Boulder Beat - Friday, February 14, 2025

Boulder, it’s Valentine’s Friday, and we have many options for live music, great food deals, and weekend vibes are kicking in! 🎉 Taylor Swift’s laser show, Big Richard at Boulder Theater, and Winter Bike to Work Day are just a few of the big events happening today. Need a last-minute plan? We’ve got you covered. 

❄️ Weather

Friday starts off with a mix of rain and snow, but don’t worry—it won’t stick. 🌦️ Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 52°F by midday. Winds will be light, but gusts up to 18 mph could make it feel a little cooler.

🌙 Friday Night: Rain turns to snow after 10 PM, with temperatures dropping to 21°F. Snow accumulation looks minimal, but expect wet roads and possible slick spots overnight.

📅 Sunrise/Sunset: 6:54 AM | 5:35 PM
🌕 Moon: Waning Gibbous | Moonrise 7:57 PM | Moonset 7:59 AM

Key Takeaways:

• Mild afternoon—high of 52°F with sun & clouds.

• Chance of rain & snow in the morning & late night.

• Cold overnight—low of 21°F, so bundle up! 🧥❄️

🔥 Top Stories

🏡 New 37-Home Neighborhood Coming to Wonderland Lake
A new housing development could be coming to Wonderland Lake, with plans for 37 homes in North Boulder. The project is raising questions about affordability, open space, and community impact. Is this what Boulder needs—or another high-priced enclave? ➡️ More at 9News

🍽️ Boulder Locals Sound Off on Restaurant Scene
If you’ve ever thought "Why doesn’t Boulder have more (insert favorite food here)?", you’re not alone. A lively Reddit discussion with over 225+ comments is debating what Boulder’s restaurant scene is missing. More late-night spots? More diverse cuisine? See what people are saying ➡️ Join the discussion on Reddit

💰 Tipped Workers & Minimum Wage: Big Changes Coming?
A Colorado bill could change how tipped workers in Boulder & Denver are paid, potentially phasing out the lower tipped minimum wage. Supporters say it will help restaurant workers make a fair wage, while opponents worry it could drive up menu prices and hurt small businesses. ➡️ More at Colorado Sun

🚴 Winter Bike to Work Day Rolls Through Colorado
Friday is Winter Bike to Work Day, and Colorado cyclists are embracing the cold to celebrate sustainable commuting. Boulder is known for its bike-friendly culture, so don’t be surprised to see riders bundled up and braving the chilly morning. Are you riding? ➡️ More at KUNC

🕵️ FBI Joins Search for Missing CU Boulder Student
A CU Boulder student has been reported missing, and now the FBI is involved in the search. Details remain limited, but authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating the student. Stay tuned for updates. ➡️ More at Denver7

🎶 Big Richard Brings “Girl Dinner” Energy to Boulder’s Music Scene
Folk-bluegrass band Big Richard is shaking things up with their genre-blending sound and unapologetic attitude.Fresh off a new album, the all-female supergroup is bringing raw energy, talent, and humor to Boulder’s music scene. Catch their upcoming show! ➡️ More at Boulder Weekly

🌳 Save Iris Fields? Pushback on Boulder County Land Sale
A new Boulder County land sale has some residents concerned about losing precious open space. Advocates for saving the Iris Fields say the area is important for wildlife and community recreation. Will the county listen? ➡️ More at Boulder Weekly

🎉 Things To Do

✨ BoulderBeat Crew Will Be at This One! – Taylor Swift Laser Show @ Fiske Planetarium
Swifties, this is your night! 🎶💫 Experience Taylor Swift’s biggest hits like never before in an immersive laser light show at Fiske Planetarium. With dazzling visuals and surround sound, this is the ultimate Valentine’s weekend experience—whether you’re bringing a date or just your love for Taylor.
🕘 9:00 PM | 📍 Fiske Planetarium, CU Boulder | ➡️ More Info

