Fun ways your student can celebrate fall in Boulder
Fall has arrived in Boulder! You can encourage your student to celebrate the change of season, meet new people and explore the city with these indoor and outdoor activities including football, food, crafts, entertainment and more.
CU Athletics
Nothing says fall like college athletics! Fall sports at CU Boulder include women's soccer, women's volleyball and men's football.
- Students can stop by the Student Game Day Huddle on Farrand Field before most home football games. There will be free food, giveaways, music and they can even be recognized as the Student Fan of the Game.
- Downtown Boulder hosts the Pearl Street Stampede the night before each home game and features the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, Spirit Squad, coaches, players and more! Stampedes are open to students, families and the public.
- Your student can mark their calendar for Homecoming weekend, Oct. 30-Nov. 1. There will be home games for soccer, volleyball and football, and other special events.
Get outside
Fall is the perfect time to explore the outdoors in and around Boulder as the weather cools off and the leaves begin to change. Encourage your student to take a break from studying to get outside and take in the crisp fall air and changing colors.
- Boulder has dozens of hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. Students can enjoy a great workout and take in Boulder’s incredible mountain scenery at the same time.
- If your student wants to experience the outdoors in a more structured setting, Outdoor Pursuits offers a variety of trips and classes for all experience levels, from hiking to rock climbing to fly fishing.
- Students can view the fall colors from Chautauqua, or take a drive on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for a glimpse of changing leaves. CU offers several transportation options that students can take advantage of to explore off campus.
Activities on campus
Your student doesn’t have to leave campus to enjoy fall-themed events! Encourage them to check out these weekly and monthly events on campus.
- Suggest that your student try a special fall-themed beverage from the seasonal menu at the WeatherTech Cafe & Bakery in the C4C. Options include the caramel apple butter chai toddy, toasty pumpkin cocoa, pumpkin spice boba and pumpkin spice latte.
- Your student can mingle with fellow Buffs while making crafts together at DIY Nights.
- Buffalo Nites events offer late-night fun where students can bowl at The Connection, create painted masterpieces and celebrate Pride Month this fall.
- If your student is in the mood for a movie on the big screen, they can stop by CHEM 140 for Program Council’s Friday Night Film Series.
- Cozy Gaming offers a chance to unwind from the week.
Events around Boulder
Students can get outside and explore the city of Boulder at these fun events downtown, just a short walk from campus.
- Students can shop for fresh produce and other goods at the Boulder Farmers Market, held on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Downtown Boulder offers events all fall featuring arts and entertainment, live music, fitness events and more. Encourage your student to check the calendar for daily, monthly and seasonal events.
Halloween fun
If your student loves Halloween, there are Halloween-specific events on campus through October. They can check out these events as well as the Student Life events calendar for more.
- Anderson Farms Terror in the Corn: Saturday, Oct. 18
- Rave to the Grave: Friday, Oct. 24
- Haunted Halls: Saturday, Oct. 25
- Pumpkin Palooza: Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Pumpkin Painting & Rocky Horror Watch Party: Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Boogie & Bowling Bash: Thursday, Oct. 30
Encourage your student to check out more ways to get involved from the Division of Student Life. They can stay connected to campus events by downloading the CU Boulder Life app or following @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and X.