communities in Longmont, their mission is to use their thrift store to make an impact for Coloradans with disabilities.

“We have our thrift store, and we recently opened our cat cafe. But really, the whole mission is our resource navigation program,” says thrift store manager Angie Clements. The funding that we receive through the cat cafe and the thrift store helps to give people with disabilities connected to long-term services.” “We want to offer work clothing that people can afford and look good in.”

Tabor Acres, Makenna Hart wearing Treasures Upscale Consignment

The Neighborhood Plant Plug, Shannon Milliken wearing Elevated Communities

Authentic Cotton, Laurel Okasaki wearing Elevated Communities

The clothes donated to Elevated Communities make their way into the hands of individuals who can use them to transform their lives. For a more sustainable option or help others in need, they are a great place to shop or donate used clothing.

Just as Elevated Communities fosters connection through giving, other shops connect over shared passions. For those who find their joy in the mountains and trails, Jax Outdoor Gear brings people together in a different—but equally important—way.

Sharing hobbies brings people together. For outdoor enthusiasts, visiting a neighborhood-based outdoor gear shop can make a world of difference. The employees of Jax Outdoor Gear are part of the region and share your passion for the outdoors.

“I like talking to people and hearing outdoor stories, because I am an outdoorsman. I love hiking, backpacking, and biking, and it is really nice to talk to people who are in the same niche,” manager Jonathan Brennan said.

The people at Jax Outdoor Gear take the time to get to know you and what you love about being outdoors. That is the kind of familiarity you will not get at a big-name store.

“A lot of these corporations are tailoring their business more towards a fast, quick pickup environment. We at Jax started out as a small family company. We still provide that face-to-face interaction that you do not get a lot of these days with online shopping,” Brennan said.

Shopping small is rooted in trust, and independent businesses are a place where expert craftsmanship and personal service are built over generations. At the Eric Olson Master Jeweler shop in Louisville, customers enjoy a personalized jewelry buying experience backed by years of quality craftsmanship. Unlike many corporate stores, Eric Olson has built lasting relationships with his customers, offering a unique and trustworthy bond.

Shannon wearing Eric Olson necklace and Jax shirt

Laurel wearing Eric Olson necklace and Elevated Communities earrings and dress

Makenna wearing Schapell’s jewelry in Aflorae outfit

“A jeweler is the person who sits at the bench and does the work,” says Olson. So, if you are talking to somebody behind a counter with a jacket and tie on and he calls himself a jeweler, chances are very good that he is not a jeweler. He deals in jewelry. He sells jewelry.”.

As a longtime resident of Louisville, Olson has built a connection based on transparency and a genuine love for the craft. “For people in the community, I have been their jeweler for two generations now. Parents who got their wedding bands from me have kids who have gotten their wedding bands from me.”

A significant portion of the money spent ultimately ends up in the pockets of nameless, faceless corporations. Schapell Jewelers in Boulder is another place where you can build a relationship that goes beyond a transaction.

“You are always going to see the same faces. We are always going to go above and beyond to take care of our customers, follow up with birthday cards, thank you notes, and things like that,” manager Maddi Barraza said.

Beyond that personal touch that only independent establishments can provide, there is a deeper connection to fellow entrepreneurs and Boulder County. “We are involved in the community, and we are involved with our neighboring businesses. We are going to be doing a silent auction later this year for a local charity,” Barraza said.

Morton’s Orchards, Shannon Milliken wearing Pink House, Erie Farmers Market

Deborah Ann Does Donuts, Ayce wearing Jax Outdoor Gear, Erie Farmers Market

Supporting neighborhood shops is not only about service or craft, it is also about reducing waste and protecting our environment. That is where consignment stores shine.

Sustainability has both environmental and social impacts.  Fast fashion overproduces clothing that ends up in landfills and encourages a mindset of consumerism. Instead, recycle and reuse your clothes for a new experience. Treasures Upscale Consignment in Lafayette specializes in transforming one person’s trash into another’s treasure.

Owner Jaya Lopez explains, “People always ask me, ‘Are you the owner?’ I always tell them that we are the owners. The people who share here, consign here, and work here are the owners, because every single piece comes from somebody else. This is a community store by the community for the community.”.

Ayce and Shannon wearing Jax, 47 Bakery at the Erie Farmers Market

Shopping secondhand at stores such as Treasures Upscale Consignment not only promotes sustainability but also strengthens a sense of shared responsibility and connection. By choosing to buy used, consumption habits can be transformed,  protecting the environment while simultaneously celebrating the diverse stories and treasures that each item carries.

Some vendors go even further in their efforts to uplift the community by offering immediate, meaningful help in moments of need. Sportique Eyewear of Boulder takes the time to understand each and every customer that comes their way.

Owner, Jim Taylor, recounts,”There is a gentleman who is leaving on a flight at 1 p.m. He came in at 5 p.m. the night before with broken glasses, and he has no other glasses to wear on his business trip. I said, ‘I can do that for you.’ We love to help, regardless of where you get your glasses. It is a sincere desire to assist people on their way.

Taylor has been in optometry since 1982, and he and his staff understand the intersection of fashion and health care. The attention to detail, quality work, and investment in helping you look and feel your best set them apart.

“It is not the kind of thing you would see at a corporate store or a big chain. We do not have time constraints. I do not have another patient coming out of the doctor’s office. So we decided to do what is right for our consumer consciously, and we love to do it,” Taylor said.

Others aim to bring beauty and identity into the daily lives of their customers through boutique experiences and thoughtful design.

Confetti Confections, Makenna Hart wearing Aflorae, Erie Farmers Market

If you are looking for the kind of elevated aesthetic that an upscale boutique offers, Aflorae in Longmont is the go-to destination. Rachel Hunter started Aflorae as a florist shop, and when the pandemic hit, she expanded her repertoire to include retail. Now, Aflorae sells clothes, jewelry, accessories, and home goods in addition to her floral arrangements to add a little beauty to people’s lives.

Another boutique worth checking out is The Pink House in Louisville. The owner, Heather Mills, is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible fashion to the public while also connecting with what makes the town special.

“Creating a local economy and supporting your community is so important, and we want to make fashion as accessible as possible. Fashion is all about showing your true self to the world,” Mills said. “Main Street is the heart of Louisville, so we are right there. There is a trick-or-treating parade with the local elementary school, the Labor Day Parade, and the Festival of Lights. We are very involved.”

 The average American’s wallet has a loud voice. For quality service from people who genuinely want to engage, shop local, independent stores. All of the shops showcased here are on the side of the customer, something that will be hard to find through a large online distributor.

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Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Connection over convenience: Why shopping local matters in today’s America appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

[ Boulder County ]

• Boulder County Commissioners vote to approve a ten-year extension on an open space tax. This has upset many farmers and ranchers, who are dissatisfied with this decision because there is no language to protect them from the tax extension. This could lead to driving agriculture out of Boulder County..
• Erie Town Council has approved the Erie Town Center Urban Renewal Plan, which will facilitate funding the development of the  20-acre Town-owned property at the northwest corner of Erie Parkway and E. County Line Rd. in Erie Town Center.
• Daniel Bench, 88, was killed while riding his bike on August 4th. His death is the first cyclist death in 2025. According to data provided by the city, the number of severe crashes involving bicycles has remained unchanged since the 2014 Vision Zero bill, which aimed to decrease incidents by 2030.
• The City of Boulder has hired a new Transportation and Mobility Director, Blyth Bailey. Bailey is a trained architect who has previously led the first Department of Transportation in Chattanooga, TN, as well as worked to develop parks. His integration comes during the City of Boulder’s hiring freeze

[ State]

• The City of Denver has cut of Loveland’s access to the FLOCK automatic license-plate reading software after it was revealed that Loveland was sharing the data with Border Patrol.
• The bunnies are growing horns. Rabbits around northern Colorado are developing black horn-like growths around their heads and faces. This is a form of cottontail rabbit papillomavirus. This is not a dangerous disease, nor is it spread to humans or domestic pets.
• With the continued drought and overuse of water, federal officials announced that in 2026, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico will all receive less water from Colorado. This will be an 18% decrease for Arizona, 7% for Nevada, and 5% for Mexico. There will not be a decrease for California.
• The Lee Fire, burning in Rio Blanco County, is currently the fifth most extensive fire in  Colorado’s recorded history. At 137,485 acres burned, it is 300 acres behind the 2002 Hayman Fire

[ National ]

• Under an executive order, the National Guard has been deployed in Washington D.C. to increase policing and “decrease crime.” Initially, it was stated that the National Guard would not be armed; however, Army Senior Master Sgt. Craig Clapper said that “Guard members may be armed consistent with their mission and training.”
• Donald Trump flew to Alaska to meet with Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, to push for a ceasefire in the genocide in Ukraine. However, upon the meeting’s end, Trump had changed his mind, stating a ceasefire was no longer critical.
• Stephen Colbert announced that after ten years, Paramount has decided to cancel his show, The Late Show. While Paramount reports this was purely a financial decision, it came days after Colbert criticized the $16 million settlement between CBS and the White House over a possibly edited interview with Kamala Harris on 60 Minutes.
• The state department has halted all visas for people coming from Gaza. In the statement, it was explained that there needed to be “a full and thorough review of the process and procedures” used for granting medical humanitarian visas.

[ International ]

• Hamas has informed mediators that it has approved the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal and is ready to resume negotiations to discuss ending the conflict with Israel and Gaza, which has now killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, with looming threats of famine and starvation.
• Following the US-South Korea military exercises, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that North Korea will be building up its nuclear armament, seeing the exercises as “an obvious expression of their will to provoke war.
• Nearly 2,000 service members have been deployed to fight the wildfire burning in Spain and Portugal. The fire has covered 579 square miles and continues to burn while southern Europe experiences a severe heatwave.

Quotes

“So stick to the streets if we want to commute efficiently. Got it.” 

– Louisville resident Joe Walsh, after the announcement that speed limits on bike paths would be limited to 15 mph. This is after many bike paths were paved for easier bike commuting.

“Vladimir Putin said something — one of the most interesting things — he said, ‘your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting,’ He said, ‘it’s impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections.”

– Donald Trump explaining his inspiration for trying to rid our country of mail-in voting, a tool that helps the lower and working class ensure their ability to vote.

“I am not going anywhere.”

– University of Colorado Board of Regents member, Wanda James, after her peers attempted to censure her after an investigation into her opposition to the CU-backed marijuana education campaign

“The robots are still really dumb.”

– Dr Allan Fern, robotics professor, regarding the first-ever robot humanoid games held in China.

By the Numbers

274

The number of lives lost in Buner, Pakistan, after torrential rains and flooding, with no evacuation notice from the government.

1:8 Million

The ratio of neurosurgeons to citizens in Sierra Leon. Earlier this year, Dr. Alieu Kamara became the first and only practicing neurosurgeon in his country.

500,000

The approximate number of travelers who have been stranded during the Air Canada cabin-worker strikes.

39,448

A record-setting number of students are attending CU Boulder for the 2025 Fall semester.

Like journalism like this? Consider becoming a sustaining supporter (and get our printed copy monthly at home.)
Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | August 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

[ Local ]

• After months of controversy, the Draco Well Pad proposal from Civitas Resources, Inc., a 26-well project in Weld County, is approved by the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) in a 4-1 vote.
• Amid reduced funding, TGTHR, a Boulder-based non-profit focused on youth homelessness, is forced to shut down its emergency shelter known as The Source, which was the only youth homeless shelter in the city.
• During a pro-Israel protest in Boulder, an man uses a makeshift flamethrower to attack the protesters, injuring 12 people in the process. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is being charged with a federal hate crime.
• Hundreds protest Trump’s layoffs and anti-science policies on International Workers Day in front of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder.

