The Reveal: April-May

Our five highlights from this season’s calendar of events

Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival
April 26
Spring arrives in Downtown Boulder as the Tulip Fairy leads a whimsical parade of pint-sized fairies and elves along the Pearl Street Mall to “wake the tulips.” This beloved community tradition features live performances, children’s activities, and more than 15,000 blooming tulips. Costumes are encouraged, and this human/fairy/elf event welcomes all ages; rain date May 3. boulderdowntown.com

Brewed at Altitude: A Beer Lover’s History of Colorado
April 27
Explore Colorado’s brewing history with historians Sam Bock and Jason Hanson at the Museum of Boulder. From Gold Rush saloons to the state’s modern craft beer boom, this engaging talk traces how beer shaped Colorado’s culture, economy, and social life through the centuries. The program runs 5:30–7 p.m. museumofboulder.org

Art & Sip: Rocky Mountain National Park Embroidery
April 30
Create an embroidered tribute to Rocky Mountain National Park in this relaxed Art & Sip workshop at Longmont Museum. Instructor Julie Benoit guides participants through basic embroidery techniques while drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Two sessions are offered from 4–6 p.m. and 6:30–8:30 p.m. longmontcolorado.gov

Firefly Handmade Boulder Spring Market
May 16–17
Kick off spring at this outdoor market on the Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall featuring more than 80 artists, makers, and designers offering handmade goods perfect for seasonal gifting. Enjoy live music, local food and drinks, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere celebrating creativity and community. The market runs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. each day. fireflyhandmade.com

Kathleen Parks with Travis McNamara
May 23
Fiddler, singer, and songwriter Kathleen Parks, known for her work with Twisted Pine, brings her genre-blending solo music to eTown Hall. Her performances combine pop, folk, jazz, and roots influences with soulful vocals and virtuosic fiddle playing. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show runs 7–9:30 p.m., and tickets start at $22. etown.org

Events

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this season.

GET TICKETS EARLY!
Boulder Environmental/Nature/Outdoors Film Festival
July 16–19
This four-day festival showcases outstanding environmental, nature, and outdoor films from around the world, including narrative features, documentaries, and short films. Screenings take place at the Dairy Arts Center’s Boedecker Cinema and Gordon Gamm Theater, with opening- and closing-night receptions featuring live music, food, and drinks. Post-screening Q&As include guests from film, science, and outdoor sports. See the full schedule and ticket information at boulderenoff.org.

Planet Bluegrass Festivals
July 24–26, August 7–9
Don’t miss the 54th-annual Rockygrass Festival (July 24–26) and the 36th-annual Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (Aug. 7–9) at Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons. Tickets for these popular music events always go quickly, but there were still some available at press time. Hop online fast to get yours. Festival passes start at $105. bluegrass.com.

Young Mothers
April 1–5
This award-winning film follows several young women living in a shelter in Liège, Belgium as they navigate the challenges and hopes of new motherhood while facing uncertain futures. Winner of the Best Screenplay prize at Cannes, the story offers a moving portrait of resilience, family, and breaking cycles of neglect. Screenings begin at 4:30 p.m.; tickets are $7–$14. thedairy.org

Shakedown Street
April 3
For more than 30 years, Shakedown Street has performed the music of the Grateful Dead, exploring the band’s expansive catalog rooted in Americana, folk, blues, jazz, and rock. Their live performances blend storytelling, improvisation, and vibrant musical energy inspired by the legendary group. Doors open at 7 p.m., the show begins at 8 p.m., and the event is 21+. z2ent.com

Boulder Arts Week
April 3–12
Celebrate Boulder’s creative community during this citywide arts festival featuring murals, music, dance, performances, workshops, and exhibitions by local artists. Boulder Arts Week also includes panels, masterclasses, and collaborative events that explore artistic process while creating opportunities for audiences to connect with artists and experience the breadth of Boulder’s vibrant arts scene. boulderdowntown.com

Motus Playback: Many Paths, One Home
April 4
Motus Theater presents an interactive Playback Theater performance exploring family stories, migration, land, resilience, and belonging. Audience members share reflections that are then improvised live on stage through movement, music, and spoken word, transforming personal experiences into a collective storytelling event. The performance begins at 7 p.m.; tickets are $17.25–$23. thedairy.org

Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show
April 9
A new lineup of mom comedians takes the stage for a night of sharp, relatable humor covering motherhood, midlife crises, marriage, divorce, online dating, and everyday frustrations. Moms Unhinged has sold-out shows across the country and returns to Boulder for a lively girls’ night out. The show starts at 7 p.m.; tickets are $32.20 and the event is ages 18+. thedairy.org

