One of Colorado’s favorite summer traditions is back! The 37th Annual Boulder Creek Festival returns to downtown Boulder Memorial Day Weekend, May 22–25, 2026, bringing four days packed with live music, family fun, local shopping, food trucks, and community celebrations along Boulder Creek.
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If you’ve never been before, this is one of those classic Colorado events that really feels like summer officially starting. The festival stretches along the creek from 9th Street to 14th Street in Boulder and is completely free to attend, making it an easy day trip for families from Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, and beyond.
This year’s festival is expected to be bigger than ever, with more than 150,000 visitors anticipated throughout the weekend.
Families will find plenty to do in the Creekside for Kids area, including interactive performances, parachute games, open play spaces, music, and kid-friendly entertainment all weekend long. Highlights include the “Dino Disco” DJ show, performances from Jeff & Paige, and hands-on activities designed for kids of all ages.
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Music is a huge part of the festival too, with more than 30 bands and artists performing throughout the weekend at the iconic Bandshell. From bluegrass and reggae to indie rock and folk, there’s a little bit of everything. Headliners this year include Steely Dead, Gasoline Lollipops, Magic Beans Super Jam, and Wash Park Band.
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New for 2026 is the Bash at the Banks Skate Jam presented by 303 Boards, where local skaters will show off tricks and flips on a custom-built skate setup near the creek.
And honestly? The food alone is worth the trip. Festivalgoers can expect more than 30 food trucks and vendors serving everything from carnival favorites to vegetarian and international eats.
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Shopping is another huge draw, with over 200 local makers, artists, and small businesses selling handmade goods, art, apparel, jewelry, home décor, specialty foods, and more.
Art lovers will also want to check out the new Street Wise Artist Village near the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse Plaza. The area will feature live art battles, local artists, music, and a full bar throughout Sunday and Monday of the festival weekend.
For adults looking for a fun date day or girls’ outing, the Creekside Beer Fest is also returning with multiple tasting sessions throughout the weekend featuring Colorado breweries and canned cocktails, all set alongside Boulder Creek with live Roots music playing throughout the event.
Participating breweries include:
- Bootstrap Brewing
- Fiction Beer Company
- Avery Brewing Co.
- Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery
- Sabé Beverages
And more!
You can find the full festival schedule, music lineup, and Creekside Beer Fest tickets at Boulder Creek Festival.
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This really is one of those iconic Colorado events that manages to have something for everyone! Live music, local makers, kids activities, incredible food, and that perfect early-summer energy along the creek. If you’re looking for a fun Memorial Day Weekend outing with the family, it’s definitely worth adding to your calendar. Hope to see you there!
