There’s a special feeling about gathering in Colorado’s charming mountain towns as the leaves change color, the air becomes crisper and the end of the year draws near. Plan a weekend getaway around these Colorado events to share in the excitement with our local communities. From classic Oktoberfests and pumpkin patches to niche film festivals and bugling contests, each of these events provides their own unique approach to welcome the season in grand style.
1. Downtown Boulder's Fall Fest
Boulder's autumn fest lines up music performances, a beer/wine/margarita garden, local food vendors, artisans selling their wares and family entertainment along the city's bustling Pearl Street Mall in September. Located just blocks from the foothills, Downtown Boulder's Fall Fest allows you to ring in the fall season with striking mountain views.
2. Chile & Frijoles Festival
The Chile & Frijoles Festival is your best chance to taste the pride of Pueblo in late September — a special, intensely flavorful variety of green chile that thrives in this region. Served smoking on a stick, chopped and tucked into a quesadilla or sprinkled in salsa, it’s the star of this show. Cooking competitions, live music, dancing, arts and crafts, a jalapeño-eating contest and a farmers’ market round out the festivities.
3. La Junta Tarantula Fest
September brings much more than cooler temperatures to La Junta. During prime tarantula-mating season, you can appreciate the beloved eight-legged critters of southeastern Colorado at the La Junta Tarantula Fest; enjoy face painting, food trucks, homemade gifts and an arachnid-themed parade. Plus, peer down at tarantulas on a tour or feel a friendly crawler's gentle, fuzzy legs as you hold one in your hands.
4. Poudre Pou
The annual Poudre Pour in Windsor combines stewardship and environmental education with a heaping side of fun each October. Along with presentations about the heritage of the Cache la Poudre River and the importance of the water it provides, expect delicious craft-beer and beverage tastings, gourmet appetizers, historical costumes, live music and plenty of entertainment for the kiddos.
5. Oktoberfest Denver
Oktoberfests around the world are largely about beer, but Oktoberfest Denver turns out fun for the whole family with food booths, polka dancing, singalongs and live music along with wacky contests like beer-keg bowling and competitive stein hoisting in downtown Denver each September.
6. Miners Pumpkin Patch
Head to Colorado Springs in October for a bevy of autumnal entertainment at Miners Pumpkin Patch, from hayrides and gold panning to press-your-own cider opportunities and blacksmith demonstrations — all while supporting the Western Museum of Mining & Industry. Expect delights like pumpkin picking, face painting and food-truck dining.