If you are new to Boulder then there may come a time when beautiful park and mountain scenery just doesn’t thrill you as much as before. When and if that happens, be sure to check out local events that come to Boulder throughout the four seasons. It’s hard to discuss exciting annual events in Boulder without mentioning Mahlerfest.

In case that name rings a bell, it is what you’re thinking—a festival celebrating the art of Gustav Mahler, an Austrian composer. To this day, he remains one of the most frequently recorded and performed of all composers. This event includes a full orchestra concert, free chamber concerts and free symposiums. The Boulder Bach festival is also concerned with beautiful music, and is performed in January.

May brings the Boulder Kinetic Fest, and it is a crowd-pleaser. The show involves human-powered conveyances. Watch this fun and very often funny event in which 70 teams race over land and water. Activities at this festival include a kinetic ball, a hot-air balloon and a kinetic parade. Bolder Boulder is an active event that brings together joggers and athletes for a 10 K Memorial Day race.

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival takes place in the early summer, and is actually considered one of the top Shakespeare festivals in the country. Performances are delivered in an outdoor theater area. The ArtFair is another highly theatrical event, and features the work of 150 local and regional artists. This downtown Boulder event is held in July.

In September the Fall Festival is held celebrating Oktoberfest. This event combines polka dancing, food, carnival rides and an art fair. The Boulder International Film Festival is held on Presidents Day Weekend and celebrates cinema with showings of feature films, documentaries and shorts. Over 16,000 filmmakers attend the event.

There is plenty to see and do in Boulder. Come and enjoy the annual festivals and mingle with your fellow Coloradoans!