Good morning, this is your Boulder Local Frequency for Thursday, October 16. The fall sun is shining, and Boulder is buzzing with news, music, and plenty of ways to connect and celebrate as we settle into the heart of October.
The top story this morning is that Boulder County may be putting a pause on upcoming minimum wage hikes after local farmers and small business owners voiced concerns that the planned increases could force closures. Worker advocates say that current wages are still far from meeting the true cost of living in Boulder County, so commissioners have promised to revisit the issue again next week. This conversation highlights the balancing act between keeping local businesses healthy and making Boulder a livable place for everyone.
In food news, Lafayette is making waves thanks to Cherry Shuler, known as the Cheesecake Whisperer. She’s built a following with an incredible 160 flavors of cheesecake, not to mention her signature hugs. If you’re looking for comfort food with epic mountain views, Wondervu Café in Coal Creek Canyon is serving up chile rellenos and cherry pie. Fall produce is popping up at farm stands, so grab the freshest picks while they last.
Turning to education, Boulder’s schools are in the midst of change as new data shows student enrollment is down sharply since 2017, and could keep dropping for the next decade. As local schools shift, so does Boulder’s future. It’s a story that touches every family and sparks conversations about how our community is evolving.
Weather-wise, get ready for a stretch of almost summer-like warmth, with highs nearing 80 today and a rare chance for some October thunderstorms later on. Expect gusty winds and possibly a quick downpour if a storm rolls through your neighborhood. Cooler weather returns tomorrow, so take advantage while you can.
Music lovers, this weekend brings the launch of the Boulder Roots Music Fest, running Friday through Sunday across fifteen stages along Pearl Street and beyond. With 180 bands and over 750 artists, you’ll catch everyone from the Yonder Mountain String Band to Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, plus dozens of Colorado favorites. The festival blends music with wellness, dance, youth performances, and collaborations with groups like World Singing Day and School of Rock.
If you’re in Nederland, local businesses are working hard to reopen after the recent Caribou Village fire, with a fundraising event planned at the Black Forest Inn on October 25 to support affected employees and first responders.
Keep an eye out for prescribed burns starting this week in Boulder and across the county. You may notice smoke on the horizon as crews work to reduce wildfire risk and promote healthy ecosystems. These burns are carefully monitored, so there’s no need to call emergency services if you see activity in the designated areas.
At the Boulder Public Library, don’t miss the bilingual textile exhibit “Making Homelands: Tufting San Lazaro Lifeways.” Open and free through October 29, it weaves together immigrant stories, climate experiences, and hopes for the future—a tactile, thoughtful installation created with families from the San Lazaro Mobile Home Park community.
Tonight, consider enjoying creative connections at the Downtown Boulder Art Walk, or indulge your senses at Wine, Art, and Cheese Night supporting a local cause. Motus Theater spotlights stories of unexpected kindness, while the internationally acclaimed VOCES8 performs with the Ars Nova Singers.
Finally, Halloween season is alive on Pearl Street. Lanterns, costumes, and laughter fill the air as Boulder’s signature playfulness and creativity take center stage, making every stroll a little more magical.
That’s a full day in Boulder. This has been Boulder Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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