Boulder Archives - ParqEx

Boulder Parking Guide: Where to Park and How to Reserve a Spot

Claudia Bechthold — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:03:27 +0000

Between its active downtown, the University of Colorado Boulder, major events, and year-round outdoor attractions, Boulder draws a steady flow of residents, commuters, students, and visitors, all with different parking needs. A dinner near Pearl Street, a day on campus, and a football game at Folsom Field may each call for a different option, from street parking and public garages to campus lots, private facilities, and reservable spaces.

This Boulder parking guide explores where demand is highest, what to consider before arriving, and how reserving a space in advance can make parking easier.

Understanding Parking in Boulder, Colorado

Parking demand in Boulder changes depending on the location, time of day, season, and events happening around the city.

Downtown garages may work well for shopping, dining, and longer visits. Street parking can be convenient when availability and time restrictions fit your plans. CU Boulder maintains its own parking system, while private properties may provide additional options beyond conventional municipal and campus parking.

Before choosing a space, consider:

How long you need to park
How close the space is to your destination
Whether advance reservations are available
Posted time limits or permit requirements
Entry and exit instructions
Event-related restrictions
Whether overnight parking is permitted

Drivers can explore current Boulder parking locations, listings, and rental options through ParqEx before heading into the city.

Downtown Boulder Parking

Downtown Boulder includes Pearl Street Mall, restaurants, shops, offices, hotels, entertainment, and community events. This variety makes it one of the city’s most consistently active parking areas.

The City of Boulder operates downtown parking garages, public lots, and paid on-street spaces. Garages can be useful for visits lasting longer than a brief stop, while street parking may work well when an open space is available near your destination.

Parking conditions can change considerably between a weekday morning, Friday evening, holiday weekend, or major downtown event. Always review current signs, payment requirements, and time restrictions rather than assuming that the same rules apply throughout downtown.

Planning ahead can also prevent a parking search from cutting into the time you intended to spend enjoying the city.

Parking Near Pearl Street

Pearl Street is one of Boulder’s best-known destinations, bringing together shopping, dining, nightlife, entertainment, and public events.

Because Pearl Street attracts both locals and visitors, nearby parking can be in high demand. Downtown garages may provide a more predictable alternative to repeatedly circling surrounding blocks in search of an an open curbside space.

When comparing parking near Pearl Street, look beyond which space appears closest. Also consider:

The total cost for your expected stay
How long you are permitted to remain parked
Evening and weekend rules
Walking distance to your destination
Facility access instructions
Whether availability can be confirmed in advance

A space a few blocks away may ultimately be more convenient than a closer option with a strict time limit or uncertain availability.

Parking Near CU Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder creates concentrated parking demand from students, faculty members, employees, campus visitors, athletic events, performances, and other university activities.

Campus parking is managed separately from the City of Boulder’s downtown parking system. Many university lots require a permit, pass, or hourly payment, and availability can vary based on the location and time.

Visitors should consult CU Boulder’s current parking information and review any instructions included with their campus visit or event. A lot that accommodates visitors during ordinary operations may have different restrictions during a football game, concert, commencement, or other major event.

Private parking outside campus may offer an alternative for certain drivers, particularly those visiting a destination near, but not directly within, the university’s parking system.

Because parking rules can differ from one street, lot, or property to another, always confirm that you are authorized to use a space before leaving your vehicle.

CU Boulder Football Game-Day Parking

Home football games bring a major influx of vehicles and pedestrians to the area surrounding Folsom Field. Campus lots, nearby streets, businesses, residential communities, and other private properties can all experience increased parking demand.

CU Boulder establishes special parking and traffic procedures for football games. Fans should review the university’s current game-day information before leaving because availability, access, pricing, and traffic patterns may differ from normal campus operations.

When planning CU Boulder football parking, consider:

The walking distance to Folsom Field
When the parking facility opens
Whether payment or a reservation is required
How early you plan to arrive
Postgame traffic and departure delays
Tailgating policies
Event-specific restrictions
Entry and exit instructions

Drivers should never assume that an open space near campus is available for football parking. Spaces belonging to nearby schools, apartments, offices, and other organizations may still be reserved for authorized students, residents, employees, or guests.

However, some property owners may intentionally make unused spaces available during games. Reserving one of these approved spaces can give fans greater confidence while helping them avoid unauthorized lots.

