Things to Do in Boulder: October 2026 Events
October is one of the best months to experience Boulder. The trees are changing, the air is crisp, and the community calendar is filled with live music, theater, films, family activities and University of Colorado traditions.
Whether you live here, work here or are considering making Boulder your new home or business location, here are several events worth adding to your October calendar.
CU Boulder Homecoming
September 30–October 3 | CU Boulder Campus
Students, alumni and community members will come together for several days of Homecoming celebrations. Events traditionally include the Homecoming Parade, campus activities, alumni gatherings and plenty of black-and-gold spirit.
View CU Boulder event information
Manhattan Short Film Festival
September 30–October 4 | Dairy Arts Center
Film lovers can watch a selection of short films chosen for the internationally recognized Manhattan Short Film Festival. Audiences around the world view the finalists and vote for their favorites.
View the Dairy Arts Center calendar
Pearl Street Stampedes
October 2, 16 and 30 at 7 p.m. | Pearl Street Mall
There is nothing quite like seeing Pearl Street filled with the sounds of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band. Before select CU football games, the band, cheerleaders and Chip the Buffalo lead an energetic community celebration through downtown Boulder.
Explore Downtown Boulder events
Cello Monk with Camden Shaw and CORE
October 3 at 4 p.m. | Dairy Arts Center
Cellist Camden Shaw of the acclaimed Dover Quartet joins CORE for a performance exploring orchestral, chamber, solo and concerto works. The program will feature music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.
Movie Monday
October 5 at 7 p.m. | Dairy Arts Center
Young movie lovers ages 14–24 are invited to a free film selected by the Dairy Arts Center’s Cinema Youth Advisory Board. The screening is followed by an informal discussion.
Word/Play! Open Mic
October 7 from 5–8 p.m. | Dairy Arts Center
Held in conjunction with the Off the Page exhibition, this open-mic evening celebrates the ways words shape identity, share knowledge and build community. Guests can enjoy poetry, storytelling, performance and visual art in the McMahon Gallery.
The Weir
October 8–November 1 | Dairy Arts Center
Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company presents The Weir, an acclaimed Irish play set in a remote country pub. What begins as an evening of drinks and ghost stories takes an unexpected and deeply moving turn.
Henhouse Prowlers
October 9 at 7 p.m. | Dairy Arts Center
Bluegrass ambassadors Henhouse Prowlers bring their We Are All Just Human Beings Tour to Boulder. The evening also features Eric Wiggs and Dylan McCarthy of Jake Leg.
FLESH Contemporary Ballet
October 10–11 | Dairy Arts Center
Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet presents FLESH, a new work from choreographer and artistic director Robert Sher-Machherndl. The performance explores movement, physical form and emotional expression through contemporary ballet.
MAD LIBrarians
October 11 at 11 a.m. | Dairy Arts Center
This free family event combines improvisational comedy, storytelling and audience participation. Children invent book titles, and the MAD LIBrarians create hilarious stories inspired by their suggestions. A complimentary craft activity is also included.
Dancing on the Planet
October 11 at 1 p.m. | Dairy Arts Center
The Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema presents a collection of short dance films from Colombia, India, Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.
CU Boulder Family Weekend
October 15–18 | CU Boulder Campus
CU Boulder families are invited to spend the weekend exploring campus, attending special programs and experiencing life as part of the Buff community.
Learn more about CU Boulder events
Munchkin Masquerade
October 31 from 3–6 p.m. | Downtown Boulder
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, making it an especially good time to attend one of Boulder’s most beloved family traditions. Children ages 12 and younger can dress in costume and trick-or-treat at participating businesses throughout downtown Boulder.
View Munchkin Masquerade details
Experience Boulder This Fall
From performing arts and independent films to college traditions and Halloween festivities, October offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore Boulder.
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Event schedules, prices and availability may change. Please confirm details with the event organizer before attending.