[ National ]

• Elon Musk exits the Trump administration and, after criticizing Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” has a very public falling out that leads to the two men bickering on social media.
• After demonstrations in Los Angeles protesting ICE raids in the city, Donald Trump deploys 2,000 National Guard troops to the city to control the unrest. The move leads to California Governor Gavin Newsom suing the Trump administration.
• President Trump issues a travel ban barring travelers from Afghanistan, Chad, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, the Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country.
• The Trump administration finalizes plans to remove funding from 988 crisis suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth.

[ International ]

• Following the death of Pope Francis, the papal conclave elects Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church.
• An aid boat bound for Gaza containing activists including Greta Thunberg is seized by Israeli authorities for trying to bring much-needed supplies like baby formula, food and medical supplies into Gaza.
• Tens of thousands of protesters in Spain demonstrate and call for early elections in the nation’s capital of Madrid in response to perceived corruption within the government of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
• Austrian pop artist JJ wins the popular Eurovision Song Contest for 2025 with the song “Wasted Love.”

Quotes

“[Donald Trump] is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.” 

– Elon Musk on X after his falling out with Trump

“Our community has worked tireless and bravely this legislative session. And now, with HB25-1312, Legal Protections for Transgender Individuals, and HB25-1309, Protecting Access to Gender Affirming Healthcare, heading to the Senate for final votes, Colorado stands firm: as a safe place for transgender people and their families, a beacon of hope for transgender Americans across the country, and a blueprint for progress that other states can follow”

– One Colorado’s comment on the Kelly Loving Act

“I also turn to the powerful of the world repeating the always timely appeal: never again a war!”

– Pope Leo XIV

“Fear is the way that they win, for one. And so keep telling the stories and keep expressing yourself and keep fighting to be who you are.”

–Actor Pedro Pascal addressing the Cannes Film Festival

By the Numbers

200

The number of prisoners that Russia and Ukraine could potentially release on each side in an ongoing prisoner swap

18

The number of years that Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza, preventing the delivery of essential items

$25.5 million

The amount of funding the University of Colorado has lost due to Trump’s budget cuts.

55,000

The approximate number of Palestinians killed in the War in Gaza in an attempt by Israel to secure the release of 55 hostages

Like journalism like this? Consider becoming a sustaining supporter (and get our printed copy monthly at home.)
Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | May-June 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

I’ve always loved a good concert in the summer, especially a good outdoor show. Growing up in Rhode Island, my friends and I always attended the local radio station’s free concerts in the park. Sometimes it was a big name band, sometimes it was a real nobody, but it was always free so we would go just for the sake of seeing a concert. Now that I’m an adult, I can be a little more discriminating with what concerts I seek out.

Where I grew up, we had too few local concert venues, and they often went out of business suddenly. One thing I like about Colorado is that it doesn’t have that problem. When it comes to concert venues, we have everything from the smaller local venues like Nissi’s to the bigger concert venues in Boulder and Denver to the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre if you want to trek out to Morrison for the evening.

We always like to keep you updated on events in the area with our calendar, but we also wanted to make sure you knew about the hottest concerts going on this summer that are within a reasonable driving distance. Here, in chronological order, is the list of the 25 concerts this summer we’re most excited about.

Barenaked Ladies with Guster and Fastball, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO, June 17

If you’ve never seen a Barenaked Ladies live performance, you don’t know what you’re missing. Covers, wacky hijinks, and freestyle rapping are pretty common. The first time I saw them live, the band cleared out so the bassist could play Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” on an electric cello. And of course, you get to hear Barenaked Ladies songs, which are always clever, catchy, and fun.

Drive-By Truckers + Deer Tick with Thelma and the Sleaze, Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO, June 21

The alt-country stylings of Georgia’s Drive By Truckers and Rhode Island’s Deer Tick come together in a huge tour that’s actually making four stops in Colorado: Denver on June 20, Boulder on June 21, Bellevue on June 22, and Dillon on June 23. Both bands put on great shows that run the gamut of emotion from joy to sorrow in a way that really resonates perfectly with an audience, so catch the closest show to you.

The Weeknd, Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO, June 21

You can tell that The Weeknd’s new album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” is blowing up based on the fact that the Canadian R&B singer-songwriter can fill up an entire football stadium. Bringing with him rapper Playboi Carti and producer Mike Dean, it’s going to be a timeless evening full of high-quality performances.

Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Paramount Theatre, Denver, CO, June 22

For the older crowd, or the younger crowd who appreciate music history, there’s the triumphant return of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. Admittedly, it’s a different lineup than the one that was known for fusing mariachi with pop and jazz music in the 1960s, but the new iteration of the band is hitting the road to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the group’s classic 1965 album, “Whipped Cream & Other Delights,” so it promises to be a fun celebration.

“Weird Al” Yankovic, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO, June 24

“Weird Al” Yankovic is easily the world’s most famous musical satirist and humorist, and it’s become a very deep honor in the music industry to be parodied by Yankovic, either in one of his direct song parodies or one of his more general-style parodies. And, for his 2025 tour, dubbed the “Bigger & Weirder Tour,” Yankovic promises to get even bigger and weirder.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, Bellco Theatre, Denver, CO, June 29

Elvis Costello has gone through a number of different reinventions throughout his career to the point where it’s hard to nail down one particular style that he’s known for, from punk rock to baroque pop. But it’s hard to deny that the best era of Costello’s work was his early years in the late ’70s when, bursting out of the pub rock scene, he added a quirky pop flavor to punk rock that it so desperately needed. For the “Radio Soul! Tour,” he’s planning to play his early songs, making for a can’t-miss show.

Metallica M72 World Tour, Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO, June 27 and 29

Metal legend Metallica brings its legendary and unique M72 World Tour to Denver for a one-of-a-kind, two-night experience with different openers: Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills on June 27 and Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies on June 29. Metallica is playing completely different sets each night, so you can go to both and get two completely different experiences.

Lettuce featuring GZA, Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver, CO, July 4

Choosing which concert to go to on the 4th of July is tough because Coloradans are really spoiled for options, but our pick for the best one goes to the collaborative set with Boston funk band Lettuce and rapper GZA of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. Funk and hip-hop mix so well together, making this the most fun way to celebrate the holiday.

Bruce Cockburn, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, CO, July 9

Canadian folk-rock artist Bruce Cockburn is nothing short of a bona fide music legend, having put out over 30 studio albums in his career, but he’s just as well known for his activism defending the environment and indigenous people. Touring to support his 2023 album, “O Sun O Moon,” it promises to be an intimate night with a music icon.

Summer of Loud, The JunkYard, Denver, CO, July 9

Easily the best metalcore show happening this summer, the Summer of Loud concert at The JunkYard features Parkway Drive, I Prevail, Beartooth, Killswitch Engage, The Devil Wears Prada, and more. Expect loud yet melodic music and a lot of boys with dark hair and eyeliner in the mosh pits.

Car Seat Headrest, Mission Ballroom, Denver, CO, July 12

As Virginia indie act Car Seat Headrest has slowly turned from the solo project of Will Toledo into a full-fledged band, it’s gradually become one of the most respected acts in the entire indie rock scene. Promoting his brilliant new rock opera/concept album, “The Scholars,” you can expect a performance that’s just as engaging as the band’s music is clever and thoughtful.

Stephen Kellogg featuring Isaac Hanson, Roots Music Project, Boulder, CO, July 18

Known for his work in Americana folk-rock band, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Kellog is now solo and pulling off something unique called the “Old Friends Tour,” where he reunites with an old friend in each city. In Boulder, he’s performing with Isaac Hanson of the famous pop rock boy band Hanson. That promises to be a truly fascinating pairing you won’t want to miss.

Punk In The Park, National Western Stockyards, Denver, CO, July 18-20

Punk In The Park is, undoubtedly, the biggest punk show of the summer to hit Colorado. From headliners like Bad Religion, Dropkick Murphys, and The Descendents to the newer bands like The Bombpops, Catbite, and We Are the Union to Denver band Cheap Perfume, this is a stacked lineup from top to bottom.

Julian Marley & The Uprising, Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO, July 20

A few of the children of reggae legend Bob Marley have made a name for themselves in the reggae world, but don’t think that Julian Marley is just riding on the success of his family. In 2024 he won a Grammy award for Best Reggae Album for his collaborative album with Anteaus called “Colours of Royal,” which was a departure from Julian’s roots reggae style into dancehall reggae.

Devo, Mission Ballroom, Denver, CO, July 21

Iconic new wave punk band Devo was formed in 1973, hence the “50 Years of De-Evolution Tour” in 2023 to celebrate 50 years as a band. Then it kept expanding the tour, and here it is, still going in 2025. There are confusing reports about whether this is a farewell tour or not, so catch this concert just in case this turns out to be your last chance.

Steve Earle, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, CO, July 21

Steve Earle is a music giant after putting out a whopping 21 albums in his career, and he’s one of the greatest political activists in the music world. On July 21, he’s coming to Boulder to celebrate 50 years of his career with an acoustic solo performance. That’s going to be a really unique night that you may never get to experience again.

Unhinged Fest, National Western Stockyards, Denver, CO, July 26

Unhinged Fest is featuring some of the biggest names in metal right now, including Knocked Loose, whose new album has become a surprising mainstream hit for a beatdown hardcore album, and The Dillinger Escape Plan, who is celebrating its reunion with original vocalist Dimitri Minakakis. There are other metal and hardcore household names like Lamb of God, Body Count, and Sanguisugabogg. This could be, arguably, the heaviest show of the summer.

Toad the Wet Sprocket, Semisonic, and Sixpence None the Richer, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, CO, July 30

Nostalgia for ‘90s music exists for a very good reason: ‘90s music was really good. Celebrating the more power-pop side of the era’s alternative rock movement, this triple act at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Summer Concert Series is a Gen X and Millennial dream concert.

The Beach Boys with the Colorado Symphony, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, August 3

The Beach Boys’ music is timeless and has always been the official soundtrack of summer. So it makes sense to celebrate the height of the summer with a beautiful outdoor concert at Red Rocks with the backing of the Colorado Symphony. Known both for their pop hooks and their deeper artistic side, The Beach Boys have got a lot of great music that would go splendidly with a full orchestra.

Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Planet Bluegrass Ranch, Lyons, CO, August 8-10

No, that’s not a typo. It’s not the Rocky Mountain Folk Festival, it’s the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival. That gives a bit of a looser definition to what kind of music they feature, but they’ve still got some big names in folk and folk-adjacent music like country superstars the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the Americana bluegrass stylings of The Devil Makes Three, folk duo Watchhouse, and world renowned soul singer Lee Fields.

Less Than Jake, Fillmore Auditorium, August 9

Ska-punk is seeing a big resurgence right now, so the older generation of ska-punk bands are getting a boost as well. Third-wave ska pioneers Less Than Jake make a stop off in Denver with legendary bands in tow like Fishbone and The Suicide Machines, plus rising stars Catbite. Put your dancing shoes on because everybody’s going to be skanking!

Cyndi Lauper, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre;,Greenwood Village, CO, August 12

Pop icon Cyndi Lauper is known for a long career of great music, as well as her activism for the LGBTQ+ community that has made her, arguably, the best straight ally the queer community has ever had. Celebrating her status as one of the great pop stars in music history, she’s saying goodbye with her farewell tour, the final leg coming through Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre. Don’t miss your chance to see this pop diva one last time.