Football parking availability can vary by game. Search the ParqEx Boulder parking marketplace using the date and time you plan to attend to see which spaces may be available.

Short-Term and Daily Parking in Boulder

Short-term parking can work well for dining, shopping, appointments, meetings, and brief campus visits. Depending on the destination, drivers may find metered street spaces, public garages, commercial lots, or privately operated parking.

For longer visits, daily parking may offer more flexibility than continuously monitoring an hourly limit. Compare the total cost for your expected stay and verify that the option remains available for the entire time you need it.

Reserving parking ahead can be especially helpful when:

You must arrive by a specific time
You are unfamiliar with Boulder
You are attending an event
You need parking near a particular address
You want to avoid depending entirely on drive-up availability

The ParqEx Private Parking Marketplace helps drivers search for available private parking based on where and when they need a space.

Monthly Parking in Boulder

Daily parking is not always the most practical solution for someone traveling into Boulder regularly. Employees, residents, students, contractors, and frequent visitors may benefit from a monthly arrangement.

Monthly parking can provide greater consistency while reducing the daily uncertainty of finding an available space. Before selecting an option, consider:

Proximity to your workplace, home, or campus
Access hours
Overnight parking permissions
Garage, gate, or entry instructions
Vehicle restrictions
Cancellation and renewal terms
Whether the space is assigned or shared

ParqEx availability varies by location, but marketplace listings may include hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly options. Searching near your actual destination will provide the most relevant available results.

Parking for Boulder Events and Busy Days

CU Boulder football games are not the only events that increase parking demand. Concerts, university activities, downtown festivals, seasonal tourism, and favorable outdoor weather can all bring more drivers into Boulder.

When attending an event, search for parking based on your planned arrival and departure, not only the event’s official start and end times. Allow time for traffic, walking to the venue, and completing any entry instructions associated with the facility.

You should also avoid assuming that an unoccupied space is open to the public. Residential streets, neighborhood permit zones, campus lots, and private properties may have restrictions that are not immediately obvious from inside a vehicle.

A confirmed reservation can provide more confidence than arriving during a peak period and beginning your search after nearby facilities have filled.

Managing Private Parking Near CU Boulder and Other Busy Areas

Properties near universities, downtown destinations, and event venues often experience unauthorized parking during periods of high demand.

CU Boulder football weekends provide a clear example. Fans looking for convenient parking may enter nearby private lots without realizing or respecting that those spaces are reserved. That can leave students, residents, employees, and legitimate visitors without access to the parking intended for them.

A digital parking system gives property teams a more organized way to:

Keep designated spaces reserved for approved users
Confirm which vehicles have valid permits or reservations
Identify vehicles parked without authorization
Apply more consistent enforcement procedures
Make selected unused spaces available for paid parking
Track parking activity digitally

Enforcement and parking revenue generation do not have to be competing strategies.

A property can protect the spaces it needs every day while making genuinely unused inventory available during football games, concerts, or other high-demand periods. Rather than allowing unauthorized drivers to occupy the lot for free, the property maintains control over who may park and creates an opportunity to earn revenue from approved spaces.

That same approach remains useful throughout the year. Properties can adjust availability to their own schedules, reserve parking for primary users, and offer spaces only when it makes operational sense.

How to Reserve Parking in Boulder with ParqEx

ParqEx helps connect drivers with available private parking spaces that may otherwise be difficult to discover.

To begin:

Visit the Boulder parking marketplace.
Enter the location where you need parking.
Select your arrival and departure dates and times.
Review the available listings.
Choose a space that fits your destination and schedule.
Read the complete listing and access instructions before arriving.

Parking inventory can change, so searching for a specific date and time provides the clearest view of current availability.

Drivers unfamiliar with the process can also learn how to find and reserve a parking spot with ParqEx before completing their first reservation.

Have an Unused Parking Space in Boulder?

Boulder property owners may be able to generate additional income from parking spaces that would otherwise sit unused.

Residential buildings, universities, commercial properties, mixed-use developments, hotels, and individual space owners may experience periods when some of their inventory is available. This could include evenings, weekends, football games, concerts, or other times when the property does not require its full parking supply.

