Boulder Memorial Day Weekend Events Guide 2026

Your Go-To Plan for Food, Fun, Music, and Meaningful Remembrance in Boulder

Memorial Day Weekend in Boulder brings together everything that makes the city special: community gatherings, outdoor adventure, live music, local food, and meaningful moments of remembrance. From the return of the Boulder Creek Festival to the iconic BOLDERBoulder 10K and Memorial Day Tribute, this is Boulder’s unofficial kickoff to summer.

Whether you’re a longtime local, a University of Colorado student staying in town, or a visitor looking for the perfect holiday weekend itinerary, Boulder offers something for everyone.

Boulder Creek Festival Returns to Downtown Boulder

The centerpiece of the weekend is the annual Boulder Creek Festival, running May 22 through May 25 along Boulder Creek between 9th and 14th Streets near the Bandshell area.

The free festival transforms downtown Boulder into a lively celebration filled with music, food, shopping, and family activities. Thousands are expected to attend throughout the weekend.

Festival Hours

  • Friday, May 22: Kickoff concert from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday, May 23–24: Festival activities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with music continuing into the evening
  • Monday, May 25: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What to Expect at the Festival

Visitors can enjoy:

  • Live music across multiple stages throughout the weekend
  • Colorado craft beer and local beverages
  • Food trucks and festival favorites
  • Local artists, makers, and shopping vendors
  • Family-friendly activities and interactive kids zones
  • Creekside seating and outdoor hangout areas

Friday night’s kickoff concert featuring Steely Dead is expected to draw a large crowd and set the tone for the holiday weekend…

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