Where to Watch March Madness in Boulder: Best Bars & Restaurants for Game Day

March Madness watch parties, live music, and a packed events lineup—here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your week in Boulder! 🏀🌞🎶

Author

What's Happenin' Team
March 19, 2025

Hey Boulder! 🌞

March Madness is here, and if you’re looking for the best spots in Boulder to catch the action, we’ve got you covered. Whether you want a lively crowd, plenty of TVs, or a killer food and drink menu, here’s where to post up for the tournament.

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

🏆 The Boulder Game-Day MVPs

These spots are local favorites for watching sports, grabbing a drink, and cheering on your team:

📍 2922 Baseline Rd, Boulder

A Boulder institution, Dark Horse is a must-visit for sports fans. The quirky, dive-bar atmosphere, legendary burgers, and solid beer selection make it a prime game-watching destination. TVs can be a little tricky to see from certain spots, but the experience is worth it.

📍 2319 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder

For craft beer lovers who don’t want to compromise on game day, Backcountry Pizza has one of the best tap lists in town. With a spacious setup and plenty of TVs, it’s a great place to settle in and enjoy the madness.

📍 1600 38th St, Boulder

This spot combines elevated pub food, in-house craft beer, and a relaxed, modern atmosphere. With multiple TVs and a spacious layout, you’ll always have a good view of the game.

📍 949 Walnut St, Boulder

If you’re looking for a more intimate setting with great happy hour deals and strong cocktails, The Attic is a fantastic choice. TVs are well-placed, and the bar has a great local following.

📍 1165 13th St, Boulder

The Sink is legendary in Boulder. Known for its graffiti-covered walls, mouthwatering pizza, and being a staple for CU Buffs fans, this is the place to be if you want a classic college sports bar vibe.

📍 585 McCaslin Blvd, Louisville

For those looking for a spot outside of Boulder, Murphy’s in Louisville has a great beer selection, solid pub fare, and TVs positioned perfectly for catching every buzzer-beater.

📍 585 E South Boulder Rd, Louisville

This local favorite has a welcoming atmosphere, great food, and a solid beer lineup. With multiple big screens, it’s a great choice for March Madness fans.

🏀 Want a True Buffs Atmosphere?

In Boulder, The Sink and Backcountry Pizza & Tap House are known for drawing a crowd of University of Colorado Buffaloes fans. If you want to experience the local energy and join the CU faithful, these spots won’t disappoint.

🏆 Game-Day Bonus: Gluten-Free Friendly Options

For those needing gluten-free eats while watching the tournament:

• Boulder Social has a dedicated gluten-free menu.

• Backcountry Pizza offers gluten-free crust options.

• The Attic has several GF-friendly dishes and great cocktails.

Where are you watching March Madness this year? Reply and let us know your go-to game day spot! 🏀🍻🎉

🏔️ Boulder Trivia Time!

How many CU Boulder athletes have competed in the Olympics?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

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 early this week!

Wednesday, March 19

💰 Free Events

🎶 Bluegrass Pick – Join an open bluegrass jam led by members of The Sweet Lillies. First beer free for pickers! @ 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, March 20

💰 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)

💵 Ticketed Events

🎨 Poetics of Space – A night of poetry and artistic exploration. Light snacks & cash bar available. @ BMoCA, 5-6:30 PM ($15, $10 for members, $5 for students)

🎭 Thursday Night Live – Liz Forster brings live music & community vibes. @ eTown Hall, 7-9:30 PM ($20)

🎶 Dennett – Rising dance music artist blending house & bass-heavy beats. @ Fox Theatre, 8 PM ($15)

🤣 Boulder Comedy Hour – A laugh-filled night of stand-up with fresh talent. @ Full Cycle Cafe & Bar, 7:30 PM ($25 advance, $30 at the door)

🌙 Luna Lounge at Centro Mexican Kitchen – Late-night drinks, food, and a live DJ under the stars. @ Centro Mexican Kitchen, 9-11 PM (Recurring Thursdays)

🛝 Junkyard Open Play – Let the kids (and yourself) run wild at this fun indoor/outdoor space. @ Junkyard Social Club, Recurring Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays ($10 kids, $5 adults)

Looking for even more to do? Check out Boulder’s best restaurants here or plan a day trip here. 🚀

🌤️ Boulder Weather Outlook

Wednesday, March 19 – ☁️ Cloudy | High: 44°F | Low: 28°F | 💨 NNW 15 mph

A chilly and overcast day—layer up if you’re heading out!

Thursday, March 20 – ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 57°F | Low: 32°F | 💨 SW 12 mph

Warmer temps return! A great day for a lunchtime stroll or patio coffee.

Friday, March 21 – ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 55°F | Low: 35°F | 💨 WNW 14 mph

A mild and breezy Friday—perfect for happy hour plans or an early evening hike.

Saturday, March 22 – ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 61°F | Low: 37°F | 💨 W 18 mph

A warmer weekend ahead! Expect gusty winds but overall great weather for outdoor adventures.

☀️ Weekly Tip: The midweek chill won’t last long—temps climb into the 60s by Saturday, making it a great time to hit the trails or enjoy some outdoor dining. 🌿🏔️🍻

🏅 Outro: The Answer + A Fun Fact!

If you guessed 90+, you nailed it! ✅ Over the years, more than 90 CU Boulder athletes have represented the Buffs on the Olympic stage, competing in everything from cycling and alpine skiing to track and field.

Fun Fact: CU Boulder has produced more Olympic-affiliated cyclists (13) and alpine skiers (29) than any other university! With 20 Olympic medals won—including 9 golds—the Buffs have made their mark in sports history.

That’s it for this issue! Whether you’re catching March Madness, planning your next picnic, or just enjoying some Boulder sunshine, have a great week! 🌞🏀🏔️

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🏔️🐝

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