Record Store Day
April 18
Paradise Found Records & Music celebrates Record Store Day with a huge selection of exclusive, limited-edition vinyl releases created specifically for independent record stores. Music fans and collectors gather for the shop’s biggest sale day of the year, browsing hundreds of special titles while celebrating vinyl culture and supporting local record shops. The Laughing Goat and Moxie Bread Co. are providing goodies to the early birds. paradisefoundrecordsmusic.com

Conference on World Affairs
April 13–16
The 78th annual Conference on World Affairs returns to CU Boulder, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and experts for discussions on issues shaping the world today. The event features more than 60 panels, workshops, and special programs covering a wide range of topics. Sessions are free and open to the public. colorado.edu/cwa

Mountains on Stage Summer Edition
April 21
This international mountain film tour brings inspiring adventure stories to the big screen. Featuring climbing, alpinism, ski mountaineering, and exploration films from around the world, the program highlights real athletes pushing their limits in breathtaking landscapes. The screening begins at 7 p.m.; tickets are $20.70–$26.45. thedairy.org

The Biodiversity Crisis Is Urgent – The Solution Is in Your Hands
April 30
Discover how simple changes in your own yard can help support pollinators and protect biodiversity during this event at the Boulder Public Library. A short film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with experts from the Butterfly Pavilion and People and Pollinators Action Network. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. boulderlibrary.org

Longmont Symphony Orchestra: Broadway Favorites
May 2
The Longmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes soprano Dawna Rae Warren and tenor Miguel Angel Ortega Bañales for an evening of beloved Broadway music. The lively program features selections including Rodgers’ South Pacific Overture and music by Bernstein in a celebration of musical theater classics. The concert runs 7–9 p.m. at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium. longmontsymphony.org

Mother’s Day with Hazel Miller and the Collective
May 10
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Colorado music icon Hazel Miller and her acclaimed band. Known for her powerful voice and joyful stage presence, Miller blends jazz, blues, soul, and pop in an uplifting live performance. Tickets include a dessert buffet, flowers for mothers, and a complimentary glass of prosecco for adults. The concert begins at 2:30 p.m.; tickets are $23–$40.25. thedairy.org

Down to the Garden
May 11
Join Growing Gardens, Slow Food Boulder County, and the Museum of Boulder for a hands-on evening exploring the power of community gardens. Families can take a guided garden tour, try planting activities, play lawn games, and grab dinner from a food truck while learning how gardens nourish local food systems and bring neighbors together. The event runs 4–6:30 p.m. museumofboulder.org

Bonnie Paine with Her Mana: Unseen Album Release Party
May 16
Elephant Revival’s Bonnie Paine celebrates the release of her debut solo album Unseen with a special performance at the Fox Theatre. Known for her ethereal vocals and multi-instrumental talents, Paine blends cello, guitar, percussion, and musical saw into haunting, restorative songs. Doors open at 7 p.m., the show begins at 8 p.m., and the event is all ages. z2ent.com

The Birds and the Bees and Beyond: The Inside Story of Pollination
May 16
Discover the fascinating world of pollination during this family-friendly presentation hosted by Boulder County Parks and Open Space at the Longmont Library. Learn how plants rely on pollinators including beetles, butterflies, moths, wind, and water, and explore how these partnerships support ecosystems and our food supply. The program runs 2–3:30 p.m., and registration is required. longmontcolorado.gov

Tres Voces, Un Corazón
May 21–September 13
BMoCA presents an exhibition featuring the work of Tony Ortega, Sylvia Montero, and their son Cipriano Ortega. Highlighting both collaborative and individual pieces, the show explores shared heritage, artistic dialogue, and cultural expression through the perspectives of three members of one creative family. bmoca.org

Boulder Creek Festival
May 22–25
This beloved Boulder tradition kicks off summer with four days of music, art, food, and family fun. Enjoy more than 30 bands across multiple stages, browse hundreds of artists and makers, sample craft beer from Colorado breweries, and bring the kids to Creekside for games and rides. Admission is free. bouldercreekfest.com

BOLDERBoulder
May 25
Don’t miss “America’s all-time best 10K,” Colorado’s iconic Memorial Day tradition. Part race, part parade, and part costume party, the course winds through Boulder before finishing inside CU’s Folsom Field with the nation’s largest Memorial Day tribute ceremony. Registration is required, with entry fees ranging from $69–$99. bolderboulder.com