Good Monday morning, Boulder.
Thousands gathered on Pearl Street yesterday for the Boulder Jewish Festival — an annual event that took on new weight this year, one week after an antisemitic terror attack struck the heart of downtown. Held at the very site of the violence, the festival became an expression of grief, resilience and community. John Herrick reports, with photos by Jeffrey Packard.
Meanwhile, Boulder’s upcoming election is shaping up to be a referendum on the current city council. That’s because Councilmembers Matt Benjamin, Nicole Speer, Mark Wallach and Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Folkerts are all seeking reelection for the four open seats. The race comes amid renewed concern about hate speech in council chambers and civic spaces, brought into sharper focus by the Pearl Street attack. With no resident-led ballot measures — a dynamic that often defines local elections — this year’s race likely will center squarely on the candidates themselves.
A growing field of challengers is expected, and some have already announced. The first major campaign event — the Raucous Caucus — is this Friday.
More, Below the Fold:
- Hate crime filed: Feds charge Pearl Street bombing suspect.
- Folsom fix: City unveils safety redesign plan.
- Gravel ride: Ned Gravel returns to Nederland July 12.
- Healing trail: Boulder seeks input on Fort Chambers site.
- Pridefest returns: Celebration set for Sunday at Central Park.
- Playground push: Volunteers needed Friday for Nature Play setup.
- Things to Do: Park concerts, rewilding hikes, street fair jams, Bigfoot night, protest art, morning yoga and more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Boulder’s 2025 City Council race takes shape as all four incumbents plan to run again
With no resident-led ballot measures or mayoral race, the spotlight is on the council election, and a growing field of challengers. Continue reading…
Thousands attend Boulder’s Jewish festival one week after antisemitic attack
The mood was a mix of grief, community resilience and celebration following the Pearl Street firebombing that injured at least a dozen people. Continue reading…
A sunny start to the week
Boulder is in for a beautiful stretch of early summer weather. Monday will be sunny with a high near 78, followed by a mostly clear night with lows around 55. Expect warmer temps Tuesday, with sunshine and a high near 84. Skies will turn partly cloudy overnight, with lows around 60.
Federal hate crime charge filed in Pearl Street attack
The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday filed one federal hate crime charge against Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the man accused of injuring 15 people during the firebombing attack, CPR reported. Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, is accused of targeting the Run for Their Lives group because of their race, religion or national origin. Federal prosecutors say he used a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices while shouting “Free Palestine.”
The federal charge carries up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine — or life if intent to kill is proven. Soliman remains in U.S. Marshals custody and is scheduled for a federal preliminary hearing on June 18. He faces 118 additional state charges, including 28 counts of attempted murder. Those proceedings will begin July 15. Victims in the attack range in age from 25 to 88. Three remain hospitalized. Read our ongoing attack coverage.
City to unveil recommended redesign for Folsom Street
The City of Boulder is inviting community members to weigh in on its recommended redesign for Folsom Street between Pine Street and Colorado Avenue — a corridor with a high rate of serious crashes, especially involving pedestrians and cyclists. The city will host an open house Tuesday, June 10, from 4–6:30 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church (2425 Colorado Ave.), where residents can review the proposed street design, ask questions and share feedback.
The recommendation is part of Boulder’s Core Arterial Network initiative to improve safety along high-risk corridors. A virtual option will be provided here, the city said.
Ned Gravel bike race returns July 12 to Nederland, celebrating 5 years
The Ned Gravel bike race and expo returns to Nederland on July 12, marking its fifth anniversary with expanded events and a growing following. The community-focused event is organized by the Peak to Peak Endurance Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports youth sports in the Nederland area.
Ned Gravel offers four race courses of varying difficulty, challenging riders with high-altitude climbs, dirt roads and technical terrain. Despite the tough routes, the event welcomes cyclists of all experience levels and is rooted in values of inclusivity, safety and fun.
