Longmont, Colorado is one of my favorite places in the world. Not only is it home, but it is a place I have been fortunate enough to write about for almost a decade. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much happening in Longmont but that is because you just aren’t looking hard enough. Longmont is filled with activities throughout the year, but for now, we will focus on summer activities.
Explore the Longmont Library: A Family-Friendly Escape
For those who know me, I love to read, and I try to stop by the Longmont Library as much as possible. It offers an array of events and programs for people of all ages. It is a great family-friendly place to stop in and cool off while expanding your mind. Conveniently, the library is divided into two main areas: the children and teens section and the adult section.
A Place for Children and Teens
The area sanctioned for children and teens was recently rearranged making better use of space for young ones to play. The beloved running model train is now tucked into a corner but still allows enough space on all sides for 360-degree viewing. There are puzzle tables and reading nooks spread throughout the area and books at eye level for young ones to help themselves.
Engaging Programs for Young Readers
The staff in this section maintains friendly smiles and an abundance of patience as they help young readers find the next adventure to explore in a book. But the staff’s job doesn’t stop there. They love reading and programming so much that they are always coming up with something new.
Storytimes and Special Activities
The Longmont Library offers storytimes throughout the week. Some focus on different age groups, such as infants and toddlers, while others welcome bilingual speakers or those learning a new language. Storytimes are not just for the mind; the Longmont library also offers yoga storytime to get your body moving while taking in a fun new story.
Social Activities for Tweens and Teens
Tweens and teens can also find an activity that expands their social circle and teaches them something new. The library hosts open chess nights, a teen writer night, and an adventure with a Dungeons and Dragons team. Although the library enjoys creating engaging activities for tweens and teens, it cares deeply about their social/emotional health and provides programming for youth to explore their own mental wellness and find resources to help.
Adult Programs at the Longmont Library
The Longmont Library may be a popular kid hangout but adults enjoy it too. Several programs allow adults to mingle with local youth and even learn a few things. The adult programming includes book and writers clubs and a group to learn to speak Spanish. Periodically, the library will invite guest speakers to expand on topics of local interest. The next guest speaker will be a representative from Boulder County Parks and Open Space on Aug. 15. The representative will provide a presentation on “The Hidden Worlds of the Shortgrass Prairie.” Participants will learn about the animals and ecosystems that make up the shortgrass prairie and how they impact us.
Unwind and Learn at the Longmont Museum
Summer temperatures continue to climb and sometimes you need to head indoors and what better place than the Longmont Museum? It is a really exciting time for the Longmont Museum. The $8.1 million capital campaign promises a new children’s gallery and a new primary gallery to feature robust touring exhibits. The museum has already finished most of its outdoor renovations which has included a courtyard that features an outdoor stage.
The museum staff are so excited about the new additions that they want to share their excitement for building. The featured exhibit — which will run until Jan. 12 — is Build: Design & Create with LEGO!
This hands-on exhibit features a small gallery of LEGO builds from local artists. The exhibits include a scenescape of Colorado, a speakeasy and a dragon. These are held to inspire builders of all ages to dream big and create without barriers. Throughout the exhibit are building stations to let the imagination flow. The museum has also artfully designed challenges for LEGO designers to build the fastest car, a building that withstands an earthquake or a creation that defies gravity.
The best thing about the exhibit is you do not have to tear apart your creation before you leave. The museum included shelves for patrons to label their designs and showcase them in front of other builders. At the end of the day, the museum staff collect the best creations and display those for a week. How awesome would it be to have your LEGO design featured at the museum?
“It has been so fun to see people of all ages enjoying the LEGO exhibit,” said Joan Harrold, marketing and communications specialist for the Longmont Museum. “Of course it is incredibly appealing for kids and families, but many adults also find it just as engaging. People are especially enjoy participating in our ‘Build of the Week,’ where you can submit your creations to be considered for our special display case.”
Experience Longmont Nightlife
It would not be Colorado without a refreshing drink, a patio and thrilling nightlife activities. So where do you start?
