Can you be-leaf it’s fall?
With our favorite season (officially) in full swing, we came up with a list of 15 of the best things to do in Colorado this fall. Whether you’re in the mood for sweater weather fun, fall festivities, seasonal treats, or ready for spooky vibes – our list has it all.
Let’s get our fall on, y’all!
SWEATER WEATHER FUN
1. TAKE A HIKE
With the warmer weather sticking around for a little while, it’s the perfect time to take a (fall) hike. Luckily, fall is one of the best times to enjoy one of Colorado’s many scenic hiking trails. Between the incredible views, terrain, and colors; these hikes will leave you speechless and breathless… literally!
Psst… be sure to check out our list of 40 of the Best Fall Hikes in Colorado.
2. LEAF PEEPIN’
Orange you happy it’s fall?
While our next pick may be a no brainer – there’s a reason people come from all over to see those stunning Colorado fall colors. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a scenic drive, stroll, bike ride, (or all of the above) between the leaves; Colorado is the place to be.
3. APPLE PICKING
An apple a day…
Is there anything more #FallGoals than apple picking? Whether you’re looking for some great U-Pick options, delicious cider, baked goods and more; Colorado just so happens to have some great options.
Psst… some of our go-to’s include YA YA Farm & Orchard, Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store, and Fruit Basket Orchards.
4. FALL CAMPING
If this summer left you wanting s’more camping, fall is wonderful time of year to get out of the city.
While we could go on about the stellar weather and colors, it’s a great time to (typically) beat the summer camping crowds. While you’ll want to pack a few extra layers, we can’t think of a better way to enjoy a mini getaway.
FALL FESTIVITIES
5. PUMPKIN HARVEST FESTIVAL
Kicking off our list of fall festivities is The Pumpkin Harvest Festival.
Taking place at Four Mile Historic Park October 14-15, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Aside from picking out the perfect pumpkin (with your pumpkin) – you’ll also enjoy local shops, live music and performances, and all those yummy seasonal treats + vibes. Tickets can be found here.
Psst… did we mention the apple cider donuts?
6. OKTOBERFEST
Up is a Denver tradition, Oktoberfest!
Taking place the last two weekends in September, it’s a great way to kick off fall. From keg bowling to stein hoisting, live music and more; it’s sure to be a lederhosen lover’s dream. While tickets are not required, for those looking to take their Oktoberfest experience to the next level, VIP tickets can be found here.
7. ANDERSON FARMS ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
Fall wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of Colorado’s best pumpkin patches – Anderson Farms. Aside from their incredible selection of pumpkins, this patch really has it all. From corn mazes, wagon rides, face AND pumpkin painting, scary good treats, farm animals and more, it’s the perfect way to get yourself in a fall state of mind.
Psst… for those looking for spooky season fun, stick around after dark for Terror in the Corn.
8. FALL BAZAAR
As if fall couldn’t get any better, Denver BAZAAR is back with their Fall BAZAAR series.
With three locations (Belleview Station, Platte Street, and Sloan’s Lake) taking place over three weekends, kicking off September 23rd, it’s sure to please the shopper, foodie, and/or craft beverage connoisseur in us all.
Psst… did we mention their shop and ship packages.
9. MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL
Rounding our our list of fall festivities is The Far East Center’s Mid Autumn Festival.
Taking place on September 30th in the Little Saigon District, it’s a great way to experience this traditional festival celebrating Chinese culture. This is event is free to attend/open to the public and features: lion dance performances, moon cake eating contests, delicious street food, live music, performances and so much more.
SEASONAL TREATS
10. SEASONAL BEERS
Fall + beer = Colorado
While this one may be a little obvious – fall is a great time to check out your favorite breweries and their fall creations. While we could come up with a list of our favorite fall-inspired brews (and we just might), it’s one of our favorite times of year to enjoy a cold brew.
11. FALL MENUS
Fall is for foodies!
With so many delicious veggies, spices, and uniquely fall dishes; it’s the perfect time to check out your favorite restaurant’s seasonal menu. Calories don’t count during fall, right?
12. FALL DRINK(S) FROM A LOCAL COFFEE SHOP
Did somebody say PSL?
Now that it’s officially fall, it’s the perfect time to head to your favorite local coffee shop and enjoy a delicious fall beverage. If you need us – we’ll be sampling EVERY pumpkin spice latte in the Denver-metro area.
SPOOKY VIBES
13. THE 13TH FLOOR
Let’s creep it real!
With spooky season right around the corner, a visit to the 13th Floor Haunted House is a must. This iconic haunted house is serving up some ghoulish tricks and treats that are sure get you in the Halloween spirit.
Psst… stay tuned to learn more about this year’s haunts!
14. FRIGHT FEST
Up next is another great pick to get you in a frightful mood – Elitch Gardens’ Fright Fest.
Fright Fest runs every weekend from September 30 – October 29 and is serving up family fun during the day AND frights by night. You’ll enjoy all your favorite rides with spooky surprises along the way. Be sure to check out one (or all) three of the haunted attractions and keep an eye out for the ghouls, goblins, monsters and others that stalk the park by night.
15. MAGIC OF THE JACK O’LANTERNS
Rounding out our list of Halloween fun is Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns. With over 5,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns and incredible displays to match, it’s like walking into a real life Halloween Town. Located at Hudson Garden’s in Littleton, you’ll want to grab your tickets before they’re all gone.
FALL BREEZE + AUTUMN LEAVES
With so much to do in Colorado this fall, thanks for checking out our guide to help you celebrate the season!
As always, we love seeing and hearing from you, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheDenverEar and tag #TheDenverEar for a chance to be featured.