Ani Difranco with Special Guest Tune-Yards, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, CO, September 10

Speaking of the LGBTQ+ community, one of the most important queer artists in music history, Ani Difranco, is making a stop in Boulder on her tour promoting her 23rd album, 2024’s “Unprecedented Sh!t.” An Ani Difranco concert can be vulnerable and celebratory at the same time, and you usually walk away with recharged energy.

Black Uhuru, Fox Theatre; Boulder, CO; September 18

Speaking of artists who have won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album, Black Uhuru won that Grammy 40 years ago in 1985. That should give you an idea of how long they’ve been around and how important they are in music history. Rescheduled from last March, this now becomes the perfect concert for late summer.

Sunny Day Real Estate, Boulder Theater; Boulder, CO; September 19

Seattle’s Sunny Day Real Estate emerged as one of the key bands in the early Midwest emo scene in the 1990s. Before emo became a mainstream phenomenon with big names like Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance, Midwest emo was more steeped in indie rock with elements of folk, post-hardcore, and sometimes even post-rock. SDRE’s four albums — from 1994’s “Diary” to 2000’s “The Rising Tide” — are part of the defining sound of that movement in emo music.

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The post 25 Concerts We’re Most Excited About This Summer appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Boulder Theater (Boulder, CO)

An Evening with Adam Met (of AJR) | June 6

Unite to Fight IX – Undercard | June 7

Unite to Fight IX – Main Card | June 7

Tycho | June 17

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy with Guerrilla Fanfare | June 18

A.J. Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE | June 19

The English Beat | June 20

Drive-By Truckers/Deer Tick with Thelma and the Sleaze | June 21

BoDeans | June 28

Pink Talking Fish “Stops Making Sense” | July 2

Flying Mojito Bros | July 3

Galactic feat. Jelly Joseph | July 3

Arc De Soleil | July 4

A Tribute to Jamiroquai featuring ????? | July 5

Shakedown Street performs 7/13/84 Berkeley | July 11

Social Distortion with special guest Plague Vendor | July 15

Santana Tribute: Santa Rios | August 8

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash | August 20

Fox Theatre (Boulder, CO)

The Burroughs with Hand Turkey | June 13

Amythyst Kiah | June 19

Other Brothers (ft. Members of JJ Grey, Thievery Corp. & More) with special guest Rado | June 20

The Speeks with Pet Falcon, The Sanct, Indigo | June 21

Takuya Kuroda | June 30

Taper’s Choice | July 2

PhanArt (2 Days!) | July 4

Steely Dead – A Sonic Fusion of The Grateful Dead and Steely Dan | July 4

PhanArt (2 Days) | July 5

Magic Beans do Magic Weens (Tribute to Ween) | July 5

Germ Theory with Undissassembled, Ok I Love You | July 18

Julian Marley & The Uprising | July 20

A Very Jerry Evening | July 31

Nether Hour with Horse Bitch | August 29

Aggie Theatre (Fort Collins, CO)

Latin Night: Reggaeton Recap ft DJ Prada | June 6

Gimme Gimme Disco | June 7

Emo Night Brooklyn | June 14

Exhorder with Hatriot, Voidlung, Attack on Venus, I Am The Owl | June 19

Amythyst Kiah with Katya Grasso | June 20

Joseph with Frail Talk | June 21

James McMurtry with BettySoo | June 27

Colorado Springsteen (Bruce Springsteen Tribute) with Still the Same (Bob Seger Tribute) | July 3

Deep Sea Diver with Meernaa | July 8

Jonah Kagen & Crowe Boys | July 14

Sabotage (Beastie Boys Tribute) / Guerrilla Radio (Rage Against The Machine Tribute) | July 17

Shakedown Street | July 18

SadGirl/The McCharmlys with The High Curbs | July 26

Charlie Stevens Band with Hot Dawg! (ft Jeremy Garrett) / Friendly Reminders | July 31

Babe Rainbow | August 15

Nether Hour | August 28

The High Kings | August 31

Chautauqua Auditorium (Boulder, CO)

Judy Collins | June 14

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings | June 16

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castaneda & Antonio Sánchez Trio | June 19

Joseph with special guest Covenhoven | June 20

Bruce Cockburn | July 9

Tab Benoit | July 12

Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam with Ivan Pulley | July 14

Jake Shimabukuro | July 16

Lucinda Williams & her band | July 19

Steve Earle | July 21

Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos & the Buena Vista Orchestra | July 26

Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue | August 31

Coors Field – Colorado Rockies Home Games

New York Mets at Colorado Rockies
June 6
6:40 pm

New York Mets at Colorado Rockies
June 7
7:40 pm

New York Mets at Colorado Rockies
June 8
1:10 pm

San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
June 10
6:40 pm

San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
June 11
6:40 pm

San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
June 12
1:10 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
June 20
6:40 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
June 21
7:10 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
June 22
1:10 pm

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies
June 24
6:40 pm

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies
June 25
6:40 pm

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies
June 26
1:10 pm

Houston Astros at Colorado Rockies
July 1
6:40 pm

Houston Astros at Colorado Rockies
July 2
6:40 pm

Houston Astros at Colorado Rockies
July 3
1:10 pm

Chicago White Sox at Colorado Rockies
July 4
6:10 pm

Chicago White Sox at Colorado Rockies
July 5
7:10 pm

Chicago White Sox at Colorado Rockies
July 6
1:10 pm

Minnesota Twins at Colorado Rockies
July 18
6:40 pm

Minnesota Twins at Colorado Rockies
July 19
6:10 pm

Minnesota Twins at Colorado Rockies
July 20
1:10 pm

St. Louis Cardinals at Colorado Rockies
July 21
6:40 pm

St. Louis Cardinals at Colorado Rockies
July 22
6:40 pm

St. Louis Cardinals at Colorado Rockies
July 23
1:10 pm

Pittsburgh Pirates at Colorado Rockies
August 1
6:10 pm

Pittsburgh Pirates at Colorado Rockies
August 2
1:10 pm

Pittsburgh Pirates at Colorado Rockies
August 3
1:10 pm

Toronto Blue Jays at Colorado Rockies
August 4
6:40 pm

Toronto Blue Jays at Colorado Rockies
August 5
6:40 pm

Toronto Blue Jays at Colorado Rockies
August 6
1:10 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
August 14
6:40 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
August 15
6:40 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
August 16
6:10 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
August 17
1:10 pm

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies
August 18
6:40 pm

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies
August 19
6:40 pm

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies
August 20
6:40 pm

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies
August 21
1:10 pm

Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies
August 29
6:40 pm

Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies
August 30
6:10 pm

Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies
August 31
1:10 pm

San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
September 1
2:10 pm

Globe Hall Bar-B-Q (Denver)

Drew Dvorchak Band w/ Band of Gringos + The Desert Furs
June 5
8:00pm

Vintersea w/ Blighted Eye, We Are William, Warcrown + Irah Nox
June 6
8:00pm

The Hip Snacks w/ Vada
June 7
8:00pm

Chuck w/ Jules Frantic, Christianontheinternet + Los Cronies
June 8
5:00pm

Eliza & the Delusionals w/ Grace Gardner + Gartener
June 10
8:00pm

Sea Wolf (Solo) w/ Patrick Park
June 11
8:00pm

Caspar Milquetoast w/ Clementine Was Right, Supermoon + Marty Nation
June 12
8:00pm

Petite League w/ Lavalove + Business Cashmere
June 13
8:00pm

Melissa Carper w/ Bonnie Montgomery + Amy Martin
June 15
7:30pm

Big Signal w/ The Standalones + Motel Frunz
June 19
8:00pm

Moonradish w/ Crisco Disco, Enso + Ether.Net
June 20
8:00pm

Vandoliers w/ Adeem the Artist
June 21
8:00pm

NGOC CC w/ Gay Crush, Dreamiboi + Debthedemo
June 22
5:00pm

The Family Crest w/ Babes in Canyon
June 26
8:00pm

The Wilder Blue
June 27
8:00pm

Jack Symes w/ Jacksonport
June 28
8:00pm

Mikaela Davis w/ Lily Seabird
July 1
8:00pm

The Band Feel w/ The Regular
July 3
8:00pm

Griffin William Sherry
July 9
8:00pm

Orca w/ Atlas Radio
July 11
8:00pm

Kevian Kraemer
July 17
8:00pm

Cherokee Social & Lobatomy w/ Cactusheads + Jazzy P
July 18
8:00pm

School of Rock All Stars
July 21
6:30pm

Brendan Walter
July 24
8:00pm

Mr. Woodman w/ Hard 45 + In Plain Air
July 25
8:00pm

Old Mervs w/ The Dirty Turkeys
July 26
8:00pm

Tyler Halverson
August 1
8:00pm

Everlasting Everything w/ Ripcords, North by North + Stephen Lear Band
August 6
8:00pm

Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes
August 7
8:00pm

Ellise w/ Ella Red
August 15
8:00pm

The Droptines
August 30
8:00pm

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
June 5
7:00pm

Molly Tuttle and The California Honeydrops
June 6
6:30pm

Steel Pulse & Mike Posner
June 7
6:30pm

Trevor Hall with Fruit Bats
June 14
7:00pm

Bertha: Grateful Drag
June 17
6:30pm

O.A.R. with Special Guest Blind Melon
June 20
7:30pm

Maggie Rose
June 24
6:30pm

Patriotic Concert with The Dallas Symphony Orchestra
July 4
2:00pm

Those Crazy Nights – The Ultimate Journey Experience
July 8
6:30pm

ALO
July 15
6:30pm

Opening Night
July 25
7:30pm

Upclose: Song & Dance
July 27
6:00pm

Balanchine Celebration
July 28
7:30pm

Paul Taylor Dance Company
July 29
7:30pm

International Evenings of Dance I
August 1
7:30pm

International Evenings of Dance II
August 2
5:00pm

International Evenings of Dance III
August 2
8:00pm

Now: Premieres
August 4
7:30pm

Dance for $20.25 with BalletX
August 5
6:00pm

The String Cheese Incident
August 8
6:30pm

The String Cheese Incident
August 9
6:30pm

Melissa Etheridge
August 12
7:30pm

An August Evening with Wilco
August 17
7:00pm

The Man in Black – A Tribute to Johnny Cash
August 19
6:30pm

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
August 21
6:30pm

Ray LaMontagne
August 26
7:00pm

Garner Galleria

Dixie’s Tupperware Party
July 16 – August 17

Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top…
August 20 – September 7

Temple Hoyne Buell Theater

& Juliet
June 4 – June 15

Mamma Mia!
June 25 – June 29

Some Like it Hot July 8-July 20

Moulin Rouge! The Musical
August 6 – August 17

Kilstrom Theater

Phamaly Theatre Company’s Pippin
August 7–August 24

Film on the Rocks (Red Rocks Amphitheatre)

2001: A Space Odyssey
June 9
6:30pm

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
June 23
6:30pm

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
June 30
6:30pm

Shrek 2
August 18
6:30pm

Velvet Elk Lounge

Sicard Hollow
June 5
8:00 pm

David Lowery of Cracker & Camper Van Beethoven (Presented by 105.5 The Colorado Sound)
June 8
8:00 pm

