S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6
The Zach Zeldner Team is your team of distinguished Realtors®, delivering exceptional results through market expertise, concierge-level service, and relentless client advocacy. Luxury insight comes from participation. In 2025, our team handled a remarkable 21% of all City of Boulder residential property sales above $2.5M. Scan the QR code to learn more about our team and our results.
745 Highland Avenue, Boulder
521 Hawthorn Avenue, Boulder
5 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 4,970 SQ FT
5 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 7,177 SQ FT
6792 Niwot Hills Drive, Niwot
2885 Island Drive, Boulder
5 BEDS | 8 BATHS | 11,364 SQ FT | 1.5 ACRES
5 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 4,908 SQ FT
*IRES MLS 1/1/2025-12/31/2025. The Zach Zeldner Team is a real estate team affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.
Boulder’s #1 Real Estate Team
Zach Zeldner – Team Lead, Realtor® William Greig – Realtor® Ethan Bullock – Realtor® Amanda Salzman – Realtor® Hillary Harris – Field Director, Realtor® Lauren O’Neil – Ops Director, Realtor® Chelsea Hopkins – Marketing Director
2709 S. Lakeridge Trail, Boulder
855 Circle Drive, Boulder
4 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 5,130 SQ FT | 1.58 ACRES
4 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 3,791 SQ FT
8906 Little Raven Trail, Niwot
8200 Fourmile Canyon Drive, Boulder
6 BEDS | 9 BATHS | 9,057 SQ FT
4 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 3, 271 SQ FT | 7.73 ACRES
THE ZACH ZELDNER TEAM 720.480.7650 | zach@zachzeldner.com | www.zachzeldner.com |
thezachzeldnerteam
Photos by: Daniel Jenkins
Frame the Extraordinary.
303.4 42.427 7 | signaturewindows.co Denver - Boulder - Aspen Showrooms
ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS
HMH ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS HMHAI.COM 303.444.8488
LU X URY DEFINED BY INTENTION.
3716 Wonderland Hill Avenue | $3,750,000
616 Pine Street | $2,500,000
2158 Tamarack Avenue | $6,750,000
M A RY BETH EMER SON
Chairman Agent & Developer
Representing Boulder’s most iconic properties, Marybeth brings a unique perspective as a trusted agent and developer, supported by The Agency’s unparalleled international network. Her record-breaking sales reflect a foundation of passion, expertise, integrity, and relationships built over decades. Give us a call to connect and learn more.
INTENTION DEFINED BY YOU.
1750 Sunset Boulevard | $16,500,000
720.394.1997 | Marybeth.Emerson@TheAgencyRE.com | MarybethEmerson.com THE AGENCY BOULDER IS AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISEE OF THE AGENCY REAL ESTATE FRANCHISING, LLC.
EXPERIENCE ISN’T OPTIONAL. IT’S STRATEGIC.
1530 Timber Lane 5 Bed | 5 Bath | 7,016 Sq Ft
When buying or selling in one of Colorado’s most competitive and nuanced markets, precision matters. For more than two decades and after 33 years of living in Boulder, Patrick Brown has built his reputation as a top agent on disciplined pricing strategy, measured negotiation, and a deep understanding of how Boulder’s neighborhoods perform over time. Today, he pairs that experience with cutting-edge AI and the latest marketing technology to deliver a more strategic advantage for his clients. Patrick approaches every transaction with clear objectives: Maximize value. Reduce friction. Deliver results that outperform the market.
Top 3 Individual Agent by Sales Volume, three years running. $1.5B Career Sales Volume #1 Small Team at Compass Boulder
770 Circle Drive 5 Bed | 6 Bath | 8,066 Sq Ft
Patrick Brown 303.242.6012 patrick@patrickbrowngroup.com Scan to explore a curated selection of Boulder’s finest listings
Compass is a licensed real estate broker in Colorado and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.
6915 Goose Point 6 Bed | 5 Bath | 5,688 Sq Ft
1710 Sunset Boulevard
3645 Cholla Court
5 Bed | 7 Bath | 6,016 Sq Ft
4 Bed | 6 Bath | 5,622 Sq Ft
6124 Trevarton Drive
515 Alpine Avenue
5 Bed | 6 Bath | 5,197 Sq Ft
5 Bed | 8 Bath | 5,893 Sq Ft
Picea Luxury Townhomes | Boulder
934 Spruce Street
Read more in the feature section of this magazine
4 Bed | 4 Bath | 2,196 Sq Ft
A SPARROW ON MY SHOULDER A NEW COLLECTION OF ARTWORK BY ARTIST PETER BUREGA AT SMITHKLEIN GALLERY
Fine Art & Art Consulting | 1116 Pearl Street | Boulder CO 80302 303.444.7200 | SmithKlein.com | skg@smithklein.com Family Business since 1984
Landscape Architecture • Construction • Property Maintenance • Lighting • Pools & Spas • Hardscapes
Designs By Sundown was founded in 1985 to make great homes even better with beautiful, sustainable, enjoyable landscapes. We have stayed true to our roots, with a responsive, knowledgeable staff and the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. 303.789.4400 www.DesignsBySundown.com
years
The Art of Enduring Style
V refindspaces
re-findspaces.com
Builder - www.tightlines.construction | Photographer - sydfullerphoto.com
ALEX SEPKUS Trunk Show Oct 2-4
ArtandSoulBoulder.com 1505 PEARL STREET
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BOULDER
LIFESTYLE LETTER
New Traditions
September 2026 PUBLISHER
Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com
Over my last 15 years of living in Colorado, many of my Septembers have begun with the holiday weekend, taking in as many films as possible in Telluride for the Telluride Film Festival. While each year looks a little different, from the very first time traveling with my film class from Libby Hall at CU, to squeezing too many friends in a tiny Telluride Airbnb and seeing only the films and panels ‘free’ could get us, to volunteering for the special events with friends from those original Libby dorm days, the love of film and connecting with old friends in the San Juans was always the driving force. While the journey down is part of the experience, grabbing peaches on the way in Palisade (and maybe even on the way back) and blasting show tunes with said friends, every month learning more about Sundance coming to Boulder is making me more and more excited about getting to celebrate film twice each year and right in our backyard. I cannot wait to see what new traditions Sundance brings.
KELSEY HUFFER, EDITOR @BOULDERLIFESTYLE
P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R
Chantel Ellerington | chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R
Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R , STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R
Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com INTERN
Edson Graycar | edson.graycar@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R
Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tony Firestine, Emily O'Brien, Avery Young, Allyson Reedy, Jeff Schwing, Linden Butrym, Meredith Rowe C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Gina Dodge Studio, House of Ra Photography, Adam Potts Photography, Eliza Earl Photography, Benjamin Buren Photography, Daniel Jenkins Photography, Kimberly Gavin Photography, John Robson Photography, Lisa Doane Photography, Joni Schrantz
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Boulder Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Boulder area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.
Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BOULDER
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Boulder Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
7134 cedarwood circle 4 b e d ro o ms / / 3 b a t h ro o ms / / 3,469 sq f t
illuminated bliss // elevated design pairs with a coveted location another listing by jennifer egbert — intrigued? reach out for details
jennifer egbert M O D E R N L U X U R Y R E A L E S TAT E 303 619 3373 // jegbert@milehimodern.com jenniferegbert.com
This material is based upon information that we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and including price, or withdrawal without notice. ©MileHiModern All Rights Reserved | 303 876 1073 | milehimodern.com MileHiModern® is a licensed trademark | An Equal Opportunity Company | Equal Housing Opportunity .
inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E
88 Featured
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88 102
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Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.
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WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?
Departments
The Sound of Serendipity
Boulder’s Mapleton Hill PorchFest
Off The Beaten Path
A Little Fly Fishing Guide to Boulder, Colorado
Month of Modern Returns with Human Scale: Modern Design, Made Personal
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Lifestyle Letter
22
City Scene
26
Business Monthly
46
Open House HOME + DESIGN
50
Curb Appeal ENTERTAINMENT
54
Now Open FOOD + BEVERAGE
58
Open House HOME + DESIGN
64
School Sports SPORTS + RECREATION
70
Education Corner EDUCATION
76
Travel Journal TRAVEL
80
Back Stage ENTERTAINMENT
82
Hot Spot FOOD + BEVERAGE
88
Outdoor Adventure SPORTS + RECREATION
96
Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE
102 Must See ARTS + CULTURE 108 Financial Buzz FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES 112
On the Cover Off The Beaten Path Photography: Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer
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Locals Only ENTERTAINMENT
With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.
f ä n a s a r c h i t e c t u r e s p a c e / o p p o r t u n i t y
www.fanas.us
303.444.5380
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Providing client inclusive architectural & interior design services to the Boulder front range since 1995
SEPTEMBER 2026
city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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1-7: On May 31, the Limelight Hotel hosted the Evening of Hope, a fundraiser benefiting Bamboo Ranch and Be The Hope Foundation, which supports children with neuroimmune disorders, with sponsorship from Nite Ize, SWBC Mortgage - Amanda and John Sessa, and milehimodern. Photography by Christine Case
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C I T Y SC E N E
NEW CONSTRUCTION, REMODELS & ADDITIONS BUILDING EXCELLENCE FOR 30 YEARS soprishomes.com
info@soprisdevelopment.com
303-527-0000
city scene CONTINUED
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1-7: Vibram is strengthening its commitment to Boulder as its Global Outdoor Capital, investing in talent, community partnerships, and innovation. The company is building a center of excellence where product testing, athlete engagement, and outdoor culture intersect. That vision came to life during Vibram’s first North American Tester Talk, featuring Flatiron scrambling with geologist Simon Testa. The iconic terrain served as a real-world testing ground, demonstrating how Boulder helps shape and validate next-generation outdoor footwear.
Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ B O U L D E R L I F E S T Y L E
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C I T Y SC E N E
SEPTEMBER 2026
business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
A Pastry Chef Gives Instant Pudding a Glow-Up Instant pudding hasn't changed since the '70s—until now. Fancy Monkey is an instant pudding and dessert mix made with simple ingredients: no artificial flavors, no gums, no dyes. Created by Jen Mesinger of Boulder's own Lucky's Bakehouse, it comes in five flavors, including Salted Caramel and Banana, and whips up in minutes. Vegan, non-GMO, and fancy with a wink. Find it at MeetFancyMonkey.com and select Colorado grocers.
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SHIFTING FOCUS ON YOU
Schedule Your Visit PLASTIC SURGERY • INJECTABLES • SKINCARE
Schedule Your Visit 303.443.2277 boulderplasticsurgery.com
business monthly CONTINUED
BMoCA Welcomes New Artistic Director, Jill Desmond BMoCA is pleased to announce the appointment of Jill Desmond as Artistic Director. Desmond is a seasoned arts professional with more than 20 years of experience working with artists, developing exhibitions, and most recently leading public program development. In her new role, she will have a pivotal leadership position in shaping BMoCA’s curatorial and programmatic future, guiding the museum’s artistic vision as it prepares to transition into its new home in North Boulder.
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WHEN JUSTICE MATTERS CHOOSE THE LAW OFFICE OF CARE ENICHEN
Criminal Defense and Family Law • Private Practice: 10 years • Boulder County Court Judge: 15 years • Boulder County Deputy D.A.: 7 years MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY CRIMES | DUIs | ASSAULTS | PROTECTION ORDERS FAMILY LAW CASES INCLUDING DIVORCE , CHILD SUPPORT, AND CUSTODY
Care Enichen, Attorney at Law
A PERSONAL APPROACH TO L AW
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Historic, boutique law firm in downtown Boulder 2033 11th Street, Suite 6, Boulder, CO 80304 (303) 442-5566 | paralegal@carelawboulder.com www.carelawboulder.com
business monthly CONTINUED
Boulder Musician Celebrates Latest Album and Large Nonprofit Donation Matt Siffert moved to Boulder last year from Nashville and has celebrated some exciting milestones since arriving in town. In July, Siffert celebrated his new album, Magic of the New, with a performance at Chautauqua Auditorium, opening for Rosanne Cash. Days before the show, Siffert received some extraordinary news: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $2 million to Musical Mentors Collaborative, the nonprofit Siffert helps run. Find him on Instagram at Instagram.com/MattSiffert for upcoming shows.
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Yo u’r eI nv ite d!
Open H l o o h o c use S l l A November 7 10 - Noon th
Most parents tour our school after meeting a Waldorf student and seeing who they want their child to become Come and see the Waldorf Advantage in action with student-led tours, classroom experiences and a high school student panel
Scan to RSVP and receive event updates & details
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2445 bluff street modern. versatile. cool. Experience brand-new lock-and-leave living in the heart of downtown Boulder. Built by Colson Builders, this thoughtfully designed residence features clean lines, a functional layout, and a fully separate ADU. Perfectly positioned for game day gatherings and everyday living, this contemporary home offers the best of modern Boulder living.
intrigued? join us for a tour september 12th before the cu bluffs game reach out to lynn for more details or to schedule a private tour lynn ryan // 303 489 0309 // lynn@lynnryanboulder.com // lynnryanboulder.com
@MileHiModern All Rights Reserved | milehimodern.com | 303.876.1073 | MileHiModern® is a licensed trademark An Equal Opportunity Company | Equal Housing Opportunity HO
business monthly CONTINUED
Melton Design Build Earns Five Remodeling Awards Melton Design Build earned five honors this season, including four 2026 NKBA Rocky Mountain Peak Awards for the projects “Mountain Modern Revival” and “Everyday Elegance,” plus a Regional Chrysalis Award for the project “Phenomenal Flood Recovery” in the Residential Specialty Item category. The recognitions celebrate thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and remodeling work shaped around the way Colorado homeowners live every day.
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The Most Powerful Classroom
Decades of research confirm what we all know... People learn best by doing. So skip the worksheets and busy work. At Watershed, you’ll follow your curiosity into immersive classes, hands-on fieldwork, community projects, and life-changing travel. You’ll tackle real challenges, make a difference, and discover what you’re capable of.
NOW ENROLLING GRADES 6–12 FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
303.440.7520 watershedschool.org
business monthly CONTINUED
Matt Ellsworth Promoted to Lead Project Manager at Skycastle Construction Today we’re spotlighting Matt Ellsworth, Skycastle’s Lead Project Manager—an understated leader who’d rather mentor the team, refine processes, or hit the trails with his pup Alma than talk about himself. His path to luxury construction was anything but typical, from Costa Rica resort work to backcountry stonework and commercial remodels. At Skycastle, his sustainability mindset and meticulous collaboration shine. He’s a Passive House Tradesperson and serves on the Colorado Green Building Guild board.
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ACME FINE GOODS MEN’S & WOMEN’S APPAREL AND GIFTS 915 WALNUT ST. LOUISVILLE, CO IG: @ACMEFINEGOODS WWW.ACMEFINEGOODS.COM
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MEET THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE VASU FAMILY GentleMax Pro TM. Faster treatments, powerful and reliable results - a comfortable experience from start to finish. Enjoy 20% off all Laser Hair Removal Packages in September.
SCAN TO BOOK — ENJOY 10% OFF YOUR FIRST TREATMENT 2490 JUNCTION PL #102
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photography by @martinsoederhamn All Medical and Aesthetic Services Are Delegated by Doctor Stephen L. Zakany, M.D. DR: 0032983
business monthly CONTINUED
Eco-Cycle: 50 Years of Impact Now through September 20. Join the Museum of Boulder and Eco-Cycle in celebrating the 50-year story of a grassroots movement that helped launch Colorado's recycling revolution. Founded in 1976 by Boulder residents with retired school buses and big ideas, Eco-Cycle grew from volunteer curbside collections into one of the nation's leading Zero Waste organizations. The exhibition explores its lasting impact on Boulder, environmental policy, and the future of sustainable resource management through stories, artifacts, and community history.
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A distinctive school for the bold, the creative, the deeply curious.
At Tara Performing Arts High School,
immersive academics, world travel, and live theater come together in a profound educational journey. With our 3-to-1 student-teacher ratio and Waldorf-rooted curriculum, every student is known, challenged, and empowered to meet the complexity of today’s world.
Tara
Performing Arts
High School 303-440-4510 • www.tarahighschool.org 4180 19th St., Boulder
Schedule a Tour Today! 36
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EVENT SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER, 2026 | BOULDER, COLORADO
3
Cocktails & Conversations: Designing the Human Experience
THUR Join architects, interior designers, lighting specialists,
5:30 PM– 8:30 PM
and window & door experts for a lively conversation about comfort, wellness, and the design choices that shape everyday life. Light bites served. 21+
FREE 4
Caffeinated Mornings with Jay Ferracane
Start your morning with coffee, conversation, and creativity. Hosted by Jay Ferracane, this intimate discussion with musician Kevin Hart explores the creative process and the ideas behind meaningful work.
FRI
Night: 15 Movie Modernism, Inc. Screening & Discussion
TUE
Enjoy a screening of Modernism, Inc., a documentary exploring architect Eliot Noyes and the rise of modern design in corporate America, followed by a discussion with architect and preservationist Leonard Segel.
& Conversations: 17 Cocktails Allow Me to Waste Your Time
THUR Inspired by Martin Brodsky’s Allow Me to Waste Your
9:00 AM– 10:30 AM
7:00 PM– 9:30 PM
5:30 PM– 8:30 PM
Time, this intimate evening invites guests to unplug, slow down, and connect through cocktails, conversation, and shared curiosity. 21+
Wrap Party 22 2026 Celebrate the close of Month of Modern with cocktails, TUE
7:00 PM– 10:00 PM
food, music, captivating dance performances, and great company. It's the perfect finale to a month of architecture, design, and creative inspiration.
Design Within Reach Grand Opening FREE 25 Celebrate the opening of Design Within Reach's new FRI
Boulder store. Explore an inspiring modern space and enjoy a panel discussion on sustainable design, materials, and the future of modern living.
TM
6:00 PM– 9:00 PM
ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS
Benton Buckley Books | Bauen Build | BKI Woodworks | Buildwell | Caddis Collaborative | cgmodern architecture | FLOWER | Hammerwell | Integral Thread | Harrison Home Systems | Goose Haven Construction | Kipnis Architecture | Marpa | MK Construction | R Design | The Refinery | Rocky Mountain Blueprint | Rodwin / Skycastle | Siteworks | Sloan Construction | Studio B | Taylor Architecture | TUMU studio | UV Design Co.
GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY SELL OUT!
monthofmodern.com
business monthly CONTINUED
Nude Foods Opens New North Boulder Location at Moxie! Plastic-free grocery shopping just got a whole lot easier with local Nude Foods Market's third location opening. Come in for a pastry at Moxie, and wander to the back to shop for snacks, essentials, prepared foods, and home goods at Boulder's favorite zero-waste store. Nude Foods makes it easy to be sustainable. Shop for organic and local groceries in returnable glass jars that are returned, sanitized, and reused hundreds of times. Visit at 4593 Broadway St.