Top Breweries and Craft Drinks
Boulder County has 44 breweries and Longmont is home to 11. It is also the home to three distilleries and a wine bar. I unfortunately can’t drink beer due to an allergy, however, I can say that Longmont’s breweries are fun for the whole family. One of the most well known breweries is Left Hand Brewery at 1265 Boston Ave. The tasting room at the brewery holds plenty of space at the bar, features two rooms with seating and an outdoor area complete with a fire pit if the nights start feeling cool. Next door to the brewery is the Left Hand Beer Garden which is open Thursday through Sunday throughout the summer. The things Left Hand is never in short supply are fun and beer. There are events including yoga, music, movies, and a RC Monster Truck Challenge on Aug. 18.
Wibby Brewing is another much-loved establishment in Longmont. Located at 209 Emery St., the brewery and taproom sits on the former truck maintenance facility site of Longmont’s historic Butterball Turkey plant. This year the brewery was a central part of the inaugural Longmont Fourth of July party. Longmonters were able to flock to the area to watch the Kiwanis set off fireworks from the Longmont Fire Training Center and watch a drone show performed by students from the St. Vrain Valley School District.
Sip and Savor at Kuper Wine Bar
If you aren’t a beer person, you can check out Kuper Wine Bar, at 600 Longs Peak Ave. Unit H. This local wine-tasting room goes above and beyond to make your summer nights special with wines from around the world and snacks that will make your mouth water. The wine bar hosts trivia, and tasting nights and invites guest musicians. It is also a great place for women to join its Women and Wine community. This monthly event is a “special opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the talent and achievements of women in the wine industry,” according to the wine bar’s website. This event is for wine enthusiasts, supporters of women in business or those looking to have fun at an engaging event.
So far we have taken a look at some relaxing ways to spend a hot summer day, but now it is time to get up and move and maybe meet a few new people.
Get Active at The Longmont Axe House
Have you ever had a day where you thought, “You know, I could really throw something right now?” Well, The Longmont Axe House has you covered. Located at 333 First Ave., the axe-throwing venue offers five axe-throwing lanes. A team of safety professionals shows you everything you need to know about tossing an axe and how to do it safely. My favorite thing is you can go in not knowing anything and leave feeling like you can at least hit the wall. The staff is great about helping you get better or leaving you be if you have mad axe-throwing skills.
If you are anything like me, after a while your arms get tired, but that doesn’t mean you have to go home. The Longmont Axe House also has two dart-throwing lanes, two pool tables and fun bar games. You can even make it a party with refreshing drinks from its dry bar and yummy food from Johnny’s food truck right outside.
Join the Pickleball Craze in Longmont
For a few years now, I have listened to many Longmont City Council meetings in which residents requested more pickleball courts. I never understood what the draw was … until this summer. If you have not played pickleball, you are missing out my friend.
The game combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and can be leveled up or down, depending on how intense you want to play. The rules are simple. You can play as singles or doubles; doubles are the most common.
Longmont offers several pickleball courts throughout town, most of which are outdoor. This is great unless you get a craving for the game in the heat of the day — it is no laughing matter, when the pickleball craving hits, sometimes all you can do is find a court and play. No worries though, Longmont is home to several indoor courts. The Longmont Recreation Center at 310 Quail Road, offers drop in pickleball throughout the week.
3rd Shot Pickleball is Longmont’s largest indoor pickleball court and allows patrons to reserve their court so you don’t have to wait. The facility offers eight courts and offers lessons to those who want to improve their game. You can also join leagues and even participate in a Blacklight Bonanza!
Celebrate Community with Music and Events
Community is one of the best things about Longmont. These are times when people from all over the city come together and celebrate. Longmont has something to celebrate throughout the year and sometimes we gather just to hear great music and dance in the street.
Speaking of great music, local breweries, the Longmont Downtown Development Authority and other local groups host concerts throughout the year. You can find more information about those by checking out your local brewery’s website, LDDA or Visit Longmont to find a list of things happening on any day of the week.
Enjoy Summer Nights in Downtown Longmont
Although a lot of the summer is over there are still many exciting events to come. Every Thursday through Saturday until Aug. 31, Downtown Longmont hosts Summer Nights. The weekend event encourages patrons to stop by participating businesses to collect stamps. After collecting 12 stamps, participants can redeem their stamp card for a collectible enamel pin and be entered for other summer fun prizes.
Dress Up for the Downtown Longmont Costume Crawl
Saddle up, y’all for the Downtown Longmont Costumer Crawl which takes place on the last Saturday of the month — except October. Participating businesses throughout Downtown Longmont invite patrons to dress in costume and enjoy drink specials, food, party photos, games and challenges. The next event is Aug. 31 and the theme is Urban Cowboy.
