Best Early Entertainment in Boulder

This beautiful Art Deco theater was built in 1906 as an opera house and was later converted to a movie theater. Today, it's one of the city's finest venues for live music, independent films, and community events. Concerts draw everything from local jazz bands to international performers and speakers. "E-Town," an NPR program focusing on entertainment and the environment, broadcasts from here as well. What's makes this theater special? Its intimate atmosphere. The stage and it's players can be seen well from any vantage point in the theater and, for most shows, the audience moves about so fluidly that you can often make your way to the front or various parts of the theater during the course of the show.

Bands on the Bricks is a free, weekly concert put on by the City of Boulder on downtown Pearl Street at absolutely no cost. A beer garden featuring local brews from Avery, West Flanders, and Upslope Brewing Company can be enjoyed, as well has the delicious food from Pearl Street restaurants. At this event you'll find all ages and creeds of people dancing and enjoying the merry-making together. A pop jet fountain nearby, entertaining street acts, and a small rock playground are perfect for entertaining the little ones in between sets. If you're looking to spend a little dough, you can always shop before or after at the numerous local and big-named retail shops along the mall. This event runs June-September.

Locally owned and operated by three spunky and innovative sisters, SHINE Restaurant and Gathering Space offers the perfect venue for building community, mingling, getting down to some local music, or just relaxing with a much needed cocktail at the end of the day. Their event room boasts a stage and hardwood floor with plenty of space for dancing. Local music can be seen on weekends and many of SHINE's delicious alcoholic concoctions can help you to relax and get your groove on. This venue is an elegant and swanky alternative if you're wanting something a bit more refined than the pub or club atmosphere.

With two locations just 20 minutes from Boulder in Lyons and Longmont, this local brew-pub favorite if one of the best places around to grab a delicious burger, beer, and dance the night away. The Tasty Weasel taproom boasts a large dance floor and stage on the second floor of the building so that you can eat down below and then enjoy the after-party up above. Local live bands as well as national known acts play every Saturday and Sunday at a minor cover charge. Don't be surprised if one of Oskar's local regulars asks you for a dance, since there are many people who come every week to kick up their heals are not shy when it comes to meeting strangers.

Broadway musicals along with dinner and drinks are a hit at this Boulder favorite. Gourmet dining and full-length productions such as "Damn Yankees," " Grand Hotel," and "Will Rogers' Follies" entertain a mixed crowd of business people, families, and students. All meals are reasonably priced, delicious, and alcohol is served in case you need a nip to relax for the evening. The Boulder Dinner Theatre is also known for booking bands and a cappella groups and putting on creative, modern family favorites such as Shrek: The Musical.

This popular University Hill concert club features local, regional and national acts such as Martin Sexton, Hootie and the Blowfish, Disco Inferno, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Fat Mama, and ekoostik hookah. Look for alternative, standard rock, blues, folk, jazz, and jamgrass musicians. This former movie theater boasts a top-rate sound system and three bar areas. This hip spot is also known for hosting some of the best festivals in the area, including the Boulder Roots and Blues Festival along with the Boulder Brew and Music Festival; if the name doesn't say it all, this festival gives you access to over 25 different breweries set to music.

Popular culture is the theme of the decor at this popular landmark. Movie memorabilia, big screen TV's, pool tables, air hockey, foosball, and video games dominate the space. A wide assortment of microbrews is available. The typically American menu includes burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and Tex-Mex. The Avocado Burger is sure to satisfy, especially if it's washed back with a pint of local beer. Pool tables are available after who've downed a few pints and finished off your pub-grub. Speaking of pub-grub, did we forget to mention the Jiffy Burger? Aptly named, instead of ketchup or mustard this burger offers Jiffy Peanut Butter as it's condiment of choice.

Truly unique to the area, Red Rocks combines natural geological wonders with a stellar concert and event schedule. Come during the day for the best view of the red sandstone formations, over 250 million years old and 300 feet high. A moderate 1.4-mile trail loops around the area for the best views. Return in the evening to experience acoustic perfection as some of the biggest stars in music take the stage, including acts like Fleetwood Mac, Bruno Mars, and The Avett Brothers. A summer film series provides a change of pace when two bands perform before the screening of a classic movie.

This lively and feisty traditional Irish pub is one of the most exciting ways to spend and evening in downtown Boulder. Lagers, Ciders, Ales, and Stouts abound, including Guinness on tap because what Irish pub is complete without it? In addition, several tasty micro-brews are available. Weekly live music is a staple at Conor O' Neills and includes slots for collaborative bluegrass pickin'. With plenty of space to dance, you'll be tapping your toes or doing an Irish jig. If you're a little rusty on your Lord of the Dance skills, the bar also offers classic rock to rock your body.

The Laughing Goat coffee shop offers two convenient locations; on Pearl Street in the heart of downtown Boulder and on the CU campus, should you want to mingle with the students. Live music and pungent, fair trade, organic coffee are staples of the warm and cozy spot. At the Pearl Street location, local art is featured regularly and a variety of music can be heard throughout the week, including jazz, blue grass, and classical. Because this particular spot is rather small, performances are intimate and provide for excellent acoustics. Furthermore, if you prefer to enjoy your music while sipping a beer instead of coffee, Laughing Goat offers several local ales.