There are endless things to do in Denver in fall. Families love the corn maze at Anderson Farms and the jack o’ lantern displays at Hudson Gardens. Others get into the spooky season spirit during the Broadway Halloween Parade and Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens. Culinary experiences abound with the Great American Beer Festival, grape stomping at Balistreri Vineyards and more — including our top-rated Downtown Denver Food Tour.
As a local tour company, we’re well informed on the city’s seasonal happenings. This ultimate guide highlights the absolute best autumn activities in Denver, allowing you to make the most of this short and scenic season. We also share free activities and day trips for every interest.
Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in Denver in Fall
Savor Local Eats on a Downtown Denver Food Tour
Downtown Denver │ Book A Tour │ Price: $$$ │ Our Top Pick
Several partnered restaurants highlight seasonal ingredients
Autumn is harvest season and there’s no better way to enjoy its bounty than a Downtown Denver Food Tour. This three-hour guided experience includes five generous tastings from award-winning local restaurants.
Savor spicy green chili, fry bread tacos, baked empanadas and more local flavors paired with optional alcoholic beverages. While walking between stops, your expert guide will share insights about the city and its dining scene. Both locals and tourists love these foodie outings!
Get Rowdy at a Denver Broncos Football Game
1701 Bryant St, Denver │ Broncos Website │ Price: $$$$ │ Stadium Energy
Empower Field at Mile High is packed on game day (photo: Denver Broncos Facebook)
Cheer on the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High this season. There are several home games from September through December. These include matches against rival teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders. Wear all orange, pick up a case of Broncos Country pale ales and tailgate at the stadium for the complete experience.
Hoist Beer Steins at Denver Oktoberfest
Larimer and 21st St, Denver │ Oktoberfest Website │ Price: $ │ Downtown Revelry
Hoist steins at this annual Ballpark festival (photo: Denver Oktoberfest Facebook)
Denver Oktoberfest is a two-weekend festival located on 21st and Larimer in the Ballpark district. Festivities will occur from September 18-20 and September 25-27, 2026.
Enjoy the beer hall and German-inspired fare, live music and competitions like stein hoisting and keg bowling. Admission is free but VIP ticket holders get the full package with unlimited beer and wine, included meals and more.
Join a Fall Festival at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Multiple locations │ Botanic Gardens Website │ Price: $ │ Seasonal Events
An aerial view of the Chatfield Farms corn maze (photo: Denver Botanic Gardens Facebook)
There are several reasons to plan a trip to the Denver Botanic Gardens in fall 2026. On select evenings from October 15-24, the downtown York Street location will host Glow in the Gardens featuring spectacular pumpkin displays.
Families will also want to visit Chatfield Gardens on the weekends to explore its eight-acre corn maze from September 18 to November 1. Additionally, this Littleton attraction will hold its annual Pumpkin Festival from October 9-11, offering live music, magic shows and tractor-pulled rides.
Partake in the Iconic Great American Beer Festival
1380 W Florida Ave, Denver │ GABF Website │ Price: $$$ │ Bucket List Item
Nationwide breweries will serve endless tastings (photo: Great American Beer Festival website)
The Great American Beer Festival is one of the country’s largest beer competitions. On October 10-11, 2026, more than 500 craft breweries from across the US will serve thousands of tastings from the Levitt Pavilion.
Sample every ale imaginable at this new outdoor location, from seasonal brews to flagship pours and award-winners. Wear a pretzel necklace into the venue and enjoy concessions on-site.
Catch an Outdoor Concert at Breckenridge Brewery
2990 Brewery Ln, Littleton │ Breckenridge Brewery Website │ Price: $$ │ Great Vibes
Concerts draw people from across the metro area (photo: Breckenridge Brewery Facebook)
Soak up the year’s last few warm weekends at Breckenridge Brewery. Its twelve-acre Littleton location will host outdoor concerts on several dates throughout the fall 2026 season. Jam out to local bands while drinking signature craft brews, like the Oktoberfest lager and Palisade Peach Wheat.
