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Hello Newsletter Readers,
September is making its exit, and October is arriving with cooler mornings, changing leaves and plenty of reasons to spend an afternoon downtown. It’s the kind of weather that makes you linger over a warm drink, take the long way down the Pearl Street Mall and see what’s new in the shops.
The calendar is filling up, too. Fall markets, live music and a few delightfully spooky plans are just around the corner. Keep reading for what’s coming up and a little inspiration for your next downtown visit.
For more ideas to get out and have fun, check out downtown's online Event Calendar for daily happenings throughout the district and also bookmark our Things to Do Downtown monthly blog for insider tips and information!
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ASK THE LADY ON A SWING
Your new guide to enjoying downtown Boulder!
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You may have seen this beloved sculpture on the 1200 block of the Pearl Street Mall entitled "Hearts on a Swing" by artist George Lundeen. Overtime she has become a recurring face in our downtown Boulder social media feeds. In this new segment of our newsletter, Lady on the Swing will provide you with insider tips & tricks to downtown - ask her for recommendations, favorite selfie spots and more (using the button below).
Tune into our next bi-weekly newsletter to see if your question/suggestion/advice was featured!
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This week's question is from Lilly: My parents are visiting for CU Homecoming. Where should I take them downtown before the game?
Lady on the Swing: Start with breakfast or coffee downtown, then give yourselves time to wander. It’s a nice way to show your parents the Boulder you know: stop into a few local shops, point out your favorite spots and grab lunch before heading to Folsom Field. Keep an eye on our Foodie Friday page that will refresh before the weekend begins!
If they’re in town Friday evening, bring them to the Homecoming Pearl Street Stampede at 7 PM. The Golden Buffalo Marching Band and Chip will help get everyone in the game-day spirit before Saturday’s matchup against Texas Tech. SKO Buffs!
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Boulder Doesn't Hibernate
Welcome to the Heart of Boulder
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The weather may be cooling down, but downtown Boulder is still very much awake. Our 2026 fall and winter Welcome to the Heart of Boulder campaign is a celebration of the people and places that keep downtown lively through the colder months.
We’ve put that feeling into a new 30-second video. Keep an eye out while you’re watching TV and see if you can spot it! If you’d rather watch it now, it’s already up on our YouTube channel. Let us know which downtown scenes you recognize.
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Happy Homecoming, Buffs!
Pearl Street Stampede - October 2, 7 PM
| | Image Courtesy of CU Athletics | |
CU Boulder’s Homecoming Weekend is HERE through October 3, with an extra reason to celebrate this year: CU’s 150th anniversary.
The celebration comes downtown on Friday, October 2 for the Homecoming Pearl Street Stampede. Meet us at 7 PM on the West End of Pearl Street as Stephen Tebo’s vintage fire truck leads the parade east with the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, CU Athletics, the Colorado Spirit Squad and Chip. Then it’s game day on Saturday, October 3, when the Buffs take on Texas Tech at Folsom Field.
Can’t make the Homecoming Stampede? There are more chances to join us this season:
- Friday, October 16: Family Weekend (SLAMpede)
- Friday, October 30
- Thursday, November 12
- Friday, November 27
And there’s more Buffs fun coming downtown. On Friday, October 16, CU Athletics will host its first Pearl Street SLAMpede, celebrating the women’s and men’s basketball teams ahead of their new seasons. This SLAMpede starts with a parade from 11th Street at 6:45 PM, followed by a pep rally and basketball skills competitions outside the Boulder County Courthouse. Stick around afterward for a chance to meet the players and snap a photo.
Welcome home, Buffs. SKO! 💛🖤
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World Singing Day
October 17, 2 - 3:30 PM
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You don’t have to be a pop star to have a great time at World Singing Day. On Saturday, October 17, the 1300 block of Pearl Street Mall will turn into one big community sing-along from 2 to 3:30 PM. Come with a friend or follow the sound of the music as you’re walking downtown.
Now in its 11th year, this Boulder tradition brings people together over songs they already know and love, from the Beatles to Taylor Swift. Lyric booklets will be provided, so there’s no need to memorize a thing or practice beforehand.
All ages and singing abilities are welcome. Just show up, find a spot in the crowd and join in when you’re ready!
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Munchkin Masquerade
October 31, 3 - 6 PM
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Downtown’s tiniest trick-or-treaters are taking over downtown on Saturday, October 31 at Munchkin Masquerade! From 3 to 6 PM, children ages 12 and under can dress up and collect treats from participating businesses throughout the district. Expect creative costumes, plenty of candy and a whole lot of Halloween excitement on and off the bricks.
Our participating downtown businesses make this tradition possible by opening their doors as Treat Stops and handing out goodies at no charge. Give them a little extra love while you’re making the rounds!
Events like Munchkin Masquerade wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers. Interested in helping out? Check out our volunteer opportunities and join us for one of downtown’s favorite Halloween traditions!
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Firefly Handmade Fall Market
October 10 - 11, 10 AM - 4 PM
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Firefly Handmade Fall Market returns to the Pearl Street Mall on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 from 10 AM to 4 PM. More than 80 artists, makers and designers will fill downtown with handmade goods, giving you plenty to browse while you enjoy the crisp fall air.
Admission is free, and there will be live music from Colorado artists throughout the weekend. Make an afternoon of it: explore the market, then stop into a downtown shop or settle in for a bite nearby.
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Last Weeks of the Wednesday Farmers Market
September 30, October 7, 3:30 - 7:30 PM
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The Boulder County Farmers Market has two Wednesday markets left this season: September 30 and October 7. Stop by Boulder Creek Park at 13th and Canyon from 3:30 to 7:30 PM for a midweek stroll through the fall harvest and something fresh to bring home for dinner.
Can’t make it on a Wednesday? Don’t worry, the Saturday market runs from 8 AM to 2 PM through November 21, so you have plenty more chances to shop the fall harvest downtown.
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Job Openings
Interested in working downtown? Check out which businesses are hiring.
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Shopping Specials
Fall is here and it's time to go shopping for fresh styles. Explore monthly shopping specials to discover deals at your favorite downtown stores.
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Foodie Friday
If you love local coffee shops, rooftop bars, good eats or food specials, then check out Foodie Friday. Updated weekly, this food blog gives you all the latest news about where and what to eat downtown. Dig in!
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Things To Do Downtown
Are you someone that always likes to have your calendar mapped out? Check out the Things To Do Downtown blog, where we give you all the dates and activities to fill your social schedule each month.
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Newsletter Archive
Did you miss a newsletter and want to catch up on all things Downtown Boulder? Check out our newsletter archive to view past publications.
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This woman-owned, Boulder-grown flower shop has been creating arrangements for more than 14 years and now calls the east end of the Pearl Street Mall home.
Hint: its name is the Italian word for “flowers.”
What is the name of this downtown shop?
Email your answer to
info@downtownboulder.org with the subject line "Found Downtown" by October 13th for a chance to win a $25 Downtown Boulder Gift Card. Congrats to Jeanne, our last Found Downtown winner! The correct answer was: Casa Juani
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