Axios Boulder

April 10, 2026
π¦ Happy Aloha Friday, everybody! We've got a packed weekend, so let's get to it.
- π΅ Sounds like: "When the Morning Comes" by Kalapana
Today's weather: Hooray for April showers. We should see highs in the 60s today before inching up to the 70s over the weekend, with scattered showers throughout.
π§ Situational awareness: Our Colorado team is growing! Sign up today for upcoming newsletters from Robert Sanchez for Douglas and Arapahoe counties.
Today's newsletter is 928 words β a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: π₯ What to watch at this year's BIFF
The Boulder International Film Festival kicks off today, bringing new films and documentaries β many with Colorado connections β to local screens.
Why it matters: Even as the arrival of Sundance steals much of the attention, Boulder's long-running festival shows how a homegrown event can still play a crucial role in launching global filmmakers, some with deeply local stories.
What we're watching: Among 68 films, here are a few screenings featuring in-person filmmaker appearances.
π² "No Hands: The Wild Ride of the Schwinn Bicycle Company"
This documentary, narrated by cycling legend Lance Armstrong, pays homage to the Schwinn Bicycle Company.
Zoom in: Schwinn once briefly called Boulder home, and executive producer Jim Packer is a CU graduate.
- When and where: 12:15pm tomorrow at Boulder Theater
- Who will be there: Jim Packer, director Daniel Clarke, producer David Brookwell and writer/executive producer Carl Cramer.
π§ββοΈ "Girl Climber"
Following Boulder native and pro climber Emily Harrington as she attempts a career-defining 24-hour ascent of El Capitan, this film reckons with risk after a near-fatal fall.
- When and where: 5pm tomorrow at Grace Commons Church
- Who will be there: Emily Harrington, directorΒ Jon Glassberg and producer Tyler Young.
β‘οΈ "Old Man Lightning"
This one's local tie is really just to "bouldering," but the nod to climbing culture tracks legend John "Verm" Sherman as he returns to Yosemite's Midnight Lightning, a route tied to his legacy.
- When and where: 4pm Sunday at Grace Commons Church
- Who will be there: John Sherman, director Dawn Kish and climber Cedar Wright.
ποΈ "The Dark Wizard"
From Boulder's Sender Films, this series chronicles the life of Dean Potter, one of the most influential and controversial figures in adventure sports, who died in a 2015 accident. BIFF will show an advance screening of the series' first four episodes.
When and where:
- Episodes 1β2, 7pm today at Grace Commons Church
- Episodes 3β4, 7:30pm tomorrow at Grace Commons Church
- Who will be there: Directors Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen and producers Olivia Ahnemann, Zachary Barr and Halle Johns.
2. π Buffs spring game to showcase new roster
The University of Colorado football team holds its annual spring game tomorrow, giving fans an early look at the 2026 roster under coach Deion Sanders.
Why it matters: The scrimmage offers fans the first real glimpse of an overhauled team β with dozens of new players and a revamped coaching staff β as Sanders enters a pivotal season after a disappointing 3-9 campaign.
What to expect: Sanders told reporters recently that the format of the game will be mostly the traditional offense versus defense, with a few practice drills mixed in.
- The game is expected to last roughly an hour.
What we're watching: With about 50 newcomers, there are plenty of fresh faces competing for key roles.
- The Buffs enter spring with new offensive and defensive coordinators.
Zoom in: The battle to watch is, surprisingly, at quarterback.
- After starting two games before being redshirted, many fans expected former five-star recruit Julian "Juju" Lewis to emerge as the face of the program.
- Yes, but: Utah transfer Isaac Wilson β the brother of former Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson and a four-star recruit himself β has impressed during camp, and Sanders made it clear no player was guaranteed a starting spot.
Driving the news: This year's spring game has been rebranded as the AT&T Black and Gold Weekend, expanding beyond just football.
- The weekend will include youth flag football games, facility tours and player autograph sessions.
If you go: Folsom Field will open to fans at 11am, and Ralphie XII is set to run at 12:50pm. Kickoff is at 1pm.
- Admission is free for the first time under Sanders, but fans still need to register for tickets.
What's next: Sanders will pursue a future spring matchup against in-state rival Colorado State after the NCAA denied previous requests to face Syracuse.
3. The Bubble: Dark Horse auction is going, going...
πΊ The Dark Horse memorabilia auction has officially opened, with the bidding process closing next Tuesday.
π³οΈ The Nederland mayoral race could be headed to a recount, with incumbent Billy Giblin leading Mayor Pro Tem Nichole Sterling by a single vote before final absentee and corrected ballots. (CBS News)
π° Boulder County is awarding $2 million in emergency Community Partnership Grant money to eight local nonprofits to help protect food and health care access for residents affected by recent changes to federal benefits. (Daily Camera π)
πͺοΈ Top Colorado lawmakers want to levy a new fee on homeowners' insurance policies that amounts to $100 million over five years. The money would go toward grants for consumers to purchase hail-resistant roofs. (CPR)
4. πΈ Photo du jour: Yo-goats
This yoga class was less "om" and more "baa."
Why it matters: Yoga. But with goats.
Driving the news: CU hosted a series of goat yoga sessions on Tuesday at its Boulder campus.
- The baby goats were from Growing Gardens.
Pro tip: If you ever find yourself in a goat yoga session, just remember not to bring your expensive gear. They love the taste of Lululemon.

Editor's note: An item in Wednesday's newsletter had the wrong year of death for astronaut Jim Lovell. He died in 2025.
π€ Mitchell is wondering if maybe, just maybe, the Rockies aren't completely hopeless.
Thanks to Gigi Sukin for editing.
Sign up for Axios Boulder





