Good Wednesday morning, Boulder. Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Motus Theater – get free tickets for their May 31 show.
Leading today’s edition: The picture of what Boulder offered to land the Sundance Film Festival is coming into focus. The City of Boulder, Visit Boulder, CU Boulder and the Boulder Chamber offered more than $34 million in incentives over 10 years to bring the festival here in 2027. The package includes waived fees, public safety support, cash and in-kind contributions. With a $34 million state tax credit, total support now tops $70 million.
The return? In Utah, Sundance generated $132 million in economic activity last year, including more than $100 million in spending on hotels, dining and shopping. Boulder officials say the festival will help boost the local economy and hospitality industry during the slower winter season — and build long-term infrastructure for major cultural events.
Also: It’s getting warm, school’s almost out — time for some brewery news. MainStage Brewing, a music-loving craft brewery out of Lyons, is expanding into Boulder. It’s taking over the Beyond the Mountain taproom in Gunbarrel, where it has been brewing its beer since 2021. The transition is underway and expected to wrap up by fall. MainStage plans to expand food and drink options — and keep the stage alive with local music.
More, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Gusty conditions continue today.
- Lafayette sues Polis: City joins fight against new state housing laws.
- Police seek tips: Driver arrested after suspected DUI hits multiple cars.
- Fire crews out: It’s likely just wildfire training, no real flames.
- CU warns of big losses: Federal cuts could cost Colorado billions — in a worst-case scenario.
- $40K art call: City wants mosaics for new bridge.
- Hessie Trailhead shuttle: It’s back!
- BOLDERBoulder Monday: Race day is near — still time to sign up.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
— the BRL team
Don’t miss the world premiere of Motus Theater’s Youth Behind and Beyond Bars with Musical Guests The ReMINDers, featuring powerful autobiographical monologues from leaders who were incarcerated as youth in adult prisons— with live music from Boulder favorites The ReMINDers. After the NEA rescinded funding, we’re calling on our Boulder community to help uplift these urgent stories. Saturday, May 31, 7–9 p.m., Boulder Public Library, Canyon Theater. Tickets are Free!
Boulder offered $34M to bring Sundance Film Festival — with hopes of big economic return
The incentives reflect the city’s high hopes that the two-week festival will deliver a major boost to Boulder’s economy. Continue reading…
MainStage Brewing enters Boulder beer scene with Gunbarrel taproom
The Lyons-based brewery plans to revive the former Beyond the Mountain space with live music, food and a wider drink menu. Continue reading…
More wind on Wednesday
Boulder will stay dry again today, but the pesky wind isn’t letting up. Expect gusts from the northwest reaching 30 to 40 mph, with temperatures climbing into the mid-70s.
Winds will finally ease tomorrow as isolated thunderstorms return to the forecast, with better chances for rain — and even mountain snow — heading into the holiday weekend.
Lafayette joins lawsuit against Polis over state housing reforms
Lafayette is one of six Colorado cities suing Gov. Jared Polis and the state to block two new housing laws aimed at increasing density and eliminating parking requirements near transit, the Denver Post reported. Filed Monday in Denver District Court, the lawsuit argues the laws violate the state Constitution’s guarantee of local control.
The suit also challenges a new executive order from Polis that prioritizes $100 million in state grants for cities that comply with the reforms. Other cities joining the lawsuit include Aurora, Arvada, Glendale, Greenwood Village and Westminster.
The laws are set to take effect June 30 and are part of a broader push by Polis and lawmakers to address Colorado’s housing shortage by removing local zoning barriers. State officials argue the reforms are necessary to build more affordable housing. These cities argue they’re unconstitutional and ineffective.
Police seeking additional victims after hit-and-run spree in Boulder
Boulder Police are asking for help identifying additional victims after a driver allegedly under the influence hit multiple vehicles in central Boulder Monday evening.
