Events August/September 2026

The Reveal: August  –  September
Our five highlights from this season’s calendar of events

Boulder County Fair
August 5–9
Celebrate more than 150 years of agricultural heritage, community tradition and summer fun at Colorado’s oldest fair. The Boulder County Fair is free to attend with no parking or gate admission fees, making it easy to drop by for carnival rides, live music, open class exhibits, fair food, a petting zoo and more. Daily hours 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Don’t miss the parade on Main Street on Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.  bouldercountyfair.org

Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
August 7–9
Head to the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons for three days of live music, camping and unforgettable performances at the “Summit of the Song.” Cool off in the St. Vrain River between sets, then catch artists including Ani DiFranco, Jesse Welles and Colorado favorites Bonfire Dub during this beloved annual festival.  bluegrass.com/folks

Boulder Art Festival
September 5–6
Stroll the Pearl Street Mall during this free Labor Day weekend festival featuring more than 90 artists and makers. Browse handmade pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, photography, and home decor while enjoying live music, local shopping, and a festive atmosphere in the heart of downtown Boulder.  boulderartfestival.com

Buffalo Bicycle Classic
September 13
Ride for a cause and take in some of Boulder’s most stunning views, including the legendary Boulder Canyon, at this feel-good cycling event. The Buffalo Bicycle Classic isn’t just a ride, it’s a celebration of community, education and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or riding with your family, every mile supports CU Boulder scholars. Virtual ride options available.  buffalobicycleclassic.com

Jaipur Literature Festival Colorado
September 22–23
The world-renowned Jaipur Literature Festival returns to the Boulder Public Library for its 11th Colorado edition. Celebrate global literature, arts and ideas with two days of conversations, readings and performances featuring international and local authors, thinkers and artists. Free and open to the public.  jlfcolorado.org

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

Arts in the Park at the Bandshell
Through August
Enjoy music and dance under the stars at the Glenn Huntington Bandshell with performances by Boulder Ballet, Boulder Symphony, and the Arts Hub. This open-air summer series features a mix of community and signature performances in a relaxed, picnic-friendly setting. Most events are free or low-cost, making it an easy evening out for all ages. bouldercolorado.gov/arts-park

Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Through Aug. 2
Experience one of the nation’s oldest Shakespeare festivals at CU Boulder’s Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre. This season features “Twelfth Night,” “Julius Caesar,” “Shakespeare in Love,” and the world premiere of “Friends/Romans/Countrymen.” Educational workshops, youth camps, and community outreach programs round out this celebrated summer tradition. cupresents.org/shakespeare

Louisville Street Faire
Through Aug. 7
Spend a Friday evening on Front Street enjoying free live music, local food, Colorado craft beer and cider, children’s activities, and artisan vendors. This popular summer series features nationally touring and local bands spanning blues, funk, rock, zydeco, jam and more in a lively community gathering that brings neighbors together all season long. downtownlouisvilleco.com/street-faire

Colorado Music Festival
Through Aug. 9
Hear world-class musicians perform in the historic Chautauqua Auditorium during this acclaimed summer concert series. Highlights include appearances by pianist Yuja Wang, violinist Himari and conductor Leonard Slatkin, along with chamber music, orchestral performances and family-friendly programming celebrating the festival’s milestone 50th season.  coloradomusicfestival.org

Morning Yoga at Chautauqua
Wednesdays in August and September 
Begin your morning with a gentle, all-levels yoga class in the peaceful Enchanted Mesa Garden at Chautauqua. Led by Shanti Medina, this weekly outdoor practice offers a chance to connect with nature while tuning into breath and movement. Yoga mats available at the lodging office. 8–9 a.m. $15.  chautauqua.com

National Night Out at Garden Acres Park
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Join neighborhoods across Longmont for National Night Out, a nationwide evening dedicated to building stronger community connections and partnerships with local police. From 6–9 p.m., residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights, step outside and connect with neighbors. Expect block parties, cookouts, youth activities, flashlight walks, and more as neighborhoods come together to take a stand against crime. Location: Dry Creek Community Park. longmontcolorado.gov

Boulder County Fair
Aug. 5–9
Celebrate more than 150 years of agricultural heritage, community tradition and summer fun at Colorado’s oldest fair. The Boulder County Fair is free to attend with no parking or gate admission fees, making it easy to drop by for carnival rides, live music, open class exhibits, fair food, a petting zoo and more. Daily hours 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Don’t miss the parade on Main Street on Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.  bouldercountyfair.org