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October 7, 2026 Boulder Theater
THE HUMAN ADVANTAGE SUMMIT CREATORS NOT CONSUMERS Featuring inspiring keynote speakers, the summit explores creativity not simply as artistic expression, but as the ways we shape our lives, our communities, and the stories we tell about ourselves and one another.
JOIN US
humanadvantagesummit.org
business monthly CONTINUED
Boulder Ballet Boulder Ballet Dance + WellSpace opened in August. Now with two locations and an expanded class schedule, it's easier than ever to start your dance journey. Featuring classes for ages 18 months to adult, find access to classes, community workshops, wellness practitioners, and affordable rental space in Boulder. Come grow with us.
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BOULDER COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
2.5 years through PreK
TK - 5th grade
Middle School
The Years That Shape Everything
Students deserve an education where creativity and curiosity grow side by side.
Preview Days Oct 15 • Nov 17
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Register here.
New York Times Critics’ Pick
9/17 –10/4
10/8 –11/1
SAVOY DENVER
DAIRY ARTS CENTER
“The Weir is a profound meditation on the twin themes of loneliness and community, told so theatrically that you’ll savor each peat-scented phrase.” — THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
STARRING
Mark Collins
Colleen Lee
Colin Martin
Michael Morgan*
Ryan Stack *Appearing courtesy of the AEA Association
GET YOUR TICKETS AT BETC.ORG
business monthly CONTINUED
Boulder's Monthly Panel for Creative Professionals Studio Sessions is a monthly panel series hosted by Michael Benjamin and presented by The Brand Studios at CU Boulder. Panelists are professionals from local agencies, studios, and businesses. Past topics include AI, creative careers, account management, and hospitality. Upcoming topics include packaging and running a creative business. Everyone talks, not just the people up front. Free, second Fridays at 1301 Walnut Street. Find session dates and times on Instagram @studiosessions_co.
Photography by Julia Vandenoever @juliavandenoever CONTINUED >
S ing is Believing
Mackintosh Academy - Boulder is a K-8 school intentionally designed around the unique strengths, needs, and styles of gifted learners. What if gifted education was about so much more than acceleration?
K-8 Meet & Mingles October 21 | 5:30-7pm December 2 | 5:30-7pm
Kindergarten Play Dates
November 6 | 1-4pm January 23, 2027 | 9am-12pm
Limited spots!
MackBoulder.com
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A RARE EXPRESSION OF BOULDER LUXURY
2285 Knollwood Dr, Boulder
$8,800,000 | 3 Bed | 4 Bath | 4,907 SQ FT
Set atop Knollwood on one of Boulder’s most desirable parcels, this residence gathers sweeping views, direct hiking trail access and an easy walk to West Pearl Street into a single address. Surround Architecture, construction by Harrington Stanko and landscape design by Marpa come together in a masterful expression of quiet luxury, with beauty and balance held in a measure rarely achieved.
Because now more than ever, experience matters in the sale of your home.
STEWART WARD Principal Broker 303.704.7774 stewart.ward@compass.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
business monthly CONTINUED
Walters & Hogsett Jewelers Gold Rush Party and Trunk Show Walters & Hogsett Jewelers, the Official Jeweler of CU Athletics, invites you to celebrate Gold Rush game weekend with a special Friday afternoon Party on October 16! Enjoy the Sethi Couture Trunk Show, hats by Parker Thomas, and Suerte Tequila tastings while you shop. Lite bites will be available throughout the afternoon. Stop by, show your Buffs spirit, and kick off game day in style!
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / B O U L D E R
A taste of Japan in the heart of Colorado Where centuries of culinary excellence get a fresh touch. Sushi, modern Japanese, and hand-crafted cocktails. BOULDER
FORT COLLINS
1136 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302 303-938-0330
125 S. College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-413-7436
JapangoBoulder
JapangoFortCollins
JAPANG OSUSHI.C OM
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Takeoan! Vacati
S U G A R S A LTS A ND.CO M
SUNDANCE FILM L A V I T S E F A R R E T V CO WANT YOUR SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL ART ON BOULDER LIFESTYLE’S COVER? SUBMIT YOUR ART HONORING BOULDER AND SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED ON OUR COVER FOR OUR JANUARY 2027 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL ISSUE FOLLOW THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SUBMIT BY NOVEMBER 1ST
DOWNTOWN BOULDER GETS ITS
MISSING PIECE ARTICLE BY EMILY O'BRIEN
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O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN
Downtown Boulder hasn't seen a residential development this size in roughly 50 years. A rare run of contiguous lots, pieced together parcel by parcel over decades, has finally landed in one hand after years of assembly. Picea Residences is a four-level luxury townhome development rising on Spruce Street. Trailbreak Partners is developing the project. Phase I is now for sale, with move-in anticipated for 2027.
A DIFFERENT SCALE
Most downtown Boulder townhome projects top out at eight or ten units. Picea is more than five times that size. Its scale is intentional, distinguishing it from a single building inserted into an existing neighborhood. “Picea's scale, 52 residences, makes it feel like its own enclave within walking distance of Pearl Street, with the design and finish quality you'd expect from a custom build rather than a typical multifamily project,” says Doug Elenowitz of Trailbreak Partners. “Picea is a rare opportunity to become part of one of Boulder's most authentic and sought-after neighborhoods,” says local resident Paula Doyle, who says its connection to nature and the vibrant energy set it apart.
WALKABLE LIVING
According to the development team, location is what makes the community stand out. Sitting at the edge of Whittier, one of Boulder's older residential neighborhoods, Picea places residents on quiet neighborhood streets to the north and blocks from Pearl Street to the south. “Picea creates a true sense of community while seamlessly connecting the energy of Pearl Street with the 28th Street district, offering a walkable lifestyle that's unlike anything else in Boulder,” says Patrick Brown of Compass.
BUILT FOR DOWNSIZING WITHOUT THE DOWNSIDES
The buyer pool is broad by design, ranging from young professionals to empty nesters looking to downsize. Floor plans are designed to reduce square footage without sacrificing functionality, featuring walk-in pantries, oversized primary closets, and garage parking in every unit, including some with space for two vehicles. Every townhome comes with an oversized private rooftop deck with solar pergolas and room for an outdoor kitchen, and some units have elevator access straight to the roof. “The proximity of the loft-like living space to the rooftop deck is unique in Boulder. This combination allows for maximum use of both interior and exterior space,” says Ali Gidfar of Pace Development. “They're truly private outdoor living spaces in the sky, complete with outdoor kitchens, shade from the elements, and incredible Flatiron views,” Brown says.
GREEN BY DESIGN
Picea is all-electric, with no fossil fuel hookups anywhere on site. Heat pumps handle heating and cooling, solar panels top every roof, and continuous insulation wraps the exterior envelope, backed by R-65 insulation in the ceilings. Each unit is pre-wired for EV charging, and the location keeps daily errands and transit within easy reach. The project could bring new foot traffic to businesses along 28th and 30th streets. Gidfar says the courtyard design, with front doors opening onto shared courtyards, encourages the kind of interaction that leads to real relationships between neighbors. Whether it's the rooftop terraces, shared courtyards, or walkable location, Picea is designed to bring new residential life to a part of downtown that hasn't seen a project of this scale in decades. To learn more, visit PiceaBoulder.com S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BO UL D E R
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THE SOUND OF SERENDIPITY
BOULDER’S MAPLETON HILL PORCHFEST 50
C UR B A P P E A L | ENTERTAIN ME N T
One day in 2011, Dominic "Dom" Nozzi was scrolling a listserv when he came across a discussion about porchfests. A former town planner, Dom had taken an interest in an urban design mailing list when this unexpected gem fell into his lap. He wanted to start a porchfest in Boulder. Porchfest is a community event where bands and musical acts play on neighborhood porches for local audiences to enjoy. It promotes connection and encourages everyone to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and a wide range of live music. Boulder’s version is free, emphasizing a come-one, come-all attitude. The first porchfest is believed to have started in Ithaca, New York in 2007. Today, there are over 250 porchfests held annually across America and Canada. When Dom got the idea to start a porchfest in Boulder, the place he called home was Mapleton Hill. Knowing how special this historic neighborhood was, he saw an opportunity to make this hill a home for porchfest too. Dom reached out to neighbors and friends to see if they would want to help bring the Mapleton Hill PorchFest to life. One of the people he contacted was Pat Lehman. A resident of Mapleton Hill since 1987, Pat held the first committee meeting for Mapleton Hill PorchFest at her house. Almost a year later in the fall of 2012, PorchFest officially launched, music reverberating through the district’s streets. “It is always a thrill to walk around the neighborhood to see the many bands of different kinds of music,” says Pat. “To mix with hundreds of people enjoying the music and ambiance!” One of the things that makes the Mapleton Hill PorchFest possible is the people who volunteer their porches, like local resident Natasia Smith. She has had a variety of musical acts grace her home’s makeshift stage, but Bluegrass holds a special place in her heart thanks to her Kentucky roots. “Our home has a history of being connected to community events, and we felt it was important to continue this legacy,” says Natasia.
