One of Boulder’s longest-running bars now has a final closing date, and the community is already gathering to say goodbye.
The World Famous Dark Horse will officially close March 14, on its 51st anniversary, the owners announced last week, marking the end of a business that has been part of Boulder’s culture since the 1970s.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce The World Famous Dark Horse will officially close its doors for business on our 51st anniversary, March 14th, 2026,” the owners wrote in a public message to patrons. “While this is not the path we would have chosen for this historic location or our business, we are deeply grateful to have been part of Boulder’s culture for more than half a century.”
The owners said they plan to use the final month to celebrate the bar’s legacy and invited the community to return in the coming weeks.
“As sad as we are, we plan to honor the Dark Horse by closing with as much joy, energy and fun as possible,” they wrote. “We invite you to utilize this final month, especially March 14th, to come make some final memories, enjoy the history, and honor the legacy that we have built together as a business and a community.”
At the same time, preservation groups and local residents have begun organizing informal farewell gatherings at the bar.
Historic Boulder, Inc. and the Museum of Boulder said they are inviting the public to join weekly drop-in gatherings at the Dark Horse as a way to mark the venue’s place in the city’s history.
“The Dark Horse had been part of Boulder’s cultural fabric for so long that many of us are seeking a meaningful way to honor it,” the organizations said in a joint announcement.
The gatherings are informal and require no tickets.
“This is completely informal — a drop-in gathering every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.,” organizers said. “There are no tickets and no hosted bar. Just a chance to gather and celebrate this historic venue.”
The events began earlier this month and will continue through the final weeks before the bar closes.
Closure driven by redevelopment plans
The announcement confirms what had been anticipated for months as plans move forward for the Williams Village II redevelopment on Baseline Road.
Boulder Reporting Lab previously reported that the approved project at 2952 Baseline Road would require demolition of the building housing the Dark Horse to make way for 427 housing units, new commercial space and a redesigned site layout. The bar sits in the northwest corner of the property, where plans call for new buildings, a street and related infrastructure. The development would replace what is now largely a strip mall and parking lot.
Developers had sought flexibility from the city to allow the Dark Horse to remain open into spring 2026 so employees and patrons could have time to say goodbye without delaying construction. At the time, the property owner wrote that allowing the bar to remain open would preserve jobs and give the community a chance for a proper farewell.
In a commentary published on Boulder Reporting Lab last year, property owner Petur Williams said keeping the Dark Horse open into spring would allow “families and friends [to] plan more gatherings” and give the community a chance to celebrate its 51st anniversary.
The bar’s owners have not announced whether the business will relocate or reopen elsewhere, though previous redevelopment documents suggested a possible future space within the new project.
For many residents, the closing marks the loss of a cultural landmark known for its distinctive interior, memorabilia-covered walls and decades of stories tied to student life, local music and late-night gatherings.
In their announcement, the owners emphasized the community role the bar has played across generations.
“We want to thank the thousands of employees and countless patrons that have contributed to the spirit and success of the Dark Horse,” they wrote. “Every laugh, story and shared moment made has built the legacy that will live on long after our doors close.”
They also asked visitors to treat the space and staff with care in the final weeks.
“As we prepare to end this chapter, we ask you to treat the property and staff with respect,” they wrote. “Please leave everything as it is and treat our amazing staff with kindness and understanding during this difficult transition.”
For now, the message from both owners and community groups is the same: There is still time to visit.
“Let’s end this era with a bang,” the owners wrote. “We hope to see you again, in another time and another place.”
Good article. How about a report on the other stores that are being closed, e. g. Carelli’s, Cosmo’s etc.? Both have been there a long time and are a Boulder fixture.
The Dark Horse is the single most important establishment in Boulder. RIP
I’m distressed about the other stores, like Sprouts, Cosmo’s and the BBQ place, and long time Carelli’s losing their place! Shoot!
The tearing down of the Dark Horse disgusts me. It shows the state of Colorado; Not caring for culture and tradition but continuing to build housing when apartment buildings aren’t even being filled. Just destructive building, building, building.