The nightlife in Boulder, Colorado can get active and loud, especially near the University of Colorado campus. Students’ weekends usually begin on Thursday nights, and the many bars, restaurants, and other entertainment establishments are usually filled with locals as well as students until the wee hours of the night. Much to the dismay of the students, all restaurants and bars in Boulder close at 2 a.m.

The two most popular areas for nightlife in Boulder are Pearl Street Mall and “The Hill.” Pearl Street Mall is located farther from the campus, but still sees a large crowd of students on weekend nights. The Hill is located near the campus, and therefore sees mostly student patrons at night. Students living in on-campus housing or in houses or apartments near the campus can easily walk to the activities taking place on The Hill.

Nightlife in Boulder is in no way limited to the students who attend the University of Colorado. All of the “old” people who live there (i.e. everyone over the age of 24) mix in with the students and enjoy the friendly and party atmosphere in the city’s favorite hang-outs.

Of course, since Boulder is a college town, there are always several fraternity and sorority parties taking place each weekend, and also parties and gatherings in the many homes and apartments surrounding the campus in which students live. While the partying can go on all until the next morning, there is a state law that prohibits restaurants from being open all night long.