ARTICLE BY AVERY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MAPLETON HILL PORCH FEST
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“IT IS ALWAYS A THRILL TO WALK AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO SEE THE MANY BANDS OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF MUSIC.” Kathy Spear, who helps with communications and publicity for Mapleton Hill PorchFest, also found out about the event through a listserv in 2011. At the time, she and her husband Brian Spear, who is also involved in the local PorchFest, were living between Boulder and Chicago. This community event was a window into a new town, a chance to meet new people. Kathy references a local musician’s aphorism when describing Mapleton Hill PorchFest as “‘what building community is all about.’” Dom left Boulder in 2020 but continues to be a champion for porchfests and the inclusivity they represent. “Socializing is the new fitness center,” says Dom. “I think that humans are hardwired to enjoy socializing and serendipitously encountering old friends they haven’t seen in a long time and meeting new friends.” Mapleton Hill PorchFest sits at the intersection of music and community. Head towards the foothills on September 20, and you too might find your own slice of serendipity. Learn more by visiting their website MapletonHillPorchfest.com.
— PAT LEHMAN 52
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NOW OP E N | FO O D + BEVE RAGE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN ROBSON PHOTOGRAPHY
East Boulder’s new East & Co is not merely a new restaurant. They call themselves a “full-day hospitality destination” and for good reason. They’re also a coffee bar, cocktail lounge, deli counter, marketplace, gameroom, and event space that can host twelve or two hundred.
B OU L DE R’ S N E W T H I R D S PAC E
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Walking in, it feels like entering the lobby of a boutique hotel, complete with plenty of sleek lines and beautiful finishes. Because of that, crossing the threshold is an invitation to embrace the vacation mindset: enjoy the latte, buy the souvenir, and maybe order ‘one more’ glass of wine. All of that is by design. The owners set out to create a place for the people of Boulder to gather, connect, and recharge. “East Boulder had everything except a living room,” says Josh Dinar, Co-Founder of Working Title Group. “We set out to design a place that moves with you through the day. Where you could enjoy a morning Ozo latte, a working lunch meeting, and a small plate and craft cocktail at the end of the day.” Continuing with the hotel vibes, you can enjoy that cocktail or meal within the more obvious
dining area or can order to a seat by the fireplace or outside on the terrace, complete with lawn games and the Jolly Trolley. Because of that flexibility, the space plays host to all sorts of people and groups, from couples and young families to coworkers and book clubs. Gigante says that he can tell it’s already become a part of people’s habits, whether they’re stopping in for coffee every morning or doing frequent team lunches or happy hours. Some regulars are even hosting their own events, like a pilates studio owner who’s approached them about doing outdoor classes and a matchmaking group who put on a singles happy hour. “The space becomes the inspiration for building community,” says Dinar. “It’s starting to feel like it belongs to the neighborhood rather than to us. That’s when you know it’s working, and it’s a really gratifying feeling.”
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In the market, they’ve partnered with Boulder County Farmers Market to curate the offerings. You’ll find sourdough crackers from Full Stop. Bakery, chocolates from NOCO Chocolates, honey from Boulder Valley Honey, etc. “The people who make the products have become family,” says Dinar. “Everything’s local, and everything’s delicious.” This is only the first iteration of the market, and it will soon expand to have artisan-made goods from local artists and more. The menu also evolves seasonally, based on what’s good locally and what people are gravitating towards. Their goal is that there’s always something new to try and enjoy.
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Unsurprisingly, there’s a powerhouse team behind the space. Working Title Food Group, known also for River and Woods and the Michelin-recognized Ash'Kara Unorthodox Cuisine, joined forces with Greg Topel and his team at EVG Hospitality, who’ve led the opening and day-to-day operations. Topel and his team also established and operated Stella's Cucina in Boulder along with Parlor KC in Kansas City. “It's a group with a lot of range and a shared point of view about hospitality,” says Dinar. Currently, they’re open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Explore more at EastandCo.com or @eastandco boulder on Instagram and TikTok.
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STEEL MAGNOLIAS A DESIGN-BUILD Landscape by Designs by Sundown TURNS A CONSTRAINED CHERRY HILLS LOT INTO a Four-Season GARDEN RETREAT
ARTICLE BY AVERY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLY GAVIN PHOTOGRAPHY CONTINUED >
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DESIGNING WITHIN THE LINES The site brought its own restrictions. Because the lot had been subdivided from a larger parcel, atypical setback requirements extended through much of the rear and side yards, shrinking the buildable footprint and leaving little room for a traditional accessory structure. Rather than let the constraint shrink the vision, the team treated it as a design problem — through careful space planning and close coordination with the property's existing hardscape, they engineered a layout that used every available square foot while remaining fully within code. Portions of the original poured patio remained, but its finish didn't match the caliber of the new design. Instead of demolishing it, Designs by Sundown layered in architectural upgrades: custom precast banding with 45-degree corner detailing around the pool for definition and texture, and custom precast step caps that add warmth and color variation to the hardscape. Even the stair treads received a quiet reengineering — a custom-fabricated 2-inch turned-down edge that visually doubles the apparent thickness of the stone without altering the structure underneath.
Set on a subdivided parcel in Englewood's Cherry Hills neighborhood, the property known as Steel Magnolias began as a modest landscape refresh. By the time the design-build team at Designs by Sundown had finished, it had become a full reimagining of the grounds—a sequence of gathering spaces, gardens, and hardscape details engineered to read as one continuous design, from the front entry to a working orchard along the side yard. "The homeowners wanted the landscape to feel like a true extension of the house—a place built for entertaining, but just as comfortable for everyday family life," says Wiley Klein, Senior Landscape Designer at Designs by Sundown. With young grandchildren and pets factored into nearly every decision, generous turf areas were worked into the plan to give them room to run, while the surrounding patios, plantings, and outdoor rooms gave the adults space of their own.
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“EVERY DECISION WAS measured AGAINST THE SAME STANDARD — DOES THIS REFLECT THE client’s aesthetic, AND DOES IT KNIT THE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE together AS one PROPERTY.” — WILEY KLEIN, SENIOR LANDSCAPE DESIGNER, DESIGNS BY SUNDOWN
A GARDEN BUILT FOR EVERY MICROCLIMATE Where the site's constraints shaped the hardscape, its exposure shaped the planting plan. Full sun and full shade sit side by side across the property, and the client's highly curated vision for horticulture demanded that both read as a single, cohesive garden. Hydrangeas and hostas anchor the shaded beds; lavender, Russian sage, and other Colorado-adapted xeric perennials carry the sunnier exposures. Irrigation was zoned accordingly from the start, so each microclimate receives exactly what it needs without disrupting the design's continuity. DETAILS THAT DISAPPEAR ON PURPOSE Local code required a retention pond scaled to the size of the lot—a requirement the team used as a design opportunity rather than an obstacle. Anchored by a weeping willow and a dry creek bed and planted in no-mow native seed, the pond reads as a natural wild area rather than stormwater infrastructure. Custom steel planters, set along the front boundary between patio and yard, are replanted seasonally with perennials and annuals for color that shifts throughout the year. And what had been an unused side yard is now a small orchard, its path lined with Honey Crisp apple, Elberta peach, Mount Royal plum, Lapins cherry, and Red Delicious trees. The result is a landscape that exceeded the client's original brief—a series of interconnected outdoor spaces built for entertaining, for grandchildren and pets, and for everyday family life, under a planting plan designed to mature and improve for years to come. To learn more, visit DesignsBySundown.com. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BO UL D E R
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g Game Fernando Lovo is Focused on Developing Student Athletes and Strengthening the Bond Between CU and Boulder ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CU ATHLETICS
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More than half a year into his tenure as Director of Athletics at the University of Colorado, Fernando Lovo is still adjusting to the pace of one of college athletics' most visible jobs. He jokes that the transition is like "drinking from a fire hose," but the whirlwind has not dampened his enthusiasm or spirit. If anything, it has reinforced why he came to Boulder. Lovo arrived at CU during one of the most transformative periods in college sports, where NIL agreements, the transfer portal, and shifting conference landscapes have fundamentally changed how athletic departments operate. Yet while the business of college athletics continues to evolve, Lovo's vision is rooted in something much more enduring: developing student-athletes, building trust, and strengthening the connection between the university and the Boulder community. "I was a sports junkie growing up,” Lovo says. “It always gave me joy to play and be part of a team and to compete. It was always part of my DNA." Lovo credits his father for instilling a strong work ethic and humility, which he has fully incorporated into his successive leadership roles. While studying as an undergraduate at the University of Florida, Lovo started as a student football equipment manager, moving on to football operations assistant. His original vision was to pursue a law degree and become a sports agent, but what he describes as “being at the right place at the right time around the right people” changed his career path. Lovo’s early experiences, coupled with opportunities to work under championship coaches and respected administrators, shaped a career that has included leadership roles at Florida, Ohio State, Houston, Texas, the NFL, and most recently the University of New Mexico before arriving in Boulder. Looking back, Lovo credits much of his journey to being surrounded by exceptional mentors. He points to former football coach Urban Meyer, whom he worked with at both Florida and Ohio State, introducing him to a leadership philosophy that continues to guide his decision-making. "He taught me a lot about the performance pathway…" says Lovo. “Leaders create the culture, culture creates the behavior, and then behavior produces results." That philosophy is balanced by another lesson learned from longtime Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte: relationships matter. "I look at trust in three different and distinct ways," Lovo says. "Character, competency, and connection. Do you do what you say you're going to do? Do people feel like you're making them better? And the old adage: people don't care what you know until they know how much you care."
