Life in Boulder Valley
Latest News
|Life in Boulder Valley
Latest News

Subscribe

"Beach Parties, Beer Gardens, and Controversial Civic Plans in Boulder + Premier Beauty Salon in Erie + Navigating Holiday Depression & AC/DC vs Ozzy Tribute Showdown!"

|
Life in Boulder Valley

Life in Boulder Valley

Archives

"Beach Parties, Beer Gardens, and Controversial Civic Plans in Boulder + Premier Beauty Salon in Erie + Navigating Holiday Depression & AC/DC vs Ozzy Tribute Showdown!"

"Beach Parties, Beer Gardens, and Controversial Civic Plans in Boulder + Premier Beauty Salon in Erie + Navigating Holiday Depression & AC/DC vs Ozzy Tribute Showdown!"
Get ready to rock out with art exhibits, beauty tips, civic area plans, and holiday insights! Plus, give the gift of membership this Christmas! 🎨🎸🎁

Michele Hambach

Nov 17, 2025

Welcome to the Boulder Valley Newsletter!
The holidays are right around the corner, and Boulder Valley is lighting up with festive markets, cozy events, and seasonal deals from our favorite local businesses. Whether you're planning family fun, looking for holiday inspiration, or just want to stay connected, you’ll find it all right here!

       
       
Market/Event Dates & Time Location Highlights & Cost
Mollie McGee’s Holiday Craft Market Nov 15–16 (ongoing weekend), 10am–4pm Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont (~15min from Boulder) 150+ booths of handmade crafts, jewelry, food; kid-friendly. $5–$12 admission; molliemcgees.com.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market Nov 15–16, 10am–4pm Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall, Downtown Boulder 80+ local artisans (art, home goods, gourmet treats); live music, easy downtown access. Free; fireflyhandmade.com.
       
       
       
       
       

Excitement is brewing in Boulder as city officials unveil bold plans to transform the downtown civic area into a vibrant community hub.

 

Key features include a unique 'beach' zone near the main library, replacing parking lots with green spaces, food trucks, and tube rentals.

 

This creative recreation spot emphasizes community vibes over ocean waves, with added youth learning areas and splash pads.

 

The project spans from Ninth to 14th Streets, aiming to connect University Hill with Pearl Street Mall to energize local shopping.

 

An Arboretum Path will offer gardens, boardwalks, and bike routes, while a year-round farmers market and beer garden along Boulder Creek promise year-long appeal.

 

Community input highlights enthusiasm for nature play zones, inspired by last summer's successes.

 

However, homeless advocates express concerns about potential displacement of essential services near the bandshell and library.

 

Designs wrap up next year, with construction eyed for 2027, incorporating more public feedback.

 

This initiative seeks to revitalize Boulder's core, merging natural elements with urban vitality for all residents.


Read More...

Looking for a Realtor to Feature!

If you're a local Realtor interested in reaching Boulder Valley residents, I have this spot available. Email:  Support@lifeinbouldervalley.com

Interesting Facts
  • Colorado is home to the world's largest flat-top mountain, Grand Mesa, which covers over 500 square miles.


  • The official state reptile of Colorado is the Western painted turtle.


  • The highest paved road in North America, reaching an elevation of 14,130 feet, is located in Colorado and leads to the summit of Mount Evans.


Tip of The Day

Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, especially in the higher altitude of Colorado to prevent altitude sickness.

Date High/Low (°F) Conditions Precip Chance Wind
Mon, Nov 18 62–68 / 38–41 Partly cloudy, mild 5% W 5–15 mph, gusty
Tue, Nov 19 55–60 / 32–35 Mostly cloudy, possible light showers or flurries 20–30% NW 10–15 mph
Wed, Nov 20 52–57 / 30–34 Mostly sunny, slight chance of rain/snow showers 10–20% W 5–10 mph
Thu, Nov 21 48–53 / 28–32 Partly sunny, chilly 5% NW 10–15 mph
Fri, Nov 22 47–52 / 27–31 Mostly cloudy 10% W 5–10 mph
Sat, Nov 23 46–51 / 26–30 Partly cloudy, breezy 5% NW 10–20 mph
Sun, Nov 24 45–50 / 25–29 Sunny skies, cold snap 0% Calm to light NW

Ho ho ho—let's get your pets on the nice list with some jolly Santa-themed photo ops! Boulder Valley's pet community shines during the holidays, and Santa Paws events are a staple, often benefiting local rescues like the Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV).

