Mapleton Hill PorchFest: Music, Porches, and Pure Boulder Magic

Hey Boulder! 🌞

There’s nothing quite like a fall Sunday stroll through Mapleton Hill—unless you add 50+ bands, historic porches-turned-stages, food trucks, and lemonade stands run by entrepreneurial 5th graders. 🎺 From jazz and bluegrass to classic rock and singer-songwriters, it’s a choose-your-own musical adventure. 🎵✨

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— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

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Buffs Football: Boulder’s Best Game Day Spots

We’re excited to welcome Mattie Schuler as a local contributor to What’s Happenin’! Mattie’s a Boulder-based journalist with bylines in local and national outlets, covering the outdoors, travel, food, and more.

Her first piece is your guide to the best CU Buffs tailgates and watch parties this season — from Moxy’s courtyard bashes to rooftop views at Avanti. Whether you have tickets or not, she’s got the inside scoop on where to pregame and cheer on the Buffs.

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🎶 Historic Porches, Local Bands & Front-Yard Vibes

There’s nothing quite like a fall Sunday stroll through Mapleton Hill—unless you add 50+ bands, historic porches-turned-stages, food trucks, and lemonade stands run by entrepreneurial 5th graders. 🎺 Welcome back to Mapleton Hill PorchFest, Boulder’s beloved free neighborhood music festival, happening this Sunday, Sept. 21 from 12–4 PM.

What started in 2011 as a grassroots community celebration is now a full-blown acoustic block party across one of Boulder’s most iconic neighborhoods. Bring your lawn chair, your dancing shoes, and some cash to tip the musicians—who perform for free and with a whole lot of heart. From jazz and bluegrass to classic rock and singer-songwriters, it’s a choose-your-own musical adventure. 🎵✨

🗺️ Start at 541 Highland for the kickoff concert and KGNU livestream, grab tacos and ice cream near The Academy at 4th & Mapleton, and follow the map (or your ears) from porch to porch.

☀️ Bonus Sunday Vibes: Festival Del Sol

If you find yourself wanting more music, dance, and sunshine, swing by Festival Del Sol at Chautauqua (also free!). This bilingual celebration runs 12–5 PM and features live music, Latin dance lessons, family games, guided hikes, and food vendors—all against a stunning Flatirons backdrop. 🎉

🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder 🎭

Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar

🎧 From Porch Jams to Mountain Moves

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