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Those principles have become the foundation of how he leads Colorado Athletics—not simply as an administrator overseeing wins and losses, but as someone responsible for the growth of hundreds of young people. "Our North Star is to graduate our student-athletes,” explains Lovo. “To develop them and prepare them so that when the cheering stops, they're ready to succeed in life, both professionally and personally… Their mental health, their nutrition, their strength and conditioning, their leadership and career development. All of those things we pour into. It's a priority for us and something that we'll never lose sight of. It's core to who we are." That student-first philosophy was one of the reasons Boulder appealed to him in the first place. Beyond its reputation as one of the nation's premier college towns, Lovo saw a university with world-class academics and a globally recognized athletic brand. But what has impressed him most since arriving isn't just the institution—it's the community that surrounds it. That connection has inspired Lovo to make community engagement a central part of his leadership. Rather than expecting fans to come to campus, he wants CU Athletics to meet people where they are, creating more opportunities for connection throughout Boulder. "We're being intentional about doing things to get out in the community…and meet our folks where they're at, so that they know we love them, we need them,” explains Lovo. “We want their support, and I know they're willing to give it to us. We just need to earn their trust." With the first full year in his role on the horizon, a sense of anticipation is building. "The energy around campus in this community is really special," Lovo says. “There’s no better place to be than Boulder.” For Lovo, success won't simply be measured by championships, although he is quick to acknowledge that winning matters. "We want to compete at the highest level,” Lovo says. “We want to win and compete for championships on a regular basis." But when he imagines looking back a decade from now, another measure of success stands alongside victories on the field: graduates succeeding in life, alumni remaining deeply connected to the university, and a community that sees itself as an essential part of CU Athletics. "Athletics is not the most important part of the institution," Lovo says, "but it is the most visible. We have the opportunity to bring people back, unite people, regardless of where they live, what their beliefs are—it doesn't matter. Athletics can bring folks together." That belief ultimately extends beyond stadiums, arenas, and scoreboards. "I firmly believe that Boulder's success is our success and our success is Boulder's," Lovo says. "If we can have that sort of relationship where we believe that, and we work hard—as a community, an institution, and a department—to bridge that gap and bring it together. I think there isn't a limit to what we can achieve." For a leader who began his career learning the value of humility, the path to leading one of college athletics' most recognizable programs has come full circle. Now, Fernando Lovo hopes to build something lasting at Colorado—not just successful teams, but a culture that reflects the pride, connection, and spirit that have long made Boulder and CU inseparable. Learn more about CU Athletics at CUBuffs.com.
"We have the opportunity to bring people back, unite people, regardless of where they live, what their beliefs are—it doesn't matter. Athletics can bring folks together." — Fernando Lovo S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BO UL D E R
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Where Theater, Travel, and Total Presence Shape Students
Photo by House of Ra Photography
Inside Tara Performing Arts High School ARTICLE BY EMILY O'BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TARA PERFORMING ARTS HIGH SCHOOL
Tara Performing Arts High School puts every student on a stage at some point, yet most of them grow up to do something completely different. That's by design. The school started small. In the early '90s, its founders, who'd all trained as Waldorf educators, ran an after-school theater program in Boulder while they figured out what a full four-year high school built around the performing arts as a vehicle for human development would actually look like. When they finally opened to a ninthgrade class in the fall of 1997, families were already on board. “They'd felt the impact of how they were working with the performing arts to deepen these students' experiences, who they could become in their lives,” says Catherine Barricklow, a Tara alum who now teaches and chairs the Leadership Council at the school.
WHEN THE PLAY TAKES OVER
Catherine says the thing that sets Tara apart is the schedule. In the two weeks before a production opens, regular classes stop.
Students are in the theater from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., sometimes later, and for that stretch, the play is the only thing going on. “It's not a space where, if you're rehearsing a play, you also have to be worrying about a chemistry test,” she says. “And you're really connecting deeply with those other people in the process.” It’s a deliberate rejection of the multitasking most teenagers are taught to operate under. At Tara, for two weeks, there is exactly one thing happening, and everyone is doing it together.
LIFE AFTER THE SPOTLIGHT
Ask Catherine where Tara graduates end up, and theater is seldom the answer. She lists them: an EPA attorney who is also a poet, a journalist, a doula, an artist who studied neurophysiology, a firefighter, an ultra-endurance bike packer and racer. Few of them are actors. All of them, she says, spent four years learning to play someone else. “If you've spent your high school years playing characters who are not like yourself, the ability to have compassion and interest CONTINUED >
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Photo by House of Ra Photography
"If you've spent your high school years playing characters who are not like yourself, the ability to have compassion and interest and empathy for people who are supposedly different from you is just so much greater." — Catherine Barricklow
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Photo by House of Ra Photography
"You're really connecting deeply with those other people in the process." — Catherine Barricklow
and empathy for people who are supposedly different from you is just so much greater,” she says. “I think that's an important gift that our graduates are giving the world.”
A SCHEDULE BUILT AROUND THE WORK
On Mondays and Wednesdays, students are on campus until 6 p.m. During the fall semester, that includes two extra hours of choir practice while the school preps for its Christmas candlelight festival. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays end earlier, leaving time for outside activities like sports or orchestras. Every morning, students drop their phones in a box before class. They've done this since 2012. The travel program works the same way the theater does: nothing happens in isolation. Ninth graders go to New York while they're studying art history. Tenth graders raft 84 miles of the San Juan River as part of a geology unit. Eleventh graders spend
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a week in the mountains reading nothing but Hamlet. Seniors get the most: marine biology in Mexico, a river expedition, Russian literature in the mountains, and a month in Europe tied to everything they've studied that year. None of it is optional. Neither, Catherine says, is who gets to attend. Tara has spent more than three decades making sure a family's finances don't decide who takes part. “We are committed to making sure that no one is turned away due to lack of funds,” she says. During production weeks, the students give up their evenings too, sometimes staying until 9 p.m. Catherine says the payoff shows up later, in graduates who can sit with someone unlike themselves with empathy and curiosity. That’s not something you can put on a syllabus. To learn more, visit TaraHighSchool.org
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A DAY AWAY IN NYC Express Escape From the Bubble to the Big Apple
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS TA
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A couple of notes before we embark on this journey: • The stores I have focused on are primarily menswear shops; however, they tend to carry unisex brands and styles. • Pick and choose the stops that pique your interest. It’s possible to hit all stops, but you’ll have to be speedy.
FIRST SECTION (MANHATTAN). APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 HOURS.
Born and bred in the DMV area (not the Department of Motor Vehicles, but rather District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) and now a local Boulder resident of 15+ years, with a decade of retail experience about town. You may have come across Chris Ta cafe hopping or generally bopping around town. Here’s Chris’ brief guide for a jam-packed day in NYC. Different city, same adventures. Looking to do a little getaway outside of the Boulder bubble and make a weekend trip to the Big Apple? Everyone knows there is so much to do with so little time that a trip to NYC can be overwhelming. If I only had a day to tackle my favorite places to shop and dine at, here’s how I would do it. In this case, it’s a sprint, not a marathon. Come with me on this NYC speedrun; you’re going to be shocked at how much can be done within a few hours!
• Coffee to start the day. Park at KIMS, opens at 8:00 a.m.: One of the best coffee shops in the city. Korean-owned. Simple, masterfully brewed, great coffee—no frills. Very little seating, so get your coffee and git! • Take your coffee from PAK and stroll on over to Golden Diner. Pray that the line isn’t too crazy (imagine the line at the Village Coffee Shop; it’s like that). They open at 9 a.m.. What you want to order are their famous Honey Butter Pancakes; they are simply to die for. After finishing a double stack (if you’re brave), you’re going to want to walk it off… • Head back towards the LES (Lower East Side) area and let the shopping commence. Most retailers do not open until 11 a.m., so we’re right on schedule. • Orchard Street Shopping, starting from south (Canal St) to north (Delancey St). Options: Fugazi, Brut Archives, Free Agency, Colbo, Wythe, Luke's Vintage, Awake NY, Standard and Strange, Self Edge, Komune, Assembly. Depending on how long you want to peruse each shop, this should take about 1 to 2 hours max. *Now make your way to the subway, Delancey & Essex Station (F Line). Headed to Brooklyn. CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BO UL D E R
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SECOND HALF (BROOKLYN). APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 HOURS.
• From the Delancey & Essex station. Hop on the F train, destination Carroll Gardens. This part of the day is a little bit “out of the way,” but believe me, it’s worth it. First Brooklyn stop, Ven Space: one of the best shops in the country, exclusively an in-store-only experience with an incredible selection of brands from all over the world. • Lunchtime (before or after Ven Space, up to you): Grab a slice at F&F Pizzeria. C’mon now, gotta grab at least a slice when in NYC. Need more coffee? Noir coffee is close by for a caffeine pitstop. • Back to the subway, Carroll St to Nassau Ave. Taking the G train to Greenpoint. • Snack Time: Another pitstop option: Peter Pan donuts. Good ol’ fashioned donuts; my favorite is their French cruller varieties. Fun fact: a scene from Spider-Man was filmed in there. Without giving out spoilers, I cannot say which scene. • From there, head down to Cibone O’Te. This home goods shop shares the space with multiple Japanese businesses. One building, 4 stops: Cibone O’Te, Dashi Okume, HOUSE Brooklyn, Cafe O’Te • Next up, across the street is Contrasto. New to Brooklyn, really cool outdoor gear shop with a tasty Japanese cafe. Imagine a mini (I mean mini mini) Neptune Mountaineering with a Japanese twist; that’s the vibe Contrasto gives.
