With the leaves already changing, another fun Colorado fall kicks off! The season runs from the Autumn Equinox on Saturday, September 23rd to Wednesday, December 20th, 2023, the day before the Winter Solstice.
Autumn is full of exciting fall festivals in Colorado, toasting an end to summer and welcoming the cooler fall weather. Aspens transition to shades of red and the beer gets darker. Rafts are traded for snow tubes and hiking boots for ski boots. It’s an exciting time in the Centennial State!
2023 Annual Colorado Fall Festivals
Vail Snow Days. Photo: Nate Weigle
A slew of Colorado Oktoberfests kicked off at the end of August and run through mid-October. These are just a few of the libation-filled festivals to warm you up. There’s also the Great American Beer Fest, Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival, and Denver International Wine Festival.
Festivals in September
Aspen FilmFest. Photo: aspenfilm.org
Breckenridge Film Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, September 21-24, 2023
Address: Breckenridge
About: 42nd annual festival features a variety of independent films, premieres, receptions, educational programs, and retrospectives; 70+ films, parties, and forums.
Website: breckfilm.org
Telluride Autumn Classic
Date: Thur-Sun, September 21-24, 2023
Address: Telluride
About: A 4-day mountain event celebrating everything an automobile, motorcycle, and airplane enthusiast could ever dream of.
Website: tellurideautumnclassic.com
Chile & Frijoles Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, September 22-24, 2023
Address: Pueblo
About: Annual three-day pepper party held the third weekend after Labor Day. Farmers sell more than 50,000 pounds of peppers, including the Mirasol, a native to the Pueblo region.
Website: pueblochilefestival.com
The 13th Floor Haunted House
Date: Select days, mid September to early November 2023
Address: Denver
About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s legendary and most horrifying Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.
Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Date: Thur-Sun, September 28 – October 1, 2023
Address: Durango
About: Celebrate the rich history of the American cowboy, with live performances, poets, and musicians, now in its 35th year.
Website: durangocowboypoetrygathering.org
Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown
Date: Fri-Sun, September 29-October 1, 2023
Address: Denver
About: The ultimate pinball and gamer festival returns for its 17th year. Attend one or all three days and play all the games you can, no quarters needed.
Handmade In Colorado Expo: Fillmore Plaza
Date: Sat-Sun, September 30 – October 1, 2023
Address: Fillmore Plaza, Cherry Creek, Denver
About: 16th annual art event held over three weekends at three different venues showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.
Website: coloradoevents.org…
Festivals in October
Emma Crawford Coffin Race. Photo: sports.good.is
Highlands Farmers Market
Date: Sundays, May 21 – October 15, 2023
Address: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver
Great farmer’s market with handcrafted goods and locally grown produce. Go hungry because there is plenty of homemade food for sale, fresh and ready to eat.
Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Date: Thur-Sun, September 28 – October 1, 2023
Address: Durango
About: Celebrate the rich history of the American cowboy, with live performances, poets, and musicians, now in its 34th year.
Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown
Date: Fri-Sun, September 29-October 1, 2023
Address: Denver
About: The ultimate pinball and gamer festival returns for its 17th year. Attend one or all three days and play all the games you can, no quarters needed.
Elk Fest
Date: Sat-Sun, September 30-October 1, 2023
Address: Bond Park, Estes Park
About: Fall festival celebrating the annual elk “rut”. Events include a Mountain Man Rendezvous, Native American music and dancing, a bugling contest, elk seminars, and exhibits, as well as food and craft vendors. There’s also an elk-viewing bus.
Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, October 6-8, 2023
Address: Breckenridge
About: Enjoy live music, regional liquor, and food. Events include Poker Run, Historic Saloon Walking Tour, Breckenridge Distillery Tours, Honey Gitter’s live show at the historic Gold Pan Saloon, and Hangover Brunch.
Cedaredge Applefest
Date: Fri-Sun, October 6-8, 2023
Address: Cedaredge
About: Celebrate Cedaredge’s rich farming history at this annual autumn celebration happening the first full weekend in October. Some highlights include a chili cook-off, golf tournament, 5K run, classic car show, live concerts, and apple pie sales.
Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms
Date: Fri-Sun, October 6-8, 2023
Address: Chatfield Farms, Littleton
About: 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.
bRUNch Run 5K + 10K
Date: Sun, October 8, 2023
Address: Denver
About: A fundraising race that comes with brunch, scented medals, and free swag, this event is for those who love getting active and eating.