Liver Down The River with Foggy Memory Boys
June 13
8:00 pm

Bear Hat with Mighty Holler
June 20
8:00 pm

Twisted Pine with Salomé Songbird
June 26
8:00 pm

Phish Weekend Pre-Party with Studtmann Cunnane P.I.
July 3
3:00 pm

Phish Weekend Pre-Party with River Spell
July 4
3:00 pm

Griffin William Sherry
July 12
8:00 pm

The Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band
July 31
8:00 pm

Dickens Opera House

Family Fun: Fiddlin Brothers
June 6, 2025
6:00 pm

David Tilmon
June 7
5:00 ON

Local Female Band Show
June 20, 2025

Dickens After Dark Event
June 21, 2025

Pride Drag Show
June 22, 2025
6:00 pm

Tumbledown Shack: Grateful Dead Tribute
July 11, 2025

BBQ Drag Show
July 13, 2025

Album Release Party
July 26, 2025

The Passenger

Sirona Isle
June 6
5 pm

Free Live Music by Chicken Coop Willaye
June 14
5:30pm

Pride Drag Bingo Brunch!
June 15
9am

El Dolor
June 21

Indigo
June 27

Elise
July 11 & 13

Expression Singer Showcase
July 18

Expression Singer Showcase
August 15

Bluebird Theater

Taylor Fest
June 6, 2025
9:00 pm

Planet Perreo
June 7, 2025
9:00 pm

Pub Choir – ‘Something To Do’ Tour
June 11, 2025
8:00 pm

LVDY with Mistermoon
June 13, 2025
8:00 pm

Texas Flood – A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan
June 14, 2025
8:00 pm

The Rock and Roll Playhouse – Music of Grateful Dead for Kids
June 14, 2025
11:00 am

BRONCHO – Natural Pleasure Tour 2025
June 17, 2025
8:00 pm

Shinyribs with The River Arkansas
June 18, 2025
8:00 pm

Provoker – Mausoleum Tour
June 19, 2025
7:00 pm

Merkules – The Survivor’s Guilt Tour
June 20, 2025
8:00 pm

Greer
June 21, 2025
8:00 pm

Pub Choir – ‘Something To Do’ Tour
June 24, 2025
8:00 pm

Daniel Allan
June 27, 2025
8:00 pm

Amistat
June 28, 2025
8:00 pm

Tiny Desk Contest On The Road 2025
June 29, 2025
8:00 pm

Ben Kweller – Cover the Mirrors Tour
July 11, 2025
8:00 pm

Take a Dance on Me: ABBA Disco Night
July 12, 2025
9:00 pm

Surprise Chef
July 18, 2025
8:00 pm

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band – Porch Stomp Tour
July 24, 2025
8:00 pm

Savannah Dexter & Brabo Gator
July 26, 2025
8:00 pm

Jonah Kagen
July 27, 2025
8:00 pm

Late Night Drive Home with ALEXSUCKS.
August 2, 2025
8:00 pm

Wasia Project
August 5, 2025
8:00 pm

Loving
August 11, 2025
8:00 pm

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs with Slaughterhouse
August 23, 2025
8:00 pm

Horsegirl with Godcaster
August 26, 2025
8:00 pm

Beginnings – A Celebration of the Music of Chicago
August 29, 2025
8:00 pm

The End Lafayette at Dog House Music

Free Songwriters Meetup
June 11, 2025
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

The Crash n’ Burn Show with Krash & The Bandahoots + Ilithyia + Dante Must Die
June 13, 2025
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Free Open Mic Night
June 17, 2025
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Free Podcast Jumpstart Class
June 17, 2025
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

TBA
June 27, 2025
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Femme Musicians Meetup (and jam)
July 1, 2025
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Songwriters Meetup
July 9, 2025
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Performer TBD
July 11, 2025
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Free Open Mic Night
July 15, 2025
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Femme Musicians Meetup (and jam)
August 5, 2025
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Live Music Performer TBA
August 8, 2025
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Songwriters Meetup
August 13, 2025
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Live Music Performer TBA
August 22, 2025
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Band Speed Dating
August 25, 2025
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

 eTown Hall – May to September 2025 Events

Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes – Live Radio Taping
August 8, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

eTown Live Radio Taping with The SteelDrivers and Special Guest
August 24, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Puppy Camp
June 9–12
9 am

Rocks & Crystals
June 9–12
1 pm

Glow in the Dark
June 16–19
9 am

Swifties
June 16–19
1 pm

Rainbows & Unicorns
June 23–26
9 am

Glow in the Dark
June 23–26
1 pm

Rocks & Crystals
July 7–10
9 am

Puppy Camp
July 7–10
1 pm

Swifties
July 14–17
9 am

Rainbows & Unicorns
July 14–17
1 pm

Swifties
July 14–17
9 am

Rainbows & Unicorns
July 14–17
1 pm

Glow in the Dark
July 21–24
9 am

Rocks & Crystals
July 21–24
1 pm

Puppy Camp
July 28–31
9 am

Swifties
July 28–31
1 pm

Flipbooks
August 4–7
9 am

Acrylics & Watercolors
August 4–7
1 pm

 Dairy Arts Center – May to September 2025 Events

Happy Hour Draft Exchange
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Danse Etoile Ballet: The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Danse Etoile Ballet: The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Danse Etoile Ballet: The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Fearless Motion Dance Center: New York City in Motion
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Fearless Motion Dance Center: New York City in Motion
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Fearless Motion Dance Center: New York City in Motion
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Memoir Writing with Brenda Kahn: 6 Weeks
Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Go West: Artist Talk
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Drop-In Writing Sessions
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Cultural Caravan Presents: Behind the Music – Letters to My Daughters
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Frequency Dance Concert: Dive Into Dance
Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Frequency Dance Concert: Dive Into Dance
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Frequency Dance Concert: Dive Into Dance
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Frequency Dance Concert: Dive Into Dance
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Memoir Writing with Brenda Kahn: 6 Weeks
Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains

Youth Pride
June 23, 2025
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

50+ LGBTQ+ Mixer – Save the Date
June 27, 2025
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Junkyard Social Club

Queer Circus
June 6, 2025
7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Longmont Pride
June 7, 2025
3:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Central Park and Civic Area

Saturday Boulder Farmers Market
June 7, 2025
8:00 am

Boulder Pridefest
June 15, 2025
11:30 am – 5:00 pm

Sandstone Park

Lyons Pride
June 21, 2025
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

June 25 – High Lonesome

July 2-  Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts

July 9-  Chris Daniels & The Kings

July  16- Los Cheesies

July 23- Bonnie & Taylor Sims Band

July 30- Shuck Wagaon Bluegrass Band

August 6- Halden Wofford & The Hi* Beams

 Roe Green Theatre (CU Boulder)

Indoor venue for Colorado Shakespeare Festival productions. Comfortable seating, located on CU Boulder campus.

The Tempest
June 7
7:00 pm

The Tempest
June 8
7:00 pm

The Tempest
June 14
7:00 pm

The Tempest
June 15
1:30 pm

The Tempest
June 21
7:00 pm

The Tempest
June 22
1:30 pm

The Tempest
June 26
7:00 pm

The Tempest
June 28
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 5
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 6
7:00 pm

The Tempest
July 9
7:00 pm

The Tempest
July 10
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 11
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 12
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 13
1:30 pm

The Tempest
July 13
7:00 pm

The Tempest
July 17
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 16
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 18
7:00 pm

The Tempest
July 19
7:00 pm

The Tempest
July 20
1:30 pm

Richard II
July 20
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 23
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 24
7:00 pm

The Tempest
July 25
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 26
7:00 pm

Doctor Faustus
July 27
1:30 pm

Doctor Faustus
July 27
7:00 pm

Richard II
July 30
7:00 pm

The Tempest
July 31
7:00 pm

The Tempest
August 1
7:00 pm

Richard II
August 2
7:00 pm

Richard II
August 3
1:30 pm

The Tempest
August 3
7:00 pm

The Tempest
August 6
7:00 pm

The Tempest
August 7
7:00 pm

Richard II
August 8
7:00 pm

The Tempest
August 9
7:00 pm

Richard II
August 10
1:30 pm

The Tempest
August 10
7:00 pm

Boulder Philharmonic 

Wallace & Gromit in Concert
June 7, 2025
TBA

Petals & Paintings
June 15, 2025
5:00 pm

The Art of Play Camp with Local Theater Company
June 9–13, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Campamento de Verano: Viajer@s en la Historia y el Arte
June 16–20, 2025
9:30 am – 2:30 pm

Minecraft Master Engineering using LEGO® Materials
June 23–27, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Summer Yoga Series with Boulder Parks and Rec
June 28, 2025
9:00 am – 10:00 am

Author Talk with Peniel E. Joseph
July 2, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Indigenous Cultures and Knowledge Summer Camp
July 7–11, 2025
TBA

Explore Coding using the LEGO® Spike Prime System
July 14–18, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Discover Nepali Art and Culture Summer Camp
July 21–25, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History Guided Tour with Adrian Miller
August 23, 2025
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Chautauqua Park

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
June 7, 2025
10:00 am

The Moth Mainstage
June 7, 2025
7:30 pm

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
June 8, 2025
10:00 am

Saving Our History Film Festival
June 8, 2025
4:00 pm

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
June 14, 2025
10:00 am

Judy Collins
June 14, 2025 (Saturday)
Doors at 6:30 pm, Show at 7:30 pm

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
June 15, 2025
10:00 am

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Monday, June 16, 2025
7:30 pm

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda & Antonio Sánchez Trio
Thursday, June 19, 2025
7:30 pm

Joseph with Special Guest Covenhoven
Friday, June 20, 2025
7:30 pm

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
June 21, 2025
10:00 am

Flatiron Sounds Music Festival
Saturday, June 21, 2025
1:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
June 22, 2025
10:00 am

Dr. Brian Greene: Starry Night – A Voyage Across Space and Time
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
7:00 pm

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
June 28, 2025
10:00 am

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
June 29, 2025
10:00 am

Hélène Grimaud Plays Brahms
Thursday, July 3, 2025
7:30 pm

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
July 5, 2025
10:00 am

Rumpelstiltskin and Other Tricksters
July 6, 2025
10:00 am

Family Concert: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Maestro
Sunday, July 6, 2025
10:30 am

Hélène Grimaud Plays Brahms
Thursday, July 6, 2025
6:30 pm

Schubert, Prokofiev & Brahms
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
7:30 pm

Bruce Cockburn
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
7:30 pm

Brahms 1 + Joan Tower’s World Premiere
Thursday, July 10, 2025
7:30 pm

Brahms 1 + Joan Tower’s World Premiere
Thursday, July 11, 2025
6:30 pm

Art in the Garden
Saturday, July 12, 2025
10:00 am

Tab Benoit
Saturday, July 12, 2025
7:30 pm

An Evening of Mozart
Sunday, July 13, 2025
6:30 pm

Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam with Ivan Pulley – Let It Flow 2025 Tour
Monday, July 14, 2025
7:30 pm

Brentano String Quartet
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
7:30 pm

Jake Shimabukuro
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
7:30 pm

Anne Akiko Meyers Plays Ravel
Thursday, July 17, 2025
7:30 pm

Anne Akiko Meyers Plays Ravel
Friday, July 18, 2025
6:30 pm

Lucinda Williams & Her Band
Saturday, July 19, 2025
7:30 pm

Tchaikovsky & Beethoven
Sunday, July 20, 2025
6:30 pm

Steve Earle Solo & Acoustic: 50 – Fifty Years of Songs and Stories
Monday, July 21, 2025
7:30 pm

