Nightlife

Boulder isn’t particularly known for its wild nightlife, though there’s plenty to do and plenty of places to go after dark. The college crowd has its hangouts, as do the single professionals and families. Most residents and visitors looking for a night out go to a restaurant, concert, or movie—or to one of the many spots listed below.

Because our state is so beautiful and the weather so fine, Boulderites and Coloradans thrive on the out-of-doors. Therefore, many cafes and concert halls are alfresco. On warm evenings from spring through fall, one of the most popular activities, unrivaled in entertainment value (not to mention free), is strolling on the Pearl Street Mall. During summer weekends the pedestrian mall is transformed into a six-ring circus on every block with jugglers, musicians, magicians, bagpipers, and a dreadlocked man in tights who folds himself into an impossibly small box. Though the mall entertainment is free, performers usually have a donation “hat” and appreciate financial support (they have to pay for permits to perform on the mall).

Another uniquely Boulder form of entertainment is etown, a locally produced weekly public radio show that focuses on the environment and is recorded live with audience participation at the historic Boulder Theater. It’s our own homegrown, eco-version of Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. Etown is aired weekly by National Public Radio on various stations across the country and has featured such celebrities as James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg, Dave Barry, Emmylou Harris, Rickie Lee Jones, and The Persuasions. Tickets are quite inexpensive, and it’s fun to play a part in a nationally broadcast radio show. Audience members also get to enjoy the beauty of the restored art deco former movie theater.

Those in search of the really bright lights and big names will usually have to travel to the magnificent Red Rocks amphitheater near Golden, or to Denver’s park-like Coor’s Amphitheatre, its Paramount and Ogden Theatres, the Grizzly Rose, or other venues larger than what Boulder has to offer. Some top Denver hot spots regularly frequented by Boulderites are listed among the Boulder nightspots; for a complete Denver listing, see the Insiders’ Guide® to Denver.

Don’t forget that the legal drinking age in Colorado is 21, and that drinking and driving don’t mix. Don’t jeopardize your life—and ours—by getting behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking. Boulder police have a very low tolerance for alcohol-related offenses. Make sure your group includes a designated driver.

Note that most Boulder bars don’t have a cover charge. Those that do usually only charge for admission a couple of nights a week, when there’s live music or a special event such as dance lessons.