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• Now go north (15ish min walk) to check out: Cueva, Million Goods, Bandit Running • To tie off the end of this section, we’re taking the scenic route home. Ferry from Greenpoint back to Manhattan ($4), drops you off in the Financial District. Get on the ferry, take a seat, relax, and soak in the skyline views of Brooklyn and Manhattan as you cruise along the East River. • Dinner time: Once dropped off in Manhattan (Pier 11). Make your way to Chinatown for dinner at Great NY Noodletown. Cash only. Favorite dishes are the Shrimp Wonton Soup with noodles, Char Siu Pork, and Roasted Duck. *Now time for sleep because of all that food from dinner, and what a day.
YOUR undance S A QUICK GUIDE TO ATTENDING THE 2027 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
For more than four decades, the Sundance Film Festival has been a cornerstone of independent cinema culture, fostering a community of storytellers and cinephiles. Each year, thousands of attendees gather for a mix of film premieres and episodic screenings, talks, and events. Senior Programmer and Director of Strategic Initiatives John Nein explains that there are many types of movie-going behaviors and says that passes are structured to appeal to a wide variety of individuals. “You can decide based on your lifestyle how many films you plan to watch,” he says. Even those on the extremely enthusiastic end. “The first year that I went to Sundance, I watched 23 movies in five days,” he says. “I don't know how many
GAME ARTICLE BY EMILY O'BRIEN ILLUSTRATION BY GINA DODGE STUDIO
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people actually do that. But there's a pass or package for that.” For attendees, the first step is selecting a pass, ticket package, or single ticket.
A PASS FOR EVERY PACE
Passes and ticket packages go on sale in mid-October. The Full Festival Ticket Package provides unlimited access to screenings and priority entry. For those who’d rather bypass the fulfillment process and see a film whenever they want, the Second Half Express Pass grants access to all screenings, no advance selection required. In mid-December, program announcements and schedules become available, with ticket package fulfillment (when you select the exact films you want to see) opening in January. Package holders have priority selection over Single Film Ticket holders.
“Tickets do go quickly. It's probably good to note that those fulfillment windows are real, and you have to put them on your calendar,” John says. For people who are curious about films but don’t feel the need to be in the first screening, this year brings a new option. “The Encore Ticket Package is where you can get tickets for everything except the first screening of a film,” John says. And if you’re just looking to pick a specific film or two, there’s also a set time when individual tickets go on sale. “What’s important to know is that all packages have an earlier fulfillment window before that,” John says. “During this period, package holders can choose their films in advance. So if you’re set on seeing something and don’t want to risk it selling out, a package gives you that earlier access.” For individuals with more free time during weekdays, John points to another new option this year, the Matinee Package, which runs Monday through Friday for any film that starts before 5 p.m. For moviegoers who might have a hard time making the festival in person, there are several online options to choose from. Students, aged 18–25, can purchase the Ignite Ticket Package, a more affordable option built for their budgets, to work in screenings when their schedules allow.
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HOW TO NAVIGATE THE FESTIVAL
When choosing movie times, you’ll want to factor in travel time between venues. “People are going to feel how much closer things are to one another,” John says, noting that the pedestrian footprint is one of the draws of hosting the festival in Boulder. And for locals, the festival brings a fresh lens to even the most well-known spaces. “I kind of love the idea of a place that might seem familiar actually being new in a certain way to people who come to visit,” John says about certain renovations.
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NEW FAVO Hosea Rosenberg Channels Little Italy in South Boulder 82
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ARTICLE BY ALLYSON REEDY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONI SCHRANTZ
It’s not even 5 p.m. on a Tuesday, and Boulder is already here. They’re drinking giant orange spritzes at the bar, catching up with friends in the sunny dining room, and spilling across a 12-top with three generations of family. Most people I know are still answering emails, but here a man was just presented with an olive oil and sea salt-topped dish of soft serve that I immediately make a note to order. “Here” is Morso, the new restaurant from Blackbelly and Santo chef/owner—and “Top Chef” winner—Hosea Rosenberg. The early evening crowd speaks to Rosenberg’s culinary talent, not to mention the loyalty he’s built through restaurants that have become community stalwarts over the past decade-plus. Morso, however, is different from those. It’s all Italian— but not Big Italy so much as Little Italy. “When people ask me what region of Italy, I say New York City,” Rosenberg jokes. That East Coast-style Italian sensibility translates to a core menu of antipasti, pizzas, pastas and familiar comfort dishes like parmesans and chicken marsala. But Morso isn’t interested in nostalgia alone. Daily specials and seasonal ingredients keep things fresh, like adding sliced peaches to the caprese-like burrata, all creamy and decked out with cherry tomatoes and basil, resting in a honey vinaigrette that’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and entirely worth spooning up once everything else is gone. Then there are the quietly brilliant details: pillowy focaccia served with both butter and olive oil, or chopped clams folded into the linguini alle vongole so every twirl delivers more shellfish with less work. The pizzas, meanwhile, are reason enough to visit. A classic margherita and crème fraiche-based mushroom share the menu with a Hatch green chile and house-made sausage pie, a nod to Rosenberg’s New Mexican roots. Each is built on a three-day-fermented dough, resulting in a beautifully blistered, bubbly crust. Even the marinara, made from just four ingredients, took months to perfect. CONTINUED >
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In fact, it was the wood-fired pizza oven, left behind by Under the Sun Pub & Pizza, which previously occupied the space, that sparked the idea for Morso in the first place. Rosenberg had been looking to open a Spanish tapas restaurant, but then he visited the vacant spot off Table Mesa and Broadway, and his plans changed. “It just made sense,” he says. “We’ll just go a couple countries over.” The space strikes the same balance as the menu, polished without taking itself too seriously. Light woods and white marble keep things bright and cheery, whether you’re perched at the centerpiece square bar or at one of the many tables surrounding it. Beverages lean Italian, too, from oversized spritzes glowing sunset orange to a thoughtfully selected wine list to a whopping seven different negronis.
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And if you’ve somehow saved room, don’t skip that soft serve. It starts with the same ultrarich, 10% butterfat base used by Sweet Cow Ice Cream; Morso just puts their own spin on it, gussying it up with olive oil and sea salt. Or pistachio, dark chocolate, and candied orange for a take on panettone. Or pours Bull & Bush root beer or Huckleberry espresso over it for a killer float or affogato. How ever you order it, you’ll probably be scraping the bottom of the cup. Looking around the room—at the plates of pastas and meatballs, the stunning pizzas—it’s easy to understand why Boulder showed up early. Morso isn’t just another Italian restaurant. It’s the sort of place that makes you want to settle in, order one more thing, and stay awhile. MorsoBoulder.com
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“WHEN PEOPLE ASK ME WHAT REGION OF ITALY, I SAY NEW YORK CITY.”
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A LITTLE FLY FISHING GUIDE TO BOULDER, COLORADO ARTICLE BY JEFF SCHWING PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER
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"FROM R O C K Y MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, TO THE RIO GRANDE AND ANIMAS RIVER FLOWING OUT OF D U R A NGO, CO L O R ADO OFFERS NEW FISHERMEN A LIFETIME OF EXP L O RATION AND WO N D ER."
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Let me break the ice for those of you who don't know: Fly fishing isn’t that hard. There is nothing stopping anyone from walking into a fly shop, buying a rod, and hitting the river, and if you are like me, it will change your life. At the root of fly fishing, we are imitating nature as much as possible to coax the natural behavior of trout. The farther from that you are, the less you are fly fishing. Before I dig into the Boulder fly fishing scene I want to talk a little about fly fishing basics. There is so much information out there on the internet, and most of it is just there to sell you gear you don't need. My first word of advice for anyone getting into the sport: more gear doesn't equate to more fish, nor does expensive gear equate to bigger fish. To this day, I believe my brother has never bought a new piece of fly fishing equipment. Unlike so many outdoor sports, fly fishing is truly about being in nature, not showing off gear. So! You have decided to go fly fishing. Here is what you will need to get started. I would challenge any new fisherman to spend less than $500 their first season. I would also challenge new fly fishermen to read some books before their first day. There are a ton of great references out there written by seasoned veterans of the sport. When you're buying your first fly rod, ignore most of the marketing and focus on three things: weight, material, and vibes. For Colorado trout, a used graphite 8- to 9-foot, 3- or 4-weight rod is a great place to start, and you'll likely enjoy it more than the standard 9-foot, 5-weight many beginner guides recommend. Your first rod should simply be one that feels good in your hands and makes you excited to fish. Take care of it, learn how it casts, and it'll become one of your most valuable pieces of gear. I have owned many rods, but the rod I reach for more than any other on Colorado backcountry creeks is my Winston, Tom Morgan favorite, 2-piece, 8’ 4wt, graphite rod.