Mozart & Dvo?ák
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
7:30 pm

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3
Thursday, July 24, 2025
7:30 pm

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3
Friday, July 25, 2025
6:30 pm

Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos & the Buena Vista Orchestra
Saturday, July 26, 2025
7:30 pm

Yang Plays Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez
Sunday, July 27, 2025
6:30 pm

Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue
Monday, July 28, 2025
7:30 pm

Dover Quartet
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
7:30 pm

National Geographic Live: Wild Wolves of Yellowstone
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
7:30 pm

Beethoven 9 + Michael Abels’ Amplify
Thursday, July 31, 2025
7:30 pm

Beethoven 9 + Michael Abels’ Amplify
Friday, August 1, 2025
6:30 pm

Mahler’s Ninth Symphony
Sunday, August 3, 2025
6:30 pm

Art in the Garden
Saturday, July 12, 2025
10:00 am

Boulder Jewish Community

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
June 5, 2025
8:00 am – 11:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Teens
June 5, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Soccer Tots
June 5, 2025
9:45 am – 10:45 am

Baby Time
June 5, 2025
11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Altitunes for Babies at the Farm
June 5, 2025
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
June 5, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Farmside Shabbat
June 6, 2025
9:30 am – 10:15 am

Boulder Jewish Festival
June 8, 2025
11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
June 9, 2025
8:00 am – 11:00 am

Mah Jongg Game Play
June 9, 2025
9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Altitunes at the Farm (Mixed Age)
June 9, 2025
10:00 am – 10:45 am

Teva Tots
June 11, 2025
10:15 am – 11:15 am

Pickleball Clinic – Learn to Play
June 11, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
June 12, 2025
8:00 am – 11:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Teens
June 12, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Soccer Tots
June 12, 2025
9:45 am – 10:45 am

Sit & Knit: Drop-in Knitting & Needlework
June 12, 2025
10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Baby Time
June 12, 2025
11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Altitunes for Babies at the Farm
June 12, 2025
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
June 12, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Messinger Gallery Opening: Artie Sandstone
June 12, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Farmside Shabbat
June 13, 2025
9:30 am – 10:15 am

J Parent: Family Shabbat Picnic Dinner
Friday, June 13, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
Monday, June 16, 2025
8:00 am – 11:00 am

Mah Jongg Game Play
Monday, June 16, 2025
9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Exchange Summer Lecture Series: The Precious Minerals Challenge for Renewable Energy
Monday, June 16, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Learn to Play Samba
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Pickleball Clinic – Intermediate Skills & Drills
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
Thursday, June 19, 2025
8:00 am – 11:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Teens
Thursday, June 19, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Altitunes for Babies at the Farm
Thursday, June 19, 2025
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
Thursday, June 19, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Farmside Shabbat
Friday, June 20, 2025
9:30 am – 10:15 am

20s/30s Shabbat at the Farm
Friday, June 20, 2025
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Summer Shabbat 50+
Friday, June 20, 2025
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Boulder U-Fix-It Clinic at the JCC
Sunday, June 22, 2025
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Farm Volunteering: Growing Season
Monday, June 23, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Mah Jongg Game Play
Monday, June 23, 2025
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Pickleball Clinic – Newbie Coached Mixer
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
Thursday, June 26, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Teens
Thursday, June 26, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Altitunes for Babies at the Farm
Thursday, June 26, 2025
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
Thursday, June 26, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Men of the J Brewery Meet-Up
Thursday, June 26, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Farmside Shabbat
Friday, June 27, 2025
9:30 am – 10:15 am

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
Monday, June 30, 2025
8:00 am – 11:00 am

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
July 1, 2025
5:00 pm

Men of the J Discussion Group
July 2, 2025
4:30 pm

Pickleball Clinic – Intermediate/Advanced Endurance
July 2, 2025
5:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
July 3, 2025
9:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Teens
July 3, 2025
9:00 am

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
July 3, 2025
5:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
July 7, 2025
8:00 am

Art at the Farm
July 8, 2025
9:30 am

Babies at the Farm
July 8, 2025
12:00 pm

Nosh & Network: Speed Networking
July 8, 2025
4:00 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
July 8, 2025
5:00 pm

Nosh & Network: In-Person on the Farm
July 8, 2025
5:30 pm

Men of the J Breakfast Meetup
July 9, 2025
8:00 am

Teva Tots
July 9, 2025
9:30 am

Pickleball Clinic – Learn to Play
July 9, 2025
5:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
July 10, 2025
8:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Teens
July 10, 2025
9:00 am

Soccer Tots
July 10, 2025
9:45 am

Sit & Knit: Drop-in Knitting & Needlework
July 10, 2025
10:30 am

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
July 10, 2025
5:00 pm

Farmside Shabbat
July 11, 2025
5:30 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
July 14, 2025
8:00 am

Exchange Summer Lecture Series: Discovering Bhutan – Land of Gross National Happiness
July 14, 2025
5:30 pm

Men of the J Hike
July 15, 2025
9:00 am

Art at the Farm
July 15, 2025
9:30 am

Babies at the Farm
July 15, 2025
12:00 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
July 15, 2025
5:00 pm

Teva Tots
July 16, 2025
10:15 am

Pickleball Clinic – Advanced Beginner Skills & Drills
July 16, 2025
5:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
July 17, 2025
8:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Teens
July 17, 2025
9:00 am

Soccer Tots
July 17, 2025
9:45 am

Men of the J Book Group & Schmooze
July 17, 2025
10:00 am

Volunteer Meal Prep
July 17, 2025
1:00 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
July 17, 2025
5:00 pm

Farmside Shabbat
July 18, 2025
5:00 pm

20s–30s Shabbat at the Farm
July 18, 2025
6:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
July 21, 2025
12:00 am

Exchange Summer Lecture Series: Artificial Intelligence – Learning, Working, and Collaborating in the Digital Age
July 21, 2025
5:30 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
July 22, 2025
5:00 pm

Pickleball Clinic – Newbie Coached Mixer
July 23, 2025
5:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
July 24, 2025
12:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Teens
July 24, 2025
9:00 am

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
July 24, 2025
5:00 pm

Men of the J Brewery Meet Up
July 24, 2025
5:30 pm

Farmside Shabbat
July 25, 2025
12:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
July 28, 2025
12:00 am

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
July 29, 2025
5:00 pm

Pickleball Clinic – Intermediate Coached Mixer
July 30, 2025
5:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
July 31, 2025
12:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Teens
July 31, 2025
9:00 am

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
July 31, 2025
5:00 pm

Farmside Shabbat
August 1, 2025
12:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
August 4, 2025
12:00 am

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
August 5, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Men of the J Discussion Group
August 6, 2025
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Pickleball Clinic – Intermediate/Advanced Endurance
August 6, 2025
Time not specified

Farm Volunteering – Teens
August 7, 2025
Time not specified

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
August 7, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Farmside Shabbat
August 8, 2025
12:00 am

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
August 11, 2025
All day

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
August 14, 2025
All day

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
August 12, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Men of the J – Breakfast Meetup
August 13, 2025
7:30 am – 9:00 am

Pickleball Clinic – Learn to Play
August 13, 2025
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Farm Volunteering – Teens
August 14, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sit & Knit – Drop-In Knitting & Needlework
August 14, 2025
10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
August 14, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Farmside Shabbat
August 15, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

20s & 30s Shabbat at the Farm
August 15, 2025
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
August 18, 2025
All day

Off-Campus Men of the J Hike
August 19, 2025
8:00 am

Pickleball Open Play – Tuesdays
August 19, 2025
5:00 pm

Pickleball Clinic – Newbie Coached Mixer
August 20, 2025
6:00 pm

Farm Volunteering – Growing Season
August 21, 2025
All day

Farm Volunteering – Teens
August 21, 2025
4:00 pm

Men of the J Book Group Schmooze
August 21, 2025
4:30 pm

Pickleball Open Play – Thursdays
August 21, 2025
5:00 pm

Farmside Shabbat
August 22, 2025
5:30 pm

Boulder Chamber of Commerce

Boulder Home Professionals
June 5, 2025
9:00 am – 10:00 am

Longmont Pride Festival
June 7, 2025
3:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Business Growth Network Leads Group
June 9, 2025
9:00 am – 10:30 am

Habitat for Humanity Ribbon Cutting
June 10, 2025
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Coffee with John
June 11, 2025
8:00 am – 9:00 am

Boulder Chamber Orientation
June 12, 2025
8:00 am – 9:30 am

Boulder Area Manufacturing Sector Partnership (Q2)
June 12, 2025
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Boulder Pride Festival
June 15, 2025
11:30 am – 5:00 pm

Business Growth Network Leads Group
June 16, 2025
9:00 am – 10:30 am

Boulder Area Tech Talent Sector Partnership (Q2)
June 18, 2025
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

120 Years in Motion: Connecting Boulder Through Time
June 18, 2025
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Business After Hours
June 18, 2025
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Boulder Home Professionals Happy Hour
June 19, 2025
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Business Growth Network Leads Group
June 23, 2025
9:00 am – 10:30 am

Summer Bike to Work Day Breakfast Station
June 25, 2025
6:30 am – 9:00 am

Business Growth Network Leads Group
June 26, 2025
9:00 am – 10:30 am

Bolder Young Professionals (BYP) Breakfast Club
June 26, 2025
8:00 am – 9:30 am

Business Growth Network Leads Group
June 30, 2025
9:00 am – 10:30 am

Boulder Chamber Running Club
July 2, 2025
7:00 am – 8:30 am

Business Growth Network Leads Group
July 7, 2025

Non-Profit Group Quarterly Meeting
July 10, 2025
8:30 am – 10:00 am

Business Growth Network Leads Group
July 14, 2025

Business Growth Network Leads Group
July 21, 2025

Business Before Hours
July 24, 2025
8:00 am – 9:30 am

Business Growth Network Leads Group
July 28, 2025

Boulder Chamber Virtual Speed Networking
July 30, 2025
8:00 am – 9:00 am

Boulder Chamber Mega Mixer and BYP Disc Golf Throwdown
July 31, 2025
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Business Growth Network Leads Group
August 4, 2025

Boulder Chamber Running Club
August 6, 2025
7:00 am – 8:30 am

Beer with John
August 7, 2025
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Business Growth Network Leads Group
August 11, 2025

Equity Amplification Meeting
August 14, 2025
11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Business Growth Network Leads Group
August 18, 2025

Boulder Chamber Orientation
August 20, 2025
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Business Growth Network Leads Group
August 25, 2025

BWLG: Wedges & Wine
August 25, 2025
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Business Growth Network Leads Group
September 1, 2025

Central Park

Boulder Wednesday Farmers Market
Wednesdays through October 2025, 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Saturday Boulder Farmers Market
Saturdays through November 2025, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Arts in the Park 2025 – Boulder Ballet Performances
June 7, 2025, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Riverside

Saturday Market
Saturdays through July 26, 2025, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

bands on the bricks

1300 Block of Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, CO

Graham Good & The Painters
June 11
5:00 pm

Kind Hearted Strangers
June 18
5:00 pm

Hazel Miller & The Collective
June 25
5:00 pm

The Long Run
July 2
5:00 pm

Selasee & The Fafa Family
July 9
5:00 pm

Los Mocochetes
July 16
5:00 pm

Dragondeer
July 23
5:00 pm

The Mammoths
July 30
5:00 pm

Firehouse ART Center

Firehouse South Gallery Opening – Bob Looser, Michelle Sepulveda & Michael Campbell
June 6, 2025
6:00 pm