Colorado Brazil Fest: Choro and Forró Dance Night
Aug. 6
Kick off Colorado Brazil Fest with a lively evening of music and dance at Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl St., Ste. V3A in Boulder. Colorado Brazil Fest presents an evening of Brazilian jazz featuring acclaimed guitarist Gabriel Santiago. Performing a selection of original compositions alongside special arrangements of Brazilian jazz classics, Gabriel is joined by an outstanding ensemble featuring Peter Stoltzman on keyboards, Gonzalo Teppa on bass, and Adriano Santos on drums. Together, they explore the intersection of Brazilian rhythms and contemporary jazz, creating a performance rich in improvisation, melody, and musical dialogue. Other events take place throughout the weekend. Doors 7 p.m., show 7:30–10 p.m. All ages welcome. Tickets $25 advance, $30 at the door. Students and seniors $20 advance, $25 at the door.  coloradobrazilfest.org

Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
Aug. 7–9
Head to the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons for three days of live music, camping and unforgettable performances at the “Summit of the Song.” Cool off in the St. Vrain River between sets, then catch artists including Ani DiFranco, Jesse Welles and Colorado favorites Bonfire Dub during this beloved annual festival. bluegrass.com/folks

Lafayette Peach Festival
Aug. 8
Celebrate Colorado’s famous peaches as Public Road fills with vendors, fresh fruit, local food and family-friendly fun. This longtime community favorite offers plenty of opportunities to sample seasonal treats, shop local artisans and enjoy a lively summer atmosphere centered around one of the state’s sweetest harvest traditions. lafayettecolorado.com/peach-festival

Boulder Taco Fest
Aug. 22
Enjoy a full day of tacos, craft beer, tequila tastings and high-energy entertainment at this festive summer celebration. Sample creations from dozens of taco vendors, cheer on the 5K Taco Run, and experience the excitement of live lucha libre wrestling for a flavorful event packed with food and fun. bouldertacofest.com

Boulder Roots Music Festival
Aug. 27–30
Discover established and emerging artists during four days of live music across 20 venues throughout Boulder. Returning for its second year after a sold-out debut, this grassroots festival expands with more performers, more venues and an extra day of programming celebrating community, creativity and Colorado’s vibrant music scene. boulderrootsmusicfest.org

Boulder Art Festival
Sept. 5–6
Stroll the Pearl Street Mall during this free Labor Day weekend festival featuring more than 90 artists and makers. Browse handmade pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, photography, and home decor while enjoying live music, local shopping, and a festive atmosphere in the heart of downtown Boulder. boulderartfestival.com

Labor Day Parade in Louisville
Sept. 7
Join the community for Louisville’s 90th Annual Labor Day Parade, the city’s biggest event of the year. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on the corner of E. Lafayette and Main St. and disperses at the intersection of Rex St. and Main St. Bring the whole family and celebrate the spirit of the city with neighbors and friends.  louisvilleco.gov

Buffalo Bicycle Classic
Sept. 13
Ride for a cause and take in some of Boulder’s most stunning views, including the legendary Boulder Canyon, at this feel-good cycling event. The Buffalo Bicycle Classic isn’t just a ride, it’s a celebration of community, education and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or riding with your family, every mile supports CU Boulder scholars. Virtual ride options available. buffalobicycleclassic.com

Pearl Street Stampedes
Sept. 11, Oct. 2 (Homecoming), 16, 30; Nov. 12, 27
This long-running tradition brings CU spirit to the Pearl Street Mall the night before home football games. The Golden Buffalo Marching Band, CU athletes, spirit squad and coaches make their way through downtown, performing on each block and gathering support from the community. The event begins at 7 p.m. on the 1300 block of Pearl Street.  downtownboulder.com

Mapleton Hill PorchFest
Sept. 20
Enjoy an afternoon of live music on the porches of historic Mapleton Hill. With 34 porches and 53 bands playing everything from bluegrass to jazz, this free neighborhood walkabout is a beloved Boulder tradition. Music runs from 12–4 p.m., with a kickoff concert and food trucks starting at noon.  mapletonhillporchfest.com

Jaipur Literature Festival Colorado
Sept. 22–23
The world-renowned Jaipur Literature Festival returns to the Boulder Public Library for its 11th Colorado edition. Celebrate global literature, arts and ideas with two days of conversations, readings and performances featuring international and local authors, thinkers and artists. Free and open to the public.  jlfcolorado.org

A Singular Feast by Blue Sky Bridge
Sept. 24
Celebrate more than 30 years of impact with Blue Sky Bridge at A Singular Feast, an evening of cocktails, appetizers and desserts in support of child-focused advocacy and intervention services. Held at the Boulder JCC, this special gathering highlights the organization’s vision for the future. 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder blueskybridge.org

Boulderthon
Sept. 27
Boulder’s signature fall race returns after nearly doubling in size last year, bringing thousands of runners from around the world to the base of the Flatirons. Boulderthon features a scenic course that starts and ends downtown, with stretches through Boulder’s peaceful back roads and a finish on the iconic Pearl Street Mall. With multiple race options and a lively atmosphere, it’s a celebration of movement, community and Colorado’s running culture. boulderthon.org