Organizers say the event plays a significant role in supporting Nederland’s local economy — drawing thousands of riders and spectators who visit restaurants and coffee shops in town. Over the past five years, Ned Gravel has raised about $50,000 for local youth programs, including hockey, basketball and mountain biking. “Ned Gravel is the definition of a local event — created, operated and supported by the community,” said founder and race director Gavin Coombs. Learn more or register at nedgravel.com.
City seeks input on ‘healing trail’ at historic Fort Chambers site
Boulder is inviting public input on a planned “healing trail” at the former Fort Chambers site — where local volunteers once trained before participating in the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, in which U.S. soldiers killed more than 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho people, most of them women and children.
The trail is part of a broader plan co-developed with tribal representatives to restore the land and honor its history. Residents can share feedback through an online questionnaire (open through June 30) or at a community workshop on Tuesday, June 17, from 5–6:30 p.m. at the Open Space and Mountain Parks Hub.
Read our interview with Southern Arapaho leader Fred Mosqueda on Boulder’s role in the massacre and the work to bring Native voices back to the Front Range.
Boulder Pridefest returns to Central Park this Sunday
Celebrate love, identity and community at Boulder Pridefest this Sunday, June 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Central Park and the Civic Area (1236 Canyon Blvd). This free, family-friendly event features performances, giveaways, local vendors, and activities for all ages.
Highlights include performances by CHEER Colorado, Rocky Mountain Pride Bands, Weird Al Spankabitch, Zenari, Cara Leoni, Laurie & Lorrie, Patty Jackson and TransRomantics. The festival is organized by Rocky Mountain Equality and aims to uplift and center LGBTQIA+ voices through music, comedy, drag and more. Volunteer and sponsor opportunities are still available.
Volunteer to help build Boulder’s new Nature Play Pop-Up
The City of Boulder is seeking volunteers this Friday, June 13, to help put the finishing touches on a new interactive playground near the Bandshell downtown. Volunteers will help prep the site by spreading sand and mulch, painting fences, and assembling play elements ahead of the June 16 opening. The shift runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and all are welcome — including grad and undergrad students. Sign up.
☀️ 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.
Meadow Music Concert Series Kickoff: Monday, June 9, 5:30 p.m., Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Rd. Read More.
Boulder Concert Band Parks Series: Monday, June 9, 7:00–8:00 p.m., Martin Park, 3600 Eastman Ave. Additional date: Monday, July 14, 7:00–8:00 p.m. Read More
Rewilding Hike: Tuesday, June 10, 8:00–9:00 a.m., Colorado Chautauqua – Academic Hall, 298 Morning Glory Rd. Additional dates: June 17, June 24, and July 1, same time. Read More
Josh Halpern & Scott Ordway: Letters to My Daughters: Tuesday, June 10, 7:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Our People Trading Post (free family-friendly event): Wednesday, June 11, 3:00–8:00 p.m., The Riverside, 1724 Broadway. Additional dates: June 14 (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.), June 18 (3:00–8:00 p.m.), and June 21 (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.). Read More
Art Night Out: Friday, June 13, 5:00 p.m., 311 S. Public Road, Lafayette. Read More
Downtown Louisville Street Faire – Hot Buttered Rum: Friday, June 13, 5:30 p.m., Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front Street. Read More
The Burroughs: Friday, June 13, 8:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m., The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St, Boul. Read More
Bigfoot of Boulder County: Friday, June 13, 8:30–10:00 p.m., Heil Valley Ranch, 1188 Geer Canyon Rd. Read More
Summer Yoga Series with Boulder Parks and Rec: Saturday, June 14, 9:00–10:00 a.m., Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway. Additional dates: June 21 and June 28, same time. Read More
NO KINGS Mass Protest: Saturday, June 14, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., grassy area along Canyon between the Boulder Library and Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway Blvd. Read More
Trident 45th Anniversary Party: Saturday, June 14, 3:00 p.m., Trident Booksellers & Cafe. Additional events: June 14 at 3:30 p.m., June 15 at 4:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Read More