Axios Boulder

July 24, 2025
π» It's Thursday. In anticipation of RockyGrass this weekend, this newsletter is dedicated to celebrating our banjo-picking, beer-drinking, bass-bumping neighbors to the northwest.
- π΅ Sounds like: "Take the Journey" by Molly Tuttle
π¦οΈ Today's weather: Highs in the 80s with a chance of storms.
Situational awareness: Tree pruning at the East Twin Lakes Trail is complete and the trail is now open.
Today's newsletter is 817 words β a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: π΅ Bluegrass 'round the bend
The sound of banjos and bass will once again echo across Planet Bluegrass in Lyons as the RockyGrass Festival opens its 53rd edition tomorrow.
Why it matters: The three-day bluegrass tradition is a cornerstone of Lyons' community and music scene, with about 4,000 people streaming into town to enjoy each day of the festival.
ποΈ If you go: Tickets are sold out, but there are still open camping spots.
- Gates open at 10am tomorrow and Sunday and 9am on Saturday.
- Expect local food, beverages and a variety of artisan craft vendors on-site.
πͺ The music: Acts include Sam Bush Bluegrass Band and The Infamous Stringdusters.
- When musicians finish their sets, they can "slap on a bathing suit and jump in the river," Planet Bluegrass spokesperson Grace Barrett told Axios Boulder.
- Tomorrow night promises "a special moment," she added, as Molly Tuttle will make her final appearance with her touring band, the Golden Highway, including Colorado native Dominick Leslie.
- In addition to the onstage acts, Barrett said, there will be "lots of campground picking."
π The river: What sets RockyGrass apart is its landscape, as cliffs and towering trees overlook the St. Vrain, where festivalgoers can literally dip their toes in the river while soaking in world-class bluegrass.
βΊοΈ The vibe: Barrett said the family-friendly environment and tight-knit community are what make RockyGrass special.
- "People were bringing the kids and now their kids have kids; it's a wonderful community surrounding the event," she said.
- Events for children include crown-making, face-painting and an "instrument petting zoo" where kids can try a variety of instruments.
- RockyGrass has a policy that encourages people to occupy vacant tarps on the lawn until the owners return: "The whole point is to make new friends and listen to new music," Barrett said.
2. π Lyons shows its grit
Lyons is clawing its way back from years of disasters β and hoping tourism will help fuel its revival.
Why it matters: The small town's economy largely relies on seasonal tourism, and fires, more than a decade's worth of flooding, and the pandemic wiped out key businesses and momentum.
The big picture: Lyons endured a catastrophic 2013 flood and a ruinous 2022 downtown fire, compounded by pandemic-related setbacks.
Context: Last year, the small town in northwest Boulder County completed the last of its 100-plus rebuilding projects in the wake of the devastating 2013 flood.
- In addition, just as the world began to emerge from the COVID pandemic, a fire destroyed several businesses in downtown Lyons in 2022.
- While last year's Stone Canyon Fire did not cross into the town, many residents were evacuated.
Between the Lyons: The slogan "We've got grit" reflects a hard-won sense of identity, first adopted on bumper stickers after the 2013 flood.
- "Lyons is nothing if not resilient," the town's mayor, Hollie Rogin, said.
- Yes, but: "Like many small towns, our economy is struggling. It's mostly seasonal, which adds challenges," Rogin added.
Zoom in: The town boasts six wedding venues, Marigold restaurant, outdoor and recreation opportunities, and a vibrant music scene highlighted by two major summer festivals at Planet Bluegrass.
What's next: Construction is underway on a new two-story retail and office space where the 2022 fire destroyed key businesses. A long-anticipated hotel project is also slated to begin this year.
The bottom line: Lyons is hoping resilience β and maybe a bit of reinvention β will be enough to win back the crowds.
3. πΊ Grab a bite and a beer
Lyons may be small, but it's big on standout food, solid sips and relaxed charm.
Zoom in: Here are some top spots to hit on Main Street and beyond next time you're in town.
Where to eat:
π½οΈ Marigold alone is worth the drive. This intimate restaurant β a James Beard finalist β is plating some of the most artful and delicious dishes in Colorado. It specializes in seasonal ingredients that span European and new American cuisine.
- Their non-traditional spin on a Caesar salad is a must. And don't skip the organic, natural wine pairings.
π₯ At Moxie Bread Co., flaky croissants, heritage grain loaves and fresh flatbreads are served in a cozy cafe with a rustic, farmhouse feel.
π₯ͺ For a no-frills local favorite, St. Vrain Market, Deli & Bakery delivers classic sandwiches and homemade cookies. It's a great place to grab-and-go before an afternoon picnic or hike.
Where to drink:
π₯ Spirit Hound Distillers is a top-notch spot serving house-distilled gin, rum, whiskey and more in a woodsy, laidback lounge.
πΊ MainStage Brewing pours experimental ales and lagers in a cozy taproom that serves solid wood-fired pizza, too. The expansive outdoor patio regularly hosts live music.
πΆ The Rock Garden is an outdoor beer garden known for its fire pits, food trucks and live music. Plus, their huge outdoor screen makes it a prime place to catch a game.
π Oskar Blues' original brewpub, which opened in 1997, still slings burgers and brews with unpretentious charm in the middle of town.
πΊ Mitchell is going to have to renew his Netflix for one last season of "Stranger Things."
Thanks to Gigi Sukin for editing.
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