Downtown Boulder, Colorado, comes alive each year over Memorial Day weekend, and 2025 is no exception. The beloved Boulder Creek Festival returns in full swing from May 23 to May 26, transforming the city’s heart into a vibrant celebration of local culture, music, art, and community spirit.
Now in its 36th year, the Boulder Creek Festival stretches from Ninth to 14th Streets between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue. This expansive venue, including Central Park and the Civic Area, hosts a dynamic mix of attractions ranging from the high-energy Creekside Beer Fest to peaceful mural painting, making it a one-stop destination for families, foodies, art lovers, and music fans alike.
Live Music Across Three Stages
One of the festival’s hallmark features is its live music lineup, which spans three dedicated stages. This year’s performances feature over 30 acts across a range of genres. Headlining the Friday night opening is Steely Dead, a unique band that fuses the iconic sounds of Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead. On Saturday, local favorite Magic Beans takes the spotlight, offering a high-energy blend of funk, soul, and jam rock.
Throughout the weekend, audiences can enjoy everything from bluegrass and reggae to indie rock and jazz. The festival’s musical diversity reflects Boulder’s eclectic cultural tastes and ensures there’s something for every ear.
Creekside Beer Fest and Culinary Highlights
A major draw for adult attendees is the Creekside Beer Fest. With over 20 participating breweries and distilleries, the festival offers ticketed tasting sessions on Saturday and Sunday. For a modest fee, guests receive a tasting cup and access to two-hour windows of unlimited sampling. Craft beer enthusiasts can savor a variety of brews—from crisp lagers and juicy IPAs to bold stouts and innovative sours.
Complementing the beer fest is a food scene that spans the globe. Dozens of food trucks and vendors offer an eclectic menu that includes Maine lobster rolls, burgers, Cajun dishes, Mediterranean wraps, Indian curries, and more. Vegan and vegetarian options are widely available, ensuring that every dietary preference is catered to.
Art, Crafts, and Local Vendors
The festival also hosts an extensive artisan market, where more than 200 vendors display their handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, and specialty goods. Visitors can browse everything from hand-thrown pottery and bespoke candles to framed photography and eco-friendly apparel. This open-air market not only supports local artisans but also provides unique shopping opportunities for one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.
Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages
The Boulder Creek Festival is proudly family-friendly, with a wide array of activities designed to engage children and adults alike. Kids can enjoy face painting, carnival rides, and skateboarding lessons, while creative minds of all ages are encouraged to participate in mural painting and live art battles. These interactive features foster a sense of community involvement and creativity, hallmarks of the Boulder lifestyle.
Full Weekend Schedule
The festival opens at 5:00 PM on Friday, May 23, with musical performances kicking off the festivities. Saturday and Sunday feature full-day programs from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, filled with music, food, and interactive experiences. The final day, Monday, May 26, runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, concluding the weekend with community performances and local bands.
Weather and What to Bring
Visitors should be prepared for typical Colorado spring weather, which can be unpredictable. Saturday may bring cooler temperatures and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, while Sunday and Monday are forecasted to be cloudy with intermittent showers. Attendees are advised to dress in layers and carry rain gear to stay comfortable.
A Celebrated Community Tradition
More than just a festival, the Boulder Creek Festival marks the unofficial start of summer in Boulder. Organized in partnership with the City of Boulder, it has grown into one of the region’s largest and most anticipated events. Its blend of entertainment, culture, and community engagement makes it a cherished local tradition and a must-visit for travelers over Memorial Day weekend.