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Your reel doesn't need to be expensive; it just needs to match your rod's weight and work reliably. Spend your money and time on the water rather than premium equipment. The fish won't know the difference. I personally prefer a click-and-pawl (my brother will always have a disc drag rigged). Fly line, leaders, tippet, and flies can seem overwhelming, but don't overthink them. Start with a standard floating trout line, 5X tapered leaders, 5X tippet, and whatever flies your local fly shop recommends. The goal isn't to own every piece of gear; it's to build confidence and spend time learning the water. My favorite fly right now is the Yakoda Chimera, made by Yakoda Supply in Louisville. They also have some of my all-time favorite gear made locally by locals. After you have a rod, reel, fishing line, and some flies, you will need a fishing license and some knowledge of where you can legally fish and how to fish respectfully and ethically. I would highly recommend a net with silicone, a pair of forceps, polarized sunglasses, and something to hold a cold beer or flask. It should be fun after all, and not to disappoint anyone, but catching fish is really only part of the enjoyment of the sport. Some days you will catch nothing, and that is okay. Your local fly shop is a great resource for anyone starting out if you don't know where to go. Fishermen are notorious for keeping their fishing spots a secret, for obvious reasons, so I will always recommend exploring on your own. Boulder Creek runs West to East from Nederland through Boulder, and almost all of it is public. As a matter of fact, you can fish Boulder Creek as it flows through town, walking distance from Central Boulder. Boulder Canyon Drive follows Boulder Creek all the way to Nederland, and if you see a spot to pull off and fish, go for it. Up the road after leaving Boulder west about five miles, you will reach the confluence of Boulder Creek and North Boulder Creek. As a rule of thumb, trout love confluences and so should you. Running southwest out of Lyons is the legendary South Saint Vrain Creek. South St. Vrain Drive follows the creek and connects with the Peak to Peak Highway through Ward into Nederland, creating a lovely fly-fishing loop. There are hundreds of fishing opportunities along this loop and would take a lifetime to fish it all. One of my personal favorites is the St. Vrain. Easily accessible trails twist along the creek, offering scenic, shaded pools to technical, narrow rapids. Twisting southwest of Boulder is Flagstaff Road. Following this road will connect you with a few seasonal creeks that offer small brook trout fishing and general exploration that is worth your time. If you continue down this road, you will eventually end up at Gross Reservoir. A great place to start your day is the South Boulder Creek Kayak Run parking lot, but be prepared to share the river and trail with other fishermen. If you are anything like my little brother, even the idea of seeing another person while fishing is enough to not fish at all. I will always encourage folks to explore, but always be safe! South Boulder Creek runs west from this dam and continues into Eldorado Canyon, which can also be accessed from the east by Eldorado Springs Drive via Marshall Drive off Highway 36. This stretch of water offers excellent canyon fishing with technical sections varying drastically season to season. Within driving distance of all of this fishing is one of the state's best-kept cheesy secrets. Toss: Wood Fired Eatery offers some of the best pizza around, tucked away down a small dirt road just south of Ned. Get a pie and beer, sit in the shade, and then get back after it. Adventure awaits close to town, but for those willing to adventure, Colorado offers some of the best mountain fly fishing in the world. From Rocky Mountain National park, to the Rio Grande and Animas River flowing out of Durango, Colorado offers new fishermen a lifetime of exploration and wonder. My brother and I create fly fishing content based out of the Front Range of Colorado. For more fly fishing, or just silly goose content, check out Frog Boys USA on Instagram@frogboysusa. Good luck out there.
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LET’S CREATE EXTRAORDINARY SPACES, TOGETHER. M E LT O N D E S I G N B U I L D . C O M | 3 0 3 . 4 7 3 . 9 5 4 2 | N E W H O M E S | C O M M E R C I A L | R E M O D E L S
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In His Boulder Studio, Sculptor Ted Bradley Designs Illuminating Functional Art ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TED BRADLEY STUDIO
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Photo by Adam Potts Photography
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Photo by Eliza Earle Photography
“I like my mental state best when I'm working with my hands,” says Ted Bradley, owner of his eponymous Boulder studio where he handcrafts porcelain light sculptures. “Some people can sit on a pillow and meditate. Others need to move their bodies to meditate. Working with clay in my hands is my meditation.” Bradley, who studied ceramics and mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, launched Ted Bradley Studio in 2019. His work marries these two passions and sits effortlessly at the intersection of sculpture and light. With his debut Rings Collection, he introduced the world’s first porcelain light rings. The circular forms took 18 months of trial and error—with nearly 1,500 pounds of clay—to develop. Bradley’s subsequent Dome Collection lured him back to the pottery wheel, where he created an innovative twist on the traditional dome light fixture with concealed LED illumination that produces high-quality light output. Both collections are available in many different series, like Mobile (domes suspended at varying heights), Nest (rings positioned to mimic the organized chaos of a bird’s nest), and Weighted Branch (rings designed to resemble branches weighed down by heavy snow). Bradley says that nature is his primary inspiration. “I'm taking themes that I've seen in the mountains or the forest and abstracting them into a sculpture,” he shares. “A home is supposed to be where we unwind and relax, but it’s a bunch of straight lines and right angles. Nature breaks that up.” His Swag Pendants, offered in Dome and Ring designs, particularly reinforce this belief. “They have graceful, sweeping, exaggerated curves that don't shout, ‘Look at me! I need attention.’ But they do say, ‘I’m different.’” Elevating his distinctive designs even further is Bradley’s new partnership with Lutron, the intelligent lighting technology brand behind revolutionary lighting applications around the world in hospitality, residential,
retail and more. Clients can now choose between his studio’s standard custom LED bulbs (these score a 95 out of 100 on the Color Rendering Index, indicating extremely high quality that emulates natural daylight) or the Lutron integration upgrade. “Imagine waking up in the morning, and all the light in your home is a warm glow, just like a sunrise,” Bradley says of the Lutron technology, which provides the ability to control a light sculpture’s color with a smartphone and voice command. “As you're having coffee, the color of the light starts to become brighter, more vibrant, lighter and bluer. It goes through the arc of the day towards sunset, when light becomes low again and more amber, like a fire.” Every light sculpture Bradley makes is bespoke, crafted specifically for where it will be installed. He also mixes custom glazes in matte and gloss finishes to create hues like dusty rose, slate blue and royal plum, and crackled porcelain in bone, khaki and white. Over the past year, close to 200 homeowners, interior designers and architects—mostly from Colorado— have stopped by to tour the studio and order a unique piece. Each one takes between 10 to 12 weeks to produce, but it’s the meticulous artistry that clients appreciate most. “They care not only about the aesthetic and the quality of the light in their space, but they also care about the story and feeling connected with artists in their community,” Bradley says. “We're connecting with people who care about more than just the object.” Ted Bradley Studio 2907 55th St., Unit 6B, Boulder 720-460-9175 | TedBradleyStudio.com S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BO UL D E R
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RE FRESH. RESTORE. REG E N E RATE. Discover how PRP Derma uses your body’s own growth factors to naturally improve skin tone and texture, restore natural-looking volume loss, and bring back a refreshed, healthy glow. E N J OY S PE CIAL PR P D E R MA PR I CI N G ALL S E PTE M B E R LON G OR J OI N U S: Thursday, September 17th from 5–7 pm for our exclusive PRP Derma Happy Hour and receive an even greater event only savings.
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Month of Returns With Human Scale:
Modern
Modern Design Made Personal ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA DOANE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Kickoff – Cocktails & Conversations: Designing the Human Experience September 3 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. Visual Comfort Showroom The month begins with an interactive evening exploring how thoughtful design shapes daily life. Guests rotate through intimate conversations led by regional design professionals discussing lighting, architecture, interiors, materials, and craftsmanship. Rather than traditional presentations, the event encourages dialogue and meaningful connections over cocktails.
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Caffeinated Mornings with Jay Ferracane featuring Kevin Hart of Public Opinion
Returning for its 13th year, Month of Modern (MoM) celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship, and conversations that shape Boulder's design community. This year's theme, Human Scale: Modern Design, Made Personal, explores how architecture, interiors, art, and design enrich everyday life. "Design is ultimately about people," says Stephanie Bingham, MoM Director and Marketing Lead at HMH Architecture + Interiors. "The spaces we create should reflect the lives of the people who experience them—how they gather, how they connect, and what makes them feel at home." Whether you're passionate about architecture, enjoy discovering local creative talent, or are simply curious, Month of Modern offers events designed to inspire.
September 4 | 9:00 a.m. | 1301 Walnut Street Coffee and creativity take center stage as host Jay Ferracane welcomes Kevin Hart, frontman of Denver punk band Public Opinion. Their conversation explores music, artistic process, and finding a creative voice, offering inspiration for designers, artists, and anyone interested in the creative journey.
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Movie Night + Talk Back September 15 | 7:00–9:30 p.m. | Boedecker Theater Film lovers and design enthusiasts alike can enjoy a screening of Modernism, Inc., a documentary examining architect and designer Eliot Noyes and his influence on postwar corporate design. Following the film, architect and preservationist Leonard Segel leads a discussion exploring the intersection of architecture, technology, and culture.
Cocktails & Conversations with Martin Brodsky: Allow Me to Waste Your Time September 22 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | The Refinery Inspired by Martin Brodsky's Allow Me to Waste Your Time, this unique evening invites guests to unplug and embrace curiosity. Through readings, guided prompts, cocktails, and small-group discussions, participants will explore design, culture, and the overlooked moments that often spark creativity.
Wrap Party + Awards
September 25 | 7:00–10:00 p.m. | East & Co. Boulder's design event of the year is here—and everyone's invited. Celebrate the close of Month of Modern with an evening where creativity, community, and design come together in true MoM style. Enjoy delicious bites, craft cocktails, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect with Boulder's architecture, design, and creative community. Whether you've been part of MoM all month or are joining for the first time, the Wrap Party is a chance to celebrate the ideas, people, and places shaping Boulder's vibrant design culture.
