Boulder After Dark: Night Hikes, Stars & Symphony

From moonlit meadows to Rachmaninoff at Macky, here’s how to spend your Boulder weekend.

🌌 Night Hikes, Skyline Views & Symphony Vibes

Hey Boulder! 🌞

Boulder by moonlight? Yes, please. This memorial day weekend’s forecast: starlit trails, skyline overlooks, and maybe even a little Rachmaninoff. Whether you’re trekking through open meadows under a full moon or dressing up for the Boulder Chamber Orchestra’s big anniversary finale, there’s magic waiting after sunset.

We rounded up local favorite night hikes and one epic classical music event that’ll give your weekend plans a touch of elegance. Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

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Fun Fact: Mork & Mindy Was Here

Nanu nanu! Boulder was the filming location for the ‘70s hit “Mork & Mindy” starring Robin Williams. You can even visit Mindy’s house at 1619 Pine Street. (Just don’t expect a spaceship in the driveway.)

Award-winning beers. Funky vibes. Local love. Mountain Sun is Pearl Street’s go-to for hearty pub grub, house-brewed pints, and the kind of atmosphere where strangers turn into drinking buddies.

🌌 Boulder by Moonlight: Favorite Night Hikes

Looking to ditch the day crowds and hit the trails under the stars? A local Boulderite asked for Boulder’s best night hikes — and the community delivered. Here are a few local-favorite trails for moonlight wanders, skyline views, and (mostly) low predator encounters:

🌾 Big Bluestem + South Boulder Creek – Flat, open meadows with stellar sky visibility. One Redditor said they didn’t even need a headlamp during a full moon. Bonus points for wide trails and zero drama.

⛰️ Green Mountain via West Ridge – Wooded approach, but rewarding views from the summit. Great if you want a bit of elevation without too much technical terrain.

🌲 Flagstaff Area Trails – Easy to moderate climbs, great overlook points, and multiple trail options. Just check parking rules.

🌙 Betasso Preserve – Gentle terrain with open spots near the main trailhead. Ideal for a short out-and-back with skyline peeks.

🚨 Heads up: Most trails are officially open sunrise to sunset — so if you go, go quietly, safely, and respectfully. And yes, wildlife is always a factor. (That includes raccoons with attitude and the occasional curious deer.)

Want to join a group hike instead? The Colorado Mountain Club’s Boulder Group runs full moon and night hikes regularly. Check it out →

🎼 Spotlight Event: Boulder Chamber Orchestra 20th Anniversary Concert

📍 CU Macky Auditorium | 🗓️ Saturday, May 24 |  7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | 🎟️ $15–$30

Celebrate 20 years of musical excellence with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra’s season finale, featuring Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. International concert pianist Adam Żukiewicz takes the stage in one of Boulder’s most iconic venues. A must-hear for classical fans and those looking to add a touch of culture to their Memorial Day weekend.

🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder Buzz 🎭

Looking for something fun to do? Whether it’s live music, trivia, or a laid-back DJ set, here’s what’s happening in Boulder this weekend!

📅Friday, May 23

🎺 Jazz Supper Club📍 Full Cycle Cafe & Bar | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | 💵 $20 online / $25 door (recurring weekly on Friday & Saturday)

🎶 College Night – Cheap drinks + great vibes = perfect Friday night. Just bring your student ID! 9–11 PM @ Avanti F&B (Recurring Fridays)

Boulder Creek Festival📍 9th–14th St. between Canyon & Arapahoe | All Day | 🎟️ Free | Live music, art, eats, and local flavor—Boulder’s biggest summer kickoff returns!

VIVA Theater: Our Town📍 Dairy Arts Center | Evening | 🎟️ TBA | Thornton Wilder’s classic gets a local spotlight in this intimate stage production.

Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer📍 Fox Theatre | 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $20 | Blues guitar prodigy shreds his way through Boulder.

Stillhouse Junkies w/ FastFlyod📍 Roots Music Project | 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $17–$22 | Get your bluegrass fix with this high-energy Americana double bill.

Talk of Our Town: Frank Shorter & Steve Bosley📍 eTown Hall | 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $15 | Boulder legends on running, legacy, and life in this live storytelling event.

📅Saturday, May 24

🎺 Jazz Supper Club📍 Full Cycle Cafe & Bar | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | 💵 $20 online / $25 door (recurring weekly on Friday & Saturday)

Boulder Chamber Orchestra – 20th Anniversary📍 Macky Auditorium | 7:30 PM | 🎟️ $30–$50 | A symphonic celebration two decades in the making.

Emo Nite📍 Fox Theatre | 9:00 PM | 🎟️ $16–$19 | Cry-dance your heart out to the songs that made high school hurt.

Peak2Peak📍 Velvet Elk Lounge | 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $19 | High-elevation funk and grooves to shake the floor.

The Reverend Shawn Amos + New Family Dog📍 Roots Music Project | 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $17–$22 | Retro soul and roots blues with a modern kick.

📅Sunday, May 25

Boulder Concert Band Memorial Concert📍 North Boulder Park | 10:00 AM | 🎟️ Free | A patriotic morning of music honoring those who served.

Orchid Mounting Workshop📍 Moss Houseplants | 2:00 PM | 🎟️ $75 | Get your hands dirty (in a good way) with this botanical art workshop.

Boulder Q+ Tea Dance Party 📍 Velvet Elk Lounge | 4:00 PM | 🎟️ $10 | Sip, spin, and celebrate Boulder’s LGBTQ+ community in style.

💌Happy Weekend!

Wherever you wander this weekend — under the stars or into the concert hall — we hope your Memorial Day is filled with wonder, reflection, and a little bit of Boulder magic.

Stay safe, stay curious, and Happy Memorial Day, Boulder.

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🇺🇸🌼

Answer: C) Over 80

That’s right — Boulder is home to more than 80 urban parks, from large community fields to tiny neighborhood greens. Whether you’re tossing a frisbee, skating, picnicking, or letting your pup roam free, there’s a park for that. 🛝🌲🐕

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🌸

Thinking about your next Boulder adventure? Check out our guides to Boulder’s craft breweries, Pearl Street eats, neighborhood highlights, and more Boulder travel inspo.

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