Dads are great, aren’t they? From teaching us to ride a bike, to changing our oil to doing our hair and playing dress up, we’d be lost without our dads.
Father’s Day is the perfect time to tell your dad thank you. And Boulder knows how to spoil the most important man in your life.
Whether he’s into yoga, beer or whatever will entertain his little ones, Boulder’s got you covered. Here are all the things we think you should take your dad to do this weekend.
Weekend Events
For many dads, going to events is a better present than getting another tool set. And this weekend is chock full of great events. Here are some of the things you can take your dad to do this weekend.
1940s Ball
June 16, 6 p.m., Boulder Airport, 3327 Airport Road
Maybe your dad remembers the ’40s, or maybe he just loves that era (don’t all dads?). Either way, the annual 1940s WWII era ball is a great way to get your dad in costume and out on the dance floor. This is the 10th anniversary of the event, and this year promises to be better than ever.
The event features belly dancers, a roulette table, WWII planes and automobiles and some great music featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
The ball also offers swing dance lessons, a dance and costume competition and an air show (weather depending).
According to its website, the event is meant to “create community and cultural connections that cross generations, genres and borders through celebrating the music, dance and culture of the 1940s and ’50s.” Sounds like a great way to get in touch with your dad.
Get tickets here.
Hanuman Festival
June 14-17, Boulder High School Grounds, 1604 Arapahoe Ave.
For the spiritually attuned dad, check out the Hanuman Festival. This festival centers on yoga, music and celebration.
Take classes from some of the biggest names in yoga. Wander around the free community village for morning meditation, yoga classes and live music. Check out all the vendors, many of which have a strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness.
Even if your dad isn’t a master yogi, there is such a variety at the Hanuman Festival that he will find something to enjoy.
Boulder Dance Coalition International Festival
June 15-17, 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall
Whether your dad is exceptionally graceful or has two left feet, watching others dance is a universally enjoyable experience. The Boulder Dance Coalition brings the International Festival to Boulder each year to showcase dances from all over the world.
Some of the acts include Irish Dancers, Parasol Arts, Pipes and Drums, Samba, Flamenco Tango and more. You can take a class yourself (such as Folk Dances from Around the World) or simply enjoy others enjoying their art.
There is also an international marketplace with crafts and fair-trade items from around the world.
The event is free to attend. Learn more here.
WOW Children’s Museum
June 17, 110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette
For dads of wee little ones, the best way to spend Father’s Day is often bonding with their kids, doing something the whole family can enjoy. To this end, the WOW Children’s Museum is offering free admission to all dads and grandpas on June 17.
The WOW Museum offers a variety of exhibits to entertain children with a wide array of interests. Some options are The Pirate Ship and Lighthouse, where kids can learn fun skills like knot tying and how to use the stars for navigation; Blowing in the Wind, which teaches all about wind, including the relationship between speed and direction; and The Garden, where kids can explore plant growth, both in the real garden and the pretend playhouse.
Other exhibits include The Clinic, The Bank, The Stage & Puppet Theater and more. See all the exhibits and what your kiddos will learn here.
Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary Brunch
June 17, 1 p.m., 8640 Dahlia St, Henderson
For the vegan dad, Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary is offering a brunch event at this sanctuary just outside of Denver.
Meet the animals, enjoy brunch catered by SOS Catering and help Broken Shovels celebrate the accomplishment of having all male animals on the farm neutered.
Let’s be honest. We all want a photo of our dad with a baby goat or getting cow kisses.
Food and Drink Specials
If your dad is more of a relax-with-a-beer kind of guy, don’t fret. There are lots of places in Boulder offering specials for dads this weekend. Here are some of our favorites.
The Post
June 17, 2027 13th St.
The Post is offering some great Father’s Day deals this year. Try the prime rib hash for brunch, or head there for the smoked brisket platter for dinner.
The Post is also offering a $3 special on its Plastic Chevy, a shot of Jack with a Gravy Back (a shot of gravy that you take directly after the shot of Jack).
While reservations are not required, we strongly suggest you call ahead to make sure there is a table waiting for you.
Boulder Beer Hootenanny
5-8 p.m., 2880 Wilderness Place
Boulder Beer is going all out this year, throwing a full-blown hootenanny. The brewery is utilizing its freshly renovated patio to bring in a smoker and smoke a whole hog.
The patio also features and expanded stage, which will be taken advantage of by The Chicken Dan Band, a “dad rock” cover band.
Add to this Boulder Beer’s normal lineup of brews and it sounds like a great time.
West End Tavern
June 17, 926 Pearl St.
The West End Tavern is throwing an impressive Father’s Day Dinner. The shining star is the Dino Beef Ribs meal, which comes with slaw, beans, cornbread, pickles and tomato-bourbon BBQ for $28.
It will also have drink specials, including Pappy Van Winkle 12 year, $15, and the Grand Old Dad, $6.
Whiskey Club Memberships are free for dads when they sign up the 17th.
St Julien Beer and BBQ Father’s Day Brunch
June 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 900 Walnut St.
If there’s one place we can count on to throw a good party, it’s the St Julien. And Father’s Day is no exception. This year, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. it is throwing a Beer and BBQ brunch for all the dads out there. They are also offering 20% off a limited number of rooms for Father’s Day weekend. A luxurious hotel room and a BBQ brunch? Sounds heavenly.
The beer and BBQ event features West Flanders Brewing Co., sparkling wine, Bloody Mary’s and mimosas for adults. Phil Robinson Trio will be providing the live music.
Food options include a breakfast bar, loaded with cooked-to-order eggs, chicken and waffles and pancakes with a huge variety of toppings; a chilled seafood display with shrimp, crab and multiple sauces; a taco bar; and entrees that include braised beef short ribs, twelve-hour hickory smoked brisket and smoked shrimp and Andouille gumbo. There is also a dessert display with a variety of options.
There are two seatings: one from 10-10:30 a.m. and the second from noon-12:30 p.m. Brunch is $69.95 for adults and $26.95 for kids. Reservations are required.
The St. Julien also offers a vegan Father’s Day Dinner on June 18. See more information here.
