Hard to believe, but this year the Boulder Jewish Festival celebrates its 20th year on Sunday, June 8. What a year this has been since we last gathered on the Courthouse Lawn and Pearl Street Mall!

Synagogues and facilities have been tested this past year. . .but you will find them in their same locations on the Courthouse Lawn.

The creek may be at flood level again. . .but Pearl Street came through the last one fine, so we are very hopeful that we’ll get through the next 2 weekends as well (note: as of now, you cannot tube to the Festival).

Restaurants come and go. . . but the food vendors you love will be back at the Festival this year, including the LB Grill, Falafel King, Half Fast Subs, and more.

The Avid4 Adventure Climbing Wall will rise over the lawn so kids can “aliyah” to the top. Then they can play gaga!

The entertainment for the day features amazing musicians. Mikey Pauker was named by Time Magazine as one of the “10 Stars of the New Jewish Music” (trivia question: how many others on this list have also headlined at the Boulder Jewish Festival? Leave your answer in the comments!)

Spiritual musician Mikey Pauker has been breathing life into Jewish music for years. His music spans multiple genres including folk,pop, hip-hop electronica, and reggae, blending them into a beautiful uplifting, and unique sound.

Also performing this year: Offlines, a refreshing and unique duo collaboration between brilliant young jazz pianist Guy Mintus and renowned composer, percussionist, oudist & vocalist Yinon Muallem. Through his music, Yinon is creating cultural bridges between Israel and Turkey; he constantly brings together musicians from the two countries and has served for two years as the Cultural Attaché of the Israeli embassy in Turkey. Guy, is an upcoming Israeli pianist, improviser and composer based in New York City. In his own unique style, Guy marries his love for music of the middle-east with American jazz. The “Off Lines” project is about those connective bridges. Bridges between two generations, two countries, two cultures. Offlines performance is supported by Israel’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Consulate General of Israel in New York.

Returning to the stage this year are Cowboy Hersh (for the kiddos), Sherefe, Boulder Klezmer Consort and of course – Or Zimrah. More trivia: of these performers, which has never missed performing at the Boulder Jewish Festival?

Some visitors may not realize that the Boulder Jewish Festival extends over 3 blocks of the Pearl Street Mall. Artist booths featuring jewelry, ceramics, silks and more media can be found on all 3 blocks of the event, from the “rocks” near Peppercorn (between Broadway and 13th Street) to the “animals” near Starbucks (between 14th Street and 15th Street). Want to locate a particular artist? Download the Festival app to your phone and have the info with you! Read more about it here.

This free app includes the entertainment schedule, artist locations, community booth info and food vendors. New in the app this year is a way for you to share your own photos and comments. Click here to download and explore, and please upload a photo (selfie or otherwise) during the event! Works great on smartphones and tablets too.

This year, as we celebrate 20 years, we also celebrate our resiliency as a community. Come out and celebrate with us!

This year’s Boulder Jewish Festival takes place on Sunday, June 8, 11 am to 5 pm. Artists are on 3 blocks of the Pearl Street Mall – from mid-1200 (the rocks or Peppercorn, depending on your perspective!) to mid-1400 (the animals – or Starbucks). Great food and the main entertainment tent are on the 1300 block, and nonprofit community organizations and kids activities fill the Courthouse Lawn.  Free parking in city lots – or ride your bike! And please extend a thank you to our volunteers and our sponsors.