Around Boulder: Activities in Town
From shopping on Pearl Street to grabbing late-night bites or checking out campus events, there’s always something happening. These Boulder activities around town give you plenty of ways to enjoy it all year round!
Explore Downtown Boulder & Pearl Street Mall
Whether you’re heading downtown to meet friends, grab dinner, or take a break from studying, there’s always something to do or discover!
Street Performers
Street performers are a staple of Pearl Street, and they give it a unique personality and vibe. From musicians and magicians to jugglers and living statues, performances run daily during warmer months.
It’s an easy, entertaining way to take a break or hang out between classes.
Photo by F Delventhal on Flickr
Peppercorn
Peppercorn is a long-standing Boulder favorite with a fun selection of kitchenware, cookbooks, and home goods. The store is massive and easy to get lost in!
If you’re outfitting your apartment or looking for a thoughtful gift for a friend, it’s always worth a visit.
Photo by Ken Lund on Flickr
Rocket Fizz
Rocket Fizz is a fun, retro-style candy and soda shop that’s easy to spot on Pearl Street. It’s packed with hard-to-find candies, wild soda flavors, and random gag gifts and makes for a great group activity or date!
Image from @rocketfizzboulder on Instagram
Savvy on Pearl
This boutique is known for stylish, on-trend clothing and accessories. It’s a solid alternative to mall brands and gives you a more personalized shopping experience.
Perfect for students looking to refresh their wardrobe or pick up a unique piece for events & weekends out!
Some more of our Pearl Street favorites:
Illegal Pete’s
Located right on Pearl, Illegal Pete’s serves burritos, tacos, and bowls in a relaxed, music-filled setting. It’s a favorite among CU students for its late hours, and frequent live events.
Boulder Book Store
The Boulder Book Store is one of the top independent bookstores in the country. It spans three floors and offers everything from textbooks and fiction to local interest reads. They also host regular author events, many of which include CU faculty or alumni.
Björn’s Colorado Honey
Björn’s Colorado Honey is a small, locally owned shop specializing in raw honey and bee-based products. You’ll find honey in a variety of fun and unusual flavors, plus skincare items, candles, and bee pollen. It’s a calming place to browse while you walk Pearl Street.
More Malls & Shopping
Beyond Pearl Street, Boulder has a few other shopping malls worth checking out:
Twenty Ninth Street Mall
Twenty Ninth Street Mall is an open-air shopping center with a mix of national retailers, tech stores, and casual dining spots. It’s popular with students looking for brands like Apple, Sephora, or Lululemon. There are also plenty of cafes and outdoor seating areas to hang out between errands.
Folsom Street Shops
Folsom Street has a more local, laid-back vibe compared to the big shopping centers. You’ll find vintage clothing stores, small boutiques, and a few smoke shops mixed in. It’s a good spot to browse for unique finds or pick up something a little different without straying far from campus.
Flatiron Crossing Mall
Flatirons Mall is a full-size indoor mall located nearby in Broomfield. It has large department stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s, along with a food court and movie theater. While it’s not in downtown Boulder, it’s a solid option for bigger shopping trips or when you need more variety.
Boulder Restaurants & Food
Student-friendly spots near campus and downtown that offer everything from global flavors to local comfort food
Iconic Eateries in Boulder
Dushanbe Teahouse: A stunning Persian teahouse with unique global dishes and peaceful vibes.
The Sink: A CU favorite with burgers, beer, and walls covered in graffiti art.
Lucile’s Creole Cafe: Known for its Southern-style brunch and cozy, old-house setting near Pearl Street.
Budget Restaurants for Students
Falafel King, Illegal Pete’s, Half Fast Subs, and Zó Mama all offer affordable, tasty meals.
They’re all within walking distance of campus and open late, which is why they’re our picks for cheap food on a student budget.
Coffee Shops to Study or Meet
Trident Booksellers & Cafe offers books, coffee, and quiet tables.
Ozo Coffee and Boxcar are perfect for focused study or small group meetups.
Beleza has a relaxed atmosphere and good drinks.
Best Breakfast Cafes
Try Snooze, The Buff, or Lucile’s for classic breakfast and brunch plates.
Expect long lines on weekends, but it’s worth the wait.
Cultural Activities in Boulder
Boulder has a strong arts and culture scene, with events and venues that go beyond what you’ll find on campus. Whether you’re into visual art, live music, film, or science, there’s always something happening nearby. Most spots are student-friendly, affordable, and within walking distance or a short bus ride from CU.
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA)
– Features rotating exhibits from local and national artists
– Affordable entry, especially with student ID
– Hosts student-friendly events, workshops, and art talks
Theaters & Live Events
– Fox Theatre: Intimate venue on The Hill with live music and student performances
– Boulder Theater: Historic space downtown that features concerts, films, and indie events
– Dairy Arts Center: Offers a mix of experimental film, theater, dance, and gallery shows
Science Exhibits
– NCAR: Hands-on exhibits about climate, weather, and the atmosphere
– CU’s Fiske Planetarium: Space shows, laser light displays, and astronomy events year-round
Campus Life & Events
You don’t have to leave campus to find things to do. From low-key hangout spots to creative clubs and performances, CU Boulder offers a full lineup of activities, events, and places to explore right where you are!
On-Campus Attractions
– The CU Art Museum features rotating exhibits and student work.
– Varsity Lake is a quiet place to relax, read, or eat lunch between classes.
– The Heritage Center at Old Main shares CU’s history and quirky campus stories.
Student Events & Clubs
– Weekly and monthly events include film screenings, open mic nights, and seasonal campus festivals.
– Club fairs happen each semester and make it easy to find your people, whether you’re into robotics, improv, volunteering, or gaming.
– Most events are free and designed for students, so it’s easy to try something new without a big commitment.
Weekend Markets & Seasonal Activities in Boulder
Boulder has a steady rotation of events that make weekends feel different from the rest of the week. If you’re looking for something local, casual, and easy to join in on, keep these festivals & markets on your radar!
Boulder Farmers Market
- Runs April through November every Saturday from 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Located at 13th St & Canyon Blvd (Central Park) in downtown Boulder
- Features fresh produce, handmade goods, and a row of local food trucks
- Great for grabbing lunch, trying samples, or browsing with friends
Seasonal Indoor Events
- Boulder International Film Festival brings indie films and guest speakers to town
- Colorado Shakespeare Festival holds performances indoors at CU’s theater and outdoors in summer