Making eligible spaces reservable can introduce useful parking inventory while helping owners earn revenue from an existing asset. Property owners retain the ability to determine when spaces are available rather than opening the entire facility without restrictions.

Owners interested in this opportunity can learn more about how to list a parking space through the ParqEx Marketplace.

Find Parking in Boulder Before You Arrive

Parking does not have to begin with driving from block to block and hoping a space becomes available.

Planning ahead allows you to compare locations, understand access requirements, and find parking that fits the actual length and purpose of your visit. This can be especially valuable when traveling downtown, visiting CU Boulder, attending a football game, or parking in Boulder regularly.

Explore current Boulder parking locations and rental options and see whether an available ParqEx space fits your plans.

The post Boulder Parking Guide: Where to Park and How to Reserve a Spot appeared first on ParqEx.

Six BBQ Joints for BBQ Month

Claudia Bechthold — Mon, 09 May 2022 17:33:43 +0000

Six BBQ Joints for BBQ Month

For those of you who are lucky (or unlucky) enough to live somewhere that experiences all four seasons, the month of May is often the turning point into summer. Once we get past Mother’s Day, we are typically in the clear of chilly spring weather. So, as we are slowly chugging along through May, the sun is peaking out more, and we are all finally defrosting! With the warm summer weather just around the corner, it makes sense that May is labeled as BBQ month. So let’s get into a summer mood and enjoy some barbecues! West coast, east coast, midwest, south, ParqEx has you covered with six BBQ joints for BBQ month!

Smoke Daddy – Chicago

The first of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is Smoke Daddy in Chicago, which has become a local staple. Due to popular demand, they are now open in two locations. Do you live near Wicker Park or Wrigleyville? You are in luck! Go to “The Daddy,” enjoy some drool-inducing BBQ, kick back & enjoy the classic BBQ atmosphere. Are you worried about finding parking near Chicago’s best BBQ? That is where we come in. ParqEx has several parking spots near both Smoke Daddy locations. Book your BBQ parking with ParqEx, and enjoy BBQ month!

Smoke Shack – Milwaukee

Do you need an excuse to visit the Third Ward, your favorite neighborhood in Milwaukee? Head to our second of six BBQ joints for BBQ month, Smoke Shack! This joint offers a friendly atmosphere and cooks up some of the best-smoked meat in the city. The Smoke Shack smokes all their meat in small batches all day to cater to its constant demand. So do yourself a favor and celebrate BBQ month at the Smoke Shack. We know that parking in the Third Ward can get hectic, especially over the weekend. Luckily for you, ParqEx has several parking spots around the Third Ward. So pre-book your BBQ parking with us, and enjoy some delicious food at the Smoke Shack.

5 Star Korean BBQ – Madison

Now, who says you have to stick to “authentic” American BBQ for BBQ month? Our third of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is 5 Star Korean BBQ in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is a hub for hundreds of delicious restaurants. So, of course, this city does have a slew of BBQ restaurants. But for us, it was no question to feature 5 Star Korean BBQ. They provide delicious BBQ with a wide variety of flavors in each dish. Sometimes your tastebuds want a little extra oomph in BBQ, and 5 Star Korean delivers. So grab some BBQ, and pre-book your parking near the square with ParqEx.

Society BBQ – Miami

If you are big into the Miami food scene, we are confident you have heard of Chef Richard Hales and Jenny Hales. They have left their stamp on several Miami and Tampa restaurants. That being said, our fourth of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is Hales Society BBQ. Society BBQ is a modern food hall that offers quick BBQ for patrons with speed and convenience in mind. So visit one of the most talked-about BBQ spots in Miami, let your tastebuds rejoice, and pre-book your parking with ParqEx.

The West End Tavern – Boulder

If you know anything about Boulder, Colorado, Pearl Street has some of the best shopping and restaurants in the city. So, it makes sense that our fifth of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is West End Tavern, situated very nicely on Pearl Street. So, come to the Tavern, enjoy some nice summer weather on the rooftop, grab a glass of bourbon, and dig into some of the best BBQ Boulder offers. Oh, and don’t forget to take in the gorgeous views of the Flatirons while you are at it. Have you already decided this is an excellent idea? Be sure to book your BBQ parking in advance with ParqEx. We have several spots available right off of Pearl Street.

