Published: Aug. 21, 2023

Boulder is a beautiful town with many options to stay busy and have fun, from free events and entertainment to great food and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re in Boulder for the first time this fall or have been in town for a while, here are some tips for making the most of your time here. 

1. Check out local events and things to do 

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations is hosting four block parties in the neighborhoods around campus to kick off a new academic year. We invite all residents: students, grad students, families and other neighbors to join us for an evening of games, free food and activities to get to know all your neighbors. 

  • Hill Block Party: Thursday, Sept. 7, 5 - 8 p.m.
  • Goss Grove Block Party: Friday, Sept. 8, 5 - 8 p.m.
  • East Aurora Block Party: Thursday, Sept. 14, 5 - 8 p.m.
  • Martin Acres Block Party: Friday, Sept. 15, 5 - 8 p.m. 

Boulder Farmers Market 
Wednesdays and Saturdays  

Head to 13th Street on Wednesday evenings through Oct. 4 or Saturday mornings through Nov. 18 for fresh food and other items from local vendors. 

 

Pearl Street Stampedes 
Fridays, Sept. 8 – Nov. 10 

Pearl Street Stampedes are the kickoff celebration before Buff home football games. The marching band performs at 7 p.m. in the 1300 block of Pearl Street. Then the Stampede moves west, stopping on each block of Pearl Street to perform. 

 

Festival Del Sol 
Sept. 17 

This free event at Chautauqua is a celebration of Latino culture and community. The event will feature live music, food, games, salsa dance lessons, bilingual guided hikes and more. 

 

 

Boulder Fall Fest 
Sept. 22-24 

This three-day festival features local food, live music, the Firefly Handmade Market and other activities all along Pearl Street. 

 

Outdoor Pursuits 
Select dates throughout the fall. 

Outdoor Pursuits offers day and overnight trips for a fee. Students can learn new skills and explore the great outdoors. Check out hiking, fly fishing, rock climbing and other activities. 

 

Boulderthon 
Oct. 8 

Register to run a 5k, 10k, half marathon or full marathon. The marathon course starts at the Boulder Reservoir, goes along the foothills of the Flatirons and finishes at the Pearl Street Mall.  

 

2. Visit thrift stores 

Do you need to furnish or decorate your apartment or home? Boulder has a wide variety of 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. 

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. Your lease should also specify whether you or someone else will cut your grass. 

Keep your lawn and neighborhood areas free of trash to avoid receiving a citation. Most parks have recycling bins, 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. You could receive a ticket for unreasonable noise any time of day. This changed last fall when the Boulder City Council voted to add noise restrictions during daytime hours, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to ordinance BRC 5-9-6, which already prohibited unreasonable noise between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

  • 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. 

  • Protect our local wildlife. Not picking up trash or misusing bear-resistant trash containers can attract wildlife, including bears, to residential areas. Avoid citations and help deter bears in urban areas by always securing trash appropriately. Visit the Boulder Urban Wildlife website 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. Student Legal Services (SLS) can also help you understand local ordinances if you have questions. Plus, if you do receive a citation or find yourself in legal trouble, SLS attorneys can help. Visit SLS in UMC 311 or call 303-492-6813 to schedule an appointment.