Event/Location Date & Time Details & Cost Contact & Notes
Humane Society of Boulder Valley Santa Paws Dec. 6–7, 10am–4pm Classic Santa lap photos for dogs/cats; includes digital prints + goodie bag (treats/toys). Benefits shelter adoptions. Pets must be leashed/carried, vaccinated, and calm. hsbv.org/events; $25–$35 suggested donation. Lafayette campus (6555 Arapahoe Rd). Past years sold out—reserve online.
POSO Dog Rescue at Golden Mill Dec.13,  12–5pm Brewpub vibe with Santa photos, adoptable dogs on-site, and holiday market. Family-friendly; bring your pup for beer-sipping waits. posodogrescue.com/events; $20/ticket. Golden Mill (1012 Ford St, Golden—~20min from Boulder). Ties into Yappy Hour series.
PetSmart Paws & Claus (Boulder Store) Dec.13–14 2–6pm (every 30min slots) Free pro photos with Santa; add-ons like holiday grooming. Nationwide chain event—Boulder's store participates annually. petsmart.com/santa-photo-days; Free (reservations required). 3350 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder. Prep with a salon trim!
Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center Santa Paws Nov. 29, 12–4pm Outdoor mall setup with Santa in a festive tent; pro photos + pet parade. Proceeds to Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary. aspengrove.com/events; $20/ticket. 7301 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton (~30min drive). Dress in matching ugly sweaters.
Boulder County Farmers Market Holiday Edition Dec. 6–7,  9am–3pm Pop-up Santa booth amid vendors; casual phone pics or hire on-site photog. Pet-friendly market with holiday treats. bcfm.org; Free–$15. Boulder County Fairgrounds (9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont). Great for multi-tasking shopping.
Murdoch'Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply 

Dec. 8,

1–4pm

Rustic Santa display for family + pets; BYO camera or pro shots. Holiday shopping bonus. murdochs.com; $10–$20. 1200 S Hover St, Longmont. All stores host—pets welcome!

Donate to help the animals at the Longmont Humane, please!

Hi, I'm Winky!

 

Animal ID: 59719406
Species: Dog
Gender: Female
Primary Breed: Mixed Breed, Medium (up to 44 lbs fully grown)
Age: 5 years
Weight: 48 pounds
OK with Dogs: Yes
OK with Cats: Yes
Adoption Fee: $125.00
Notes: This dog is recommended for a home with children of any age

In the heart of Erie, CO, Christy's Lash shines as a premier destination for eyelash transformations.

 

Run by seasoned expert Christy Le, the salon delivers everything from subtle classics to bold volume boosts.

 

With 15+ years of expertise, she prioritizes premium materials for safe, enduring beauty.

 

Erie's thriving wellness scene, featuring new med spas, amplifies the town's self-care vibe.

 

This spot fits right in, offering locals a chance to elevate their look effortlessly.

 

Picture flawless lashes that captivate, customized just for you.

 

Open Monday to Saturday by appointment, it's convenient and inviting.

 

Experience budget-friendly elegance in a welcoming environment.

 

Holiday Specials:

Introductory Special for new Clients:

Full set classic = $95 (orig. $150)

Full set Hybrid = $125 (orig. $175)

Fullset volume = $150 (orig. $195)


Read More...

The X39 patch elevates GHK-Cu copper peptide in your body that will, in turn, activate your stem cells to proliferate like they did in your 20's, without all the mutations.  X39 activates the mitochondrial energy centers of your cells, which then increases healthy stem cell activity by resetting 4,192 genes back to how they originally performed!

I'm happy to answer any and all questions-feel free to reach out anytime! Contact Michele

Days to Thanksgiving: 9 more days! (Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27).

As the holidays near in Boulder Valley, many face heightened depression from shorter days and festive pressures.

 

Local reports note a surge in mood dips, with more calls to support lines during winter.

 

Boulder Community Health recommends daily outdoor activities to fight these feelings.

 

Picture a refreshing walk at Chautauqua, absorbing winter sun to lift your mood.

 

Building connections is key; invite a neighbor for coffee to ease isolation.

 

Volunteering at local animal shelters can spark joy through animal interactions.

 

In 2025, Boulder County's Behavioral Health Roadmap will roll out expanded crisis teams for quick help.

 

For ongoing issues, call Colorado's 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-844-493-8255 for confidential support.

 

Embrace small steps to brighten your season in this supportive community.


Read More...

 

Experience the ultimate in pet lawn care with our professional poop scooping services. We ensure your outdoor space remains clean, safe, and enjoyable for both pets and families.

