For over 30 years, Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest has been ushering us into autumn with an opportunity to get together and enjoy libations, local goods, and activities for the whole family. This is one of our city’s most celebrated festivals, and this year, it returns to the Pearl Street Mall from Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16. Last year saw the addition of the Firefly Handmade Market, which will again line the Pearl Street Mall with artisan fare fit for every taste.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find at Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest 2018:
Three Fall Days on Pearl Street Mall
September offers some of the best weather all year; the summer heat wanes and the leaves show their colors. Spending three fall days on the iconic Pearl Street Mall is a perfect way to enjoy this wonderful season. But be sure to bring an extra layer or two if you plan on being at the festival past dusk. Here are the hours:
Friday, 9/14 from 5-10pm
Saturday, 9/15 from 10am-9pm
Sunday, 9/16 from 10am-5pm
Local Food & Drinks
If you find yourself hungry during the festival, local restaurants like Boulder Bowls, Falafel King, and Fast Eddie’s Hot Dogs will be selling nourishment from their booths. If a sit-down meal is more your speed, Pearl Street Mall is home to an eclectic mix of award-winning restaurants. There’s no shortage of options here.
On the 1300 block of Pearl Street, the festival will host a large beer garden featuring brews and margaritas from two local staples: Avery Brewing Company and Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. If you prefer wine to complement your fall weekends — not to worry, as there will be an assortment of vino available, as well.
Activities for the Kids
Don’t let the adult beverages fool you; this is a great festival to bring the kids. A special area for children’s activities can be found on 14th Street just north of Pearl. The kids will find everything from climbing walls and obstacle courses to bouncing houses and face painting by All About Fairies Face Painting.
Musical Performance
No festival is complete without song and dance. You’ll find a variety of local musicians performing at a stage on the 1300 block of Pearl Street, close to the beer garden. From rock to folk to funk, find a complete listing of bands and set times here.
Firefly Handmade Market
Since 2010, Boulder-based Firefly Handmade Markets has been hosting seasonal pop-up markets showcasing the high-quality goods of an eclectic range of artisans. This year, they return to Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest with 100+ indie artisans, including art by The Furnace: A Glassworks, furniture from ATLA Design, and dog sweaters by Canine Cardigans. This is a tiny sample, and you’ll find home goods, jewelry, adult and children’s apparel, ceramics, paper goods, and a whole lot more. The majority of these vendors are based in Colorado, so come browse and support the makers who flourish in our creative community.
The Firefly Handmade Market will run the length of Pearl Street Mall, but its hours will differ slightly from those of the overlying Fall Fest:
Friday, 9/14 from 5-9pm – A preview market of select artisans on the 1400 block of Pearl Street
Saturday, 9/15 from 10am-7pm – Market open in full all along Pearl Street Mall
Sunday, 9/16 from 10am-5pm – Market open in full all along Pearl Street Mall
Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest 2018 is the continuation of an annual staple for our community. In addition to the local food and drink comes a celebration of music and beautifully handmade goods. So, bring a sweater, come down to the Pearl Street Mall, and help Boulder welcome another beautiful autumn season.