Between 4:50 and 5:43 p.m. on May 19, a blue Hyundai Sonata with Texas plates struck at least five vehicles at intersections including 14th and Pearl, Arapahoe and Folsom, and Canyon and 4th Street.
No injuries were reported. Police arrested the driver on multiple charges, including DUI, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Anyone who may have been struck or has information is asked to contact Crash Investigations Specialist Joe Fischer at 303-503-0406 or FischerJ@bouldercolorado.gov.
See fire crews out this week? It’s just training.
Boulder Fire-Rescue is conducting wildland fire training this week — with sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There are no live fires involved, but you may see crews practicing “mock” fires and setting up incident command posts at these locations:
- Hollyberry and Deer Valley (Skunk Creek Trailhead)
- 17th and King (4 Pines Trailhead)
- 428 Utica
Officials say these hands-on drills help crews become more familiar with the terrain and improve response times. If you encounter crews in the field, give them space to conduct their work.
CU Boulder: Federal research cuts could cost Colorado ‘billions’
CU Boulder is out with new numbers showing how federal research funding cuts are affecting Colorado’s economy and jobs. As of May 16 (as we previously reported), 56 federal grants at the university have been terminated or paused due to budget cuts, representing tens of millions of dollars in lost research funding. In 2024, more than two-thirds of CU Boulder’s $742 million in research funding came from federal agencies. That research generated $1.4 billion in economic impact for Colorado.
Across the University of Colorado system, the potential loss in federal dollars could total $3.6 billion — “the equivalent to stacking $100 dollar bills 11,811 feet high — as tall as some of the peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park,” a CU Boulder news release said. CU Boulder receives federal support from agencies including NASA, the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation.
Boulder Concert Band to host free Memorial Weekend concert
The Boulder Concert Band will perform a free Memorial Weekend Remembrance Concert on Sunday, May 25, from 10–11:30 a.m. at North Boulder Park (800 Dellwood Ave.).
Mayor Aaron Brockett will join as a special guest, narrating A New Birth of Freedom, a musical setting of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address by Randol Alan Bass. The event is sponsored by Boulder Parks and Recreation. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chair for comfort.
City seeks artist proposals for Central Avenue Bridge mosaic
The City of Boulder is inviting artists to submit proposals for a new mosaic art installation on the soon-to-be-reconstructed Central Avenue Bridge near 57th Street. The selected artist or team will design two mosaic pieces on the bridge’s concrete walls, with a project budget of $40,000.
The city is looking for artwork that reflects the innovation of the surrounding business district and Boulder’s natural beauty. Applications are due by Monday, June 2, through the CaFÉ platform. Community members can also weigh in by submitting ideas and themes online.
The bridge replacement project is set to begin in September and includes consolidating pedestrian and vehicle bridges and upgrading water infrastructure.
Free Hessie Trailhead shuttle resumes Friday
Boulder County’s free Hessie Trailhead Shuttle returns Friday, May 23, offering service on Fridays, weekends and holidays through Sunday, Oct. 12. The shuttle runs between Nederland High School and the Hessie Trailhead, a popular gateway to Lost Lake and the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Visitors are encouraged to park in Boulder and take the RTD NB route to Nederland to connect with the shuttle, which departs every 15 minutes during operating hours. No fare or reservation is required. Leashed dogs are welcome, but bikes are not allowed.
BOLDERBoulder race is this Monday – and there’s still time to sign up
Boulder’s iconic Memorial Day 10K and 5K race is back this Monday, with waves starting between 7 and 9 a.m., including a walking group. The professional wheelchair race kicks off at 6:50 a.m., and elite runners will compete in an invitational around 11:15 a.m.
Founded in 1979 and still locally owned, the BOLDERBoulder is known for its high-energy vibe, with bands, slip-n-slides and cheering squads lining the route. The event typically draws tens of thousands of participants and spectators — so even if you’re not racing, expect traffic impacts. Registration is still open for $74.
☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on our Monday to-do list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
