🀄 Boulder's first mahjong parlor opens + 40 things to do

This week’s Culture Club is sponsored by Downtown Boulder Partnership. Don’t miss World Singing Day Boulder on Saturday, Oct. 17, when singers of all ages and abilities are invited to join a community sing-along.

Hi there, Boulder, and welcome back to Culture Club! It’s Thursday, Oct. 15. I’m McKenzie, here with your weekly guide to arts, culture and things to do across Boulder County.

Mahjong is having a moment, and now it has a home in Boulder. Dealt Social, the city’s first mahjong parlor, celebrates its grand opening today. In today’s spotlight, we take you inside the new Spruce Street social club, where the goal is to bring people together over games, starting with mahjong and expanding to bridge and canasta next year.

Plus: three standout picks, more than 40 things to do across Boulder County, a chance to join an experimental orchestra (no experience required), Sundance passes now on sale and a free evening of environmental films celebrating 30 years of CU Boulder’s Center for Environmental Journalism (sponsored).

As always, you can submit your own event and check out more offerings on our community calendar.

See you out there,

McKenzie

Music unites people! On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Pearl Street Mall will be filled with song and happiness during World Singing Day Boulder. Starting at 2 p.m., all ages and singing abilities are invited to the 1300 block of the bricks for a joyful community sing-along featuring songs from across the ages. No experience required. Just grab a lyric booklet and help make music together in the heart of Boulder.

1. [CO]here

Thursday, Oct. 15-Sunday, Oct. 25 • Times and locations vary

[CO]here is a 10-day event series that fosters community connections, collective well-being and a sense of belonging. This year’s theme is “We are Our Ecology.” Events are free and take place throughout Boulder. Find details and register at cohereboulder.org.

2. Longmont Museum Grand Reopening

Saturday, Oct. 17 • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Longmont Museum (400 Quail Road, Longmont)

After more than a year with its galleries closed, the Longmont Museum is reopening following a nearly $10 million expansion that adds 70% more public gallery space and new interactive exhibits. Saturday’s grand reopening celebration offers a chance to explore what’s new. Find details.

3. Tango Love Stories

Friday, Oct. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 18 • 8 p.m. on Friday; 2 p.m. on Sunday • Gordon Gamm Theater at the Dairy Arts Center (2590 Walnut St.)

Parasol Arts presents an Argentine tango performance about a woman who receives a book filled with unfolding love stories. Featuring internationally acclaimed tango dancers, “Tango Love Stories” explores love and human connection through dance. Tickets are available here.

Dealt Social, Boulder’s first mahjong parlor, opens as the game’s popularity surges

The new Spruce Street social club offers a place to play mahjong and meet new people, with plans to add bridge, canasta and other games. Continue reading…

Environmental films, local filmmakers and 30 years of storytelling (sponsored)

Celebrate the Center for Environmental Journalism’s 30th anniversary with an evening of environmental short films and visiting filmmakers, presented with CU Boulder’s International Film Series. The program features “Reindalen,” “Sound Guardians,” “True-Life Adventures I, II, III” and more. A pre-screening reception begins at 6:30 p.m., with films at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Muenzinger Auditorium. Free and open to the public.

Want to make some noise? Join Boulder’s new community orchestra

The Colorado Regenerative Orchestra is a new experimental noise-folk ensemble creating immersive soundscapes in Boulder. Anyone is welcome to join, regardless of skill level or instrument. Participants sign up for four November rehearsals, culminating in a performance at the Boulder Circus Center. Learn more and sign up here.

Sundance passes are now on sale

Festival passes and ticket packages for the 2027 Sundance Film Festival in Boulder are now available, with options ranging from $350 for 10 matinee screenings to $4,500 for unlimited screenings during the festival’s second half. A 10-ticket full-festival package costs $925, while discounted packages for students and young adults start at $275. Online viewing options are also available. The film lineup and schedule will be announced in December, with individual tickets going on sale Jan. 8. View packages and purchase yours here.

Looking for more to do? Explore our community calendar for dozens more events happening around Boulder. It’s free to browse and free to post. Many of the events featured in Culture Club come from the calendar, so be sure to add yours.

Visual Arts & Literature

Thursday, Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.: KGNU brings beloved Western author Pam Houston to the Canyon Theater to discuss her new collection, “Animals Taught Me Everything.” [ticketed] [all ages]
Friday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.: Author Neal Stephenson discusses his new historical thriller, “D: Heavy Water,” about a journalist drawn into espionage to resist Nazi forces, at First Congregational Church. [ticketed] [adult-oriented]
Saturday, Oct. 17, 1-4 p.m.: Crocheters gather in Thompson Park for a calm afternoon of “crochet and chill.” [free] [all ages]
Sunday, Oct. 18, 1-3 p.m.: The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a creative session with artmaking materials provided. [ticketed] [adult-oriented]
Monday, Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m.: Open Figure Drawing in North Boulder takes place with a live professional model at The Painting Project. [ticketed] [adult-oriented]
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m.: Mary Reynolds Thompson speaks about her new book, “The Wild Scribe,” at Boulder Bookstore. [ticketed] [all ages]
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Boulder Writers Alliance meets at the Boulder Public Library for a critique group. [free] [adult-oriented]

