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Join the Boulder Creek Festival 2024 for a weekend of live music, art, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and wellness events. Enjoy 30+ bands, unique vendors, and vibrant community spirit along Boulder Creek.
Boulder Creek Festival: A Comprehensive Guide with Performer Highlights
The Boulder Creek Festival, held annually in Boulder, Colorado, is a beloved tradition that marks the unofficial start of summer. This vibrant and eclectic event, typically held over Memorial Day weekend, draws thousands of visitors who come to enjoy a diverse array of activities, performances, and experiences. From art exhibits and live music to delicious food and engaging family-friendly activities, the Boulder Creek Festival has something for everyone. Here’s your comprehensive guide to making the most of this iconic event, with highlights of the performers you won’t want to miss.
Read our complete Boulder travel and adventure guide here.
History and Significance
The Boulder Creek Festival has been a staple of the Boulder community since its inception in 1988. Initially created to celebrate the unique culture and spirit of Boulder, the festival has grown significantly over the years, now attracting over 50,000 visitors annually. Its location along Boulder Creek provides a scenic backdrop that enhances the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect way to kick off the summer season.
Photo: Boulder Creek Festival
Dates and Location
The festival takes place over three days during Memorial Day weekend, from Saturday to Monday. This year, the dates are May 25-27, 2024. The festival is situated along the picturesque Boulder Creek corridor, spanning from 9th Street to 14th Street and from Canyon Boulevard to Arapahoe Avenue. This central location is easily accessible and provides ample space for the numerous attractions and activities.
Key Attractions and Activities
1. Art Exhibits and Craft Vendors
One of the main highlights of the Boulder Creek Festival is the extensive art market. Featuring over 200 artists and craft vendors, the market showcases a wide variety of handmade items, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles. Visitors can browse through the stalls, meet the artists, and purchase unique pieces to take home.
2. Live Music and Performances
The festival boasts multiple stages where local and national artists perform throughout the weekend. Here are some of the must-see acts:
Friday Night Kickoff Concert – Bandshell Stage
- Danny Shafer (4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.): Enjoy the acoustic folk and Americana sounds of local favorite Danny Shafer.
- Ms Amy – The Jet Set (5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.): Dance to the lively tunes of Ms Amy and her band, known for their energetic performances.
- Steely Dead (7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.): Experience a unique fusion of Steely Dan and Grateful Dead classics with this talented tribute band.
Saturday Performances
- Jeff & Paige (10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., For Kids): Delight the little ones with Jeff & Paige’s educational and entertaining music.
- Emelise (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Festival Stage): Catch this young singer-songwriter’s captivating performance.
- Bottlerocket Hurricane (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Festival Stage): Enjoy the dynamic rock sounds of Bottlerocket Hurricane.
- The Rock and Pop Music Academy (12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Watch budding musicians from this local academy showcase their talents.
- Family Magic Show with Braden Carlisle (12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Community Stage): Be amazed by the tricks and illusions of magician Braden Carlisle.
- Hunter Stone (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Festival Stage): Soak in the soulful music of singer-songwriter Hunter Stone.
- Rebecca Folsom Trio (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Enjoy the rich, emotive songs of the Rebecca Folsom Trio.
- Roots Music Project (2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Community Stage): A continuous showcase of local roots music.
- New Family Dog (3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Festival Stage): Get into the groove with New Family Dog’s unique sound.
- John McKay Band (4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Listen to the classic rock and roll of the John McKay Band.
- AL’S HWY50 (5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Festival Stage): Enjoy this band’s blend of Americana and rock.
- The Alcapones (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Dance to the upbeat reggae and ska of The Alcapones.
- The Pamlico Sound (8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Close the night with the high-energy funk and soul of The Pamlico Sound.
Sunday Performances
- Silent Bear (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Festival Stage): Enjoy the soothing, acoustic melodies of Silent Bear.
- Chantil Dukart & The Dukes of Art (12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Groove to the soulful jazz and blues of Chantil Dukart and her band.
- Belladonna Band (12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Festival Stage): Experience the rock and blues sounds of Belladonna Band.