Longmont Summer Arts & Music Series – June Edition
June 12, 2025
4:30 pm

Myth and Memory Exhibit – Final Weekend
June 13–15, 2025
12:00 pm

Longmont Summer Arts & Music Series – July Edition
July 14, 2025
4:30 pm

Longmont Summer Arts & Music Series – August Edition
August 9, 2025
4:30 pm

Jamestown Mercantile

Songwriter Night
June 5
7pm

Hunter James & The Titanic
June 6
7pm

Ingrid Avison
June 8
12:15pm

Open Mic
June 11
5pm

Gus Miller and Rachel Cole
June 12
7pm

Roma Ransom
June 13
7pm

Women’s Night with Janestown
June 14 – 5pm

Kate Farmer
June 15, 12:15pm

Open Mic
June 18, 5pm

Many Mountains
June 19, 7pm

Bourbon Brass Band
June 20, 7pm

John Shepherd
June 22, 10am

Circus Mutt Band
June 22, 12:15pm

Open Mic
June 25, 5pm

March to August
June 26, 7pm

Rolling Harvest
June 27, 7pm

5 foot bettys
June 29, 12:15pm

Open Mic
July 2, 5pm

Trace & Baerd
July 3, 7pm

The Brothers Burn Mountain
July 6, 12:15pm

Open Mic
July 9, 5pm

Brianna Straut
July 10, 7pm

Sturtz
July 11, 7pm

John Shepherd
July 13, 12:15pm

Open Mic
July 16, 5pm

Palamara
July 17, 7pm

High Lonesome Band
July 18, 7pm

Wayne Sutton & Bill Palmer
July 20, 12:15pm

Open Mic
July 23, 5pm

King Orchard
July 24, 7pm

Canyon Collective Band
July 25, 7pm

John Shepherd
July 27, 10am

Annie and the Bang Bang
July 27, 12:15pm

Clay Rose and Friends
August 1, 7pm

New Family Dog
August 3, 12:15pm

Open Mic
August 6, 5pm

Forrest McCurren
August 7, 7pm

AoxomoxoA
August 8, 7pm

John Shepherd
August 10, 10am

Danny Shafer
August 10, 12:15pm

Open Mic
August 13, 5pm

David Lawerence and the Spoonful
August 14, 7pm

Pass the Snakes
August 15, 7pm

Montana Sand Music
August 17, 12:15pm

Open Mic
August 20, 5pm

Bear Hat
August 22, 7pm

John Shepherd
August 24, 10am

Open Mic
August 27, 5pm

Derek Dames Ohl
August 28, 7pm

ZiMbira
August 29, 7pm

Fox Feather
August 31, 12:15pm

The Black Buzzard at Oscar Blues

Ben Chapman & Meg McRee
June 6, 8pm

Wild Party, Arms Akimbo, Silver & Gold
June 7, 8pm

GONG
June 8, 7:30pm

The Trouble Notes
June 13, 8pm

Ace Monroe, Radio Fluke, Stil Runnin
June 14, 8pm

Gila Teen, Team Nonexistent, Birdhouse View
June 19, 8pm

brake, Yung Kell, Flowers For You, Danny Goo, Chase Cavanaugh, Sam Bosch, Plxgves
June 20, 7:30pm

Qoncert Music Fest
June 21, 7:30pm

Vibes & Pride Artist Showcase: My’StroE, Dylanovus, DMINQ, Jade Iam, TheGoddess, Mango Slushy, DESTINO
June 27, 7:30pm

Questshun, Addie Tonic, Areyma
June 28, 8pm

American Metal Fest! Thrash Hard City, Bleed The Vain, Scream of Genovese, SpaceCorpse, Blood Across The Sky
July 5, 7pm

MojoMama
July 11, 8pm

Object Heavy
July 18, 8pm

Emma Mayes & the Hip, Jeanette/Streight
July 19, 8pm

Aaron Wolf, Mighty Mystic, Red Sage
July 25, 8pm

Sarah and the Safe Word, Everybody’s Worried About Owen
July 26, 8pm

Mitchell Ferguson, Luke Borchelt
August 8, 8pm

Kat Hasty, Jackie Darlene – Night One
August 21, 8pm

Kat Hasty, Jackie Darlene – Night Two
August 22, 8pm

Castillo Bravo, Dead Pay Rent, The Ghost Towners
August 23, 8pm

Newman Center for the Performing Arts

Awards Convocation
June 6, 12:30pm

Graduate Voice Repertoire
June 7, 7:30pm

Denver Chamber Music Festival: Beethoven’s Complete Works for Cello & Piano, Part 1
June 9, 7:30pm

Denver Chamber Music Festival: Beethoven’s Complete Works for Cello & Piano, Part 2
June 10, 7:30pm

Denver Chamber Music Festival: Folk Rhythms & Timeless Melodies
June 13, 7:30pm

Denver Chamber Music Festival: Romance & Revelry
June 14, 7:30pm

Guest artist recital: Eddy Mariën, carillon
June 22, 5pm

Guest artist recital: Tin-Shi Tam, carillon
July 13, 5pm

Guest artist recital: Emily Kim, carillon
August 24, 5pm

Bellco Theater

Banda MS
June 7, 7pm

Chelo – El Adios De Una Grande
June 13, 6:30pm

Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton
June 29, 8pm

El Flaco y Sus Amigos
July 26, 8pm

Los Tigres del Norte “La Lotería”
August 30, 8pm

Summit Denver

Bayside – 25th Anniversary: The Errors Tour
June 6, 8pm

Bayside – 25th Anniversary: The Errors Tour
June 7, 8pm

Sleep Theory – The Afterglow Tour
June 8, 7pm

Panchiko
June 10, 8pm

Emo Nite – 21+
June 13, 9pm

Gasolina Reggaetón Party – 18+
June 14, 9pm

Faun “World Hex” Tour 2025
June 18, 8pm

Trap Karaoke – 21+
June 20, 7pm

Codd Dubz – Canal Street Crook Tour
June 21, 8pm

Lacey Sturm “Kenotic Metanoia Tour”
June 26, 8pm

Bearracuda – 18+
June 28, 9pm

Red Rocks Worship
June 29, 7pm

Eyedress – Stoner Tour 2025
July 15, 8pm

Paul Taylor: F*** Me I’m French – 16+
July 19, 8pm

Carnifex “Hell Chose Me 15 Year Anniversary Tour”
July 22, 6pm

Spike and the Gimme Gimmes
July 24, 7:30pm

Bashfortheworld: The Migo in America Tour
July 25, 8pm

Rio Da Yung Og
July 26, 8pm

Sorry Papi – The All Girl Rave – 18+
August 1, 10pm

The Acacia Strain
August 2, 6:30pm

Jake Scott
August 3, 8pm

JoJo Siwa LIVE
August 4, 8pm

King Lil G & Young Drummer Boy: Blue Hundreds Tour 2025 With Hexxx
August 8, 8pm

Eslabon Armado
August 14, 8pm

Twiztid – Freek Show 25 Year Tour
August 15, 7pm

The Church – THE SINGLES: 1980-2025
August 16, 8pm

Bop To The Top – 18+
August 22, 9pm

Infected Mushroom
August 30, 8pm

Oriental Theater

Beautiful Disaster – A Pole and Aerial Dance Show
June 6, 7:30pm

Dyketopia’s Fourth Annual Pridestravgaynza!
June 7, 8pm

Twin Tribes
June 8, 7pm

Big Country
June 10, 7pm

Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with The Guilty Ones
June 11, 8pm

ZOSO: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
June 12, 8pm

Lucha Libre & Laughs: Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride.
June 13, 8pm

Lucha Libre & Laughs: Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride.
June 14, 8pm

Mortified Live: Pride Edition
June 19, 7:30pm

Creeping Death + Kruelty
June 20, 7pm

Spacehog & EMF (Co-Headline show)
June 21, 8pm

Marcia Ball: Legendary blues pianist, vocalist, and songwriter
June 26, 7:30pm

2025 Mile High Hmong SummerFest Concert
June 27, 8pm

Hang the DJ: The Smiths Tribute
June 28, 6:30pm

Wake Me
July 11, 7pm

Hard Candy Dance: Cosmic Cabaret
July 12, 8pm

The Traveling Wilburys Revue
July 18, 8pm

In Plain Air and Requiem
July 19, 8pm

VOODOO (tribute to Godsmack)
July 25, 6:45pm

Powerman 5000
July 29, 7pm

The Union Underground and Spineshank Co-Headline Tour
July 31, 7pm

Fear – 40th Anniversary of “More Beer”
August 1, 7pm

Carnivale De Sensuale: Hotter Than Hell
August 2, 8pm

DM101 -Tribute to DEPECHE MODE
August 8, 6:30pm

Buckcherry
August 10, 7pm

Dale Watson & His Lone Stars
August 11, 8pm

Men Without Hats
August 13, 8pm

Iron Maidens
August 15, 8pm

Mile High Power Fest 2025
August 16, 2:45pm

Bug Hunter and The Narcissist Cookbook
August 30, 7pm

Mission Ballroom

Brand New
June 8, 8pm

Brand New
June 9, 8pm

Stick Figure
June 10, 7pm

The Kooks
June 13, 9pm

Three 6 Mafia & Yelawolf
June 14, 8pm

Flying Lotus & Reggie Watts
June 17, 8pm

Lake Street Dive
June 18, 8pm

LSZEE
June 19, 7pm

LSZEE
June 20, 8pm

LSZEE
June 21, 8pm

LSZEE
June 22, 7pm

Car Seat Headrest
July 12, 8pm

TESLA
August 2, 8pm

Regina Spektor
August 3, 7:30pm

Men I Trust
August 11, 8pm

Ty Myers
August 14, 8pm

An August Evening With Wilco
August 16, 7:30pm

Timmy Trumpet
August 22, 8pm

Tennis
August 26, 8pm

The Fray
August 27, 7:30pm

YUNGBLUD
August 28, 8pm

Sam Barber
August 29, 8pm

Hi Dive

The River Arkansas + Leashy (Alysia Kraft) + Tomato Soup
June 5, 7pm

Daikaiju + TripLip + Smokey Mirror + Black Yeti
June 6, 8pm

Wombo + Mainland Break + Spliff Tank
June 7, 8pm

Lola Kirke with Chloe Kimes
June 9, 7pm

Night Jobs + Valdez + Black Dots
June 12, 7pm

Glass Human + The Milk Blossoms + Fainting Dreams
June 13, 8pm

Sunflower Bean + Gift + Dry Ice
June 14, 8pm

Geneva + Wildlove Tigress + Stationary Shop
June 19, 7pm

Magic Cyclops + Mr. Pacman + Little Fyodor + Jocko Homo
June 20, 8pm

Bull Market + Moon Pussy + Blood Oath + The New Creep
June 21, 8pm

Walt Disco + Pleasure Prince + Chroma Lips
June 24, 7pm

R.A.P Ferreira + BLAX + RO$$AY
June 25, 7pm

Rubedo + Rarebyrd$ + Redamancy
June 27, 8pm

Anthony Ruptak + Porlolo + The Trujillo Company
June 28, 8pm

Denver Pride After-Party
June 29, 7pm

Casper Allen & The Naturals + June Swoon + Shawn Hess
June 30, 7pm

Knumears + Othiel + Strainer + athousandangelsandseven
July 2, 7pm

Planning for Burial + Volunteer Coroner + Verhoffst + Patience, Ophelia
July 3, 7pm

