Published: Nov. 14, 2023

Fall break is nearly here鈥攁nd with finals just around the corner, make sure you听take time to decompress.听If you're sticking around Boulder, there are plenty of fun ways to spend the week and other听opportunities for mental health breaks.

Pearl Street Mall

Nov. 21 2鈥6 p.m.听 1630 Hawthorn Ave.
Stock up for the holidays at the Thanksgiving Farm Stand located at Hawthorn farm in Boulder. The farm has a variety of organic, seasonal produce to choose from. Items such as听baked pumpkin, take-and-bake pies and more听will be available for pre-order.

Nov. 24鈥26 Macky Auditorium听$25鈥$104
鈥橳is听the season! Attend听an age-old performance of 鈥淭he Nutcracker.鈥澨齌he classic story follows the main character, Clara, on a journey through the Land of the Sweets. Gary Lewis from the College of Music is expected to conduct the show, performed by the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boulder Ballet.听

Nov. 25鈥26听Historic Courthouse on Pearl Street Mall
Boulder has a rich and long history. Learn more about the town at the feet of the Flatirons during a free walking tour. The hour-and-a-half-long trip covers the old west, mining history, town development and more.听

Year-round 4869 Broadway
Give back to the community during break by volunteering at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. There are plenty of positions available, including dinner server, kitchen assistant, breakfast cook, dinner cook, kitchen lead and dorm supply.听

Not up for cooking this year? Boulder has plenty of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. From Hotel Boulderado鈥檚 classic Thanksgiving buffet to Centro Mexican Kitchen specials, you are sure to find a warm meal, without all the prep and clean-up. Reservations recommended.

Take a hike

Take advantage of the city鈥檚 illustrious views by checking out a hiking trail over break. Boulder has a ton of hikes to choose from, or if you want something more challenging, consider rock climbing. Be sure to go听prepared with food and safety gear.听

Friendsgiving

If you can鈥檛 make it home to the family this year, try spending time with your chosen family here in Boulder. Friendsgiving is an honored tradition of friends cooking a meal and enjoying it together. It's also a great way to practice gratitude with one another, and maybe even sharpen up your cooking skills.听

Local Black Friday shopping听

Did someone say Black Friday? Boulder has plenty of shopping options for the day of sales. Stop by 29th Street听for the classic shopping experience, or head over to Pearl Street听for Small Business Saturday.听