✨ Boulder County Weekly Newsletter: January 3 - January 9, 2025 ✨

Hello Boulder County Enthusiasts!

Happy New Year! As 2025 kicks off, Boulder County offers a rich variety of events to inspire, entertain, and connect. From creative workshops to outdoor adventures, and live music to culinary delights, there's something for everyone. Let's dive into the best happenings this week!

Top picks of the week

• Niwot First Friday Art Walk – 📅 January 3, 🕒 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 📍 Niwot, Downtown Niwot.
  Discover the vibrant local art scene at Niwot’s First Friday Art Walk. Stroll through galleries, meet artists, and enjoy live music and food vendors. This monthly event highlights the creative community in a charming small-town atmosphere that’s perfect for a winter evening outing. Cost: Free. Details here

• Winter Art Exhibition at NoBo Art District – 📅 January 3-9, 🕒 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 📍 Boulder, NoBo Art District, 4929 Broadway.
  Celebrate winter’s charm through contemporary art at this exhibit featuring works by talented local artists. From paintings to mixed media, discover the creativity that thrives in Boulder’s artistic community this season. Cost: Free. Details here

• Downtown Boulder Restaurant Week – 📅 January 3-9, 📍 Downtown Boulder.
  Savor special prix fixe menus at Boulder’s finest eateries during this week-long culinary celebration. Whether you’re craving fine dining or casual bites, Restaurant Week showcases the best of Boulder’s vibrant food scene. Cost: Varies by restaurant. Details here

• Left Hand Brewing Co: Winter Ale Release Party – 📅 January 4, 🕒 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 📍 Longmont, 1265 Boston Ave.
  Be the first to taste Left Hand Brewing Co.’s signature winter ale at this lively release party. Enjoy live music, delicious food truck offerings, and the company of fellow beer enthusiasts. Cost: Free entry, beer for purchase. Details here

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

• Erie Community Center: Teen Adventure to Bounce Empire – 📅 January 3, 🕒 11:45 AM - 3:15 PM, 📍 Erie, 450 Powers St.
  Teens can enjoy a day of excitement at Bounce Empire! With interactive activities, games, and lots of fun, this trip is the perfect way to kick off the new year with friends in a supervised environment. Cost: Registration required. Details here

• Longmont Public Library: Family Storytime – 📅 January 6, 🕒 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 📍 Longmont, 409 4th Ave.
  Gather the family for a fun morning of stories, songs, and interactive activities at the library. Tailored for young children, this engaging session helps spark a love for reading and learning. Cost: Free. Details here

• Erie Community Center: Teen Adventure Ski Trip to Eldora Mountain – 📅 January 6, 🕒 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, 📍 Erie, 450 Powers St.
  Hit the slopes on this exciting ski trip to Eldora Mountain Resort! Designed for teens, this adventure includes transportation, supervision, and hours of snowy fun in Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. Cost: Registration required. Details here

• Boulder Public Library: Film Social: Castle in the Sky – 📅 January 6, 🕒 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM, 📍 Boulder Public Library, Canyon Theater, 1001 Arapahoe Ave.
  Celebrate the conclusion of the Studio Ghibli Holiday series with a screening of the enchanting Castle in the Sky on the big screen. This family-friendly event kicks off with a themed craft at 1:30 PM, followed by the movie at 2:00 PM. Enjoy themed activities and snacks while experiencing this beloved classic. Rated PG, 2h 5m. Presented in English dub with English subtitles.

  Cost: Free. Details here: Film Social: Castle in the Sky.

• The Velveteers at Fox Theatre – 📅 January 3, 🕒 8:00 PM, 📍 Boulder, 1135 13th St.
  Rock out with The Velveteers, a Boulder-based band known for their electrifying performances. Enjoy their raw energy and powerful sound in the intimate setting of the iconic Fox Theatre. Cost: $20. Details here

🏞 Outdoor Adventures

• Birds of Prey Driving Tour (Extended Tour) – 📅 January 4, 🕒 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 📍 Various locations across Boulder County (starting location provided upon registration).
  Hop in your car with friends and family for an adventurous driving tour of Boulder County’s top spots to observe birds of prey. This guided experience includes stops where volunteer naturalists will help you identify raptors like eagles, hawks, and falcons. Learn about their habitats and behaviors while sharpening your birdwatching skills. Registration required: Create an account on Discover Boulder County’s event registration system to secure your spot. Cost: Free.Details and registration here.

• Erie Parks & Recreation: Winter Insects Exploration – 📅 January 4, 🕒 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 📍 Sergeant Mark A. Rademacher Memorial Park/Hunters Creek, Centerline Road Parking Lot.
  Join Ranger Stephanie at Hunter’s Creek Park to uncover the fascinating world of winter insects! Learn how these six-legged creatures survive frigid conditions, explore facts about local species, and search for them in their natural habitat. This family-friendly event combines education and outdoor exploration.

  Details:

  • Duration: 1-2 hours (weather dependent)

  • Trail Conditions: Dirt trails with occasional roots; potential for icy areas

  • Elevation: Varied (hilly)

  • Recommended Gear: Warm waterproof boots with crampons and weather-appropriate clothing

  • Accessibility: Dog-friendly, but not wheelchair or stroller accessible

  Cost: Free. Registration required. Register and details here.

• Lafayette Open Space: Lafayette Birds! – 📅 January 5, 🕒 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 📍 Greenlee Wildlife Preserve, 1600 Caria Dr, Lafayette, CO.
  Beginner birders are welcome to join this drop-in birdwatching event at Greenlee Wildlife Preserve, located on the north side of Waneka Lake. Knowledgeable birdwatchers will be on-site to guide you through the basics and share fascinating insights into local bird species. A wonderful outing for nature enthusiasts of all ages! Cost: Free. No registration required. Details here.

• Winter on the Range - 📅 January 6, 2025, 🕒 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 📍 Prairie Dog Colony, Boulder County.
  Join us for a winter adventure on the prairie! Discover how local wildlife adapts to the snowy season on a 2-mile guided walk along a prairie dog colony. Before the walk, enjoy a cozy, informative presentation under the shelter about the unique ecology of the prairie. Perfect for families and nature lovers! Cost: Free. Registration required. Register here

🌦 Weekly Weather Forecast

• Friday, Jan 3: Mostly sunny, High 50°F, Low 32°F

• Saturday, Jan 4: Partly cloudy, High 48°F, Low 30°F

• Sunday, Jan 5: Sunny, High 52°F, Low 34°F

• Monday, Jan 6: Light snow, High 45°F, Low 28°F

• Tuesday, Jan 7: Overcast, High 46°F, Low 29°F

• Wednesday, Jan 8: Partly sunny, High 48°F, Low 31°F

• Thursday, Jan 9: Clear skies, High 50°F, Low 32°F