Friday Means Jazz, Grateful Dead Covers & Ballet

From ski trains to speakeasies, here’s your Friday Boulder rundown

It’s Fri-yay in Boulder, and the calendar is stacked. From jazz dinners and ski train buzz to mining debates and a freshly revived ballet, there’s a lot to chew on before the weekend officially begins. Temps stay mellow in the mid-50s today with a bit of wind, but things should hold steady enough for some patio hangs or a bike ride.

🌤️ Friday Weather

A sunny spring Friday with some breeze in the mix. Highs around 55°F, low humidity, and nothing major on the radar—kind of perfect. Temps drop into the mid-30s tonight.

  • 🌡️ High: 56°F | Low: 35°F

  • 🌬️ Winds: West at 10–20 mph, gusts up to 18 mph

  • 🌞 Sunrise: 7:02 AM | 🌅 Sunset: 7:14 PM

  • 💧 Humidity: 22% (day), 38% (night)

  • 🔆 UV Index: 5 of 11

  • 🌙 Friday Night: Partly to mostly cloudy, low near 35°F, light southwest breeze.

🗞️ Local Stories

🪨 Cross Mine in Nederland Could Reopen
A new plan is in the works to reopen the Cross Mine near Nederland, a former tungsten operation last active in the 1970s. The proposal is drawing interest and concern over potential environmental impacts, with some locals calling for more community involvement before decisions are made. 🌲⛏️ Read more at Boulder Weekly »

🧑‍🏫 Want to Volunteer at a Homestead, Museum, or Historic Schoolhouse?
Boulder County is looking for volunteers at Walker Ranch, the Altona Schoolhouse, and the Mining Museum this season. If you’ve got a soft spot for local history or want to help kids learn outside the classroom, this is a great way to get involved. 🏫🛠️ Learn more at Boulder County »

🐃 Elk Management Plan Gets an Update
The latest POSAC meeting included a progress update on the county’s elk management strategies—and a request for extending the current plan. Officials say they’re working on balancing habitat health, herd size, and trail access in heavily trafficked open space areas. 🦌 More info at Boulder County »

🔥 Brush Fire Reported After Transformer Explosion
A blown transformer sparked a small brush fire in Boulder, quickly put out by first responders. Residents nearby reported seeing smoke and hearing the loud pop just before the blaze. No injuries were reported. 🚒 See post on Reddit »

🎿 This Ski Instructor Speaks Fluent Snow
From “mashed potatoes” to “white suede,” a Colorado ski instructor breaks down the unique language of snow texture—and how it shapes a skier’s day. Turns out, the snow really does talk back. ❄️⛷️ Listen at KUNC »

🚆 Winter Park Ski Train Bookings Surge
After the state lowered prices on the popular Winter Park Express ski train, demand exploded—jumping by 25,000 bookings this season. Could this be a model for improving ski access across the state? 🚄 Full story at CPR News »

🌱 Got Spring Garden Questions? Experts Weigh In
It’s officially seed-starting season, and the experts are fielding your top gardening questions—from soil prep to plant pairings and frost-risk timing. If you’re feeling the spring grow itch, this one’s worth a read. 🧤🪴 Tips from CPR News »

🏈 LeSean McCoy Criticizes CU Buffs Coaching Staff
Former NFL star LeSean McCoy had some harsh words for Coach Prime’s staff after the recent turnover in Colorado's running back coaching role. Another chapter in the ongoing saga of Boulder’s most-watched football team. 🏟️ Catch the story at Sports Illustrated »

🎟️ Things To Do

🎶 Everyone Orchestra at The Fox Theatre
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM)
📍 Location: Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302
🎵 Details: Everyone Orchestra is more than a band—it's a revolving cast of musical all-stars creating spontaneous, improvised jams live on stage. With audience participation, call-and-response, and a who’s-who of instrumentalists, it’s always one-of-a-kind and always a blast.
🎟️ Tickets & Info »

🕺 Dead Night with Peak2Peak at Roots Music Project
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Location: Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80301
🎸 Details: A Grateful Dead tribute night with local jam band Peak2Peak leading the charge. Expect an intimate space, full bar, and room to groove.
🎟️ Event Info »

🩰 Boulder Ballet: Revived
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302
🩰 Details: This performance breathes new life into classical and contemporary dance. Boulder Ballet’s resident and guest choreographers deliver dynamic movement and emotion in a full-length show.
🎟️ Tickets & Info »

🎭 ASH – A Dance-Theater Performance
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302
💃 Details: A moving, multimedia performance by Jessica Riggs that explores transformation, grief, and ritual through modern dance.
🎟️ Tickets & Info »

🎶 Pert Near Sandstone & The Pickpockets at Velvet Elk Lounge
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302
🎻 Details: High-energy bluegrass and folk with a rock edge. Minneapolis-based Pert Near Sandstone teams up with Colorado locals The Pickpockets for a foot-stomping Friday night.
🎟️ Tickets & Info »

🎷 Jazz Supper Club at Full Cycle Café & Bar
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Doors at 6:00 PM)
📍 Location: Full Cycle Café & Bar, 2355 30th St, Boulder, CO 80301
🍽️ Details: A ticketed evening of live jazz, fine food, and flowing cocktails. Chef Antonio’s curated supper menu meets Boulder’s best jazz musicians in a cozy indoor-outdoor venue.
🎟️ Info & Reservations »

🎤 Troubles, Braids & Special Guests at Trident Booksellers
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Trident Booksellers & Café, 940 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
📚 Details: An evening of live poetry, prose, and performance from local artists and storytellers. Come early to grab tea or wine and a good seat in this beloved Pearl Street cafe.
🎟️ Event Details »

🎭 Comedy at License No. 1
⏰ Time: Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM
📍 Location: License No. 1 (inside Hotel Boulderado), 2115 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302
🤣 Details: Step into the speakeasy for a weekly dose of stand-up featuring rotating comedians from Colorado and beyond. Craft cocktails and velvet booths complete the vibe.
🎟️ Tickets & Info »

🧪 Laser Cutter Training at Solid State Depot
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Solid State Depot, 1965 33rd St, Boulder, CO 80301
🛠️ Details: A hands-on class introducing you to laser cutting at Boulder’s community makerspace. Great for DIYers, tinkerers, and tech-curious creatives. Registration required.
🎟️ Register on Meetup »

🎶 An Evening with Junaco at Stone Cottage Studios
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: 3718 Locust Ct, Boulder, CO 80304
🎤 Details: Junaco returns with their dreamy indie-folk sound. Expect candlelit vibes and stunning acoustics at this intimate live session hosted by Stone Cottage Studios.
🎟️ Tickets & Info »

That’s all for today. Hope you found something fun, funky, or just plain interesting to sink your teeth into. Catch you in the morning for Saturday’s guide.