Telluride Horror Show
Date: Fri-Sun, October 13-15, 2023
Address: Nugget Theatre, Telluride
About: The 14th annual 3-day Telluride Horror Show is the state’s spookiest and largest horror film festival boasting plenty of films to scare your pants off.
Knock Your Boots Off Beer Tasting & Chili Cook-Off
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Address: Golden
About: Annual chili competition featuring bottomless craft beer and chili tastings held by downtown Golden.
Dia de los Muertos
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023; Events also held throughout October
Address: Longmont
About: Celebrate the annual Day of the Dead Festival in Longmont. This longstanding Mexican tradition is on full display in downtown and other locations around the city.
Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, October 20-22, 2023
Address: Colorado Springs
About: With the purpose of cultivating awareness, empathy, and a deeply connected community, the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival is a 3-day celebration of women and others who are often unseen, unheard, and misunderstood.
Treat Street
Date: Sat-Sun, October 21-22, 2023
Address: Aurora
About: A Halloween trick-or-treating family fun event hosted at the Arapahoe County “Scaregrounds” full of costumes, games, and delicious treats.
Bloody Mary Festival
Date: Sun, October 22, 2023
Address: EXDO Event Center, Denver
About: The 7th Annual Bloody Mary Festival is the largest event of its kind, boasting a range of unique and tantalizing Bloody Marys as well as plenty of food and beverages.
Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame
Date: Tues, October 24, 2023
Address: Colorado Springs
About: The Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is a yearly celebration of the athletes, teams, coaches, and contributors who have left their mark on the community. Taking place at the Broadmoor World Arena, there will be a reception, silent auction, and dinner.
Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade
Date: Sat, October 28, 2023
Address: Manitou Springs
About: Starting with a parade through town, the annual coffin races are formed of teams of four pallbearers and one “Emma”. The races have been covered nationally by the Travel Channel and are usually held on the last Saturday in October.
The 13th Floor Haunted House
Date: Select days, mid September to early November 2023
Address: Denver
About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s legendary and most horrifying Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.
Great American Beer Festival
Date: Thur-Sat, October 10-12, 2024 (NOTE: THIS IS 2024 date)
Address: Convention Center, Denver
About: Heading into its 42nd year, GABF is one of the largest beer festivals in the US, with four sessions to choose from, and over 3500 beers.
Wine In The Pines
Date: Friday-Saturday, October 25-26, 2024 (NOTE: NO FESTIVAL HELD IN 2023)
Address: Keystone
About: Summit County’s premier wine festival returns in 2024 for its 4oth year! Enjoy exquisite wine paired with savory cuisine.
Mile High Horror Film Festival
Date: TBD 2023
Address: Denver
About: Every autumn, the Mile High Horror Film Festival descends on Coloradans eager to get their fair share of scares. This annual event has attracted notable attendees like Jack Black and Linda Blair.
Denver Zombie Crawl
Date: TBD 2023
Address: Lower Downtown, Denver
About: It’s free to dress up as an undead zombie and tag along on this annual bar crawl, held at 7 pm on Saturday in LoDo. Drink tickets are purchased ahead of time.
Festivals in November
All Colorado Beer Festival. Photo: allcoloradobeerfestival.com
The 13th Floor Haunted House
Date: Select days, mid September to early November 2023
Address: Denver
About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s legendary and most horrifying Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.
Denver Film Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, November 3-12, 2023
Address: Denver
About: Back for its 46th year, the Denver Film Festival showcases hundreds of full-length films, music videos, and shorts at multiple locations across the city.
Denver Christmas Show
Date: Fri-Sun, November 3-5, 2023
Address: Denver
About: This Christmas-themed event is held at the Colorado Convention Center. Explore the more than 450 and 300 booths, respectively, of arts, crafts, and gifts from local vendors. Santa will be on-site at both locations, so bring the kids.
Phamaly Theatre Company: Vex Vergere
Date: Thur-Sun, November 3-5, 2023
Address: Aurora
About: Now in its 34th season, the Phamaly Theatre Company presents Vex Vergere with its disability-affirmative performance ensemble in Aurora.
Denver Arts Week
Date: Fri-Sat, November 3-11, 2023
Address: Denver
About: All of Denver comes alive with creativity each November for over eight days as it collectively celebrates the city’s creative neighborhoods, museums, galleries, and all-around artistic vibe.
Denver Veterans Day Run
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023
Address: City Park, Denver
About: Back for its 15th year, the Denver Veterans Day Run is both an in-person and virtual 5k and 10k event that directly benefits Colorado Vets.
Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023
Address: Georgetown
About: Home of one of the oldest and largest bighorn herds in the entire state, enjoy wildlife programs, children’s activities, hikes, music, crafts, and more at this festival.
Denver Fashion Week
Date: Sat-Sun, November 11-19, 2023
Address: York Street Yards, Denver
About: Showcasing emerging, local, and national designers, the 7-day Denver Fashion Show includes daily shows that embody different themes ranging from kids couture to sustainability.
Warren Miller Film Tour
Date: late October through December, 2o23
Address: Multiple showings across Colorado
About: An annual film tour following skiers and snowboarders as they take on the snow. From backyard hills to mega mountains, this tour kicks off the winter season with a bang!
Denver Christkindlmarket
Date: Fri-Sat, November 17-December 23, 2023
Address: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver
About: 2rd year for the month-long Christkindl Market in downtown Denver. Experience old German traditions with authentic cuisine, live music, holiday drinks, and an artisan marketplace.
Polar Express Train Ride
Date: Fri-Sun, November 17 – December 31st, 2023
Address: Durango
About: Aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, you and your family will be swept away into an elaborate holiday fantasy complete with hot chocolate, a light show, holiday music, and, of course, Santa.
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
Date: Fri-Sun, November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024 (closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 25)
Address: Denver
About: A stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The Blossoms of Light extravaganza is a twinkling and breathtaking way to spend a winter evening.
Festivals in December
Georgetown Christmas Market.
Warren Miller Film Tour
Date: late October through December, 2o23
Address: Multiple showings across Colorado
About: An annual film tour following skiers and snowboarders as they take on the snow. From backyard hills to mega mountains, this tour kicks off the winter season with a bang!
Denver Christkindlmarket
Date: Fri-Sat, November 17-December 23, 2023
Address: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver
About: 23rd year for the month-long Christkindl Market in downtown Denver. Experience old German traditions with authentic cuisine, live music, holiday drinks, and an artisan marketplace.
Polar Express Train Ride
Date: Fri-Sun, November 17 – December 31st, 2023
Address: Durango
About: Aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, you and your family will be swept away into an elaborate holiday fantasy complete with hot chocolate, a light show, holiday music, and, of course, Santa.
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
Date: Fri-Sun, November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024 (closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 25)
Address: Denver
About: A stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The Blossoms of Light extravaganza is a twinkling and breathtaking way to spend a winter evening.
Holiday Arts Bazaar
Date: Fri-Sun, December 1-3, 2023
Address: Telluride
About: A 3-day holiday market that sells an array of locally made and handcrafted items including jewelry, food, clothing, and ceramics.
Colorado Springs Record Show
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Address: Colorado Springs
About: With dozens of vendors and thousands of records, CDs, LPs, cassettes, 8-tracks, and more, if you love music and the sound of vinyl, this is a must-attend event.
The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Address: Breckenridge
About: Kick off December with the family by participating in this holiday event. Watch the town light up as hundreds of Santas run through the streets.
Georgetown Christmas Market
Date: Sat-Sun, December 2-3 and 9-10, 2023
Address: 6th Street, Georgetown
About: 63rd annual Christmas Market is held on the first two Saturdays and Sundays in December. Celebrations include a European outdoor marketplace, holiday entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, Saint Nicholas, Christmas museum tours, high tea at Grace Hall, wassail crawl, hot roasted chestnuts, and Santa Lucia Children’s Procession.
Ullr Fest
Date: Thurs-Sat, December 7-9, 2023
Address: Breckenridge
About: Festival celebrating the winter god of Norse mythology, now in its 59th year. Shenanigans include frying pans, Viking hats, “Ullympic” competitions and a floats parade.
Christmas in the Gold Camps
Date: Thur-Sat, December 7-9, 2023
Address: Cripple Creek
About: Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying a weekend of fun full of festive activities, a winter parade, and a light show.
Vail Film Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, December 7-10, 2023
Address: Vail
About: An annual 4-day film festival showcasing independent movies and screenplays.
Website: vailfilmfestival.com
Festival of Lights Parade
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Address: Colorado Springs
About: Colorado Springs starts its holiday season off by illuminating the town with the Festival of Lights Parade. Bring the family and enjoy the festivities as Santa and a myriad of floats wander down the road.
Thanks for checking out some of the great fall festivals in Colorado! Enjoy the good times and the changing of seasons.
