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- Boulder’s Strangest Traditions – How Many Have You Witnessed? 👀
Boulder’s Strangest Traditions – How Many Have You Witnessed? 👀
From nearly-naked runs to live buffalo sprints, Boulder’s quirkiest traditions make this city one of a kind.
What's Happenin' Team
March 05, 2025
Hey Boulder! 🌞
Boulder isn’t just a place—it’s a mindset. And part of that mindset? Embracing the wonderfully weird. Whether it’s racing nearly naked through campus, cheering on a live buffalo at a football game, or celebrating the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade, Boulder does things differently.
Some of these traditions raise eyebrows, some raise heart rates, and all of them make Boulder, well… Boulder.
We’re diving into the most bizarre, beloved, and just plain Boulder events that keep this city’s quirky spirit alive.
— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉
🌟 Weirdly Boulder: The Strangest Local Traditions
Boulder is a town that does things a little differently. Whether it’s running nearly naked through campus, racing a human-powered coffin, or taking a midwinter dip in freezing water just for fun, this city is full of quirky traditions that make it uniquely Boulder. Here are some of the strangest (and most beloved) local rituals:
Most races involve athletic wear, but in true Boulder fashion, this one starts with shedding layers. CU Boulder students gather for this annual event to donate clothes to charity before sprinting through campus in their skivvies. It’s equal parts ridiculous, exhilarating, and heartwarming—because what better way to give back than by literally giving the shirt off your back? Forget foam mascots—Boulder has a real-life buffalo leading the charge at every CU home football game. Ralphie, CU’s live mascot, storms the field at Folsom Stadium with a team of handlers sprinting beside her. The sight of a 1,200-pound buffalo at full speed is nothing short of legendary, and it’s one of the most adrenaline-fueled traditions in college sports. | 🧊 Taking the Plunge If there’s one thing Boulderites love, it’s pushing their limits—whether that means scaling a rock face, running an ultramarathon, or voluntarily jumping into freezing cold water. Every year, locals gather for an icy dip to test their endurance (and maybe their sanity), all for a good cause. It’s one of those events that perfectly captures Boulder’s why-not attitude. 🍀 The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade A parade so quick you could blink and miss it? Classic Boulder. This blink-and-it’s-over event covers just a single block on Pearl Street but still manages to pack in bagpipers, a lawn chair drill team, and a festive beer garden. It’s proof that in Boulder, quality beats quantity—even when it comes to parades. |
☃️ Frozen Dead Guy Days (Not Boulder, But Close Enough)
Yes, you read that right. Just up the road in Nederland, this festival became world-famous for celebrating a cryogenically frozen corpse—because why not? The event featured coffin races, frozen turkey bowling, and a costumed “polar plunge,” all in honor of a man literally on ice. While it has since moved to Estes Park, its quirky, over-the-top spirit still feels right at home near Boulder.
What’s the weirdest Boulder tradition you’ve witnessed? Hit reply and let us know! 🎭💙
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🏔️ Boulder Trivia Time!
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How many natural rock formations make up the Flatirons? |
🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder: Midweek Buzz 🎭
Wednesday, March 5 🎶 Nick Forster’s Hippy Bluegrass Church – A soulful night of music, storytelling, and community with eTown’s Nick Forster. @ eTown Hall, 7-8:30 p.m. ($15) 🎸 Otis Taylor – A free live concert featuring the blues legend himself. @ CU College of Music, 10-11 a.m. (Free) | Thursday, March 6 🎤 Donavon Frankenreiter – Pro surfer turned folk-rock musician brings laid-back tunes to Boulder. @ Boulder Theater, 8 p.m. ($25-$30) 🎸 Live at the Tune Up: Tim Hill Combo – A Longmont-based band playing originals and classic rock covers with a “higher consciousness.” @ Full Cycle Cafe & Bar, 7-9 p.m. (Free, $10 suggested artist donation) 🎶 Underground Springhouse w/ Beggars Union – A night of jam rock and good vibes. @ Velvet Elk Lounge, 8-11 p.m. ($18) |
✨ Need plans? Whether you’re in the mood for bluegrass, folk-rock, or classic covers, Boulder’s live music scene is thriving this week! 🎸🎷
🏡 Boulder Real Estate: Yay or Nay?We’re thinking about adding a weekly real estate section featuring interesting homes we find on Zillow—because who doesn’t love a little house browsing? But before we dive in, we want to know: |
📩 Cast your vote! Hit reply or tap your pick—we’ll share the results next issue!
🌤️ Boulder Weather Outlook
Wednesday, March 5 – Mostly Sunny ☀️ | High: 53°F | Low: 32°F | 🌬 E 8 mph – A crisp and sunny day—perfect for a lunch break stroll or patio coffee.
Thursday, March 6 – PM Light Rain 🌧️ | High: 49°F | Low: 28°F | 🌬 NNE 8 mph – Dry during the day, but light rain moves in later, so bring a jacket!
Friday, March 7 – Snow Showers ❄️ | High: 34°F | Low: 21°F | 🌬 NE 6 mph – A chilly end to the week with a chance of snow.
Saturday, March 8 – Sunny ☀️ | High: 49°F | Low: 29°F | 🌬 E 4 mph – Blue skies return just in time for the weekend!
📅 Weekly Tip: If you’re heading outside, Wednesday and Saturday are your best bets for sunshine—Friday’s looking like a snow day! ❄️
⏳ Until Next Time, Keep Boulder Quirky!
 | Boulder wouldn’t be Boulder without a little bit of weird. See you out there (preferably fully clothed 😉) — The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🏔️🐝 |
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