Published: May 16, 2023

Boulder has a lot to offer in the summer, from free events and entertainment to great food and beautiful views. Whether you’re in Boulder for the first time this summer or have been in town for a while, here are some tips for making the most of the season.

1. Check out local events and things to do

Boulder Creek Festival
May 26-29 

Happening over Memorial Day weekend, join this longstanding festival tradition with live music, food trucks, vendors and more.

 

Bolder Boulder 10K
May 29

This 10K is for everyone. Participate by walking, jogging or running, or line up along the route to cheer on others.

 

Boulder Farmers Market
Wednesdays and Saturdays 

Head to 13th St. on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings for fresh food and other items from local vendors.

 

Boulder Pride Festival
June 11

Boulder’s Pride Festival will be jam-packed with activities, information from community partners and items from local vendors.

 

Bands on the Bricks
Wednesdays, June 14-Aug. 2

From rock to reggae and everything in between, visit Pearl Street on Wednesdays for free concerts.

 

Folsom Field's 4th of July Spectacular
July 4

This year brings a new experience for Boulder’s annual 4th of July celebration – a night sky drone show in place of fireworks!

 

CU Night at the Rockies
Aug. 18

Cheer on the Rockies with fellow Forever Buffs, friends and family at this annual summer tradition.

 

Free days in Denver
Dates vary

Museums and other spots have free days throughout the year, including the Denver Art Museum, Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Botanic Gardens and more.

Denver Zoo
Open daily

Visit the Denver Zoo’s 84-acre campus where 3,000+ wild animals serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts all over the world.

 

2. Visit thrift stores

Need things for your apartment or home? Boulder is home to many thrift stores and secondhand shops. Check your local thrift store for furniture, decor or appliances to furnish your place. Not only will you save money and find one-of-a-kind items, but shopping at thrift stores is a sustainable choice that can help the environment. 

3. Support local businesses and give back

Get to know your neighbors and community on another level by attending local events and supporting local businesses. Check Downtown Boulder’s Bites on a Budget list for affordable and local dining options.

If you have some free time this summer, volunteering is a great way to get more involved in your community. Volunteering allows you to meet new people, support a cause that matters to you and gain experience you can include on your resume. Connect with the Volunteer Resource Center to learn about opportunities.

4. Keep your lawn looking fresh

Believe it or not, the city of Boulder might measure the grass and weeds in your yard. Weeds and grass must be cut and maintained at less than 12 inches high. If you’re moving into a new place, check with your landlord to see who is responsible for lawn care. It should also specify in your lease whether you or someone else will cut your grass.

Additionally, keep your lawn and areas of your neighborhood free of trash to avoid receiving a citation. Most parks have both recycling bins and trash cans, and ways to clean up after pets.

5. Be considerate of others

We all play a part in the well-being of our community. Whether we realize it or not, our actions can sometimes affect those around us. For example, playing loud music at the end of a long day may help you relax, but it might also annoy your neighbors. Whether in your neighborhood or other areas of Boulder, be considerate and thoughtful of those around you.

  • Pay attention to noise levels. Last fall, the Boulder City Council voted to amend ordinance BRC 5-9-6, which prohibits unreasonable noise between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Noise restrictions during daytime hours, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., were added to the ordinance. This means you could be ticketed for unreasonable noise at any time of day.

  • Follow fireworks restrictions. Fireworks pose a significant fire risk and can cause substantial noise disruption to residential areas. The city of Boulder and Boulder County prohibit possessing or discharging all fireworks, firecrackers or skyrockets. The regulation includes but is not limited to sparklers, snaps, bottle rockets, roman candles and smoke bombs. 

  • Get to know your neighbors. Many neighborhoods in Boulder are a combination of students, graduate students and community members, including families with young children. Wherever you live, take time to introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. Fill out and share contact information cards with your neighbors so you can keep in touch if anything comes up.

  • Register your party if you have friends over. Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations and the Boulder Police Department have partnered to provide a registration program that will give you a 20-minute warning call, instead of immediate police dispatch, if your residence receives a noise complaint. Students must take an in-person orientation before using the party registration program. Visit UMC 313 or email och@colorado.edu to learn more.

To learn more about ordinances, avoiding citations and other helpful tips about living in Boulder, connect with Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations. If you do receive a citation or find yourself in legal trouble, Student Legal Services (SLS) can help. Visit SLS in UMC 311 or call 303-492-6813 to schedule an appointment. The office is open during the summer.