- Teen Music Showcase (1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Community Stage): Support local teen musicians as they showcase their talents.
- Mark Oblinger (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Listen to the thoughtful and engaging songs of Mark Oblinger.
- Parchment Doll (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Festival Stage): Catch this band’s unique blend of rock and alternative music.
- Cass Clayton Band (3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Festival Stage): Enjoy the blues and rock sounds of the Cass Clayton Band.
- Dog City Disco (4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Dance to the funky, high-energy music of Dog City Disco.
- Boulder Taiko (4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m., Community Stage): Experience the powerful and rhythmic drumming of Boulder Taiko.
- Hamsa Arts Dance (4:55 p.m. – 5:10 p.m., Community Stage): Enjoy a captivating performance by Hamsa Arts Dance.
- Tribal Misfits Transnational Fusion Belly Dance (5:15 p.m. – 5:35 p.m., Community Stage): Be mesmerized by the fusion belly dance of Tribal Misfits.
- Colorado Hula (5:40 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Community Stage): Watch the graceful hula dance of Colorado Hula.
- Revelator: Tribute to Tedeschi Trucks Band (5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Festival Stage): Enjoy a tribute to the iconic Tedeschi Trucks Band.
- Flash Mountain Flood (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Get ready for a blend of rock, blues, and jam band music with Flash Mountain Flood.
- Kutandara’s Kunaka + Takapenga Teen Marimba Bands (6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Community Stage): Experience the vibrant sounds of marimba music.
- Tenth Mountain Division (8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Close the night with the high-energy rock and roll of Tenth Mountain Division.
Monday Performances
- The Niwot Gig (10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Community Stage): Start the day with the community-focused Niwot Gig.
- Songwriters Showcase & Community Jam Session by Roots Music Project (11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Community Stage): Enjoy a continuous showcase of local songwriting talent and community jam sessions.
- Meadows and Fields (11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Festival Stage): Listen to the folk and Americana music of Meadows and Fields.
- Aaron Rose (11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Enjoy the soulful sounds of Aaron Rose.
- Erica Brown Band (1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Dance to the blues and soul of the Erica Brown Band.
- Maggie’s Farmers – Bob Dylan & Grateful Dead Tribute (1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Festival Stage): Experience a tribute to the legendary Bob Dylan and Grateful Dead.
- Boulder Bandshell Sound Machine (3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Bandshell Stage): Close the festival with the funky and soulful sounds of the Boulder Bandshell Sound Machine.
- The Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band (3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Festival Stage): End the festival on a high note with the vibrant and energetic brass music of The Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band.
3. Food and Drink
A visit to the Boulder Creek Festival wouldn’t be complete without sampling the delicious food on offer. The festival features a diverse selection of food vendors serving everything from classic festival fare like funnel cakes and corn dogs to gourmet options such as artisanal ice cream and international cuisine. Additionally, the beer garden offers a variety of craft beers from local breweries, providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy the live music.
4. Family-Friendly Activities
The festival is a family-friendly event with plenty of activities for children. The Kids’ Area features carnival rides, face painting, and interactive games. There are also educational booths and workshops where kids can learn about the environment, science, and more through fun and engaging activities.
5. Health and Wellness
For those interested in health and wellness, the festival includes a dedicated Health and Wellness Area. Here, visitors can participate in yoga sessions, meditation workshops, and fitness classes. There are also booths offering information on nutrition, mental health, and holistic healing practices.
Tips for Attending
- Arrive Early: To avoid crowds and secure good parking, try to arrive early each day.
- Use Public Transportation: Parking can be challenging, so consider using public transportation or biking to the festival.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle and take advantage of the free water stations throughout the festival grounds.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll likely be walking and standing for long periods.
- Plan Ahead: Check the festival schedule and map out the performances and activities you want to attend to make the most of your time.
Conclusion
The Boulder Creek Festival is a celebration of Boulder’s vibrant community spirit, creativity, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, a foodie, or a family looking for a fun day out, this festival has something for everyone. With its picturesque location along Boulder Creek and a diverse lineup of activities and performances, the Boulder Creek Festival is a must-visit event that captures the essence of summer in Boulder. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this unforgettable experience!
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