🌌 Night Hikes, Skyline Views & Symphony Vibes | | | Boulder by moonlight? Yes, please. This memorial day weekend’s forecast: starlit trails, skyline overlooks, and maybe even a little Rachmaninoff. Whether you’re trekking through open meadows under a full moon or dressing up for the Boulder Chamber Orchestra’s big anniversary finale, there’s magic waiting after sunset. | We rounded up local favorite night hikes and one epic classical music event that’ll give your weekend plans a touch of elegance. Happy Memorial Day Weekend! | — The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉 | | 🧠 Trivia Time | 👉 Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer ⛰️ | | The Bulletin | Reaching a local audience just got easier. Promote your project, event, or opportunity to a growing list of 3,400+ readers. | | | Fun Fact: Mork & Mindy Was Here | Nanu nanu! Boulder was the filming location for the ‘70s hit “Mork & Mindy” starring Robin Williams. You can even visit Mindy’s house at 1619 Pine Street. (Just don’t expect a spaceship in the driveway.) |
| | Award-winning beers. Funky vibes. Local love. Mountain Sun is Pearl Street’s go-to for hearty pub grub, house-brewed pints, and the kind of atmosphere where strangers turn into drinking buddies. |
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| | 🌌 Boulder by Moonlight: Favorite Night Hikes | | Looking to ditch the day crowds and hit the trails under the stars? A local Boulderite asked for Boulder’s best night hikes — and the community delivered. Here are a few local-favorite trails for moonlight wanders, skyline views, and (mostly) low predator encounters: | 🌾 Big Bluestem + South Boulder Creek – Flat, open meadows with stellar sky visibility. One Redditor said they didn’t even need a headlamp during a full moon. Bonus points for wide trails and zero drama. | ⛰️ Green Mountain via West Ridge – Wooded approach, but rewarding views from the summit. Great if you want a bit of elevation without too much technical terrain. | 🌲 Flagstaff Area Trails – Easy to moderate climbs, great overlook points, and multiple trail options. Just check parking rules. | 🌙 Betasso Preserve – Gentle terrain with open spots near the main trailhead. Ideal for a short out-and-back with skyline peeks. | 🚨 Heads up: Most trails are officially open sunrise to sunset — so if you go, go quietly, safely, and respectfully. And yes, wildlife is always a factor. (That includes raccoons with attitude and the occasional curious deer.) | Want to join a group hike instead? The Colorado Mountain Club’s Boulder Group runs full moon and night hikes regularly. Check it out → | | 🎼 Spotlight Event: Boulder Chamber Orchestra 20th Anniversary Concert | 📍 CU Macky Auditorium | 🗓️ Saturday, May 24 | ⏰ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | 🎟️ $15–$30 | Celebrate 20 years of musical excellence with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra’s season finale, featuring Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. International concert pianist Adam Żukiewicz takes the stage in one of Boulder’s most iconic venues. A must-hear for classical fans and those looking to add a touch of culture to their Memorial Day weekend. | 🎟️ Tickets & Info → | | 🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder Buzz 🎭 | Looking for something fun to do? Whether it’s live music, trivia, or a laid-back DJ set, here’s what’s happening in Boulder this weekend! | 📅Friday, May 23 | 🎺 Jazz Supper Club📍 Full Cycle Cafe & Bar | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | 💵 $20 online / $25 door (recurring weekly on Friday & Saturday) | 🎶 College Night – Cheap drinks + great vibes = perfect Friday night. Just bring your student ID! 9–11 PM @ Avanti F&B (Recurring Fridays) | Boulder Creek Festival📍 9th–14th St. between Canyon & Arapahoe | ⏰ All Day | 🎟️ Free | Live music, art, eats, and local flavor—Boulder’s biggest summer kickoff returns! | VIVA Theater: Our Town📍 Dairy Arts Center | ⏰ Evening | 🎟️ TBA | Thornton Wilder’s classic gets a local spotlight in this intimate stage production. | Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer📍 Fox Theatre | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $20 | Blues guitar prodigy shreds his way through Boulder. | Stillhouse Junkies w/ FastFlyod📍 Roots Music Project | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $17–$22 | Get your bluegrass fix with this high-energy Americana double bill. | Talk of Our Town: Frank Shorter & Steve Bosley📍 eTown Hall | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $15 | Boulder legends on running, legacy, and life in this live storytelling event. |
| 📅Saturday, May 24 | 🎺 Jazz Supper Club📍 Full Cycle Cafe & Bar | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | 💵 $20 online / $25 door (recurring weekly on Friday & Saturday) | Boulder Chamber Orchestra – 20th Anniversary📍 Macky Auditorium | ⏰ 7:30 PM | 🎟️ $30–$50 | A symphonic celebration two decades in the making. | Emo Nite📍 Fox Theatre | ⏰ 9:00 PM | 🎟️ $16–$19 | Cry-dance your heart out to the songs that made high school hurt. | Peak2Peak📍 Velvet Elk Lounge | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $19 | High-elevation funk and grooves to shake the floor. | The Reverend Shawn Amos + New Family Dog📍 Roots Music Project | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $17–$22 | Retro soul and roots blues with a modern kick. |
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| | 💌Happy Weekend! | | Wherever you wander this weekend — under the stars or into the concert hall — we hope your Memorial Day is filled with wonder, reflection, and a little bit of Boulder magic. | Stay safe, stay curious, and Happy Memorial Day, Boulder. | — The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🇺🇸🌼 | | Answer: C) Over 80 | That’s right — Boulder is home to more than 80 urban parks, from large community fields to tiny neighborhood greens. Whether you’re tossing a frisbee, skating, picnicking, or letting your pup roam free, there’s a park for that. 🛝🌲🐕 | — The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🌸 |
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| Thinking about your next Boulder adventure? Check out our guides to Boulder’s craft breweries, Pearl Street eats, neighborhood highlights, and more Boulder travel inspo. | | | Interested in other What’s Happenin’ newsletters? | | |
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