Theater, Dance & Film

Thursday, Oct. 15, 7-9 p.m.: The Longmont Museum hosts a screening of the documentary “Frida,” followed by a conversation with director Carla Gutierrez. [ticketed] [adult-oriented]
Friday, Oct. 16, 7-8:30 p.m.: Students at Tara Performing Arts High School present “The Servant of Two Masters” at the Nomad Playhouse. [ticketed] [all ages]
Saturday, Oct. 17, 7-8:30 p.m.: Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company presents “The Weir,” a haunting Irish play about storytelling and connection. [ticketed] [adult-oriented]
Sunday, Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m.: The Dairy Arts Center hosts a screening of the Ukrainian tragicomedy “How to Divorce During the War.” [ticketed] [adult-oriented]
Monday, Oct. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: A film screening of “People of the Sacred Land” at Naropa Cultural Center will be followed by a facilitated dialogue. [free] [adult-oriented]
Wednesday, Oct. 21, noon-1 p.m.: The Eklund Opera at CU Boulder invites community members to get a sneak peek of the upcoming opera “Sweeney Todd,” with behind-the-scenes insights from faculty and cast. [free] [adult-oriented]

Music & Nightlife

Thursday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m.: Bluegrass supergroup Punch Brothers performs at the Boulder Theater. [ticketed] [all ages]
Friday, Oct. 16, 5-8 p.m.: Left Hand Brewing hosts “The Garden Groove,” a monthly jazz night featuring The Atom Collective. [free] [adult-oriented]
Saturday, Oct. 17, 6-7 p.m.: Two-time Planet Bluegrass songwriting contest finalist Ingrid Avison performs at Trident Booksellers & Cafe. [free] [adult-oriented]
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2:30 p.m.: Country and western musician Eric Golden performs at Anderson Farms. [ticketed] [family-friendly]
Monday, Oct. 19, 7-8:30 p.m.: “Sounds & Sweet Airs” is a free concert of music inspired by “The Tempest,” held at First Congregational Church. [free] [all ages]
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: The End at Dog House Music Studios hosts Amplified Open Mic night every third Tuesday of the month. [free] [all ages]
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7-9:30 p.m.: eTown Hall presents an evening with Texas-born country singer-songwriter Sunny Sweeney. [ticketed] [adult-oriented]

Food & Drink

Thursday, Oct. 15, 7-8 p.m.: The Books and Brews Book Club at Odd13 Brewing discusses “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black. [free] [all ages]
Friday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Jewish Family Service hosts a Community Table Lunch & Learn for those 60 and older, featuring a meal and guest program on local wildlife photography. [ticketed] [ages 60 and older]
Saturday, Oct. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Local brews pair with guitar-driven blues when Jack Hadley plays at 300 Suns Brewing in Longmont. [free] [adult-oriented]
Sunday, Oct. 18, noon-5 p.m.: Admission to the pumpkin patch at Acreage by Stem Ciders includes a pumpkin, decorating supplies and a cider to enjoy. [ticketed] [family-friendly]
Monday, Oct. 19, 7-9 p.m.: Paint Night at Oskar Blues Brewery invites participants to create art while enjoying drinks in a relaxed setting. [ticketed] [adult-oriented]
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 5:15-6:15 p.m.: A tour of the Milk and Honey Farm at the Boulder JCC is followed by a tea tasting made with herbs straight from the garden. [free] [all ages]
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 4:30-9:30 p.m.: “A Night with Spirit” at The Melting Pot in Louisville involves a four-course fondue feast and a 20-minute private mediumship reading. [ticketed] [adult-oriented]

Outdoors & Recreation

Thursday, Oct. 15, 7-8:30 p.m.: Milk and Honey Farm at the Boulder JCC hosts a magical night of stargazing among the goats, in collaboration with Fiske Planetarium. [ticketed] [family-friendly]
Friday, Oct. 16, 7-9 p.m.: Author Emmanuel Vaughan Lee gives a keynote lecture at Naropa University titled “Remembering Earth.” [ticketed] [adult-oriented]
Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: “Keep Boulder Wild” invites participants to reconnect with the Earth through movement, ceremony, music and community, co-hosted by Yellow Barn Farm and Shine Living Community. [ticketed] [all ages]
Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Avery Brewing hosts the Avery Fall 5K, a run followed by great craft beer. [ticketed] [all ages]
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 5-9 p.m.: Rekindle wood-fired sauna and cold plunge hosts a pop-up at A-Lodge Boulder. [ticketed] [adult-oriented]
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 5-7 p.m.: The CU Bike Program hosts a “ghost bike ride,” a guided evening bike ride to some of Boulder’s spookier local spots, with bike lights provided. [free] [all ages]

Family & Community

Thursday, Oct. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Lafayette Learns presents a history talk exploring how and what people ate in Colorado in 1876, presented by a History Colorado expert at the Lafayette Library. [free] [all ages]
Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30-10 p.m.: Halloween Drive-In Movies at the Boulder Reservoir features a screening of “Coco.” [ticketed] [family-friendly]
Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: The YWCA, Climatique and Boulder DSA host a free community market where you can drop off gently used goods and browse items that are new to you. [free] [all ages]
Sunday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: The Boulder County Horse Association Fun Show welcomes equestrians and horse lovers of all ages for a day at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. [ticketed] [all ages]
Monday, Oct. 19, 7-9 p.m.: Language Exchange Night at Trident Booksellers & Cafe is an opportunity for language learners and native speakers alike to engage in lively conversation. [free] [adult-oriented]
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 8:30-10 a.m.: The Boulder JCC hosts a casual community coffee gathering for grandparents to connect with other grandparents. [free] [aimed at grandparents]
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.: The Boulder Philharmonic String Quartet plays a special concert at Planet Bluegrass to reimagine country classics for kids. [ticketed, kids 12 and under are free] [family-friendly]

Know about an exhibit, concert, festival or creative person we should feature? Reply to this email or submit it here. Culture Club exists to help people discover what’s happening across Boulder County, and we’d love your ideas. Thanks for reading, and if you make it out to something fun this weekend, let us know.

🀄 Boulder’s first mahjong parlor opens + 40 things to do