Happy last week of classes, Buffaloes, and Happy Hanukkah to the Jewish Buffs out there! I am Sarah Ellsworth: IPHY major, Boulder native, and event connoisseur, writing to you from the comfort of beautiful CU-Boulder on all of your weekly opportunities for community involvement, educational whatnot and supreme fun. Enjoy the week, Buffs!
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Fun before finals.ÌýFun abounds in UMC 457 between 5 and 9 p.m. Start off with some cookie decorating, move into Loteria, and then finish with painting and "mocktails" with the Dennis Small Cultural Center. All of these events are free and open to students looking to recharge and forget about their next exam for a few hours.
Thursday, Dec. 10
Ignite Boulder.ÌýIgnite is a local treasure, similar to TedTalks, but much shorter! Each speaker gets five minutes to share something incredible and geek out over their passions with an adoring audience. Tickets for the 7 p.m. Boulder Theater show are still on sale but going fast! .
Friday, Dec. 11
Soweto Gospel Choir.ÌýBe sure to get your $15 ticket to this amazing event, featuring the word renowned Soweto choir in Macky from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The performance will showcase traditional Christmas songs and African gospel music. The 24-person group is a crown jewel, not to be missed! .
Shabbat dinner.ÌýFor those of you caught away from home this Hanukkah, join the CU Chabad Center for traditional Hanukkah foods in celebration of the holidays. The meal is free to all students so get together with some friends and enjoy! Located at 775 17th St., services will take place at 7 p.m. and the meal follows at 7:30 p.m. .
Saturday, Dec. 12
Free fitness classes at The Rec. FromÌýDec. 12 to 18, the CU Rec Center will offer free classes on everything from climbing to yoga to cycling for free to help you de-stress for Finals Week. Skate rentals and bouldering in the climbing gym will also be free to Buffs this week, so don’t miss out. .
Moons and holiday magic laser show.ÌýBe sure to catch Fiske Planetarium’s 2:30 p.m. showing of Moons, which showcases the different phases and positions of the moon. The show is accompanied by lasers (I suggest bringing 3D glasses; it really heightens the experience) and some festive holiday music! Tickets are $7 for students. show at Fiske Planetarium.
Sunday, Dec. 13
Boulder Holiday Gift Festival.ÌýIf you’ve been neglecting your Christmas or Hanukkah shopping, then swing by the Boulder YMCA (2850 Mapleton) starting at 11 a.m. for your one stop shop on gift buying. There will be lots of handmade items, clothes, art, etc. from local merchants as well as a free concert. .
Hike up to the Star.ÌýYou haven’t spent the holidays in this town until you’ve hiked up to the star on Flagstaff and then slid back down. It’s cold, it’s icy, and it’s still completely worth doing once. Take a date while you’re at it. Just don’t forget to wear shoes with traction (very important)! Bonus points if you hike all the way up to it from campus.
Monday, Dec. 14
Late Night Breakfast.ÌýIf you find yourself on the dreaded late night finals study marathon and in need of some nourishment, then swing by the UMC for a free breakfast from 8 to 11 p.m. There will also be some fun activities to take your mind off of your finals week. And bacon. Lots of bacon. .
Tuesday, Dec. 15
Innisfree weekly poetry reading.ÌýGet yourself self to the Innisfree Bookstore and Café for the 7 p.m. poetry reading, which happens every Tuesday and draws some amazing poetic talent from the CU area. If you would like to read an original work, bring it with you and sign up by 6:55 p.m. Otherwise, just relax, sip some Bhakti chai, crunch on some gluten-free whatever, and enjoy the poetry! .
