Embrace Autumn in Colorado with These Fall Festivals
Every autumn season, Colorado is home to a number of fall festivals. The season brings cooler temperatures and a bountiful harvest of fall crops. All of these unique festivals occur during the fall months of September and October. From harvest festivals to wine festivals to a popular music festival, there are a number of excellent fall celebrations to attend to embrace this season in Colorado.
Mountain Harvest Festival, Paonia, CO
Mountain Harvest Festival has everything you would expect from a fall harvest festival. Located in Colorado's western slope, this four-day event features live music, beer and wine tastings and a multi-day farmers market from local farms. However one of the most amusing events is the annual grape stomp competition. Also enjoy a chili cook-off and farm tours along with arts and craft vendors.
Elk Fest, Estes Park, CO
Every fall, the town of Estes Park runs wild with local elk during the rutting season. Therefore Elk Fest is a celebration of elk, as you can not only hear the bulls bugle in the valley but also catch elk herds taking over the town. Elk Fest is a free event that features a bugling contest, a beer garden, elk seminars and storytelling along with elk art displays from local artists.
Telluride Horror Show, Telluride, CO
Horror film buffs in Colorado should flock to the Telluride Horror Show, which is a three-day event that showcases horror, sci-fi and fantasy films every October. The films are featured in downtown Telluride at the historic Sheridan Opera House, Palm Theatre and Nugget Theatre. Enjoy over 70 films during this spooky multi-day festival.
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest, Boulder, CO
Head to Boulder for Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest, a three-day festival that has been running for decades. Located at Boulder’s popular Pearl Street Mall, find live music, a beer garden, handmade goods and even a children’s carnival.
Oktoberfest Denver, Denver, CO
Oktoberfest Denver is one of the best Oktoberfests in the nation. However this beer festival is also perfect for the whole family. Enjoy keg bowling, German food, a bratwurst-eating contest and live music. Hundreds of thousands of people head to the Mile High City to enjoy this iconic German festival that runs for two weekends in September.
Chile & Frijoles Festival, Pueblo, CO
Fall in Colorado means green chile season. And the home of green chiles in Colorado is the town of Pueblo. The Chile & Frijoles Festival features a variety of dishes made with the green chiles, from smoked on a stick to salsa. Besides green chiles, also enjoy live music, cooking demos and competitions and arts and craft vendors at this annual September event.
Colorado Mountain Winefest, Palisade, CO
Colorado’s largest and oldest wine festival takes place every September in Palisade. Enjoy a variety of wines from Colorado wineries along with cooking demos, live music, a grape stomp and educational seminars. Nearly 50 Colorado wineries show up to this four-day fall event.
AppleFest, Cedaredge, CO
AppleFest is a celebration of apple season on Colorado's Grand Mesa, which is home to many apple orchards. This annual festival occurs early October when the apples are ripe. Eat a variety of apple-infused dishes while enjoying over 200 different vendors, live music and an antique car show.
Vail Oktoberfest, Vail, CO
Vail Oktoberfest occurs in the mountain town of Vail over two weeks in September. This German festival features Bavarian music, a bratwurst-eating contest, yodeling, and a costume contest. Enjoy the live music on Saturday along with a kid’s area complete with kid crafts and performers. This family-friendly Oktoberfest has free admission.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride, CO
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is one of the most popular music festivals in the state. With multiple stages featuring a variety of musical genres, this annual three-day festival draws thousands of attendees every September to this ski town. Enjoy brews from over 50 different breweries along with yoga sessions, kid’s activities, and local vendors.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Colorado is home to a number of fall festivals during the autumn season
- Mountain Harvest Festival in Paonia features live music, beer and wine tastings, and a grape stomp competition
- Elk Fest in Estes Park celebrates elk with bugling contests, seminars, and art displays
- Telluride Horror Show showcases horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films in downtown Telluride
- Downtown Boulder Fall Fest in Boulder offers live music, a beer garden, and a children's carnival
- Oktoberfest Denver features German food, keg bowling, and live music for the whole family
- Chile & Frijoles Festival in Pueblo celebrates green chile season with food, music, and vendors
- Colorado Mountain Winefest in Palisade showcases wines from Colorado wineries with cooking demos and live music
- AppleFest in Cedaredge celebrates apple season with apple-infused dishes, vendors, and live music
- Vail Oktoberfest in Vail features Bavarian music, bratwurst-eating contests, and a kid's area
- Telluride Blues & Brews Festival in Telluride is a popular music festival with multiple stages and over 50 breweries