JR’s Barbeque – Los Angeles

Are you in the LA area and dying for some authentic Memphis-style BBQ? Well then, just for you, our last of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is JR’s Barbeque. This spot has been serving some of the best homemade BBQ since 1998 and has been recognized by LA Times Magazine as one of the best spots. So come and enjoy a home-style meal, get your hands dirty, and celebrate BBQ month with JR’s Barbeque. We know that parking in LA is a nightmare. Luckily, ParqEx has several spots near JR’s that are available. So pre-book your parking with ParqEx, and enjoy some BBQ at JR’s.

We apologize for not covering some of your city’s best BBQ spots to our readers who live outside these six markets. That does not mean your city is lacking in the BBQ department. Nor does it mean that ParqEx does not have parking available near you. We’ve got spots available across the United States for all ParqEx users. Are you new to ParqEx? Download our free app and unlock some of your city’s best private parking spots. Do you have a parking spot that sits relatively unused? List your parking spot on ParqEx’s Marketplace and make some quick cash. So come, join the ParqEx family, and have a spectacular summer!

The post Six BBQ Joints for BBQ Month appeared first on ParqEx.

6 Perfect Easter Brunch Restaurants

Claudia Bechthold — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 14:12:59 +0000

6 Perfect Easter Brunch Restaurants

There’s no more fabulous brunch than Easter Sunday when you think of brunch! Finally, you have the perfect excuse to dress up, see the whole family together, keep the little ones constantly entertained, and let your tastebuds rejoice in an explosion of delicious flavors! For each of ParqEx’s markets, we have selected our favorite Easter brunch spots ideal for you and your loved ones. So put on your Easter pastels, get the kiddos loaded into the car, and head to one of these 6 perfect Easter brunch restaurants!

1) Redbird

Let’s start on the West coast! If you and your family live near downtown Los Angeles, Redbird is perfect for you. LA has several restaurant options for this holiday brunch, but we scanned many of them and settled on Redbird as the top option. This spot offers a delicious prix fixe menu for Easter brunch and an old historical flair to its design. So come and dine in this old cathedral, enjoy the outdoor seating, get creative with your cocktails, and celebrate Easter surrounded by your family and friends. If you are looking for parking, look no further, ParqEx is here to help! Make a reservation at Redbird and book your parking with ParqEx!

2) Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro

Let’s hop on over to a mountain view in Boulder, Colorado. Yes, Boulder does have many restaurant options serving an Easter Sunday brunch. Still, due to Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro’s organic ingredients and the serene private setting, this is our top pick in Boulder! Oh, did we forget to mention its location is within the St. Julien Hotel & Spa? This added perk certainly benefits the Moms and Dads of the world also looking to book a spa day during their Easter holiday! So, make your Easter brunch reservations at Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro and book your parking with ParqEx!

3) The Peninsula Chicago

We have made it to the windy city of Chicago! Of course, Chicago has hundreds of fantastic dining options serving Easter Brunch this holiday! But our top selection for this ParqEx market is the Easter Brunch at The Peninsula Chicago, as they are known for their delicious holiday brunches! Enjoy a four-course meal or the à la carte options and be surrounded by live entertainment! Are you looking for the perfect Easter Egg Hunt for the kids? What about a cute picture with the Easter Bunny to send to the grandparents? The Peninsula Chicago offers all of this and more! So make your reservations and book your Easter parking with ParqEx!

4) The Edgewater

ParqEx has two markets in Wisconsin, but let’s start with Wisconsin’s capitol, Madison! It should go without saying that Madison, known to be home to some of the best restaurants in the state, has a wide variety of Easter brunch options. To be completely transparent, this was a difficult selection for us. But in the end, The Edgewater was the winner! Not only will you enjoy a four-course prix fixe meal, but you will also be rewarded with different breakfast pastries from Madison Sourdough! So sink your teeth into this fine dining experience, let the kids enjoy some Easter crafts, and take a great family photo at The Edgewater! Make your brunch reservations and book your parking with ParqEx!

5) Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro

Let’s jump over to Milwaukee, ParqEx’s second market in Wisconsin. Of course, there are many different restaurants to pick for an Easter Brunch in MKE, but our top pick was a no-brainer. If you celebrate a holiday downtown Milwaukee with the family, there is no better place than Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro! This fine-dining restaurant serves upscale French cuisines while dishing out some of the best views of Lake Michigan. So put on your Sunday’s best and let your tastebuds transport you out of this country for Easter this year! Book a reservation with Lake Park and book your parking with ParqEx!

