Colorado in the fall can’t be beat! From art fairs to fall festivals to pumpkin-themed events, there’s something for everyone on this list of fall events in Denver.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Labor Day Lift Off (Aug. 30-Sept. 1)
A colorful event that will have you looking toward the sky, Colorado Spring’s Labor Day Lift Off is great for the entire family. Taking place over 3 days, guests can watch as approximately 60 hot air balloons float around the city.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (Sept. 6-7)
The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is a celebration of Denver’s vibrant Pan Asian culture. Come see the boat race, eat amazing food and shop Asian goods. The festival is one of the largest in the country and draws 200,000 people.
Castle Rock ArtFest (Sept. 6-7)
Admission is free to this 2-day event. This esteemed community art festival highlights the talents of more than 110 exhibitors displaying a wide range of works from life-size sculptures to photography and jewelry.
Oktoberfest Denver (Sept. 19-21,26-28)
The Denver Oktoberfest has been a staple two weekend festival in Downtown Denver since 1969. From keg bowling to stein hoisting, live music and more, there’s something here for Oktoberfest pros and first timers. So grab your stein, throw on your lederhosen and join us!
Miner’s Day (Sept. 20)
Miners Day is the premier community event that originated as a celebration to honor and remember Frederick’s mining heritage. This annual event features family fun and entertainment throughout the day including a parade (10:30 a.m.), burro race, vendors, food trucks, activities, contests, and live entertainment. Per tradition, Miners Day will conclude with an evening concert and fireworks display.
Morrison Ciderfest (Sept. 27)
The Morrison Ciderfest has tons of activities for the whole family including:
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- Cider presses
- Kids area with a bouncy castle and more
- Arts and crafts exhibits
- Silent Auction
- Hay rides
- Local hard cider tasting area (fee area)
OCTOBER EVENTS
Boulder Fall Fest (Sept. Oct. 3-5)
This 3-day autumn festival features local food, a large beer/wine/margarita garden, live music, family entertainment and activities and features the Firefly Handmade Market all along the historic Pearl Street Mall.
Lakewood Cider Days (Oct. 4-5)
Celebrating Lakewood’s agricultural heritage with an entertaining mix of live performances, activities and tasty harvest treats, the annual Cider Days festival offers fun and excitement for the entire family! This event includes tractor pulls and vintage power displays, children’s activities, historic demonstrations and a unique variety of exhibitors and vendors. The Cider Days festival wouldn’t be complete without everything apple, including apple pressing, cider and a variety of apple goodies.
Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms (Oct.10-12)
The 10-acre pumpkin patch at Chatfield Farms, operated by the Denver Botanic Gardens, operates for only one weekend. Head on out to pick out your favorite pumpkin and then stroll the other wonderful plants on display.
Auorora Borealis Festival (Oct. 10-11)
Dive into a weekend of wonder at the Aurora Borealis Festival! From a stunning recreation of the northern lights to interactive lighting installations, a Global Gift Bazaar, and Flavors of Aurora Food Court, attend an unforgettable event unlike any other in Colorado.
Littleton Harvest Festival (Oct. 11)
The annual Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the living history farms of the Littleton Museum. Buy your Halloween pumpkins and enjoy wagon rides, 1890s carnival games, historical demonstrations, and other fun family-friendly activities.
Harvest Haunt (Oct. 18-19)
The Colorado Railroad Museum’s annual Halloween-themed steam-up event comes back to “haunt the rails!” Grounds are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, with activities taking place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., including train rides. Guests are encouraged to come in costume for Trick-or-Treating! Enjoy the Olde Railroaders Silly Graveyard, “not-so-spooky” Haunted Railcars and a hay bale maze. Bring your camera, and get a great picture of your group’s costumes in front of the Pumpkin Patch cart. Tasty treats and lunchtime food options will be available for purchase.
Glow at the Gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens (Oct. 21-26)
Take a spine-tingling stroll through eerily illuminated gardens as our York Street location transforms for Halloween. Enjoy larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures, spooky live entertainment and, of course, hoards of gourds with thousands of jack o’ lanterns made from real, locally grown pumpkins.
Looking for more fall fun? Check out our guide to Denver Area Pumpkin Patches.