Toast to the Season on a Denver Cocktails Tour
Downtown Denver │ Book A Tour │ Price: $$$ │ Seasonal Sips
Sample craft cocktails and small plates at four downtown stops
With fantastic cocktail lounges across the city, beer isn’t the only libation to enjoy this time of year. Our Denver Cocktails Tour spotlights four of the best beverages in town, like a warming butter pecan old fashioned and other seasonal sips. Non-alcoholic options are also available, and paired small plates add to the flavorful experience.
Better than a standard happy hour, this two-hour walking tour also provides an insider’s look into the downtown bar scene. Explore several key attractions including Union Station and the trendy Dairy Block micro-district, too.
Cheer on Football Teams at Number Thirty Eight
3560 Chestnut Pl, Denver │ Number Thirty Eight Website │ Price: $$ │ Game Day Venue
The patio is a popular spot on football Sundays (photo: Number Thirty Eight Facebook)
Hanging out at Number Thirty Eight is one of our favorite things to do in RiNo, and that’s especially true this football season. With more than a dozen screens, this spacious food and music venue will show every single NFL game.
When the Denver Broncos play, expect full-blown watch parties with live DJs and plenty of exuberant fans, plus food and drink party packs.
Support Local Restaurants During Savor the Season
1900 35th St, Denver │ Savor the Season Website │ Price: $$$$ │ Dining for Good
The city’s top chefs collaborate on these fundraising dinners (photo: EatDenver website)
Savor the Season is set to occur from September 30 to October 1, 2026 at RiNo Art Park. It will feature five-course dinners from the region’s leading chefs, an open bar with craft drinks and locally-sourced ingredients.
Ticket sales benefit the non-profit EatDenver, which supports the local restaurant industry with advocacy, education programs and networking opportunities.
Visit Balistreri Vineyards for Its Annual Harvest Party
1946 E 66th Ave, Denver │ Balistreri Vineyards Website │ Price: $$$ │ Wine Tasting
The children’s grape stomp is a beloved tradition (photo: Balistreri Vineyards website)
Balistreri Vineyards, one of the top wineries in Denver, will host its annual Harvest Party on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. The celebratory feast will include a roasted pig, seasonal sides and plenty of desserts paired with the winery’s yet-to-be-released vintage.
Twenty other house wines will be available for tasting. There will also be live music and family-friendly activities like the annual children’s grape stomp.
Celebrate the Season at the Pumpkin Harvest Festival
715 S Forest St, Denver │ Four Mile Historic Park Website │ Price: $$ │ Family Fun
Choose the perfect pumpkin from the patch (photo: Visit Denver website)
On October 17-18, 2026, Four Mile Historic Park will host its annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival. This family-friendly event features live music, dozens of local vendors and the opportunity to build your own scarecrow. Visitors can also pick pumpkins from the patch, nosh on apple cider donuts and enjoy other seasonal festivities at this Glendale attraction.
See Why Denver Food Tours Are a Top-Rated Local Experience
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Be Spellbound by Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns
6115 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton │ Hudson Gardens Website │ Price: $$ │ Spooky Displays
More than 6,000 jack o’ lanterns will be on display (photo: Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns website)
The Hudson Gardens in Littleton transform during Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns, a family-friendly festival that takes place on select nights from September through November.
Expect to see thousands of glowing pumpkins within themed scenes, like a Harry Potter display and a nautical seascape. Others are stacked to form dinosaurs, dragons and even a giant Ferris wheel. Local food trucks, a s’mores station and Halloween-inspired cocktails add to the fun.
Participate in the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot
1700 E. Louisiana Ave, Denver │ Turkey Trot Website │ Price: $$$ │ Charity Run
Run for a cause through Washington Park (photo: Mile High United Way website)
The 53rd annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot will occur on November 26, 2026. Each year, thousands participate in the four-mile run/walk through Washington Park.