6) The Habitat

Last but certainly not least, let’s make our way to the East coast! If you and your family live near South Beach, Miami, The Habitat at 1 Hotel South Beach is a great place to celebrate Easter! Of course, if you have been to Miami, you know they have their fair share of dining options. And they certainly have a wide variety of restaurants serving Easter brunch! The Habitat is our top pick for its wide range of dishes, live entertainment featuring a DJ and a violinist duo, and location! So dress the kids up, enjoy a nice meal, immerse yourself in the live entertainment, and perhaps even go to the beach after your Easter brunch! Don’t forget to make your restaurant reservations and book your parking with ParqEx!

If you’re looking for more options outside of our 6 perfect Easter brunch restaurants, there are hundreds of choices all across the country! But, if you live in a different city outside of these six markets, don’t worry; ParqEx has parking options all over the country. Perhaps, even better news, ParqEx offers $5 off parking during the holiday season with promo code EASTER. So book your Easter parking today!

The post 6 Perfect Easter Brunch Restaurants appeared first on ParqEx.

Pearl Street: Your Next Boulder Adventure

Claudia Bechthold — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 13:58:10 +0000

Pearl Street: Your Next Boulder Adventure

Visiting Boulder, Colorado, and not visiting Pearl Street Mall almost seems blasphemous. Not only is it the cities mecca for dining, fine art, shopping, brewery hopping, but it’s also one of the most visited attractions making for impressive people watching! So come and enjoy Pearl Street Mall, your next Boulder adventure. Take a stroll on the beautiful brick-paved historic street, enjoy the live music, and support the hundreds of local businesses.

Pearl Street Mall Dining

Time and time again, Pearl Street is critically acclaimed for its restaurants. So if you are a big foodie, then Pearl Street is the perfect place for you. Are you feeling like enjoying a nice meal at a neighborhood bistro restaurant inspired by Boulder’s surrounding nature? Look no further and pop into Boulder’s Black Cat.

Are you feeling like dining at one of Boulder’s long-time favorite restaurants? Pasta Jay’s is always ready to blow your taste buds’ little minds! So stop in and enjoy some homestyle Amerian-Italian food made from generations of family recipes.

Art on Pearl Street

Are you searching for locally made Art to complete your visit? There’s no better locally-owned shop than Art Mart Gifts to tap into the local art scene! With over 300 local artists featured in the store, you are sure to have a wide array of gorgeous selections. So find your next piece of art at Art Mart Gifts!

Shopping

If you are big into shopping, Pearl Street is undoubtedly the one-stop shop for you! With hundreds of varying options, you honestly cannot go wrong. So take a casual walk up and down Pearl Street, and enjoy all the different options.

Are you looking for the perfect Boulder sweatshirt? How about a magnet? What about some licensed university apparel? Boco Life is the store for you if this jumps out! So go get that apparel, wear it with pride, and make Boulder proud.

What about for the avid readers out there? Do not worry! We’ve got the perfect suggestion. The Boulder Book Store, an old-time classic of the neighborhood, still sports the relaxed, casual, indie vibe that it started with when it opened its doors in 1973. So find your next read, go back in time, and immerse yourself in the three floors filled with books.

Brewery Hopping on Pearl

Are you big into the brewery scene? With the countless amount of breweries provided on Pearl Street, along with the Boulder Beer Trail, we think you will be delighted with your options. Start your brewery adventure at The Post Chicken & Beer and end it at the Bohemian Biergarten. No, you don’t have to do all six stops in one day, but if you feel ambitious, we have heard it is doable! So do with that information what you will (as always, enjoy responsibly)!

So come on down to your next Boulder adventure on Pearl Street, visit its most famous scene, & enjoy yourselves. It simply would not be a proper visit to Boulder without a day at Pearl Street Mall.

Are you searching for Pearl Street parking? One block south of Pearl Street Mall at Expansive’s property (1495 Canyon Boulevard), ParqEx has 21 spots available for people to book. So book your Pearl Street Mall parking today!

The post Pearl Street: Your Next Boulder Adventure appeared first on ParqEx.