Phone number:  720-600-7105

Email:  scooptroops49@gmail.com

 

Be sure to tell them you found them in the Life in Boulder Valley Newsletter!

 

Boulder County's art scene bursts with creativity this week, featuring diverse exhibits from local talents and global influences.

 

In Boulder, galleries on Pearl Street showcase intricate prints, stunning jewelry, and sustainable projects using recycled materials.

 

A contemporary museum explores themes of environmental worth, while a retirement community displays decades of insightful paintings.

 

Whimsical sculptures captivate at north venues, and the library hosts dreamlike narratives in paint and clay.

 

In Lafayette, collectives honor Mexican heritage with heartfelt altars, alongside powerful Iranian posters and abstract emotions.

 

East side spots feature nature tributes, queer-themed crafts, and fiber creations at community centers.

 

A history museum celebrates local business legacies, and open studios offer paintings, ceramics, and gifts.

 

In Lyons, floral motifs nod to iconic painters, with wildlife pastels adding fragile realism.

 

University collections ponder time through innovative designs, and natural history engages families with interactive artifacts.

 

Shifting to Longmont, a firehouse center launches member showcases with lively events, while pop-ups offer illustrations and serene landscapes.

 

With holiday markets emerging, dive into this pulsing cultural energy for inspiration and connection.


Read More...

A membership is a great Christmas Gift!

Pilates strengthens your core, boosts flexibility, and sharpens posture—all while staying low-impact. It’s proven to:

  • Ease back pain (studies show 70%+ improvement in chronic cases)
  • Enhance balance & coordination (great for fall prevention)
  • Support mental health via mindful movement & breath (reduces anxiety 20–30%)
  • Aid rehab post-injury or surgery

Perfect for desk workers, athletes, seniors, or anyone craving stronger abs without crunching.

Jalisco Painting

We've had these guys do work in our home, and they were absolutely excellent-professional, dependable and a pleasure to work with.  Highly recommended!

 

Be sure to tell them you found them in the Life in Boulder Valley Newsletter!

 

 

Rock enthusiasts are thrilled by the AC/DC Experience and Ozzy Osbourne Experience, featuring tribute bands that deliver the raw energy of these iconic acts.

 

These shows alternate powerful riffs and intense vocals, keeping audiences electrified with classic hits.

 

In Birmingham, recent performances have drawn massive crowds, celebrating the heavy metal legacy.

 

The atmosphere buzzes with adrenaline as artists embody the Aussie rockers and the Prince of Darkness.

 

Baton Rouge's local fair spotlighted an Ozzy tribute, captivating fans of all ages with timeless songs.

 

Events like the heartfelt farewell at Villa Park honor enduring musical milestones.

 

These dynamic sets merge hit collections, matching the originals in fervor and skill.

 

Local music scenes are booming with new spots hosting these vibrant tributes.

 

From grand stages to intimate gigs, these experiences revive rock history and create unforgettable vibes.

 

Join the revival and let the legendary beats resonate deeply.


Read More...

This is perfect for toasting before the big meal or sipping with dessert.

 

Spiced Cranberry Apple Bourbon Smash


(Serves 1 – Multiply as needed)*

 

Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon** (or whiskey)
- 1 oz 100% cranberry juice** (unsweetened)
- 1 oz fresh apple cider** (or pressed apple juice)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice**
- ½ oz maple syrup** (or honey simple syrup)
- 2–3 dashes **Angostura bitters**
- Ice
- Garnish: 
  - Thin apple slice (fanned)
  - Fresh cranberries
  - Cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig (lightly torched for aroma)

Instructions:
1. Muddle (optional): Lightly muddle 2–3 fresh cranberries in a shaker for extra tartness.
2. Shake: Add bourbon, cranberry juice, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters. Fill with ice. Shake 10–12 seconds.
3. Strain: Double-strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube 
4. **Garnish**: Fan an apple slice, skewer cranberries, and add a cinnamon stick or smoked rosemary sprig.

 

 

Pro Tip: Batch it for a crowd! Mix everything except ice in a pitcher (scale ×8–10), chill, then pour over ice with garnishes.

Cheers to a delicious Thanksgiving! 🦃🍎🍂

Have a question or want to be featured? 

Email me

Life in Boulder Valley

© 2025 Life in Boulder Valley.

Newsletter featuring great things to see, do or eat in Boulder Valley.

© 2025 Life in Boulder Valley.

THIS PUBLICATION SPONSORED BY