Register the whole family, little ones and pups included, to benefit the local community. Proceeds go to community partners which supply housing support, educational resources, basic needs and more.
Things to Do in Denver for Halloween
Spot Ghouls at the Broadway Halloween Parade
South Broadway, Denver │ Halloween Parade Website │ Price: $ │ Local Favorite
See decorated floats and costumed characters (photo: Broadway Halloween Parade Facebook)
Spooky floats, costumed entertainers and more Halloween revelry will appear on Broadway between 5th and Alameda on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The Broadway Halloween Parade started small but now draws more than 40,000 attendees.
Wear your best costume to the event — and if you don’t have one, swing by The Wizard’s Chest on Broadway before the festivities start.
Let Out Screams at Elitch Gardens’ Fright Fest
2000 Elitch Cir, Denver │ Elitch Gardens Website │ Price: $$$ │ All-Ages Fun
The Ferris wheel takes on an ominous hue during Halloween (photo: Elitch Gardens Instagram)
All ages will love celebrating Halloween at Elitch Gardens’ annual Fright Fest running from September 26 to November 1, 2026. The two-part event features treat-or-treating and more family Fun By Day.
But during Fright by Night, ghouls and goblins appear throughout the amusement park. Get spooked by costumed characters, dare to enter haunted houses and let screams out on thrilling rides.
Join a Local Historian on a Denver Ghost Tour
901 Sherman St, Denver │ Book a Tour │ Price: $$ │ Paranormal Encounters
Learn about all the ghostly encounters in Capitol Hill (photo: Best Tours of Denver Facebook)
Hear stories about the city’s paranormal happenings on a Denver Ghost Tour. Sure to convince even skeptics, this twilight experience takes place in Capitol Hill where many historic mansions hold an eerie past.
Although groups don’t venture inside these homes, several have reported paranormal encounters nonetheless. Watch for orbs, shadow people and even full-form apparitions — and don’t forget your camera!
Be Frightened by 13th Floor Haunted House
3400 E 52nd Ave, Denver │ 13th Floor Website │ Price: $$$ │ Jump Scares
Creepy characters haunt this seasonal attraction (photo: 13th Floor Haunted House Facebook)
13th Floor Haunted House is one of the most popular Halloween attractions in Denver. This year’s storylines center around a demented scientist and a blood-thirty demon — both sure to give you a fright!
There are also three themed bars on-site, as well as other experiences. Get through a labyrinth haunted by a deranged clown, have your tarot cards read and enjoy more Halloween fun.
Free Things to Do in Denver in Fall
Join the Inaugural Highlands Oktoberfest
32nd Ave from Julian to Perry St, Denver │ Oktoberfest Website │ Price: $ │ Prost!
Toast commemorative mugs at the festival (photo: Highlands Oktoberfest Instagram)
Highlands Oktoberfest will return on September 12, 2026, offering free Bavarian-themed fun for the whole family. Its schedule features a costume contest, as well as competitive stein hoisting, keg bowling and an adorable dachshund dash.
There will also be several live music performances, kids’ activities and more than eighty local vendor booths. To round out the festivities, hearty German-inspired fare and traditional lagers will be available for purchase on-site.
Savor Mooncakes at the Mid-Autumn Festival
375 S Federal Blvd, Denver │ Mid-Autumn Festival Website │ Price: $ │ Cultural Event
Eat your fill of mooncakes at this cultural event (photo: Vinh Xuong Bakery Facebook)
Mid-Autumn Festival is a major holiday throughout Asia and on September 19, 2026, Far East Center will host a free family-friendly celebration.
Explore its night market featuring global street food, music and entertainment including cultural performances, a K-pop dance battle and a karaoke contest. The event will also feature a jumbo mooncake-eating contest, along with plenty of regular-sized mooncakes available for sale.
