As the latter half of the year rolls around, Boulder starts buzzing with a variety of festive happenings and experiences connecting all the wonders of fall and wintertime. When making your way through the events, the scents, whether a whiff of evergreen at the Switch on the Holidays or the crisp, clean scent of the WinterSkate, are sure to make your way to your nose. Incorporating a gentle fragrance, perhaps one that references crisp tones like Dossier, can tie these senses together and build upon your unique fest experience.

Whether near or driving through, Boulder presents a line-up of festivals, markets, and outdoor happenings, offering a smorgasbord of interests. Here is a detailed list of experiences you can find happening in Boulder in the second half of 2024.

Oktoberfest Celebrations

Fall in Boulder is an event in and of itself, but the city truly comes alive with its annual Boulder Oktoberfest celebrations. In late September to early October, these day-long events bring locals together for a traditional German gala hosted in a festive biergarten setting.

Attendees resplendent in lederhosen and dirndls make their traditional German village feel all the more authentic. With an autumnal chill in the air, paired with wafting scents of German pretzels and sausages fresh from the grill, you’ll be enjoying a multi-sensory experience.

Munchkin Masquerade

Come Halloween, Pearl Street is no stranger to the boisterous antics found at its annual Munchkin Masquerade. This family-friendly journey takes children door to door “trick-or-treating” inside their favorite shops along Pearl Street Mall. In the street, kids parade around in imaginative costumes, ranging from spooky goblins to light-hearted wonders. Shops along the route join in the fun by decorating their storefronts and offering fabulous treats for a safe and family-friendly Halloween experience.

Switch on the Holidays

Looking to launch into the festive season? Look no further than the annual Switch on the Holidays experience. Held at the end of November, this nighttime celebration will light up Boulder County Courthouse along Pearl Street Mall. With a holiday-studded laser show, this iconic Boulder jingle marks the official start of the holiday fest period. Visitors can count down to the moment when thousands of twinkling bulbs encase the courthouse and the trees lining the strip. Accompanying live music performances will add to the festive ambiance of your authentic Boulder fest experience.

Credit: Pearl Street Mall

Lights of December Parade

This first Saturday in December parade is an annual tradition featuring marching bands, fire engines, holiday lights, songs, and floats in a grand wintertime spectacle. It’s something to take in and enjoy if you find yourself in town during this special time of year.

Local organizations and businesses showcase their talents and community pride — but neither the toe-tapping rhythms of holiday music nor the sight of snowflakes floating gently from the sky is only matched by the paired sensory opportunity to enjoy a homey aroma to keep a heart and soul​ warm.

Credit: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA)

BMoCA offers rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art all year, but in the fall and winter, the exhibitions are their most thought-provoking and inspiring. Learn more about this stunning collection of work from local, national, and international artists in a variety of mediums and styles. ​ Look for special events, including artist talks, workshops and more, providing the option to truly dive deep into your artistic experience.

Conclusion

Boulder’s fall and winter seasons offer an array of things to see, do, and experience, from festive parades and cultural traditions to outdoor adventure and artistic exploration. As you enjoy some of these Boulder area events and activations, think of adding a little luxury—courtesy of Dossier. As you enjoy the lights and the pulsing pulse of winter adventure in the mountains, a fresh scent can heighten the overall experience of your Boulder adventures.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com