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May We Tempt You With Festivals, Farmers Markets & a 10K?
From Derby hats to creekside concerts, Boulder’s May lineup is looking sunny, sweaty, and seriously fun. Let’s go.
What's Happenin' Team
April 30, 2025
🌸 May Is Coming — And Boulder’s About to Bloom!
Hey Boulder! 🌞
The tulips are popping, patios are buzzing, and Boulder’s event calendar just hit overdrive. From rooftop Derby parties to creekside festivals, this month is stacked with reasons to get outside, get inspired, and maybe even get a little sweaty (looking at you, BOLDERBoulder). Whether you’re chasing live music, handmade markets, or mint juleps, we’ve got your May mapped out.
— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉
🧠 Boulder Trivia Time: How Long Is the Boulder Creek Path?
This scenic multi-use trail winds past downtown, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, the Main Library, and more — but how far does it stretch from end to end? |
👉 Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!
🎉 Hello, May! Boulder’s Best Events to Kick Off the Month
Sunshine, tulips, rooftop happy hours—yep, May in Boulder is feelin’ fine. Whether you’re a local legend or a curious newcomer, the city’s got a packed calendar of festivals, markets, races, and rooftop hangs that’ll keep you busy all month long. Here’s your sneak peek at what’s coming up:
📅 May 12–16 A five-day blitz of 200+ free events celebrating innovation, community, and big ideas. Panels, pitch nights, and happy hours—this is where Boulder’s brightest show up and show off. 📅 May 14–18 If you’ve never experienced Mahler live, this is your moment. Enjoy orchestral performances and events honoring the legendary composer. 📅 May 17–18 Over 90 local artists and makers set up shop along Pearl Street. Find one-of-a-kind gifts (Father’s Day’s coming!), sip something local, and soak up the creative vibes. 📅 May 3 Mint juleps, live jazz, Derby hats, and a garden party at Boulder’s swankiest spot. General admission is free; VIP gets you the royal treatment. 🧠 Operation Water Festival (BVSD) 📅 May 12 An educational and interactive water-themed day for local 4th and 5th graders. Science, nature, and conservation take center stage at CU Boulder. | 📅 May 17 Join soul food scholar Adrian Miller for a guided history tour at the Museum of Boulder. Smart, powerful, and deeply local. 📅 Every Saturday & Wednesday Fresh veggies, Colorado honey, handmade bread, live music, and Boulder Creek picnic spots. Saturdays (8 AM–2 PM) & Wednesdays (3:30–7:30 PM). 🚂 Tebo Train Rides for Kids 📅 Starting May 27 All aboard! This beloved kiddie train runs weekdays along Pearl Street. It’s electric, it’s adorable, and it’s free for kids under 10. 📅 May 23–26 Three stages, 200+ vendors, a beer fest, kids zone, and nonstop music by the water. It’s Boulder’s unofficial summer kickoff and the place to be Memorial Day weekend. 📅 May 26 It’s part race, part parade, part city-wide party. Costumes, cheering squads, and a Memorial Day tribute at Folsom Field. |
💐 Whether you’re here for art, music, markets, or just the vibes, May is when Boulder shines. Grab your calendar (and your sunscreen) — it’s going to be a full month.\
Need more inspo while you plan your perfect outing? Check out our Boulder Craft Brewery Guide, Pearl Street Dining Guide, Boulder Travel Guide, Neighborhood Breakdown, or our full Boulder Restaurants Roundup for even more hidden gems.
🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder Buzz 🎭
Wednesday, April 30 🆓 Free Events 🎶 Bluegrass Pick📍 Beyond the Mountain Brewing | ⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🧠 Brain Food Trivia📍 Twisted Pine Brewing Company | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🎤 Open Mic Night📍 VisionQuest Brewery | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🎯 Trivia @ Roadhouse Boulder Depot📍 Roadhouse Boulder Depot | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🤓 Trivia Night @ Full Cycle Cafe & Bar📍 Full Cycle & Colorado Multisport | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🎶 Velvet Vinyl Presents: Stevie’s Picks | Honoring Willie Nelson📍 Velvet Elk Lounge | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🆓 Free 🎶 Velvet Vinyl Presents: Live Vinyl & All-Night Happy Hour📍 Velvet Elk Lounge | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🆓 Free 💵 Ticketed Events 🎸 Psychedelic Porn Crumpets📍 Boulder Theater | ⏰ 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM | 🎟️ $25–$30 | Thursday, May 1 🆓 Free Events 🧵 Geeks Who Drink Trivia📍 Jagged Mountain Brewery | ⏰ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Thursday) 🧵 Trivia Night @ Waldschänke📍 Waldschänke Ciders | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Thursday) 🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia📍 Wild Provisions Beer Project | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Thursday) 🌙 Luna Lounge @ Centro Mexican Kitchen📍 Centro Mexican Kitchen | ⏰ 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Thursday) 💵 Ticketed Events 🎸 Friday Pilots Club + Circa Waves📍 Fox Theatre | ⏰ 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM | 🎟️ $29.50 🎻 Tony Furtado Duo with Luke Price📍 eTown Hall | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | 🎟️ $23+ |
🌤️ Boulder Weather Outlook
Wednesday, April 30 – 🌧️ PM Showers | High: 66°F / Low: 42°F | 💧 49% chance of rain | 💨 NNW 8 mph | Afternoon showers may roll through, so don’t forget your umbrella if you’re out and about.
Thursday, May 1 – ☁️ Cloudy | High: 55°F / Low: 39°F | 💧 24% chance of rain | 💨 NNE 6 mph | Cooler and overcast — ideal for indoor hangs or gallery browsing.
Friday, May 2 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 63°F / Low: 41°F | 💧 4% chance of rain | 💨 E 7 mph | Just in time for the weekend warm-up! Great day to be out and about.
Saturday, May 3 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 74°F / Low: 45°F | 💧 24% chance of rain | 💨 E 7 mph | A warm, sunny Saturday with a slight chance of an afternoon sprinkle. Patio season is on.
🎉 Hello, May! Boulder’s Best Events to Kick Off the Month
Thanks for kicking off May with us — here’s to fresh starts, festival energy, and all the sunshine (or at least good vibes) ahead. Whether you’re biking the Creek Path or dancing at a market, we hope you find something this month that makes you smile. See you out there, Boulder. 🌼 — The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🏔️🐝 🧠 Trivia Answer Q: How long is the Boulder Creek Path? A: 5.5 miles! It’s one of the best ways to experience Boulder on foot (or wheels). 👟🚲 |
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