Club XCX
July 4, 8pm

Quells + Los Cronies + Virgil Virgil + Big Door
July 5, 7pm

Jackson & The Janks + El Welk + The Milk Blossoms
July 8, 7pm

Tonguebyte + iies + Machete Mouth
July 9, 7pm

Howling Giant + Abrams + Voidlung
July 10, 7pm

An Evening with Caroline Rose
July 11, 8pm

Dustbowl Champion + Caskette Cassette + Floats
July 12, 8pm

Profanatica + Knoll + Unidad Trauma
July 14, 8pm

Vile Rites + Cronos Compulsion + Ghosts of Glaciers
July 15, 7pm

40 Watt Sun (Solo) + Serpentent
July 28, 7pm

Sculpture Club + Flesh Tape + French Kettle Station
July 29, 7pm

Midwife + Jenny Haniver + Fainting Dreams
July 31, 7pm

Lifeguard
August 2, 8pm

Emily Nenni & Dylan Earl
August 6, 7pm

Sharpie Smile
August 8, 8pm

Michael Seyer + Br?ha
August 10, 7pm

The Mystery Lights + Colfax Speed Queen + The Omens
August 14, 7pm

Mal Blum + Charlie Mtn.
August 16, 8pm

Ghost Canyon Festival
August 22, 6pm

Ghost Canyon Festival
August 23, 6pm

Ghost Canyon Festival
August 24, 6pm

Gothic Theater

Pig Destroyer
June 5, 8pm

Blondshell
June 8, 8pm

Buckethead
June 13, 8pm

The Blue Stones – Metro North America ’25
June 18, 8pm

Lenny Pearce
June 19, 5:30pm

TRVE13 feat. Wolves in the Throne Room
June 20, 6pm

Perfume Genius
June 21, 9pm

Heartless Bastards
July 18, 9pm

of Montreal
July 26, 8pm

Scene Queen
July 30, 8pm

Klangphonics
August 7, 8pm

Kokoroko
August 8, 8p

WesGhost
August 15, 9pm

The Sword
August 19, 8pm

Murder By Death
August 21, 7pm

Murder By Death
August 22, 7pm

Kolohe Kai
August 29, 8pm

Mipso
August 30, 9pm

Cervante’s Masterpiece Ballroom

Barrington Levy w/ Tomorrows Bad Seeds, A-Mac & The Height, DJ Chris Milly
June 5, 8pm

SHIFT Ft. Actualize w/ Secret DJs and Special Guest VJs
June 5, 8:30pm

Plain Faraday w/ Jewel House, Assistance
June 6, 8pm

Mport w/ Noetika, Critical H!T (Yoko x Skinny Limbs), Dank Frank, Big Nut Chuck
June 6, 8:30pm

Satin Jackets w/ OTR, Spirit Motel (Bright Soul Set), Boogie Lights
June 7, 8pm

Matteo Mancuso
June 10, 8pm

RiFF RAFF w/ Jarren Benton, Synthwave Sensei, Electric Mike, 2Stoned, Bakester, The White Moms
June 12, 8pm

Breadbox (Jerry Garcia Band Tribute) & Illegal Smile (John Prine Tribute) w/ Tumbledown Shack (Patio Set)
June 13, 7:15pm

Trevor Hall w/ Fruit Bats (Solo) AT GERALD R. FORD amPHITHEATER
June 14, 7pm

Break Signals w/ Splendid Blend, Riding Carpets (Patio Set), Phooey (Patio Set)
June 14, 7:30pm

Buku w/ sfam, Ian Snow, Cyber G, Wesley Mack
June 14, 8:30pm

Trevor Hall w/ Thee Sacred Souls, Fruit Bats (Solo)
June 15, 7pm

MAPS Kickoff Party – hosted by TANDAVA with Poranguí & Savej
June 17, 7pm

Charlene Kaye – Tiger Daughter: Or, How I Brought My Immigrant Mother Ultimate Shame
June 18, 7pm

Blind Melon w/ Ridgeliners
June 19, 8pm

Ollie Joseph & Matt Corman w/ Jake Luke, Jenks, J-Saus
June 19, 8pm

Salin w/ Tyler Adams Organ Trio
June 20, 8pm

Sqwerv & Casey Russell Band w/ DJ Williams Band
June 20, 8pm

Cervs-Stock IV ft. Zach Nugent’s Dead Set, Other Brothers, Heartbyrne, Doom City Drifters, End of the World Party & More
June 21, 7:30pm

Saba w/ Ovrkast
June 25, 8pm

Polyrhythmics w/ Special Guests
June 26, 8pm

Twisted Pine w/ Megan Letts & Friends, River Spell
June 27, 7pm

United We Dance: The Ultimate Rave Experience
June 27, 8:30pm

RemK w/ Special Guests
June 28, 8:30pm

Takuya Kuroda
July 1, 8pm

Holly Bowling
July 2, 8pm

Lettuce ft. GZA w/ Special Guests
July 4, 11pm

Punkadelick ft. Mike Dillon, Brian Haas, Nikki Glaspie & Sgt. Splendor ft. Kate Vargas and Eric McFadden
July 10, 8pm

Ekali w/ SKYLER, LUC, Mass Relay
July 11, 8:30pm

Cycles 10 Year Anniversary ft. all original, past & current members w/ Photon ft. Neal “Fro” Evans + Scott Hachey & Jacob Moss
July 12, 8pm

LTJ Bukem w/ Special Guests
July 12, 8:30pm

Andrew Duhon w/ Special Guests
July 13, 8pm

Neighbor w/ Cordovas
July 17, 8pm

Sleepy Hallow & Sheff G
July 17, 8pm

Stylie w/ Native Leaves
July 18, 8pm

G-Space w/ Mantra Sounds, ZONE Drums (DJ Set), BirdBrain
July 18, 8:30pm

gRLL sMTH ft. kLL sMTH w/ Special Guests
July 19, 4pm

Conducta w/ Pocket, Charles Nimbus
July 19, 8:30pm

Sematary w/ Ghost Mountain, Hackle, Anvil
July 23, 7:30pm

Paul McDonald & the Mourning Doves w/ Electric Juice Box
July 24, 8pm

Icarus w/ Special Guests
July 25, 8:30pm

Penelope Road w/ The Takes
July 26, 8pm

AHEE w/ Evalution, Wiley
July 26, 8:30pm

Johnny Mullenax w/ Jesus Christ Taxi Driver
July 30, 7:30pm

Kate Berlant
July 31, 7pm

Supertask – Calibration
July 31, 8:30pm

Supertask – Calibration
August 1, 8:30pm

Justin Martin & Destructo w/ Critz
August 1, 8:30pm

Supertask – Calibration
August 2, 8:30pm

Moses Yoofee Trio
August 3, 8pm

BALTHVS AT LEVITT PAVILION
August 7, 7pm

SHIFT Ft. Jon1st w/ Villain Era
August 07, 8:30pm

The Iceman Special w/ Doom Gong
August 8, 7pm

Tropidelic & Shwayze w/ Jarv
August 8, 8pm

Peak2Peak
August 9, 8pm

SHIFT Ft. Eater w/ MontyCler, Furtha, G30
August 14, 8:30pm

Mountain Grass Unit w/ Special Guests
August 15, 8pm

Blossom w/ Special Guests
August 15, 8:30pm

Canabliss w/ special guest Capochino, Raaket, Solfire
August 16, 8:30pm

High Step Society w/ Hot Like Mars, Wild Love Tigress
August 16, 8:30pm

This Paranormal Life
August 19, 7pm

TRICKSTAR w/ Acyan, Drum.Tek, SPLiT
August 23, 8:30pm

Tray Wellington Band & Chain Station w/ Front Porch
August 30, 7:15pm

Ball Arena

Andrea Bocelli in Concert with Colorado Symphony
June 17, 8pm

KATY PERRY – THE LIFETIMES TOUR
July 10, 7pm

Jorge Medina & Josi Cuen – JUNTOS
July 13, 8pm

VOLBEAT Greatest of All Tours Worldwide with Special Guest Halestorm
July 17, 7pm

Jason Aldean: Full Throttle Tour 2025
July 25, 7:30pm

Disney Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour
July 28, 7pm

GHOST: Skeletour World Tour 2025
August 7, 8pm

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire
August 9, 12:30pm

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire
August 9, 7:30pm

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire
August 10, 2:30pm

Shinedown: Dance, Kid, Dance
August 12, 7pm

Nine Inch Nails – Peel It Back Tour 2025
August 15, 7:30pm

Lainey Wilson: Whirlwind World Tour
August 16, 7pm

$uicideboy$ present Grey Day Tour 2025 w. Night Lovell & more
August 19, 6:30pm

$uicideboy$ present Grey Day Tour 2025 w. Night Lovell & more
August 20, 6:30pm

Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show
August 22, 7:30pm

Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show
August 23, 7:30pm

Stampede Club

Reventon Sonidero Denver 2025
June 6, 8:30pm

Gemini Day Party!!
June 8, 2pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
June 9, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
June 10, 7pm

Ladies Night
June 11, 6pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
June 16, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
June 17, 7pm

Ladies Night
June 18, 6pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
June 23, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
June 24, 7pm

Ladies Night
June 25, 6pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
June 30, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
June 31, 7pm

Ladies Night
July 2, 6pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
July 7, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
July 8, 7pm

Ladies Night
July 9, 6pm

Orquesta Guayacan
July 10, 9pm

LIL BOOSIE LIVE IN CONCERT
July 13, 7pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
July 14, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
July 15, 7pm

Ladies Night
July 16, 6pm

ORO SOLIDO EN CONCIERTO
July 18, 9:30pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
July 21, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
July 22, 7pm

Ladies Night
July 23, 6pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
July 28, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
July 29, 7pm

Ladies Night
July 30, 6pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
August 4, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
August 5, 7pm

Ladies Night
August 6, 6pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
August 11, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
August 12, 7pm

Ladies Night
August 13, 6pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
August 18, 6:30pm

High Country Dance
August 19, 7pm

Ladies Night
August 20, 6pm

Modern Swing Mondays 2025
August 25, 6:30pm

Dotsero Concert
August 25, 7pm

High Country Dance
August 26, 7pm

Ladies Night
August 27, 6pm

Mile High Stadium

Coldplay Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025
June 10, 6pm

Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour
June 15, 6:30pm

The Weeknd: After Hours Til Dawn
June 21, 7pm

Metallica M72 World Tour
June 27, 6pm

Metallica M72 World Tour
June 29, 6pm

The Lumineers The Automatic World Tour
August 2, 6:30pm

Dazzle Denver

Cyrus Chestnut In Celebration of KUVO’s 40th Anniversary
June 5, 7pm

Cyrus Chestnut
June 6, 7pm

Cyrus Chestnut
June 6, 9:30pm

Geoff Cleveland & Jennifer Matsuura
June 6, 11pm

Kids’ Matinee: Luminous Beings Student Showcase
June 7, 12pm

Cyrus Chestnut
June 7, 7pm

Cyrus Chestnut
June 7, 9:30pm

Larry Vernec & Adam Wolff
June 7, 11pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
June 8, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
June 8, 12:30pm

The Sax Syndicate Plays the Music of Horace Silver
June 10, 7pm

Keddjra & Tansy Wine
June 11, 7pm

Cecil & Ari Alexander
June 12, 7pm

Cecil & Ari Alexander
June 12, 9:30pm

Matt Skellenger
June 12, 11pm

Throwback Friday: Frank Sinatra
June 13, 11am

Gregory Goodloe A Tribute to George Benson
June 13, 7pm

Jacob Larson Band
June 13, 10pm

Domi Edson & Ben Parrish
June 13, 11:30pm

Kids’ Matinee: The Playmakers, The Wizard of Oz, an interactive event
June 14, 12pm

