On Sunday, June 7, the heart of downtown Boulder will light up with the vibrant sounds, flavors, and artistry of the 30th Annual Boulder Jewish Festival. Taking place from 11 am to 3 pm at the iconic Pearl Street Mall, this free, family-friendly event invites the entire community to celebrate three decades of Jewish culture and connection. This year’s festival is anchored in a theme of remembrance, resilience, community, and joy. From profound musical collaborations to a bustling marketplace and delicious culinary offerings, the festival promises a memorable afternoon for all generations.

A Meaningful Start: Reflection and Resilience

The 2026 festival begins with a poignant moment of community solidarity. Opening remarks at 11 am will include a commemoration marking the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Boulder Run For Their Lives humanitarian walk for the hostages. This period of reflection underscores the resilience of the Boulder community. Following the commemoration, the festival will intentionally shift its focus at 11:30 am toward the vibrant celebration and joy that defines Jewish life.

Soulful Sounds and High-Energy Rhythms: The Main Stage

Music is the heartbeat of the Boulder Jewish Festival, and the 2026 lineup brings an eclectic mix of local and national talent to the Pearl Street Mall:

• Lapidus & Myles (11:45 am – 12:30 pm): This powerful collaboration features Rabbi Micah Lapidus (Composer-in-Residence at The Temple in Atlanta) and Melvin Kindall Myles (a stunning vocalist who has performed at Carnegie Hall and sings at Atlanta's Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church—the former pulpit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.). Together, they merge sacred traditions, soulful artistry, and justice-centered storytelling, celebrating the historical and enduring ties between Black and Jewish communities.
• Rick Recht (12:50 pm – 1:45 pm): One of the most influential and celebrated Jewish artists of our time, Recht is a national celebrity spokesman for PJ Library and the founder of Jewish Rock Radio. Known for rocking Jewish communities coast to coast, his performance is sure to elevate the afternoon with interactive, high-energy song leading.
• Boulder Israeli Dance (2:00 pm – 2:20 pm): Attendees can watch or join in on a vibrant showcase of Israeli dancing. This lively tradition blends Middle Eastern, Yemenite, Eastern European, and Balkan influences into modern, celebratory choreography.
• Gora Gora Orkestar (2:20 pm – 3:00 pm): Closing out the festival is this high-energy, 11-piece brass band. Gora Gora Orkestar brings the authentic sounds of the Old World to the Rocky Mountains, blending Balkan rhythms and Klezmer music designed to get the entire crowd dancing in the street.

A Curated Marketplace: Fine Art & Heritage Crafts

Art lovers can stroll through an incredible open-air marketplace showcasing the creativity of local makers. Highlights of the artisan lineup include:

• Ritual Objects & Judaica: Discover unique wedding smash glass packages from BGOLD Glass LLC, custom-embroidered pieces by Emily Cohen Designs, modern text-and-nature watercolors from Aqua Studio, and meaningful Jewish ritual objects designed by Green Judaica.
• Textiles, Leather, & Apparel: Browse "illustrations in thread" from Leo's Dry Goods (whose work is featured in the Jewish Museum of New York), plant-dyed slow fashion from ORA, unique hand-woven works by SGW Textile Art, and vintage jewelry-adorned leather goods by Tmiro Designs.
• Earth-Based Crafts & Goods: Meet local makers like Lynette Errante Ceramics (using seasonal foliage and wildflowers), clinical herbalist Mitten Lowe of Journey to Wellness, and Beit Dvash Community Beekeeping, selling raw honey and beeswax candles.

Families can also participate in interactive community art activities. The Be Like Ellie Foundation will host a kindness-driven art project, while Beautifully Jewish invites attendees to a community knitting activity to craft hand-painted wooden hearts and knit Jewish stars for upcoming Sukkot celebrations.

Savor the Flavors: Food Truck Delights

No festival is complete without exceptional food, and this year’s vendor lineup bridges comforting Eastern European staples with modern Colorado flair. Visitors can enjoy:

• Traditional & Kosher Eats: Sink your teeth into classic New York-style bagels and deli favorites from Fleishman’s Bagels and Delicatessen, taste incredible kosher hot dogs provided by the Boulder Center for Judaism, or grab Mediterranean-inspired street food from Boychik Kitchen.
• Sweet Treats & Baked Goods: Pick up fresh babka and challah from Talia's Bakery or Dino Mama's Kitchen, sample authentic Israeli halvah from Har Matok Halvah, or enjoy certified kosher oat challah and nutrient-dense artisan breads from Hävenly Baked Goods. For dessert, HipPOPs will serve customizable, handcrafted gelato and sorbet bars (kosher certified with plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices).
• Comfort & Cafe Classics: Enjoy Central European street food from Bohemian Wurst (born out of Boulder's Bohemian Biergarten) or Colorado comfort cuisine from East & Co. Plus, Travelin' Tom's Coffee of SE Boulder will be on-site serving specialty lattes, cold brews, and nitro energy drinks, while Bridge House’s Community Table Kitchen provides high-quality catering that supports paid job training for adults experiencing homelessness.

Fun for the Entire Family

Kids and the young at heart will find plenty of entertainment throughout the day. Look out for the whimsical performers of Spoon Circus spreading joy through circus arts, face painting from Where the Wild Things Art, and shimmering hair extensions courtesy of The Fairy Shimmers.

Prioritizing Safety and Security

To ensure that the 30th annual milestone is a safe, welcoming, and joyful experience for everyone, organizers are prioritizing a comprehensive security plan. Developed in direct partnership with the Boulder Police Department (BPD), the event will feature a robust, proactive security presence on June 7.

The strategy relies on an "all hands on deck" approach from the BPD, featuring increased patrols, K9 units, and aerial, rooftop, and undercover monitoring. Organizers are also coordinating year-round with national experts, including the Secure Community Network (SCN), supported by JEWISHcolorado, as well as federal agencies such as the FBI.

These extensive safety precautions are entirely preventative and not in response to any specific threat. Festival-goers are invited to be active partners in safety: if you see something out of place, simply report it to a nearby staff member or police officer.

Join us for the 30th annual Boulder Jewish Festival on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 11 am – 3 pm on the Pearl Street Mall (Courthouse Lawn). Admission is free. Pack a blanket, bring your appetite, and prepare for an afternoon of art, music, and vibrant community connection!