After looking at the lineup of April 2016 events in Boulder, we’re having a hard time choosing a favorite. Hopefully, you won’t have to! There is certainly a strong academic theme in this month’s event calendar, but don’t fret if that’s not your flavor. We have also included an outdoor festival for the children-at-heart, and one very decadent culinary-themed event…as well as a few concerts. Let’s start with one of the most treasured features of our community:
Boulder Farmer’s Market Opening
When: April 2 – November 19
Where: 13th Street, between Canyon and Arapahoe
Our beloved Boulder Farmer’s Market will be returning on April 2 for yet another season of delicious eats, live music, and local artisan demonstrations. It’s so much more than a place for produce. The Boulder Farmer’s Market is a staple in our community and something that we look forward to every year. Visit BCFM.org to learn more about this year’s vendor lineup.
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
When: April 3 from 1 – 5pm
Where: Pearl Street Mall
The Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival is a long-standing springtime tradition in Boulder, and in recent years, the event has been expanded to include a variety of family-friendly activities. Show up in your best and most whimsical costume, and be ready to join the Tulip Fairy Parade, beginning at 3:30pm. Live performances include:
- 1:00pm-1:45pm: ‘Waking the Bear’
- 2:15pm-3:00pm: Wandering Natives
- 4:00pm-5:00pm: Boulder School of Rock
Other festival activities include face painting, kids’ arts and crafts, foam sword dueling, a dino dig, nature activities and wildlife safety lessons, and cookie decorating. Learn more at the Downtown Boulder website.
Conference on World Affairs
When: April 4 through April 8
Where: various on-campus locations
The Conference on World Affairs has been referred to as the “conference on everything conceivable”, and it’s easy to see why. Topics range from medicine to spirituality and all of the things between. Whatever your interests are, you’re guaranteed to hear about it at CWA. All 200 conference events are free and open to the public, but tickets are required for entry. You can learn more at the CU Boulder website.
This year’s keynote speaker is Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak, so An Evening with Steve Wozniak is something you don’t want to miss. That event is scheduled for the first night of the conference, April 4, at 7pm at Macky Auditorium.
Recycled Runway
When: April 12 at 6:30pm
Where: The Boulder Theater
Recycled Runway is a chance for participants of the Common Thread’s Recycled Runway Independent Workshop to show off their designs, and we are very excited to be a sponsor of this event. The middle and high school students participating in this competitive fashion showcase will be judged by three local fashion icons based on their design, construction, material collection, vision, and execution. Learn more at Common Threads.
TEDxCU
When: April 16 at 5pm
Where: Folsom Field Stadium Club
TED is a global nonprofit organization focused on promoting the exchange of ideas, and it’s coming to CU Boulder for its fourth annual TEDxCU. The event features eight world-class speakers, networking opportunities, and more. Ticket purchase is necessary to reserve your place, but if you’re a student, the price you pay for your ticket will be refunded at the door. Learn more at EventBrite.
Frank Lloyd Wright Lecture
When: April 15 from 6-8:30pm
Where: Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater
Spend an evening exploring the work of premier modern architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, during this event that we are sponsoring along with our friends at HMH Architecture + Interiors. This program will feature a presentation by renowned Frank Lloyd Wright scholar, Jack Quinan, and light refreshments will be served before and after the lecture. Admission is free, but you’ll need to reserve your spot ahead of time. Learn more at the 15th Street Design District.
BrüFrou
When: April 30 (times vary per session)
Where: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
This is a craft beer and culinary pairing event you have to experience to believe. There will be over 80 local brewers and chefs on hand delivering more than 50 delicious pairings for your tasting pleasure. There are four sessions to choose from, and at the time this post was published, one of them was sold out. Don’t wait. Visit Culinary Pairings and grab your tickets as soon as you can.
April Concerts
If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you know how much we love live events. Here are our top picks for Boulder and Denver in April 2015:
- Pete Yorn on April 7
- St Germain on April 13
- Foals with Kiev on April 26
- Napalm Death / The Melvins with Melt Banana on April 27
- Pete Murphy on April 10
- Deerhunter on April 25
- Lucinda Williams on April 12
- Snoop Dogg and Friends on April 20
This is such an exciting time of year for Boulder…there are so many things to do that you’ll be hard pressed to make them all fit into your schedule. Tell us which events you’re most excited about in the comments below!