26 Things to Do in Denver This Fall
Now that we are at the end of August, after a very hot summer in the United States, it is bittersweet having those fall temperatures start to roll in but not wanting to wish away these warm, sunny, long days in Denver… where I don’t have to worry about piling on the layers to walk outside of our apartment or shoveling snow! No matter where you fall on this spectrum, I figured we could all use some inspiration for what to do in Denver this fall as September starts to creep up on us!
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, Colorado is an absolutely fabulous place to live (or visit!) anytime of the year! Colorado has so much to offer in the fall including the beautiful aspen leaves that’ll start to change color, tailgating season is about to be in full swing, and the endless outdoor excursions that can take place without constantly getting sunburned or profusely sweating. Below you’ll find an extensive list of things to do in Denver this fall, enjoy!
Before we start, we wanted to answer a common question that people ask… When does fall start in Denver?
Fall officially starts Thursday, September 22nd and ends Wednesday, December 21st, 2022. Although these are technically the days that mark the autumn season. The changing leaves, moderate temperatures, and fall events typically occur from early September to mid-November. This is the best time to see fall foliage and enjoy the Denver area without experiencing several feet of snow. Although it’s important to note that snow does arrive in Denver pretty early so you could potentially see snow within the autumn season! Personally, we would shoot for fall festivities in mid-September through late October!
Now that we’ve answered that, I’m sure you’re wondering.. What is there to do in Denver in the fall? What fall events are in Denver? Check out our list of 26 things to do in the Denver, Colorado area from late August through mid November below!
1. The Great American Beer Festival
This craft beer festival will take place October 6th-8th of 2022. It will be their 40th anniversary and everyone is SO excited about it especially after a two year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. There will be over 500 breweries represented along with live music, activities, and various entertainment. The event will take place at the Colorado Convention Center and if you love craft beer, you should definitely check out The Great American Beer Festival!
2. Broncos Football Games
Football season has a special place in our hearts. Not only does Sam absolutely adore the game but so do I. We are so excited that pre-season games have started and we are pumped for the regular season to arrive in full swing. If you are like us and love football, be sure to buy tickets to a Broncos game! We couldn’t be more excited that Russell Wilson has joined the Broncos and for our first full football season living in a city with a team! Be sure to check out Broncos tickets for Sunday night football or even some of their weekday games, it’s an atmosphere that you won’t forget.
3. Boulder Fall Fest
Boulder’s Fall Fest is back and couldn’t sound any better. The event will take place September 16th-18th of 2022. The event will be held at the Pearl Street Mall downtown and will have a wide array of things to offer from crafts to adult beverages to family friendly activities. If you’re looking for something to do in Boulder this September, look no further!
4. Denver Oktoberfest
If you can’t go to Munich to be at Oktoberfest, let the celebration come to you! Denver is holding their annual Oktoberfest celebration September 16th-18th and September 23rd-25th of 2022. Grab your lederhosen and make your way to Larimer Square for the 52nd Annual Oktoberfest celebration in the Denver metro area.
5. Breckenridge Oktoberfest
There is something so special about Colorado’s mountains in the fall. What better way to experience Breckenridge during the autumn season than participating in their Oktoberfest celebration? The event will take place September 23rd-25th and the festivities will include countless craft beer options, live music, delicious food, and even a 5k run. Be sure to buy your steins soon if you want to participate in this year’s celebration at Breck!
6. Vail Oktoberfest
In addition to Denver and Breckenridge’s Oktoberfest celebrations… Vail will be having Oktoberfest on September 9th-11th and September 16th-18th. There will be German inspired decor, delicious steins of beer, bavarian pretzels and much more. Grab your lederhosen and your dirndl and head to this celebration for a great time at the beautiful Vail Village.
7. Rockies Games
With the weather starting to cool down, what better way to experience Denver than to root on the Colorado Rockies at a home baseball game. Be sure to check out their tickets and come support one of our local teams!
8. Hiking
Colorado is known for its Rocky Mountains and breathtaking hikes. Now that the temperatures are starting to cool down, pack your bag and put on your hiking shoes because it’s a magnificent time of year to go exploring! You’ll be able to experience the golden aspen leaves and beautiful views while not sweating buckets or peeling off layers.
9. Road Trip to Aspen to see the Fall Foliage
If you are looking for the epitome of autumn and seeking those gorgeous colorful leaves, hop in your car and head to Aspen where the leaves are in full swing. The best time to see these leaves are from mid-September to mid-October as the green leaves change to gold and the air feels nice and crisp.
10. Denver’s Food and Wine Festival
Denver’s Food and Wine Festival will be taking place on September 6th-10th of 2022. There will be countless options for both wine and food, be sure to snag your tickets ahead of time as there are several ticket options!
11. Road Trip through Estes Park
As the leaves begin to change color, the weather begins to cool down, and the wildlife roams around… Estes Park cannot be missed if you are visiting Colorado in the fall. This is a fabulous time to go on a road trip up to Estes Park because there are endless opportunities and experiences. You can horseback ride, go fly fishing, explore Estes Park’s wilderness, sightsee some of the elk and moose in our region and so much more.
