5 Fun Things to Do in Boulder This Weekend: October 23–25, 2026
Looking for things to do in Boulder this weekend? October 23–25, 2026, brings a Halloween drive-in, a costume carnival, the Saturday farmers market, Burgundy tastings, and the opening of the Boulder Jewish Film Festival.
One of the things I love about living here is how much variety fits into a single weekend. You can start with local food downtown, spend an evening getting into the Halloween spirit, and finish with wine or a film. Here are five ideas to build your Boulder weekend around.
1. Watch Poltergeist at the Boulder Reservoir drive-in
Friday, October 23 | 7:30–10 p.m. | Boulder Reservoir, 5275 Reservoir Road
For an evening with a little more suspense than your usual movie night, head to the Boulder Reservoir for a drive-in screening of Poltergeist. Bring your favorite snacks and settle into your car for a classic Halloween scare. This is the scarier option on the list; families with younger children may prefer Saturday’s carnival.
Each ticket covers one vehicle, one parking space, and a goody bag. You may bring your own food, and the city asks visitors to pack out their trash. The event page does not list a ticket price, so check the registration portal for current pricing and availability.
2. Spend Saturday morning at the Boulder Farmers Market
Saturday, October 24 | 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | 13th Street and Canyon Boulevard | Free admission
If your ideal weekend starts with something delicious and a little wandering, put the Boulder Farmers Market on your calendar. Browse seasonal produce, meet local growers, and pick up food from the market’s vendors while local musicians provide the soundtrack.
Make it a relaxed downtown morning rather than a quick grocery stop. The Saturday market continues through November 21, so there is still time to enjoy this Boulder tradition before the season ends. Leave pets at home; only service animals are permitted.
3. Give your costume an early outing at the Halloween Carnival
Saturday, October 24 | 4:30–7 p.m. | South Boulder Recreation Center, 1360 Gillaspie Drive | $10 per person
Why save the costume for just one night? South Boulder Recreation Center’s Halloween Carnival offers an evening of games, prizes, treats, crafts, and dancing. There is also a ninja room obstacle course and a mini golf challenge for anyone who wants to add a little friendly competition.
This is the family-focused Halloween pick on the list, with several activities gathered in one place. Registration is required for everyone over age 2, including adults, so make sure your whole group is covered when you reserve.
4. Explore Burgundy at the festival’s Sunday Grand Tasting
Sunday, October 25 | 2–5 p.m. | Academy at Mapleton Hill | $125 per person
For a Sunday afternoon centered on wine, food, and conversation, the Boulder Burgundy Festival’s Grand Tasting brings more than 60 Burgundy wines together in one setting. The selection includes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with opportunities to compare the influence of different villages, vineyards, and vintages.
Charcuterie and live music round out the afternoon. For a deeper educational experience, the festival also offers a producer seminar from noon to 1:30 p.m. for $175, or a combined Sunday ticket for $250. Saturday’s Flagstaff House lunch is listed as sold out; the Sunday events are listed for sale as of October 23.
5. Catch Once Upon My Mother at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival
Sunday, October 25 | 3 p.m. | Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut Street | $20.70 including the listed service fee
The Boulder Jewish Film Festival begins Sunday and continues through November 1. For an opening-day outing, consider Once Upon My Mother, a French drama based on a true story about a mother’s determination to advocate for her son with a disability. The film runs 102 minutes.
The festival combines cinema with discussion, offering a chance to stay with a story a little longer than you might at home. Parking at the Dairy is free, and organizers recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before the screening. Sunday’s noon Lucky Star screening and 6:30 p.m. short film program are already listed as sold out, so check your chosen showing before making plans.
A weekend that feels like Boulder
Whether you choose a market morning, a costume-filled evening, or an afternoon at the Dairy, these are the experiences that make living in Boulder about more than an address.
I’ve called Boulder home since 1995, and sharing the places and experiences that make this city special is part of how I help people get to know it. Thinking about moving to Boulder or finding a home that better fits your next chapter? I’d love to hear what you’re looking for.
Event details checked October 23, 2026. All times are Mountain Time. Prices, schedules, and availability may change; use the official links before heading out.
🏡 About Kelly McCallister
I’m Kelly McCallister, your trusted Boulder, Colorado REALTOR® with 8z Real Estate, helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve their real estate goals with data-driven insight, local expertise, and seamless service.
With over $45+ million in closed volume since 2020, I specialize in Boulder County and the surrounding Front Range communities—including Boulder, Louisville, Niwot, Superior, Gunbarrel, and Longmont. If you’re evaluating how a Sundance rental could fit into your broader real estate or investment strategy, contact me directly to start the conversation.
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