Stampede Season Is Here: Buffs, Bands & Fire Trucks, Oh My!
What Happens at a Pearl Street Stampede?
Hey Boulder! 🌞
Fall Fridays in Boulder mean one thing: it’s time to stomp, cheer, and shout “Sko Buffs!” with the whole town. The Pearl Street Stampede is CU’s iconic pre-game pep rally, bringing the band, the spirit squad, and the football team straight into the heart of downtown. Whether you’re a die-hard Buff or just here for the festive vibes, this high-energy tradition is pure Boulder magic.
Want more local recs? Check out our Things to Do in Boulder, Best Restaurants, and Date-Worthy Spots for even more ideas.
— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉
What’s the name of CU Boulder’s costumed buffalo mascot who appears at the Pearl Street Stampede?
Click an option to vote
🐝 Buzzing with Purpose: Bee Boulder Festival Returns!
Buffs fans, get ready to rally! The Pearl Street Stampede is Boulder’s spirited pre-game parade-meets-party that turns Pearl Street Mall into a black-and-gold explosion of noise, pride, and pom-poms. The night before every CU Buffs home football game, fans of all ages line the bricks to cheer on the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, CU Spirit Squad, Coach Prime and the team, and even Chip the mascot—yes, there will be high-fives.
Kicking off at 7 p.m. in front of the County Courthouse, the band marches west block by block, performing at every stop. Led by a 1948 vintage fire truck (yes, seriously), the Stampede is part pep rally, part parade, and all Boulder. It’s become a beloved Buff tradition nearly 20 years strong, thanks to a local collaboration between CU, the city, and downtown businesses.
Expect drums, chants, cheers, and a whole lot of Buffs energy. Pro tip: grab a bite or a drink on Pearl before the band rolls through and stay for the post-Stampede buzz. 🦬🔥
📅 Upcoming Stampede Dates:
• Friday, Sept. 19
• Friday, Sept. 26
• Friday, Oct. 10
• Friday, Nov. 21
🎉 Homecoming Stampede on Friday, Oct. 31 will be on campus—details coming soon!
🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder 🎭
Wednesday, September 17
Thursday, September 18
Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar
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🦬 See You on the Bricks!
Whether you’re a CU alum, a student, or just love a good community celebration, the Pearl Street Stampede is your chance to soak up that Buffs pride. Bring the kids, grab your black and gold gear, and don’t be shy about cheering your heart out. We’ll see you under the lights this Friday—go Buffs! 💛🖤
Answer: C. Chip – Chip is CU Boulder’s costumed mascot who hypes up the crowd at Stampedes and games. (Ralphie is the real live buffalo, and yes, they’re both icons.)
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📣 Skooooooo Buffs!
📖 See you Friday!
👉 What’s Happenin’ Boulder 🌄
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