It is recommended to join the Conference Discord Server. This page will be updated once it is available. Please stay tuned!
This page has tips for once you’re at PLDI. Information about traveling to Boulder is available here and more information about the venue is here.
Stay safe at high altitudes
Boulder is approximately 5400 feet above sea level. If you are not accustomed to high altitudes, you might need some time to acclimate. Drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest helps. The sun is also much more intense at higher altitudes. Please make sure to bring sunscreen!
Activities in and around Boulder
Boulder is known as a hub for outdoor recreation while also offering a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown and a wide range of restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions. There is an official visitors guide that has lots of great information about things to do in Boulder. This page describes some of our favorite activities, but we also suggest browsing the official guides for even more fun ideas.
Museums, event centers, and other places of interest
Pearl Street Mall (0.6 miles from the venue) is a pedestrian-only street that is at the center of downtown Boulder. Along with restaurants, shops, and bars, there are many events. On Wednesday June 17th, consider checking out the farmer’s market from 3:30-7:30pm or music at Band on the Bricks from 5-9pm.
Dushambe Tea House (0.4 miles from the venue) is a traditional Tajik teahouse which was a gift to Boulder from its sister city: Dushambe, Tajikistan. We recommend a reservation to sit inside, but without a reservation you can enjoy the self-serve patio. You can find more information about dining options and history about the teahouse on their website.
Some museums in Boulder include the Museum of Boulder (0.7 miles from the venue) and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (0.4 miles from the venue). You can find other museums here.
For shows, check out the Dairy Arts Center (1.5 miles from the venue) for dance, theater, cinema, and more. On the University of Colorado campus, you can visit the Fiske Planetarium (1 mile from the venue) and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Trident (0.7 miles from the venue) is a favorite coffee shop and bookstore for many, which hosts events most evenings, including poetry readings, live music, and more. You can find more live music shows and venues here.
Hiking and walking paths
Boulder sits at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills: it is home to the Flatirons and Green Mountain, Bear Peak, and the Sanitas, along with 239 miles of trails and multi-use paths. The city has an official list of trails and trailheads and an interactive map of trails and city paths. Another option for finding good hikes is the All trails app, which includes user reviews and ratings. Here are some popular starting points for hikes that are close to the venue:
Boulder Creek Path and other multiuse city paths (at the conference venue) Boulder is home to 84 miles of mult-use paths (with over 80 bike and pedestrian underpasses!), which serve as a great way to explore the city. From the conference venue, you can take the Broadway Street path north to the Boulder Creek Path, which runs along the creek. If you head west on the creek path, you’ll reach Eben G. Fine Park. You can also continue north instead of taking the creek path to access Pearl Street Mall - a pedestrian-only street that is the heart of downtown Boulder.
Chautauqua (1 mile from the conference venue, has BCycle station) Chautauqua is the canonical starting point for hikes in the Flatirons at the base of Green Mountain. It also has a park, playground, pickleball courts, restaurant, and auditorium. Trail highlights include the Chautauqua and Bluebell trails loop, Royal Arch, and Green Mountain.
The People’s Crossing / Eben G. Fine Park (1.2 miles from the venue)
Eben G. Fine Park is a green space on Boulder Creek at the mouth of Boulder Canyon. It’s a lovely place for a walk along the river or a picnic in the park. Across the street (via underpass) you’ll find the People’s Crossing which provides access to the Red Rocks trails (a shorter hike, about a half mile to a mile), and Anemone (a longer hike, around 4 miles).
Centennial (1.7 miles from the venue) Centennial trailhead is a half mile walk or a one mile drive north of The People’s Crossing. It is the main access point for Mt. Sanitas and many other trails. The most common Sanitas loop is around 3 miles and takes you up the south ridge and down the east ridge.
Hiking options further from the venue
If you are looking to escape the crowds, Shanahan Ridge and South Boulder Creek West are a ~20-26-minute bus ride from the venue. They are less busy than the trailheads listed above, but still offer access to many quality trails with excellent views.
If you are extending your stay or have a half day on a weekend, we recommend exploring Eldorado Canyon State Park. You can travel via a one hour bus ride on weekends and the entry fee is four dollars. If you are traveling by car (20 minute drive), timed entry is required and the entry fee is ten dollars. We also recommend visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. You can travel via a one hour bus ride on weekends and the park entrance fees that vary depending on when you visit. If you are traveling by car (also a one hour drive) timed entry is required.