Boulder is weird on Thursdays. It’s that strange middle-ground where the university energy starts to boil over, but the weekend crowds from Denver haven't quite swarmed Pearl Street yet. If you are looking for events in Boulder today, you've picked a surprisingly busy day to be in town. We aren't just talking about the standard happy hours or the usual hikers clogging up Chautauqua.
Today—Thursday, January 15, 2026—is a mix of high-brow literary talks, heavy-duty jam sessions, and some pretty significant community milestones.
The Big Ticket: Umphrey’s McGee at Boulder Theater
Honestly, if you like live music and you’re in Boulder today, this is probably where you’ll end up. Umphrey’s McGee is kicking off night one of a three-night stand at the Boulder Theater. This isn't just a concert; it’s a local tradition.
The venue is an Art Deco masterpiece on 14th Street. It’s intimate, the acoustics are sharp, and the vibe is usually electric when a jam band of this caliber settles in for a residency.
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- Doors: 7:00 PM
- Show starts: 8:00 PM
- The Vibe: Progressive rock, heavy improvisation, and a light show that might give you a mild headache in the best way possible.
If you haven't snagged a ticket yet, be prepared to pay. Resale prices are hovering around the $90 to $100 mark for General Admission. It’s a steep price for a Thursday, but for the "Umphreaks," it’s non-negotiable.
Literary Roots: Peter Heller at the Canyon Theater
Maybe you aren’t in the mood to be blasted by strobe lights. Over at the Boulder Public Library’s Canyon Theater, things are a bit more cerebral. Author Peter Heller—who most people know from The Dog Stars—is speaking about and signing his new book, The Orchard.
This event starts at 6:30 PM. It’s co-sponsored by the Boulder Bookstore and the Library Foundation. The best part? It’s basically free if you register in advance, or you can pay a small fee to get a discounted copy of the book. Heller is a master of "adventure-lit," and hearing him talk about the craft of writing while the sun sets over the Flatirons is a very "Boulder" way to spend an evening.
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Community and Legacy: MLK Convocation
Since it’s mid-January, the city is gearing up for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Today marks the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation at Macky Auditorium.
This starts at 6:00 PM. It’s an annual cornerstone event for the University of Colorado Boulder, but it's open to the public. Expect a mix of speakers, music, and a heavy dose of reflection. If you've never been inside Macky, go just for the architecture. It feels like a gothic cathedral dropped into the middle of a Colorado campus.
A Quick Snapshot of Other Happenings
- Sunkissd at the Fox Theatre: If the Boulder Theater is too "jam-band" for you, the Fox over on The Hill has Sunkissd starting at 8:00 PM. It’s a younger crowd, usually more bass-heavy.
- Kick-Off at the Rec: CU students are taking over the Student Recreation Center today for a massive "Welcome Back" event. It’s mostly for the kids, but the energy spills out into the surrounding coffee shops.
- Trident Booksellers: The Trident on Pearl Street has their weekly music session today. It’s usually low-key, local, and perfect if you just want to drink a tea and pretend to be productive.
- Dairy Arts Center: They are wrapping up a run of the "YAGÓDY" exhibit today. It’s your last chance to catch it before it rotates out.
What You Should Know Before Heading Out
Boulder is walkable, but it’s also cold. It’s mid-January, and while the sun might be out at 2:00 PM, the temperature drops off a cliff the second it hides behind the mountains.
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Parking downtown is always a bit of a nightmare. The garages on 11th and 15th are your best bets, but they fill up fast when the Boulder Theater has a big show. Honestly, just take the bus or an Uber if you're planning on hitting the breweries after the music stops.
Actionable Insights for Today
- Check the Boulder Bookstore website if you want to see Peter Heller; registration is required and it might be at capacity by now.
- Eat early. Restaurants near Pearl Street (like Mountain Sun or Postino) get slammed between 5:30 and 7:00 PM before the shows start.
- Layers are your friend. You’ll be sweating in the pit at Umphrey’s and freezing the second you step onto 14th Street.
If you're looking for more details on specific venues or want to check the weather forecast before you drive up from Denver, head over to the Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau website or check the CU Boulder events calendar. They keep the most up-to-date lists of last-minute cancellations or time changes.