Visit Several Neighborhoods During Denver Arts Week
Multiple locations │ Denver Arts Week Website │ Price: $ │ Free Museum Days
First Fridays draw a crowd to Santa Fe Drive (photo: Art District on Santa Fe website)
Happening from November 6-15, the 2026 edition of Denver Arts Week will kick off with First Friday events in several city neighborhoods. Visit Tennyson Street, the Art District on Santa Fe and the 40 West Arts District. A number of top local attractions will also host free days this week, including the Denver Art Museum, Molly Brown House and more.
See Why Denver Food Tours Are a Top-Rated Local Experience
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Enjoy the Season’s Bountiful Farmers Markets
Multiple locations │ Cherry Creek Market Website │ Price: $ │ Local Goods
The Cherry Creek farmers market runs through mid-October (photo: Colorado Fresh Markets website)
Celebrate harvest season at several local farmers markets. The Highlands Farmers Market appears every Sunday through October 25, 2026. On Saturdays through October 31, head to the City Park Farmers Market. The Cherry Creek market also operates on Saturdays through October 10.
See this list for more options across the metro area and enjoy one of the best things to do in Denver in fall!
Take the Family to Morrison Ciderfest
150 Spring St, Morrison │ Ciderfest Website │ Price: $ │ Small-Town Charm
Nosh on fresh apples, sip on cider and more (photo: Morrison Ciderfest Facebook)
Morrison Ciderfest will take place on September 26, 2026 in the community’s charming downtown district. Watch cider press demonstrations, climb aboard hay rides, shop from local crafts vendors and dance to live music all day long. All ages are welcome at this free event.
Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison │ Red Rocks Website │ Price: $ │ Take A Hike
See a concert or visit for free (photo: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Facebook)
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is also located in Morrison and is an iconic Colorado attraction. Of course, the outdoor venue’s concerts, film screenings and fitness events require paid tickets.
But simply visiting Red Rocks is one of the best free things to do in Denver in fall. Climb the stairs up to the amphitheatre deck or take a hike through the park’s incredible rock formations.
Admire Fall Foliage Along Cherry Creek Bike Path
Multiple locations │ Bike Path Website │ Price: $ │ Scenic Cycling
The aspens and cottonwoods turn golden in the fall (photo: Uncover Colorado website)
Pedaling down the Cherry Creek Bike Path is a wonderful way to admire fall colors in the city. This 40-mile route connects downtown’s Union Station with Franktown, a small community near Castle Rock. Bikers can access the path from several points, explore Cherry Creek State Park and visit other highlights featured on its TrailLink map.
Leaf Peep on Nearby Hiking Trails
Multiple locations │ Denver Mountain Parks Website │ Price: $ │ Mountain Views
This state park features fall foliage and canyon views (photo: Eldorado Canyon State Park Facebook)
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far to admire the mountains’ fall foliage. Some of the area’s best leaf-peeping trails are found in nearby Golden Gate Canyon State Park. It has hikes for all skill levels, as well as camping and other outdoor activities.
Eldorado Canyon State Park is another ideal aspen-viewing location, as is Herman Gulch and Mount Bierstadt, one of the easiest and most popular Colorado 14ers. Find its trailhead along the stunning Guanella Pass.
Day Trips from Denver in Fall
See Golden Aspens on a Scenic Drive
Multiple locations │ Colorado Tourism Website │ Price: $ │ Auto Tours
Autumn scenery on Guanella Pass (photo: Clear Creek County Tourism Bureau)
Guanella Pass can also be enjoyed without a strenuous hike. Simply drive the scenic route from Georgetown to Grant, admiring gold and orange aspens along the way. To extend the journey, head eight miles west from Grant to Kenosha Pass, another gorgeous area.
The Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway is also a wonderful fall experience. It runs from Black Hawk to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and its iconic Trail Ridge Road.
Experience the Spooky Stanley Hotel
333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park │ Stanley Website │ Price: $$ │ Haunted History
Get dressed up for the annual Shining Ball (photo: The Stanley Hotel Facebook)
The Stanley Hotel is another iconic destination in Estes Park. It’s famous for inspiring Steven King’s The Shining and visitors can even stay in the suite he booked in 1974. The hotel also hosts theatrical seances, spooky nightly tours of the grounds and several other events for horror fans — and the general visitor, too.