Design Within Reach Grand Opening September 30 | 6:00–9:00 p.m. | DWR Boulder Month of Modern concludes with the grand opening of Design Within Reach's new Boulder store. Designed with locally inspired materials—including rammed earth walls, larch wood, polished concrete, and limewash finishes—the space reflects Colorado's natural landscape while showcasing modern furnishings. The evening includes a panel discussion on sustainable design and the role of responsible materials in shaping the future of modern living. For more than a decade, Month of Modern has celebrated Boulder’s unique relationship with design—a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, innovation, and thoughtful collaboration. This year, MoM26 explores the many ways design shapes our everyday lives—through the spaces we inhabit, the objects we interact with, and the experiences we share. The spaces we create are more than structures; they are the settings for our stories, relationships, and everyday experiences. In September, Boulder comes together to explore architecture, interiors, art, film, and the people behind it all. Whether you come to learn, connect, or simply experience something new, Month of Modern 2026 invites you to discover modern design at a human scale. For tickets, schedules, and more event information, visit MonthofModern.com. CONTINUED >
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Beyond the Aesthetic: What Is Modern Design? When people hear the word modern, they often think of a certain aesthetic—clean lines, minimal forms, or a particular architectural style. But modern is more than a look. It is a way of thinking: responding to how we live today, embracing innovation, exploring new ideas, and creating spaces and experiences that are thoughtful, relevant, and personal. That belief is at the heart of Month of Modern, Boulder’s annual celebration of modern design, architecture, art, and creative disciplines. Since its founding in 2014, Month of Modern has explored the many ways design shapes our lives—from the homes we inhabit and objects we surround ourselves with to the places where we gather and the creative expressions that inspire us. This year’s theme, Human Scale: Modern Design, Made Personal, explores a simple idea: the most meaningful design begins with people. Modern design is a collaboration between architects, designers, artists, makers, technologists, and creative thinkers—all working together to shape the way we experience the world around us.
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Beyond the Balance Sm 108 F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FI NANCE + LE GAL SE RVICE S
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Just as important as how much you've saved is where you've saved it. A retirement portfolio consisting entirely of tax-deferred accounts may not stretch as far as it appears.
Building a healthy retirement account is an accomplishment, but reaching retirement with a sizable balance introduces a new challenge: taxes. While many investors focus on accumulating wealth, understanding how and when those savings will be taxed can make a meaningful difference over a retirement that may last decades. John Young, a Certified Financial Planner who works with high-net-worth individuals and families on longterm wealth strategies, says one of the most common surprises he sees isn't a lack of savings—it's the tax bill that comes with those savings. He helps clients think beyond investment returns to develop strategies that improve tax efficiency throughout retirement. For many retirees, the first wake-up call comes when Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin. These mandatory withdrawals from most tax-deferred retirement accounts can create taxable income whether the money is needed or not. "The biggest surprise is often the size of the required distributions and the taxes that come with them," John says. He notes that inherited retirement accounts can create additional challenges, as many non-spouse beneficiaries are now required to distribute inherited IRA assets within 10 years, potentially accelerating taxable income. That reality is changing how financial professionals think about retirement savings. "Roth accounts should probably be top of mind," John says. For years, maximizing pre-tax contributions was considered the default strategy. Today, Roth accounts deserve a much more prominent place in retirement planning because qualified withdrawals are tax-free. The expansion of Roth options through employer-sponsored retirement plans has also created more flexibility. Roth 401(k)s and other workplace Roth offerings allow employees to build tax-free retirement assets without relying solely on traditional IRAs. Just as important as how much you've saved is where you've saved it. A retirement portfolio consisting
entirely of tax-deferred accounts may not stretch as far as it appears. “A million dollars turns into $700,000 really fast after taxes,” John explains. He also notes that unexpected expenses can force larger withdrawals that may push retirees into a higher tax bracket. Fortunately, planning opportunities exist before RMDs begin. Many retirees experience several lower-income years after leaving the workforce but before claiming Social Security or reaching the age for required distributions. John says these "gap years" can provide opportunities to evaluate Roth conversions. "Looking at timely Roth conversions before RMDs and Social Security kick in is an important strategy," John says. Working with a financial and tax professional can help determine how much to convert while managing tax brackets and other considerations, such as Medicare premium surcharges. High-income earners also have more options than they may realize. While income limits restrict direct Roth IRA contributions, workplace Roth accounts, and strategies such as backdoor Roth IRAs may still allow investors to build tax-free retirement assets. Finally, John encourages retirees to think strategically about withdrawals. For those who regularly support charitable causes, making qualified charitable distributions directly from retirement accounts can reduce taxable income while fulfilling philanthropic goals. As retirement balances continue to grow, tax planning is becoming just as important as investment planning. "These large retirement balances are really taxable IOUs to the IRS," John says. The earlier investors begin considering where their retirement dollars are held—and how they'll eventually be withdrawn—the more flexibility they may have to preserve their wealth for themselves and future generations. Reach out to John Young to learn more at YoungGlobalWealth.com.
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536 LINDEN PARK DR, BOULDER READY FALL 2026
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Find your dream home with your dream team! Sara and Svein Groem are owners of Open Real Estate, a boutique brokerage serving the Boulder area. Together, they offer a unique, solution-oriented approach to real estate that combines their extensive expertise with a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to community.
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Around Town September
13th OKTOBERFEST AT ST JULIEN
Celebrate Oktoberfest on the Lawn and Terrace at St Julien with live polka and oompah music, a German-inspired buffet, festive contests and views of the Flatirons. For more information and tickets, visit StJulien.com.
4th - 6th
13th BOULDER HISTORIES FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrate Boulder County’s history through short documentaries exploring the region’s people, places, and preservation efforts. The one-day festival at Chautauqua Auditorium also features filmmaker Q&As and awards. For more information and tickets, visit Chautauqua.com.
Photo Courtesy of Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
SANS SOUCI FESTIVAL OF DANCE CINEMA
Celebrate the opening of Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema’s 23rd season at the Museum of Boulder. The threenight festival premiere features dance film screenings, live performances, and installations on the museum’s rooftop patio. For more information and tickets, visit SansSouciFestival.org.
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12th RADNA SEGAL PRESENTS MONGOLIAN ART YURT
Visit a traditional Mongolian round yurt overlooking Wonderland Lake, transformed into a gallery featuring original artwork, live traditional music, and intera tive cultural elements. This one-evening outdoor event is free to attend.
13th BUFFALO BICYCLE CLASSIC
Ride one of nine road or gravel courses while supporting scholarships for CU Boulder students. Riders can also experience Boulder Canyon closed to westbound vehicle traffic. For more information and registration, visit Colorado. edu/Event/BuffaloBicycleClassic.
26th
19th DATE NIGHT AT COLORADO GLASS WORKS
Try something creative for date night at Colorado Glass Works. You and a partner or friend will foil and solder pre-cut glass pieces to create a honeycomb sun catcher, leaving with a finished piece ready to hang in your window. Registration covers two participants. For more information and registration, visit CoGlassWorks.com.
16th RAISING RESILIENT MIDDLE SCHOOLERS: UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY & SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD
Learn practical, research-based strategies in a discussion led by Deb Rubin, LCSW, to better understand and support your child through the middle school years. While parents and guardians learn, students in grades 3–8 will enjoy an evening of hands-on activities led by Boulder Country Day educators. This complimentary event is open to the public, but space is limited. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit BoulderCountryDay. org/Parent-Education
27th Photography By Amanda Tipton
BOULDER BALLET PRESENTS: [IN]HUMAN
Boulder Ballet takes the stage at Chautauqua Auditorium with a contemporary program exploring movement, instinct and identity. For more information and tickets, visit BoulderBallet.org.
BOULDERTHON
Run through Boulder’s scenic streets and foothills during Boulderthon, featuring a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and kids run. For more information and registration, visit Boulderthon.org.
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$2,495,000
$2,795,000
C O M I N G S P R I N G 2 0 2 7!
5083 COTTONWOOD DR, GUNBARREL
2958 6TH ST, BOULDER
4 Beds | 5 Baths | 3262 SQ FT
5 Beds | 4 Baths | 4638 SQ FT
$3,100,000
$3,550,000
“Patrick and his team are incredibly responsive, professional and kind. Patrick knows the Boulder market as well as anyone could! He is extremely well connected with other professionals in the area and treats everyone with great respect. His team is amazing. Always quick to answer questions, give guidance and encouragement...
1425 UPLAND AVE, BOULDER 4 Beds | 4 Baths | 4517 SQ FT $3,900,000
and generally make you feel like you are seen, heard and cared for. They go above and beyond.” -Julie T.
303.441.5642 | www.patrick-dolan.com | patrickdolanteam@gmail.com
BOULDER FOR OVER 35 YEARS!
905 E 14TH WAY, BROOMFIELD 4 Beds | 7 Baths | 8298 SQ FT $1,895,000
8414 FIRETHORN CT, NIWOT 4 B e d s | 7 B a t h s | 9 247 S Q F T $2,995,000
THE DOLAN TEAM With over 20 years of working together, we’re a team that feels like family - built on trust, fueled by purpose, and dedicated to our clients and the work that we do. Bryce, Kelly, Karolyn, & Patrick
303.441.5642 | www.patrick-dolan.com | patrickdolanteam@gmail.com
Adventure meets new heights
Audi Flatirons Your destination for luxury Audi Flatirons 13321 W. Midway Blvd. | Broomfield, CO | 303-222-3321 | AudiFlatirons.com