The Fleedami 3
June 14, 7pm

Machete Mouth
June 14, 10pm

Gio Barabadze & Kevin Mooney
June 14, 11:30pm

Father’s Day Brunch with Adam Bodine Trio
June 15, 10:30am

Father’s Day Brunch with Adam Bodine Trio
June 15, 1pm

Purnell Steen & The Five Points Ambassadors: Father’s Day & Juneteenth Show
June 15, 6pm

5280 Jazz Orchestra
June 16, 7pm

Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana feat. Grégoire Maret w/ Luques Curtis & Ruy Adrian López-Nussa
June 17, 7pm

Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana feat. Grégoire Maret w/ Luques Curtis & Ruy Adrian López-Nussa
June 17, 9:30pm

Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana feat. Grégoire Maret w/ Luques Curtis & Ruy Adrian López-Nussa
June 18, 7pm

Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana feat. Grégoire Maret w/ Luques Curtis & Ruy Adrian López-Nussa
June 18, 9:30pm

3MoMezzos Presents Songs of Liberation
June 19, 2pm

Sonya Walker
June 19, 8:30pm

Wil Alston: Songs From the Heart
June 20, 7pm

On the Dot
June 20, 10pm

Kids’ Matinee: The Playmakers Family Brunch presents Alice In Wonderland
June 21, 12pm

Samuel Lewis Quartet presents “For the Love of Music”
June 21, 7pm

Jade Oracle
June 21, 10pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
June 22, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
June 22, 12:30pm

Norma Tell & SaZón Music
June 22, 5pm

Brad Goode
June 24, 7pm

Jake + Jubilee
June 25, 7pm

Bobby Watson
June 26, 7pm

Bobby Watson
June 26, 9:30pm

Julie Koenig & Spencer Zweifel
June 26, 11pm

Ken Walker Sextet
June 27, 7pm

ELECTRIC GIZ
June 27, 10pm

Kids’ Matinee: Special Blend
June 28, 12pm

JoFoKe & Same Cloth
June 28, 7pm

Gwendolyn Parney | Ten noyades
June 28, 10pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
June 29, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
June 29, 12:30pm

KAREN LEE BRIDGE & THE BRIDGE “QUINTESSENCE!” … PLUS!
June 29, 6pm

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra Presents A Tribute to Woody Herman
June 30, 7pm

Andrew Elwood
July 2, 7pm

Fiamoré
July 5, 7pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
July 6, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
July 6, 12:30pm

Satellite Pilot & Heather Hunt
July 9, 7pm

Donny Most with MJO
July 10, 7pm

Throwback Friday: Sarah Vaughan
July 11, 11am

Scarlett Before Horses: Conversations with Our Mother Earth
July 11, 7pm

Cactus Cat
July 11, 10pm

Kids’ Matinee: Special Blend
July 12, 12pm

Alex Loran: The Quest Album Release
July 12, 7pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
July 13, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
July 13, 12:30pm

MARY LOUISE LEE BAND Tribute to Natalie Cole
July 13, 6pm

“Come Away with Me” Tribute to Norah Jones feat. DZIRAE GOLD
July 14, 7pm

Deborah Stafford & The Night Stalkers: The Music of Etta James
July 16, 7pm

Bill Kopper Tribute to Jeff Beck
July 17, 7pm

Friday Lunch Bunch with Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors
July 18, 11am

Jason Greenlaw: Pat Metheny Tribute
July 18, 9pm

Kids’ Matinee: Jenn Cleary’s Kids’ Folk Rock Show!
July 19, 12pm

Jordan Lovinger Tribute to Chick Corea
July 19, 10pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
July 20, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
July 20, 12:30pm

The Spicy Pickles feat. Hannah Rodriguez
July 20, 6:30pm

Jenna McLean Album Release
July 23, 7pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
July 27, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
July 27, 12:30pm

Dotsero
July 27, 6:30pm

Denver Metro Jazz Big Band
July 28, 7pm

Still Life – Songs for Summer
July 30, 7pm

Friday Lunch Bunch with Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors
August 1, 11am

René Marie & Experiment In Truth
August 1, 7pm

René Marie & Experiment In Truth
August 1, 9:30pm

René Marie & Experiment In Truth
August 2, 7pm

René Marie & Experiment In Truth
August 2, 9:30pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 3, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 3, 12:30pm

Webistics
August 3, 6pm

Matt Smiley Quintet: Out to Lunch!
August 4, 7pm

MONTY ALEXANDER – Living History, Jamaica to Jazz
August 5, 7pm

MONTY ALEXANDER – Living History, Jamaica to Jazz
August 6, 7pm

Throwback Friday: Ray Charles
August 8, 11am

Kids’ Matinee: Special Blend
August 9, 12pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 10, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 10, 12:30pm

The Cat’s Glasses
August 11, 7pm

Aakash Mittal’s Breathe Ensemble Album Release
August 15, 6:30pm

Sean Applebee and Beyond
August 15, 9:30pm

Matt Skellenger – Matt Reid Duo Album Release Party ft. members of Matt Skellenger Group
August 16, 6:30pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 17, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 17, 12:30pm

Ron Ivory & Suite ti
August 17, 5pm

Kids’ Matinee: Disney Tunes by West of the Moon
August 23, 12pm

Little Trips
August 23, 10pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 24, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 24, 12:30pm

Kids’ Matinee: The Playmakers, Snow White & The Dazzle Dwarves, An Interactive Event
August 30, 12pm

Tyler Farr Quartet
August 30, 6:30pm

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 30, 10:30am

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine
August 30, 12:30pm

Erie Chamber of Commerce

Concert in the Park – The Burroughs
July 26, 2025
5:00 pm

Concert in the Park – Face Vocal Band
August 23, 2025
4:00 pm

Downtown Erie

28th Annual Erie Town Fair
May 17, 2025
10:00 am

Breck Create

Ridge Street Arts Square – 117 E Washington Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424

AirStage Après
June 13, 2025
Evening

May Be Fern @ Breckinridge Pride Celebration
June 13

AirStage Après
June 19, 2025
Evening

AirStage Après
June 26, 2025
Evening

AirStage Après
July 3, 2025
Evening

July 4th: Bikes, Rights & Creative Delights
July 4, 2025
All day

A Creative + Culinary Affair
July 10, 2025
Evening

AirStage Après
July 10, 2025
Evening

AirStage Après
July 17, 2025
Evening

AirStage Après
July 24, 2025
Evening

AirStage Après
July 31, 2025
Evening

AirStage Après
August 7, 2025
Evening

Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA)
August 15–24, 2025
Varied times

Breck Create – Ridge Street Arts Square

150 W Adams Ave., Breckenridge, CO 80424

BoDeans Live at the Riverwalk Center
June 27

Breck Create – Old Masonic Hall

136 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Exhibition: Irrational Indigenous Insights by Anna Tsouhlarakis
May 24 – August 31, 2025
Opening day evening

 Robert Whyte House

Artist-in-Residence: Aimee Kuipur
Summer 2025
Varied hours

J.R. Hodges Tin Shop

Artist-in-Residence: Justin Tyler Tate
Summer 2025
Varied hours

Arts Hub Events

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
July 25, July 26, July 27

Review 1 (The Lion King)
June 14

Youth Production 1 (Cinderella: Youth Edition)
June 21 and June 22

Musical Theatre Skills Camp
June 27

Reviews 2 (Little Shops of Horrors)
June 28

High School Production (Hadestown)
July 11-July 13

The complete Works of Harry Potter
July 2 and July 3

Youth Production 2 (Robin Hood)
July 19 and July 20

Disney Dance Intensive
July 11

Review 3 (Moana)
July 26

Youth Production (Something Rotten, Jr.)
August 2 and August 3

Evening Production (Mean Girls, Jr.)
August 8-August 10

The Black Sheep

Ava Maybee, Annika Rose
Fri June 6, 2025 8:00pm (doors:7:00pm)

Sleep Theory – The Afterglow Tour 
Sat June 7,2025 7:00pm (doors 6:00pm)

Winona Fighter, Good Boy Daisy, Strung Short
Fri June 13, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Tigerwine, Daisyhead, Runoff, Viewfinder
Sat June 14, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Tycho 
Mon June 16, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Fayuca, Green Buddha
Fri June 20, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Creeping Death, Kruelty, Upon Stone 
Sat June 21, 2025 7:00pm (doors: 6:00pm)

Sheppard, The Drawn Out
Sun June 22, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Vampire Everywhere 
Mon June 23, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Low Cut Connie, The Dirty Turkeys
Tues June 24, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Lacey Sturn- Kenotic Metanoia Tour w/ Islander, Young Other
Fri June 27, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

United We Dance: The Ultimate Race Experience 
Sat June 28, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 8:00pm)

Danna Simpson 
Fri July 11, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Nekromantix, The Rumours
Sun July 13, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

The Bombpops + The Dwarves @ Vultures
Fri (doors: 7:00pm)

The Emo Night Tour
Fri July 18, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 8:00pm)

719 Day Fest at The Black Sheep, Vultures & What’s Left Records
Sat July 19, 2025 2:00pm (doors: 2:00pm)

Heart Attack Man, The Dirty Nil, Carpool, Dear Seattle 
Sun July 20, 2025 7:00pm (doors: 6:00pm)

The Union Underground, Spineshank, Adema, Sicksense
Fri August 1, 2025 7:00pm (doors: 6:00pm)

FEVER 333 – NEW WEST ORDER w/special guests Fire From The Gods, Crooked Teeth
Wed August 6, 2025 7:30pm (doors: 6:30pm)

Boundaries, Stick To Your Guns, Gates To Hell, Psycho-Frame
Thu August 7, 2025 6:30pm (doors: 5:30pm)

Men Without Hats
Wed August 12, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Alien Ant Farm
Sat August 16, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

Metalachi
Thu August 21, 2025 8:00pm (doors: 7:00pm)

One-Off Events

May

Drag Show
May 25
6:30pm
Dickens
302 Main Street, Longmont

Boulder Creek Festival
May 26
Along Boulder Creek (9th to 14th St between Canyon Blvd and Arapahoe Ave)

Divine Rest Nests: An Invitation
May 26-September 1
MBoCA
1750 13th Street, Boulder

Ben Green & Scott Fisher – “The Aging Wisely Project”
May 27
6:30pm
Boulder Bookstore
1107 Pearl St, Boulder

Yoga For All
May 28
8:00am
The Colorado Chautauqua
900 Baseline Rd, Boulder

Kristin Koval – “Penitence
May 28
6:30pm
Boulder Bookstore
1107 Pearl St, Boulder

Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song
May 28-June 29
Garner Galleria
1400 Curtis Street, Denver

Magic Hunks 
May 28
8pm
Dickens
302 Main Street, Longmont

Qigong For Everyone
May 29
8am
Chautauqua Community House
900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80302

Jordan Quaglia – “From Self-Care to We-Care”
May 29
6:30pm
Boulder Bookstore
1107 Pearl St, Boulder

Free Podcast Jumpstart Class
May 29
6:30pm
The End Lafayette @ Dog House Music
525 Courtney Way

Summer in Italy Cooking Class
May 29
6:30pm
Food Lab
1825 Pearl St, Boulder