Even if haunted attractions aren’t your thing, the Stanley Hotel is worth a visit. Admire the surrounding fall colors, stay in a historic room and enjoy dining on-site. The Cascades Restaurant is highly recommended, having the largest selection of whiskeys in Colorado.
Attend Elk Fest in Estes Park
170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park │ Elk Fest Website │ Price: $ │ Wildlife Programs
Elk are commonly seen throughout Estes Park (photo: Visit Estes Park website)
Elk Fest is yet another reason to make a trip to Estes Park this fall. This annual event will take place from October 3-4, 2026 and coincides with the elk rut. Herds are often seen throughout town, bugling to find a mate.
Families can enjoy wildlife exhibits, educational presentations and live bugling demonstrations, along with Native American music and storytelling. Several Estes Park shops and eateries will offer specials during the event, allowing visitors to make the most of their experience.
Climb Aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad
646 Loop Dr, Georgetown │ Georgetown Railroad Website │ Price: $$$ │ Themed Rides
View fall colors from this historic steam train (photo: Georgetown Loop Railroad Facebook)
The Georgetown Loop Railroad route is absolutely stunning in autumn. This historic locomotive winds through colorful aspen groves and into the mountains, amazing visitors with its views.
The attraction will host several themed rides throughout the 2026 season, including the family-friendly Pumpkinfest Train from October 9-11. Adults will enjoy the Autumnfest Train the following weekend, which includes beer tastings from a local craft brewery.
See Why Denver Food Tours Are a Top-Rated Local Experience
Join our curated restaurant tours led by friendly local guides! Denver landmarks, neighborhood stories, and a full meal included. Tours run 7 days a week. Over 5300 5 star reviews.
Enjoy Autumn Activities at Anderson Farms
6728 County Rd 3 1/4, Erie │ Anderson Farms Website │ Price: $$ │ Family Favorite
The farm features plenty of photo ops (photo: Anderson Farms website)
Anderson Farms is located in Erie, about 30 minutes north of Denver. It features several family-friendly attractions including wagon rides to the pumpkin patch and the opportunity to meet farm animals.
All ages will love the massive corn maze, which features several checkpoints. Punch cards are provided, making for an interactive experience. Come nightfall, there’s also Terror in the Corn. Get spooked by costumed characters and Halloween decor as you make your way through this “Mile of Mayhem.”
See Creepy Crawlers at the La Junta Tarantula Festival
Downtown La Junta │ Tarantula Fest Website │ Price: $ │ Educational Tours
See tarantulas skitter across the grasslands (photo: Visit La Junta Instagram)
From mid-September through early November, thousands of tarantulas appear across the Comanche National Grassland in southeast Colorado. Many refer to it as a migration, but it’s actually a mating season for these creepy, crawling creatures.
To learn more about them, join a guided tour of the grasslands during the La Junta Tarantula Festival on September 25-26, 2026. There will also be educational talks, a screening of Arachnophobia, eight-legged races and even a hairy leg contest.
Watch New Releases at the Telluride Horror Show
Downtown Telluride │ Tarantula Horror Show Website │ Price: $$$ │ Film Festival
See horror flicks in this remote mountain town (photo: Telluride Horror Show Instagram)
Admittedly, Telluride is more of a weekend getaway from Denver rather than a day trip. It’s about six hours from the city, but so worth the drive — especially for the annual Telluride Horror Show which will occur from October 16-18, 2026.
It’s the largest horror film festival in Colorado, featuring dozens of events and productions within the horror, thriller and sci-fi genres. Several films are screened for the first time and are created by top-talent authors and filmmakers.
Fall is the perfect time to explore the city’s dining scene! Join one of our Denver Food Tours to discover seasonal flavors and top local restaurants.