Everyone can look forward to some unique and exciting activities by preparing for Colorado’s fall season. It has just begun and runs to December 21. During these months, you will find a variety of fall festivals and many other entertainment venues. There is no doubt 2020 is a little different as, due to the current situation some festivities, such as Oktoberfest Denver, and the Mountain Harvest Festival, have been canceled. Other activities will be live, while some will be held virtually. No matter how you participate, you can be assured the event’s organizers will make it worth your while to attend.
Elk Fest, October 3-4
This year marks the 22nd season for Elk Fest held at Estes Park in Bond Park and the surrounding areas. It is the time when bull elks leave the wilderness and are most likely to be spotted. The two-day festival is free. Festival goers will enjoy some outstanding cuisine as well as craft beer at the Wallowing Hole. Live music will be provided. Children can enjoy dancing, story-telling, and different elk-themed activities. Artisans from across the U.S. will also offer their arts and crafts for sale.
Denver Botanic Gardens Pumpkin Festival, October 9-11
Chatfield Farms offers access to a 10-acre pumpkin patch and numerous activities the entire family can enjoy. Local craftsmen and artisans will offer their ware at many booths. Each day live music will be available to entertain the guests. The children will enjoy the mini-maze as well as the pony rides and horse-drawn hayrides. Naturally, you will also be able to choose as many pumpkins as you want for Halloween. And, if you are not ready to return home, after buying your pumpkins, they offer “free pumpkin daycare.”
Telluride Horror Show, October 15-18
You can enjoy several fun-packed days with a mixture of horror, dark fantasy, suspense, and dark comedy at the Telluride Horror Show. The event is Colorado’s first and largest horror film festival. The event is returning for the 11th year. This fall, the program is a “Shelter-in-Place Edition.” It will be presented virtually. The organizers say they want to keep the spirit alive and stay connected with their diehard and dedicated horror fans. So, instead of canceling the festival – the show will go on! MovieMaker Magazine has labeled the previous year’s programs as one of the “20 Coolest Film Festivals.”
Enjoy a Day at a Farm with Your Family
Colorado is one of the few states where many farmers and ranchers open their fields to visitors. You can look at it as “fun in the fields this fall.” Your family will enjoy the opportunity to learn, pick, and eat various foods while also supporting the local growers. Some ranchers offer horse riding while others provide a wagon ride. In Paradise, Aloha Organic Fruit is one farm that teaches the difference between conventional and organic farming. While walking through the peach orchards, you will also learn how the Colorado River sends water to the trees. Later, you can shop at their farm store. The Berry Patch Farms in Brighton offers fall crops of apples, beets, carrots, onions, squash, garlic, peppers, and pumpkins. Guests can also mingle with the chickens and ducks – and Bacon Bits and Pancetter, the farms two pigs. In Buena Vista, you can visit Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy. While walking through the facilities, you can spend some time with their goats. Later you can taste different cheeses as you watch the cheesemakers creating the delicious product. For those adventurous souls, you can try your hand at milking. Visiting one of the ranches is also an excellent opportunity to select your pumpkins for Halloween. To learn more about where to go and what to see, visit farm and ranch activities in Colorado.
16th Denver International Wine Festival, November 11-13
Considered as one of the best wine festivals in America, Denver will host this annual event. This function provides guests with soirees to attend and spectacular dinners, educational seminars, and, of course, wine tasting. Participants can also enjoy live music and entertainment offered throughout the three days. Thousands of guests attend this event, which provides the best of wine and spectacular food. The festival takes place at the Denver Marriott Hotel.
Breckenridge Ullr Fest, December 9-19
This festival pays tribute to Ullr, the Norse God of snow in beautiful Breckenridge. The hope is that an abundance of snow will be offered in the area. Due to the coronavirus, large gatherings, such as the parade, have been canceled this year. However, Ullr will be celebrated throughout the town. One of the offerings will be the Amazing Race themed scavenger hunt. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and hidden gems the beautiful area offers. Other events will include the Breck Film screenings, Strava-based fat bike races, BreakCreate Ullr helmet kits, and much more. Organizers say that Ullr is ready for a good party!
Conclusion to Fall Festivals in Colorado
Although most activities look different this year, there are still ways to celebrate the season and enjoy the festivities with your family. We hope you are able to enjoy one of these one-of-a-kind fall festivals!