In true Boulder style, this mall is far from ordinary. It’s destination-worthy, even if you aren’t looking to go shopping.
Get gourmet cookies, wander through an interactive art museum that’s kind of like a local, ever-changing version of Meow Wolf, do a free fitness class and then sweat it out in a private infrared sauna pod.
Grab a pint of beer in a shipping container-turned-bar, then catch free, live music and browse a pop-up art installation.
These are few of the things going on at Boulder’s Twenty Ninth Street Mall this summer.
Over the past year, the mall has some new, exciting faces; visit again to check out these new offerings.
In 2018, Lizard Thicket opened its first and only Colorado store. This women’s clothing boutique features a limited number of fashion-forward, affordable trends — only a few items in each size, and when they’re gone, they’re gone and it’s onto the next item.
“It’s really fun apparel at a really great price,” says Heather Drake, spokesperson for the Twenty Ninth Street Mall.
Late November brought to Boulder Altar’d State, a women’s apparel and home decor store.
“It’s one of the most beautiful build-outs I’ve ever seen,” Drake says. “It’s gorgeous. You walk in and it feels so good.”
The only other two Colorado locations with an Altar’d State branch are Cherry Creek and the Park Meadows Mall. Beyond Colorado, there are more than 100 locations around the country.
The mission of this store: to help make the world better, by improving customers’ self-image, as well as selling unique merchandise that supports charitable causes.
Bonobos, a men’s clothing shop, opened early 2019. This is a brand that actually started online. This is the first physical retail store.
“That’s a big trend, something our company is really focused on: partnering with these digitally native brands and helping them become successful in the brick-and-mortar world, as well,” Drake says.
At Bonobos, you can get custom-fitted menswear. Right now, look for funky, ‘80s-print shirts (like one with lightning bolts). You can also find suits, pants, shorts, swimsuits and tops.
Another new store for 2019 is Attic Salt, offering a mix of novelty items, jewelry, accessories and clothes.
“This is one of those stores where I walk in and think ‘Yes, I need these unicorn socks,’” Drake says. “It’s a really fun, catchy, cute store.”
Beyond clothing stores, the mall’s first “experiential retailer” opened in 2019. Wonder Wonder is an interactive art museum featuring 16 different rooms that change out every month. Wonder Wonder partners with different local and regional artists to bring unique spaces and art exhibitions.
“It’s like an influencers’ heaven with tons of amazing photo opps,” Drake says.
You’ll find a ball pit, a prism room where you can play with the prisms to change the lighting, a unique gift shop, a spiraling book display and more. It’s one of those see-it-to-get-it places.
More excitement is on its way for 2019. Toward the end of the year, expect to see a Shake Shack, where you can get burgers and (you guessed it) shakes.
Also on its way: Ruby Jane, an affordable women’s apparel and accessories boutique with other Colorado locations in the Denver area and Breckenridge.
By June 1, you’ll be able to get your sweat on at the Cyl Sauna Studio/The Sweat House. The Sweat House offers private, infrared sauna sessions in luxury pods. The company claims the detoxification is a wellness trend backed by scientific research.
“It’s a whole alternative health opportunity,” Drake says.
Soon, Boulder will have another cookie outlet. Crumbl’s cookie menu changes up every week. Try a new specialty cookie (like coconut pretzel) or the classic warm chocolate chip and sugar cookies. Pick them up in-store or order delivery.
Community Events
In addition to new retailers, the Twenty Ninth Street Mall is also known for its community events. Its summer program theme is the Summer of Love, and it will include a free concert series from 6-9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night from May 24-Aug. 31. This event (in Central Plaza) is in partnership with The Barrel, a bar located at the mall based in a repurposed shipping container.
The summer will also include a fitness series with free classes every week (more info TBD); a trivia series (Geeks Who Drink 6 p.m. every Sunday through October at The Barrel); and an artist series. Last year was Paint a Pint. This year, Drake says they’re looking into ways to partner with Wonder Wonder and their artists.
While at the mall, stop by the various art installations, such as the “Love” installation downstairs and the rainbow stairs.
“It’s all part of the experience,” Drake says. “We’re in such a great position. We’re doing really well and will keep announcing these great additions into the mix.”
