Community Performances and Events

Dancers perform a traditional dance at Brazil Fest.

Arts in the Park is a summer series at the Glen Huntington Band Shell. These performances are free or low cost to the community and provide assistance to local and independent performing artists.

Community Performances and Events are a way for the city to provide a viable outdoor venue for local artists and arts professionals, provide art performances and experiences to the community, and create a welcoming and safe space for all. They will run throughout the summer along with our signature events produced by the Boulder Parks and Recreation Department.

The 2026 program offers two options for participation. Option 1 is for performing artist to participate in Boulder Parks and Recreation scheduled Spotlight events. The artist will choose from available Sundays listed below. Boulder Parks and Recreation will handle all permits needs. Option 2 is for event organizations. Organizations will apply for a special event permit, apply for Option 2 on the Arts in the Park Application and BPR will waive the permitting costs, provide security, and provide restrooms for the event. All dates for Option 1 and Option 2 are first come first serve.

Call for Artists and Event Organizers

Calling all Performing Artists, Musicians, Theater Groups, Dancers, Event Organizations and more! Join the 2026 lineup. Spaces are limited, and booked on a first come, first served basis. Please review the criteria below.

To be approved, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

  • Be an artist, arts non-profit, or arts business producing a performing arts event focused on the Boulder community.
  • Be a performing artist in either the movement arts, theater, or musical arts.
  • Performances for the community must be respectful of all members of our community, appropriate for all ages, and follow our general park rules and guidelines.
  • Be willing to produce (with aid from Boulder Parks and Recreation) their own event.
  • Meet all requirements of the event permit for use of the bandshell (based on the event details).
  • Must provide Event Liability Insurance that meets city requirements and name the city as additionally insured. How do I obtain affordable one-time insurance policies for event requirements? View FAQ
  • Must be in good standing with all City of Boulder departments, with a City of Boulder Business License or Vendor License.

  • Use of the bandshell including power and basic lighting.
  • Use of temporary waste receptacles.
  • Use of the existing Connect Boulder Wi-Fi.
  • Facilities for back-of-house operations including storage, loading, dressing, etc.
  • Two 10' x 10' popup canopy tents, one 10' x 20' popup canopy tent, tables, chairs and tent weights upon request.
  • Marketing and promotional support.
  • Security provided by the BPR Urban Rangers
  • Funding support towards performance costs is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds have been exhausted.

  • Must compete Arts in the Park Performance Application.
  • Event as described in the application.
  • Marketing materials to be reviewed by City.
  • Be willing to produce (with aid from BPR) their own event.
  • Must provide Event Liability Insurance that meets city requirements and name the city as additionally insured. How do I obtain affordable one-time insurance policies for event requirements? View FAQ
  • Must be in good standing with all City of Boulder departments, with a City of Boulder Business License or Vendor License.

  • Must complete Arts in the Park Performance Application.
  • Must complete a Special Event Permit Application.
  • Marketing materials to be reviewed by City.
  • Be willing to produce (with aid from BPR) their own event.
  • Must provide Event Liability Insurance that meets city requirements and name the city as additionally insured. How do I obtain affordable one-time insurance policies for event requirements? View FAQ

  • 6/7/2025
  • 6/21/2025
  • 8/2/2026

Applications will be accepted 30 days prior to the event date and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Accepted applications will be notified by Boulder Parks and Recreation.

  • Review Criteria and What the Applicant Provides sections on this webpage
  • Submit an Arts in the Park Performance Application
  • Look for a response email
  • Provide performance details, event insurance, and marketing materials
  • Produce Performance (with aid from Boulder Parks and Recreation)

Performance groups can contact Rosa Wright directly at wrightr@bouldercolorado.gov with program questions.

Proposals will be reviewed by city staff. The review will evaluate the proposals in concert with the goals listed above. Final permit approval is subject to the special event application permit and/or authorization required by other agencies with jurisdiction for any element of the event (e.g., Special Event Liquor Permit, Boulder County Food Permits, Boulder County, State of Colorado, etc.)

The proposals will not be evaluated for the content of the event or artistic merit. All performances must be appropriate for all ages of our community and follow our general park rules and guidelines.