Nederland's inaugural poet laureate Kauren Auvinen hosts an eco-poetry workshop at Mud Lake on April 25. Credit: Tyler Hickman
Boulder Arts Week returns April 3-12 for studio tours, performances, workshops and more. Courtesy: Boulder Arts Week
Open Mic Night
5 p.m. Wednesdays, April 8-22, Jamestown Mercantile, 108 Main St. Free
Step right up — don’t be shy! This weekly open mic event at the beloved Jamestown Mercantile is a fun, low-pressure way to try your hand at performing in front of a crowd. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, comedian, poet, or something in between, this regular event is for you.
The Wisdom of Spring Herbs
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 11, Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association, 31528 CO-72, Golden. $65
As trees bud and flowers bloom, head to the CCCIA for your own spring awakening. Pamela Dumont will teach you how to make spring herbs your allies during this hands-on class. The best part? You’ll take home a spring detox tea, savory finishing salt and herbal honey and vinegar.
Introduction to Harmonica
4-5 p.m. Sunday, April 12 & 19, Nederland Community Library - Community Room, 200 Hwy 72 N., Nederland. $15
Looking to bring a little something extra to your next jam session, be the most annoying person at the family dinner table, or become the next John Popper? Whatever your goals with the humble harmonica, you’ll get a jump start during this workshop with Tim Rehder. Admission fee includes harmonica and handouts.
Learning the Language of Land: Eco-Poetry with Karen Auvinen
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 25, Mud Lake Pavillion, 2034 County Road 126, Nederland. Free
Looking to deepen your connection with language and the landscape? Join Nederland’s inaugural poet laureate Karen Auvinen for an immersive exploration of both through poetry. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring layers, water and a notebook.
Bigfoot Days
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park. Free
There’s a Squatch in these woods — at least that’s what the folks at Estes’ annual Bigfoot Days festival think. This all-day event features live music, appearances from cryptid-hunting celebrities and a Bigfoot calling contest. Whether you’re a believer or just Squatch-curious, you won’t want to miss it.
Adult Makers Club
5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, Nederland Community Library - Community Room, 200 Hwy 72 N., Nederland. $5 donation
Calling all artists, crafters, hobbyists and tinkerers! This monthly program co-hosted by Nederland Community Library Assistant Director Jessie Ansari and artist-in-residence Leah DeCapio offers a chance to try your hand at a new art technique or project each month. Register online at nederland.libcal.com.
Boulder Arts Week
Fri.-Sun., April 3-12, Boulder. Prices, times and locations vary.
It’s the local creative community’s favorite time of year, as Boulder Arts Week returns for its 12th round of gallery shows, live music and more. From studio tours to public performances, workshops, artist talks and points in between, this 10-day cultural blowout has a little something for everyone. Check out picks from local community partners on p. 15.
Boulder International Film Festival
Thurs.-Sun., April 9-12, Boulder. Prices, times and locations vary.
Sundance who? Boulder’s time-tested local film festival returns for its 22nd year of cinematic excellence. The four-day celebration includes a diverse slate of local, national and international offerings — plus live music, filmmaker happy hours, opening night galas and culinary events with renowned chefs. Details and pricing at biff1.com.
Lets Get Shrekxual: A Parody Burlesque
7 p.m. Friday, April 17, Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder. $31
Did anyone ask for a Shrek-themed parody burlesque show? Of course not. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need it. These award-winning swamp showstoppers are coming to the Rockies, bringing rhinestones, glitter and chaos with them. It's a fairytale fever dream you won’t want to wake up from.
Earth Day Expo and Orchard Blossom Festival
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, Bohn Park and Lyons Community Orchard, 4th Ave. and Prospect St., Lyons. Free
Trees were made for hugging, especially on Earth Day. Head to Lyons to celebrate Mother Nature, sustainability and local food systems. Make seed bombs and plant trees in the orchard in the morning, then head to Bohn Park across the river to explore vendor booths that highlight environmental health.
Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival
1-5 p.m. Sunday, April 26, Pearl Street Mall, Boulder. Free
Locals know spring doesn't officially arrive in Boulder until the Tulip Fairy has her say. Grab your little ones and head to the Pearl Street Mall, where they’ll join a procession of pint-sized fairies and elves to “wake up” the more than 15,000 colorful flowers along the city’s main artery during this adorable yearly tradition. Rain date is scheduled for Sunday, May 3.
Boulder Potter's Guild Spring Show and Sale
Thurs.-Sun., April 30 through May 3, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont. Free
Looking for a little pot? You'll find it — plus more functional pottery, sculptural ceramics, jewelry and more — at the Boulder Potters' Guild 2026 spring show and sale. This annual event includes handmade wares from more than 40 local artists and makers, plus live demos, art giveaways and an awards ceremony for high school artists.
