Boulder Beat - Saturday February 8, 2025

Today’s forecast? A bit of sun, a bit of snow, and a whole lot of fun. Boulder’s event lineup is stacked, from live music at Fox Theatre and Velvet Elk Lounge to experimental theater and social meetups. And if you’re just here for the food? Don’t worry—we’ve got the best cheap eats listed too.

☀️ Weather

Goodbye warm days, you were fun while you lasted! A chilly Saturday ahead with partly sunny skies in the morning, but clouds rolling in by the afternoon. Expect a high of 41°F with light northwest winds shifting southeast later in the day. A 20% chance of snow early in the morning, but don’t expect much accumulation.

🌙 Saturday Night: Cloudy with a 40% chance of snow. Temperatures drop to 20°F, and winds stay light. Less than half an inch of accumulation possible.

📅 Sunrise/Sunset: 7:01 AM | 5:28 PM
🌔 Moon: Waxing Gibbous | Moonrise 1:19 PM | Moonset 4:35 AM

🔥 Top Stories

🐶 1,000 Golden Retrievers Take Over Golden, CO

It’s that time of year again—Goldens in Golden returns, bringing over 1,000 golden retrievers (and their humans) to downtown Golden. Expect pup parades, photo ops, and tail wags galore. If you need a dose of pure happiness, this is it. ➡️ More at CPR News

🏡 Boulder Loosens ADU Rules, Cutting Red Tape for Homeowners

Boulder has further relaxed restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), eliminating owner-occupancy and parking requirements to align with new state housing laws. Supporters say it will boost affordable housing options, while critics worry about neighborhood impacts. ➡️ Full story at Boulder Reporting Lab

🏘️ A New Approach to Boulder’s Neighborhood Zoning

Another major zoning change is coming to Boulder—this time focused on redefining “neighborhood character.”City planners are pushing for more density and mixed-use housing, aiming to make Boulder more accessible for future generations. Not everyone is on board. ➡️ Read more at Boulder Reporting Lab

⛽ Boulder County Releases 2024 Oil & Gas Report

The county’s year-end review of oil and gas activity highlights progress in reducing emissions, but also warns of ongoing legal battles and new drilling concerns. Environmental groups say there’s still more work to do. ➡️ Fullreport at Boulder County

📚 Colorado’s School Funding Formula Gets a Shake-Up

A new school funding formula is set to reshape education funding across Colorado, shifting resources based on student needs rather than district location. Some rural and suburban schools could see budget cuts, while others may gain more flexibility. ➡️ More details at Colorado Sun

⚖️ Colorado Universities Could Pay Athletes Directly Under New Bill

A bill moving through the legislature would allow universities to directly pay athletes under the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) model. If passed, it could reshape college sports in Colorado, making the state a leader in athlete compensation. ➡️ Full breakdown at CPR News

🏈 CU Buffs Football Hires Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk

Coach Prime is making big moves again. CU has officially hired NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk as its new running backs coach. With a Super Bowl ring and years of TV analysis experience, Faulk brings star power and serious coaching credibility to the Buffs. ➡️ Full story at Denver Post

🧳 DIA’s Newest Art Installation Uses 183 Pieces of Luggage

Denver International Airport just unveiled a stunning new art installation created from 183 pieces of used luggage. The artist, known as Detour, transformed suitcases into a colorful, larger-than-life display—a perfect symbol of Denver’s travel culture and creative spirit. ➡️ More at KUNC

🎉 Things To Do

📖 Family Concert @ NoBo Library

Looking for a fun, kid-friendly event? This interactive concert at NoBo Library will keep the whole family entertained with live music, storytelling, and hands-on activities. A great way to introduce young minds to the magic of music and performance in a welcoming setting.
🕘 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 📍 NoBo Library, Boulder, CO | ➡️ Event Details

🧘 Wim Hof Breathing & Cold Water Immersion

Start your weekend refreshed and energized with this Wim Hof Method session featuring guided breathwork, cold immersion, and mental resilience training. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this is the perfect chance to challenge your body and mind.
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 📍 Boulder, CO (Exact location upon RSVP) | ➡️ More Info

🧶 Boulder BeatKnits – Social Knitting Meetup

Grab your needles and join Boulder's coziest knitting crew for a laid-back afternoon of stitching, chatting, and creativity. Whether you're a beginner or a knitting master, this meetup is the perfect way to unwind, learn, and connect with fellow fiber enthusiasts.
🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 📍 Creature Comforts | ➡️ More Info

🎭 A Traveler’s Needs @ Dairy Arts Center

This experimental theatre piece blends movement, storytelling, and immersive visuals to take the audience on an unexpected journey across cultures and landscapes. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, visually stunning experience, this is a must-see.
🕗 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM | 📍 Dairy Arts Center | ➡️ Event Details

🎶 Shady Oaks with Ronjo V @ Velvet Elk Lounge

Get ready for a night of rock, blues, and pure energy with Shady Oaks & Ronjo V. This high-energy show will have you dancing, headbanging, or at the very least, grooving in your seat. A killer night for live music fans.
🕗 8:00 PM | 📍 Velvet Elk Lounge | ➡️ Tickets

🎭 Ghost Quartet – A Hauntingly Beautiful Musical @ Dairy Arts Center

This genre-blending musical by Dave Malloy (creator of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) delivers folk, jazz, and ghost stories in an intimate, storytelling-driven performance. If you love moody, immersive theatre, don’t miss it.
🕗 7:30 PM | 📍 Dairy Arts Center | ➡️ Event Details

🎷 Donny Benét @ Fox Theatre

Retro '80s synth vibes meet funky bass grooves—Donny Benét is here to bring the smoothest, grooviest dance party Boulder has seen in a while. Think sexy sax, deep bass, and Miami Vice energy.
🕗 8:00 PM | 📍 Fox Theatre | ➡️ Tickets

🍽️ Restaurant Deals

🌯 Illegal Pete’s – Affordable & Delicious Mexican Eats

If you’re craving burritos, tacos, or nachos without breaking the bank, Illegal Pete’s has you covered. Known for hearty portions, fresh ingredients, and a great atmosphere, almost everything on the menu is under $10. Plus, free chips & salsa with any entrée!
📍 1447 Pearl St, Boulder, CO | ➡️ More Info

🥪 Organic Sandwich Company – Fresh & Affordable

Looking for a gourmet sandwich or salad made with organic, locally sourced ingredients? This downtown Boulder gem offers fresh, handcrafted sandwiches, soups, and salads—all around $10. Perfect for a quick and healthy lunch.
📍 1500 Pearl St, Boulder, CO | ➡️ More Info

🍕 Pizza Colóre – Best Budget Slice on Pearl Street

Whether you want a quick slice, a personal 8” pizza for $6, or a satisfying calzone, Pizza Colóre delivers affordable, authentic Italian flavors. Great for a grab-and-go meal or a casual sit-down bite.
📍 1336 Pearl St, Boulder, CO | ➡️ More Info

With a packed event lineup, amazing food deals, and maybe a little snow on the horizon, there’s no excuse to stay in tonight. Whatever you’re up to, make it a good one—and check back tomorrow for even more Boulder happenings!