🎶 Big Richard @ Boulder Theater
Catch Colorado’s all-female bluegrass supergroup, Big Richard, as they bring their raw energy, harmonies, and unique style to Boulder. If you love genre-blending folk and bluegrass with a modern twist, don’t miss this show! Silas Herman in the house as well!
🕘 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM) | 📍 Boulder Theater | ➡️ Get Tickets

🚴 Winter Bike to Work Day
Boulder is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., so Winter Bike to Work Day is a big deal! Whether you’re commuting, riding for fun, or grabbing free coffee and breakfast at participating locations, this event celebrates sustainability and community.
📍 All over Boulder! | 🕖 Morning – Check for event details | ➡️ More Info

🎤 Ballyhoo! @ Fox Theatre
Reggae-rock fans, this one's for you! 🎸🌴 Ballyhoo! brings their signature mix of chill beach vibes, punk energy, and reggae grooves to Fox Theatre for an epic night of music.
🕘 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM) | 📍 Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO | ➡️ Get Tickets

🎭 I’m Still Here – A Play About Aging & Resilience
A powerful and heartfelt theater production exploring the joys, struggles, and strength of aging. If you’re looking for something thought-provoking and beautifully performed, check this out.
🕖 7:30 PM | 📍 Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, CO | ➡️ More Info

🎶 Valentine’s Tribute to Norah Jones @ Nissi’s
Sip a cocktail and enjoy a romantic evening of live jazz, featuring a tribute to Norah Jones. This Valentine’s weekend show is perfect for a laid-back, intimate night out.
🕘 9:00 PM Show (Doors at 8:00 PM) | 📍 Nissi’s, Lafayette, CO | ➡️ Get Tickets

🎬 Friday Night Weird: Tromeo & Juliet @ Dairy Arts Center
Shakespeare, but make it punk rock, gory, and completely unhinged. 🩸🔥 This cult classic reimagines Romeo & Juliet in a world of tattoos, rock music, and absolute chaos. If you love weird, edgy films, this is your Friday night pick.
🕘 9:30 PM | 📍 Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, CO | ➡️ More Info

🎸 Tinsley Ellis – Naked Truth Tour @ Velvet Elk Lounge
Blues-rock legend Tinsley Ellis strips things down for an intimate, all-acoustic performance, showcasing his incredible guitar work and storytelling. A must-see for blues fans.
🕘 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM) | 📍 Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder, CO | ➡️ Get Tickets

👋 Make New Friends Meetup
New to Boulder? Looking to expand your social circle? This laid-back meetup is a great way to meet fun, friendly people in a casual setting.
🕖 7:00 PM | 📍 Check Meetup for location | ➡️ More Info

🍽️ Restaurant Deals

🥢 Zoe Ma Ma – Authentic & Affordable Chinese
If you’re craving real-deal Chinese food, Zoe Ma Ma is the go-to spot. Almost every entrée is under $10, and the Ma Ma’s Chicken Soup Noodle ($8.75) might just outshine your mom’s homemade soup (sorry, Mom). Perfect for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal.
📍 919 Pearl St, Boulder, CO | ➡️ More Info

🥪 Organic Sandwich Company – Fresh & Local
Looking for a gourmet sandwich or salad that won’t break the bank? Organic Sandwich Company serves up fresh, locally sourced ingredients in every bite. Most sandwiches, soups, and salads are around $10, making it a healthy and affordable lunch option.
📍 1500 Pearl St, Boulder, CO | ➡️ More Info

🍻 Avanti Boulder – Happy Hour Heaven
Avanti Boulder has some of the best happy hour deals in town, featuring local craft brews, creative cocktails, and patio-perfect drinks at unbeatable prices. Whether it’s weekday afternoons, all-day Sundays, or late-night specials, there’s always a deal waiting for you.
🕑 Monday – Friday: 2 PM – 6 PM | All-Day Sunday | Late Night: Sunday – Thursday, 9 PM – Close
📍 1401 Pearl St, Boulder, CO | ➡️ More Info

That’s it for today! Stay warm, stay social, and enjoy Boulder. ❄️ See you out there!