As winter finally becomes a memory rather than a reality, the flowers begin to bloom, and summer slowly begins to creep out of its hibernation. For us in Boulder, May marks the onset of one of Colorado’s most beloved seasons. Still in its initial stages of summer, the weather is perfect; not too hot, and not too cold.
Warm enough to wear shorts or a light dress during the day, all that’s needed at night is a light shawl, or a thin cardigan at most. Boulder goes above and beyond to embrace this month, and the start of summer. From festivals to art shows, and more concerts than you can wrap your head around, our beautiful city pulls out all the stops to welcome summer.
Annual Spring Barrel Tasting
When: May 2nd & May 3rd
Where: BookCliff Vineyards
Tickets: $75.00
Calling all wine lovers and foodies! The first weekend in May belongs to BookCliff Vineyards, who is hosting a five-course dinner, which includes pairings of their newest, most innovative wines. During this weekend, you’ll get a chance to taste some of Boulder County’s most spectacular wines, before they even hit the shelves.
© bookcliffvineyards.com
Eric Skokan, owner and chef of the Black Cat Farm Bistro will be lending his expertise to skillfully pair each course with its very own wine. If food and wine are your forte, this is definitely where you’ll want to be.
Boulder Art and JazzFest
When: May 3rd & May 4th
Where: Pearl Street Pub and Cellar
Tickets: $50.00
For one magical weekend, Pearl Street Pub and Cellar transforms itself into a hoppin’ New Orleans style Jazz extravaganza. Patrons are bombarded in the best way with Cajun cuisine as far as the eye can see – and as much as the belly can handle. Jambalaya, gumbo, hush puppies, shrimp and grits, you name it.
In true Louisiana style, the weekend is filled with not only the best creole cookin’ around, but with the best Jazz ensembles in town playing their hearts out for all to hear. Pearl Street Pub and Cellar really is the place to be during this weekend. With a continuous stream of live music, good food, and local art, where else would you rather spend your time?
Boulder Creek Festival featuring Kutandara
When: May 24th – May 26th
Where: Downtown Boulder Creek
For over twenty-five years, Boulder has been celebrating Memorial Day, as well as the onset of summer with its Boulder Creek Festival.
For three days, the downtown creek path is packed with carnival rides, vendors, musicians, and even a Ferris wheel. That’s right – it’s like a mini carnival, only a hundred times better. This year, the renowned musical ensemble, Kutandara is headlining the festival, bringing with them an eclectic of African, Latin, folk, and classical musical styles.
Local vendors come from all parts of Boulder County to showcase and sell their creations. Kids – and even adults – come together for the famous duck race down the creek, and music can be heard throughout from sun up until well past sundown. Whether you’re in the mood for purchasing some killer local art, or simply want a fun (and free) family day, the Creek Fest is something you must check out.
We here in Boulder love our food, drink, and entertainment. We cherish the seasons no matter what temperamental weather fluctuations they bring. May is one of those special months, where a warm and sunny day might be followed by six inches of snow. No matter what weather patterns we might face this month, one thing is for sure: we’ll sure have some fun.