Boulder Is About to Go Prehistoric

Boulder is getting ready to go full Jurassic just ahead of one of the city’s biggest weekends of the year.

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Avery Brewing Company will host Jurassic Jamboree, the official BOLDERBoulder kickoff party. The free, family-friendly event will bring together live music, carnival-style games, food, beer garden energy, a Nike 5K fun run, and a dinosaur costume contest with prizes for the top three outfits.

The event celebrates Yuzilla, Avery Brewing’s citrus-forward yuzu fruit ale and the official beer connected to this year’s BOLDERBoulder festivities.

A Boulder Kickoff Party With a Dinosaur Twist

Boulder already knows how to celebrate BOLDERBoulder weekend, but Jurassic Jamboree adds a playful twist that feels perfectly suited for the city.

The day begins with a Nike 5K fun run starting from Avery Brewing at 11:30 a.m. At noon, the party officially begins inside Avery’s taproom and beer garden, where guests can enjoy food, games, music, and the release of full Jurassic energy.

The highlight of the afternoon may be the dinosaur costume contest at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear dinosaur-inspired outfits, and inflatable T-Rex costumes are expected to make a strong showing.

One minute, runners may be cooling down after the 5K. The next, a prehistoric creature could be dancing near the beer garden while live music fills the afternoon.

That is classic Boulder.

Avery Brewing Company

Meet Yuzilla, Avery’s Citrus-Forward Race Beer

This year’s featured beer is Yuzilla, a yuzu fruit ale brewed by Avery Brewing. The beer features bright citrus notes of yuzu, tangerine, and grapefruit, with a sweet, tart, and refreshing finish.

Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit known for its bold, tangy flavor. In Yuzilla, it gives the beer a bright spring profile that fits perfectly with patio weather, race weekend energy, and Boulder’s love of creative craft brewing.

For beer lovers, runners, and anyone looking for a fun way to kick off BOLDERBoulder season, Yuzilla gives the event its prehistoric personality.

Avery Brewing Remains One of Boulder’s Great Gathering Places

Founded in 1993, Avery Brewing Company has grown into one of Boulder’s most recognizable craft beer destinations.

The brewery is known for bold beers, a lively taproom, a spacious beer garden, and a dog-friendly patio. With more than 30 rotating beers on tap and a full food menu, Avery has become a go-to gathering place for locals, visitors, runners, families, and craft beer fans.

Located at 4910 Nautilus Court North in Boulder, Avery’s large indoor-outdoor setup makes it an ideal setting for a spring celebration like Jurassic Jamboree.

Jurassic Jamboree Schedule

11:30 a.m. — Nike 5K Fun Run
The day begins with a fun run starting directly from Avery Brewing.

12:00 p.m. — Party Begins
The official kickoff party starts with food, games, beer, and family-friendly fun.

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. — Live Music
Live music takes over the beer garden for the first afternoon set.

2:00 p.m. — Dinosaur Costume Contest
Guests are encouraged to wear their best dinosaur-inspired outfits. Prizes will be awarded to the top three costumes.

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. — More Live Music
The celebration continues with another live music set to close out the afternoon.

Know Before You Go

Event: Jurassic Jamboree, the official BOLDERBoulder kickoff party
Location: Avery Brewing Company
Address: 4910 Nautilus Court North, Boulder, CO 80301
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. fun run, noon to 4 p.m. party
Cost: Free admission
Family-Friendly: Yes
What to Wear: Dinosaur-themed outfits are encouraged

Why This Event Feels So Boulder

Jurassic Jamboree brings together several things Boulder does best: fitness, craft beer, live music, local food, outdoor gathering spaces, costumes, and community fun.

It is not just another brewery event. It is a race-weekend celebration with a sense of humor.

Few places could combine a 5K fun run, a citrus beer named Yuzilla, live music, carnival games, and inflatable dinosaurs and make it feel completely natural.

Boulder can.

So if there is a T-Rex suit hiding in the closet, this may be the moment to bring it back to life.

Jurassic Jamboree is ready to make the ground shake.

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