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Boulder Arts Week Is Here! Let’s Paint the Town 🎭
Murals, music, dance, and pottery—Boulder’s biggest celebration of creativity kicks off April 4. Here’s what to see, where to go, and how to get involved.
What's Happenin' Team
April 02, 2025
Boulder Arts Week: A Citywide Celebration of Creativity
Hey Boulder! 🌞
Get ready, Boulder — our city is turning into a live canvas of color, creativity, and community spirit. From poetry readings and pottery classes to live music, gallery openings, and mural walks, Boulder Arts Week (April 4–12) is your all-access pass to one of the most vibrant arts scenes in the country.
Not convinced? Boulder is home to more artists per capita than almost any city in America — we’re talking thousands of creatives and over 140 local arts organizations. So grab a friend, hit a First Friday event, and dive into the studios, streets, and performance spaces that make our town magic.
Let’s make it a week to remember! 🖌️🕺🎶
— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉
🎭 What to See, Do & Celebrate During Boulder Arts Week
From April 4–12, the city turns into one giant gallery—and you’re invited. Here’s how to soak it all in:
🖼️ First Friday Art Crawl – Kick things off April 4 with open studios, gallery parties, and special exhibits all over town.
🎭 Live Performances – Catch everything from dance workshops to theater, music, and even community poetry slams.
🎬 Films & Conversations – Join thought-provoking screenings and discussions at venues like BMoCA, the Museum of Boulder, and the Boulder Theater.
🎨 Hands-On Fun – Try your hand at pottery at AMIO Ceramics or drop into a quilt block class at Studio 24. Yes, we said quilting—don’t knock it ’til you try it.
🥳 New This Year: Boulder Arts Week Awards – Vote for your favorite community art moment and celebrate changemakers in our creative ecosystem.
🌟 All Over Town – From the Pearl Street Mall to Pine Street Church to Gelato Boy (yes, there’s art there too), the city is bursting with color and inspiration.
💡 Why It Matters – Boulder has the third-highest concentration of artists in the country. This week is about honoring them, connecting, and creating together.
Want a full list of events? Click here to start planning your week of creativity!
🏔️ Boulder Trivia Time!
Which iconic sci-fi comedy filmed scenes at Boulder’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)? |
Guess and we’ll reveal the answer at the bottom of this issue! ⛰️✨
🎶 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!
Wednesday, April 2 🆓 Free Events 🎹 Behind the Music: Victor Mestas, Jazz Pianist – A rare, behind-the-scenes evening with Venezuelan jazz pianist Victor Mestas hosted by The Cultural Caravan. @ Dairy Arts Center, 7–8:30 PM 🎻 Bluegrass Pick – Open jam session for pickers and bluegrass lovers alike. @ Beyond the Mountain Brewing, 5–7 PM (Recurring Wednesdays) Brain Food Trivia – Test your knowledge with Brian K. while enjoying craft beer. @ Twisted Pine Brewing, 7-9 PM (Recurring Wednesdays) Open Mic Night – Local singer-songwriters take the stage! Sign up at 5:30 PM. @ VisionQuest Brewery, 6-8 PM (Recurring Wednesdays) Weekly Music at Trident – Live tunes on the back patio of this iconic bookstore & café. @ Trident Booksellers, Suggested donation: $5-$15 (Recurring Wed-Sat) Trivia Night at Full Cycle – Food, craft beer, and a fun trivia challenge. @ Full Cycle Cafe & Bar, 7-9 PM (Recurring Wednesdays) | Thursday, April 3 🆓 Free Events Geeks Who Drink Trivia – Grab a beer and test your trivia skills! @ Wild Provisions Beer Project, 6:30-8:30 PM (Recurring Thursdays) 🎶 Live at the Tune Up: Tim Hill Combo – High-energy local rock at a cozy neighborhood bar. Suggested donation encouraged. @ Full Cycle Café & Bar, 7–9 PM (Recurring monthly, 1st Thursdays) 🍺 Social Double IPA Tapping + Sample Hour – Celebrate a fresh IPA release with a free 5oz pour from 5–6 PM. Must be 21+. @ Boulder Social, 5–6 PM 🌸 Muse Makers: Ikebana with Eileen Kay – Learn the Japanese art of floral arrangement in this meditative, hands-on workshop. @ Museum of Boulder, 10 AM–12 PM ($10 / $8 / Free with SNAP/EBT) 💵 Ticketed Events 🎸 Cris Jacobs – Bluesy, soulful Americana live on stage. @ Velvet Elk Lounge, 8–11 PM ($22) 🎧 Mersiv with Heyz, SuperAve., Fryar, Venture 5 – Deep bass, lasers, and raw sound—no frills, just energy. @ Boulder Theater, 8 PM ($29.50) |
🌤️ Boulder Weather Outlook
Today (Wed, Apr 2) – ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 50°F / Low: 29°F 💨 W 16 mph | A crisp day with sunshine peeking through—perfect for an afternoon gallery stroll.
Thursday (Apr 3) – ☁️ Cloudy | High: 41°F / Low: 29°F 🌬️ ENE 8 mph | Overcast vibes incoming. Might be a good day to hit a cozy indoor arts event.
Friday (Apr 4) – 🌧️ PM Rain/Snow Showers | High: 42°F / Low: 26°F 🌬️ NNE 12 mph | Just in time for the Boulder Arts Week kickoff—bring layers and a backup umbrella!
Saturday (Apr 5) – 🌥️ AM Clouds / PM Sun | High: 42°F / Low: 25°F 🌬️ ENE 6 mph | A chilly start, but sunshine in the afternoon makes it great for exploring.
🎉🎨 That’s a Wrap on This Issue!
Boulder Arts Week is just getting started, and we hope this guide inspired you to explore, create, and connect. Whether you’re wandering through a mural tour, grooving at a dance workshop, or admiring portraits at a First Friday show — this city is buzzing with artistic energy. And now for the moment you’ve been waiting for… 🥁 ❓ Trivia Time: Answer Reveal We asked: Which famous film used Boulder’s National Center for Atmospheric Research as a filming location? Answer: “Sleeper” (1973), starring Woody Allen. Yep — that iconic sci-fi satire turned NCAR into a “futuristic” science lab. Hollywood, meet high altitude! We’ll be back Friday with your weekend plans and another dose of local flavor. Until then, go support your favorite artist, gallery, or street performer — it’s what Boulder Arts Week is all about. 🎭🎶🖼️ Stay creative, — The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🏔️🐝 |
Need even more ideas? Our friends at Take More Adventures have you covered with:
🎭 Things to Do in Boulder | 🎨 Best Restaurants in Boulder | 🌄 Best Hikes in Boulder | 💑 Things to Do in Boulder for Couples | 👨👩👧 Things to Do in Boulder for Families
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