Experience Longmont Arts Week
Longmont Arts Week is a week-long celebration of local talent, culture, education and collaboration to draw awareness of and promote the creative arts. The week begins on Sept. 14 with Artwalk. Artwalk is hosted by the Firehouse Art Center and is a street festival with over 100 booths manned by local artists, nonprofits, food vendors and more. There will be six stages showcasing live music and performances. The week ends with Rhythm at Roosevelt, at Roosevelt Park. This annual local favorite will feature five local bands, a pop-up roller rink, axe throwing, a vendor’s market and a variety of food and drink vendors.
Outdoor Adventures in Longmont: Trails, Lakes, and More
As a journalist, I spend a lot of time on the computer or my phone. It is wonderful to be able to take advantage of Longmont’s outdoor activities and connect with nature.
Sometimes a walk or a hike is just what’s needed to unwind and take in the surroundings. Longmont has fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains from most of its trails. Longmont has 456 acres of parks and 1,654 acres of nature areas so there is no shortage of new places to explore.
Explore Scenic Trails at Pella Crossing
Pella Crossing, located near Hygiene on N. 75th St., is one such place for an easy stroll. It features two trails: the Braly Trail which is 1.8 miles and the Marlatt Trail which is 1.1 miles. The trails wind along the banks of several small ponds that allow fishing. In 2021, students from the St. Vrain Valley School District released northern redbelly dace — a state-threatened fish species — into Webster Pond, which has become an open water habitat that also contains the Brassy Minnow. The pond is closed to fishing but bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch and largemouth and smallmouth bass can be fished from the other ponds.
Discover Wildlife at Rabbit Mountain Open Space
Rabbit Mountain Open Space is roughly 13 miles away from the heart of Longmont. If you go early in the morning you can usually find deer grazing along the trails but watch out for rattlesnakes, they like to warm up on the rocks. I have never seen one on my hikes there but I have heard many stories from people who have. There are three trails in the area, the Eagle Wind Trail, Indian Mesa Trail and Little Thompson Overlook Trail. Their difficulty ranges from easy to moderate.
Relax by McIntosh Lake: A Waterfront Retreat
If hiking isn’t your thing, perhaps a dunk in the water is. McIntosh Lake is located at 1905 Harvard St. It includes a pirate-themed park for children and a 3.5-mile walking trail with gorgeous views of Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker. There is plenty of wildlife including prairie dogs, bald eagles, pelicans and other wildlife to see from all sides of the lake. You can fish from the shores or you can jump into a kayak or on a paddleboard and enjoy the relaxing motion of the water.
Water Sports and Fun at Union Reservoir
On the opposite side of Longmont rests Union Reservoir. It is located at 461 County Road 26 and is a 736-acre body of water. Reservoir allows for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. If you don’t have a paddleboard or kayak, you can rent them there. During the summer the Union Sailing Club hosts regattas, youth activities and public clinics.
Dickens Farm Nature Area: A Hidden Gem
In 2013, Longmont flooded during a 100-year flood. The city of Longmont and Boulder County set out to find ways of mitigating future floods and from that the Dickens Farm Nature Area was born. Planners designed the river area to also serve as a recreational spot for tubes, kayaks, paddleboards and small non-motorized boats. From the access point at Main Street to the takeout point is approximately 0.6 miles in the water with a 0.75 walk back. The area is free to use but you need to bring your own watercraft. If you wander around the nature area you will find several gems. Several public art pieces are hanging out by the trails and a natural play area along the river. The city is also adding sand to create a nice soft beach that can be reached from the north side of the river.
Bike Along the St. Vrain Greenway to Vance Brand Airport
If you want to take a bike ride along the St. Vrain Greenway trail system you can go all the way to the Vance Brand Airport from the Dickens Farm Nature Area. Pack some food and head to the picnic table just outside the fence to the airport. There you can watch small airplanes take off and land and even some skydivers float from the sky. At the end of the gravel parking lot is a small control tower that will allow your children’s imaginations to wander.
Ready to Discover More in Longmont?
No matter your tastes, age, ability, or tolerance for the heat, there is something in Longmont for you to explore. This list is just the beginning of the adventures you will find in Longmont.