Photo Credit: Julia DeBell

The fireworks have been lit and the watermelon consumed. While the weather is still sizzling and the iced drinks are still in season, the Forth of July reminds us all that summer is fast on its way by. I’ve always found the moment when the last sparkler goes out to be a profoundly bittersweet moment. In my quest for an endless summer, I’ve sought out as many seasonal celebrations as possible. Here are a few of the sunniest.

Tube to Work Day

Was June’s bike to work day too mundane for you? Do you relish the idea of commute by water? Don your worst suit, grab your tube, and join the hundreds of similarly minded folks on an early morning float down Boulder Creek. July 17^th is Boulder’s annual tube to work day.

Thursday Night Cruiser Rides

On Thursday nights, join the parade of brightly lit cruiser bikes and whimsically dressed Boulderites. These weekly and oh-so-Boulder events pull the community together  as the spectacle winds its way through the city at a leisurely pace. Check the schedule out on Facebook for meeting times and weekly themes.

Rockygrass & Rocky Mountain Folks Festival

If you missed out on Coachella or just prefer a more low key vibe, check out Lyons’ Planet Bluegrass. This local venue is home to two nationally known music festivals every summer. Rockygrass in late July boasts an impressive lineup of bluegrass artists. Folks Festival in late August is a stage for artists ranging from traditional folk to some more alternative genres. Kick up some dust, break out your festival attire, and enjoy some great music on the banks of the Saint Vrain.

Outdoor Movies

Summer is the season in which we move all of our normal activities outside. In other words, it’s the time when we put down the laptop and pick up the bug spray. On July 16, the Boulder Outdoor Cinema is hosting a screening of The Big Lebowski. Pack the folding chairs and enjoy live music, food trucks, good friends, and a movie under the stars.

Summer Dance Series

Sometimes the best cure for the summer blues is some summertime dancing. On Monday nights, join Free Motion Boulder for some good clean revelry at the Boulder Bandshell. Bandshell Boogie features a wide spectrum of dance worthy music and provides a space for the community to get its groove on. This is a surefire cure for even the most serious case of the Mondays.

Pro-tip: If the summer slump has you down, remember that summer technically just started on June 20th. There’s still plenty of sunlight left.

Julia DeBell