12. Brewery Hop
One of our all time favorite seasons to drink craft beer is the fall. There is something so refreshing about sipping a pumpkin ale or a German Oktoberfest beer when the air is light and crisp outside and you are bundled in some layers.There is almost nothing that I enjoy more than sipping on a cold beer while sitting outside and taking in the changing leaves with football on in the background. Colorado has hundreds of breweries and with the moderate temperatures that fall brings, it is an optimal time to go brewery hopping!
13. Red Rocks Amphitheater
Red Rocks is one of the most iconic concert venues in the United States. We highly recommend that you check out what events are being played at the amphitheater this fall. If you can’t get tickets to an event, be sure to make your way to the amphitheater during the morning/day. Many people come to Red Rocks just to take in the extraordinary view or to get a quick workout by running or walking the stairs.
14. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
To me, nothing says autumn like pumpkins! Hop in the car and be sure to visit one of the many pumpkin patches in and around the Denver area. The Long Neck Pumpkin Farm will be open September 24th-October 30th on Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s. Be sure to check their website and book your tickets in advance!
15. PSL Season- Hit One of Denver’s Many Coffee Shops and Cafes
The number of coffee shops and cafes in the Denver metro area is nuts and we love it. Be sure to check out one of the many coffee shops to grab a hot coffee or a pumpkin spice latte so that you can get toasty before spending some time outside this fall in Denver!
16. Denver’s Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms
Don’t miss the corn maze at Chatfield Farms from September 16th-October 30th on Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s. There are several different activities that you can participate in as well as several options for tasty fall bites. Be sure to check out their website for ticket information and more.
17. Glow at the Gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens
This event will take place October 18th-23rd and consist of countless luminated pathways, pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, and more. Head to the Glow at the Gardens for a memorable time filled with fall activities, entertainment, beverages, and food.
18. Go to an Apple Orchard or Market
One of our favorite things about fall is the apples! We love to go to orchards and pick apples to make our homemade apple pie. Don’t miss out on several apple markets, events, and orchards around the Denver area. One event that you cannot miss will take place at the Cedaredge Applefest October 7th-9th of 2022. There will be countless apples, festivities, a 5k run, and much more.
19. Harvest Night Fun Run and Fall Festival
Loveland will be having a harvest fun run on Saturday, October 29th of 2022. Grab your tickets and your tennis shoes and be sure to participate in this fun event. What better way to shed some calories before indulging in all the Halloween candy! There will be music, food, and many more fall festivals. Be sure to register beforehand for a fun time.
20. Telluride’s Blues and Brews Festival
This festival will be held on September 16th-18th of 2022 in Telluride. There will be delicious drinks and good live music playing. Grab your tickets beforehand as there are several options depending on how many days you want to attend the event and what times.
21. Denver Halloween Bar Crawl
A bar crawl will be taking place on Monday, October 31th, 2022 at the Pour House on Market. Grab your costume and get your walking shoes on. This bar crawl will be full of Halloween decor, plenty of beverages, and an unforgettable time.
22. Boos and Brews Halloween 5k
Number Thirty Eight will be hosting a fun run on October 29th of this year. The run will be a 5k and finishers will receive a free craft brew at the finish line. There will be costume contests, entertainment, craft beer, and more. Be sure to register in advance to save your spot in this event!
23. LoDo Zombie Crawl
On October 29th there will be a Zombie Crawl in the LoDo area of Denver. Come dressed in your distressed clothing, finger paint, and other Zombie like wardrobe to visit over 15 participating bars and nightclubs for various drink deals.
24. Journey Down Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is one of the most beautiful drives around the Denver area. The drive is a little less than 50 miles in length and travels along Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. Not only will you be able to take in the dramatic mountain scenery but if you drive this road in the fall you’ll be able to experience the changing aspen trees, enjoy the moderate temperatures outside, and might even see an abundance of wildlife roaming around! The Trail Ridge Road will be an extraordinary journey to take in Denver’s autumn season.
25. Pumpkin Pie 5K/10K
Denver will be hosting the annual Pumpkin Pie 5K/10K this year on Saturday, November 19th at City Park. You can pick whether you want to participate in the 5K distance or the 10K. Additionally, participants will receive a slice of pumpkin pie after finishing the race. This is a great opportunity to run some miles before indulging in some delicious holiday sweets.
26. Denver Turkey Trot
Mile High United Way will be hosting Denver’s Turkey Trot on November 24th, 2022 at Washington Park. Be sure to register for this incredible 4 mile event so that you can burn some calories before indulging in stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce! This is such a fun event to do with your significant other, family, and friends on Thanksgiving Day! The proceeds will be going to United Way in order to help individuals and families that are impoverished.
We hope this list inspired you to visit and explore Denver in fall. We are so excited to experience Colorado as the autumn season begins to take off. Happy Exploring!
