Published: May 23, 2017
Wooden fence, green field and Flatirons

Hello everyone. Congratulations to all of you for making it to the end of the semester. Though your schooling may be over for now (unless you're taking summer classes), may your education always continue to grow.

I am Sarah Ellsworth: IPHY major, Boulder native and event connoisseur writing to you from the comfort of beautiful CU Boulder on all of your summer opportunities for community involvement, educational whatnot and supreme fun. Happy summer to everyone; enjoy it thoroughly!

Swim in the Buff pool

It’s been closed all year but now it’s finally warm enough to use the outdoor Buffalo pool at your leisure. Come and engage in that age-old tradition of whiling away the warm months by the nice, refreshing pool! All summer long you can come sunbathe, swim and play volleyball at our coolest pool, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

Hike beautiful Colorado’s many trails

We live in the most beautiful state for walking in bountiful and breath-taking natural scenery, so get out and take advantage of one of the endless hiking trails all around us. Hike to the top of the second Flatiron for stunning 360-degree views or hike up to Lake Isabel and cross the continental divide. There are tons of options for undertaking a long-distance backpacking trip and even more short day trips. There are trails for everyone, no matter what level of difficulty or distance you’re looking for. Whatever you’re looking for, go hike and remember why it’s great to live in Colorado!

Boulder Creek Festival, May 27–29 

Perhaps the largest event for Boulder all year long, the Boulder Creek Festival is the annual celebration of imminent summer, spanning a fun three days. It features food and drink, live music and dancing, art, local vendors, and carnival rides and covers ground along the Boulder Creek from 9th Street to 13th Street. Do not attempt to park your car around here during the festival however; I recommend biking instead!

Bolder Boulder, May 29

As one of the nation’s largest races, the Bolder Boulder is every Boulderite’s favorite Memorial Day activity. Whether you choose to run, jog, walk or simply spectate, the popular 10K race is a ton of fun. The course snakes all over Boulder and finishes in Folsom Stadium. Register soon if you want to race, otherwise find a shady street corner to watch the most impressive pros and the goofiest, costumed amateurs alike.

Band on the Bricks, June 7–Aug. 9

For as long as I can remember, Wednesday nights have meant Band on the Bricks at Pearl Street Mall. You can come watch some incredible local bands play live music for free with a huge crowd of locals celebrating together. Six o'clock in front of the Boulder Court House heralds the openers, followed by the main performance at 7 p.m., so bring your dancing shoes and don’t miss these local favorites.

Dead and Company at Folsom Field, June 9–10

Back again this year for another super fun concert, Dead and Company will be at Folsom Field on both Friday and Saturday night. Grab some tickets soon if you haven’t yet, and, if you’re a student, use the promo code DCSTUDENT provided by the trusty Program Council for discounted rates. They play a rocking party show, and you won’t want to miss it if you’re in town!

Colorado Shakespeare Festival, June 11–Aug. 13

If you’re a Shakespeare aficionado, then this is the event you’ve been waiting for all year. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is a huge annual celebration and performance of some of your favorite Shakespeare plays, including Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew and Julius Caesar. Many are performed outside in the Mary Rippon Theater, which is a fantastic venue on a beautiful midsummer night’s eve to view a theatrical production. College students can get tickets as cheaply as $15.

Colorado Music Festival, June 29–Aug. 4

If you live for music, then come and take advantage of this fantastic collection of live musical performances in the famous Chautauqua Music Hall at the foot of the Flatirons. All summer long Colorado Music Festival will feature a plethora of talented musicians, wowing you with their beautiful tunes.

Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast, July 4

Folsom Field is the place to be on the night of July 4. As soon as it gets dark, you’ll witness the best fireworks display in the area to celebrate Independence Day, as well as some great live music and performances. Admission is free of charge, and whether you sit inside the stadium itself or camp out on the Norlin Quad or Rec Center field, you won’t be disappointed. 

Boulder International Fringe Festival, Aug.16–27

Combining all of the best aspects of theater and the experimental arts, the Boulder International Fringe Festival is a jewel in this town. Featuring artists from Boulder and beyond, the festival boasts an awesome and extensive lineup this year, so get in on the action and check out Fringe Festival site for the schedule. Don’t miss these amazing performances coming to you from all over the country.

Throughout the summer, there also will be numerous weekend events on The Hill.