COLORADO, USA — As we wave a fond farewell to summer, we look ahead to a new season full of festive, outdoor events celebrating the harvest and cooler days.
Autumn's arrival next week brings the glorious smell of roasting chiles, the crisp taste of seasonal beers and ciders, and the stunning yellows and reds of changing leaves across Colorado.
This September weekend sees festivals in Centennial, Denver, Mead, Telluride, Vail, Estes Park and more. There are Oktoberfests on the schedule as well as four college football games, including the Rocky Mountain Showdown between Colorado and Colorado State.
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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos
DENVER — The Denver Broncos play their home opener on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. Former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson plays for the Steelers but might not be the team's starter this weekend. Denver and Pittsburgh kick off at 2:25 p.m. Sunday. Ticketmaster.com is the official source for NFL tickets.
Colorado State vs. Colorado
FORT COLLINS — Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes meet Jay Norvell and the Colorado State Rams in the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Saturday. Colorado won the game 43-35 last year in double-overtime in Boulder. Saturday's game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins. The Rocky Mountain Showdown won't be held again until 2029.
The Buffs (1-1) will try to regroup this weekend after a humiliating 28-10 loss against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday in Lincoln. Colorado State (1-1) is coming off a 38-7 win on Saturday over the Northern Colorado Bears.
Centennial Chalk Art Festival
CENTENNIAL — Join the City of Centennial to watch as more than 100 artists showcase their colors and bring chalk art masterpieces to life at the Centennial Chalk Art Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Streets at SouthGlenn. Eventgoers can vote for their favorite chalk art creations in three categories: Kids Choice, People’s Choice, and Artists Choice. The free event also features live music.
Vail Oktoberfest
VAIL — With a gorgeous mountain backdrop and "European flair," the Vail Oktoberfest has been named one of the ten greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States. The festival, which runs Friday to Sunday in Vail Village, will have Bavarian fare including brats, schnitzel sandwiches and pretzels. On the schedule this weekend are stein-lifting competitions, adult keg-bowling contests, bratwurst-eating contests, Bavarian costume contest and live music. Vail Oktoberfest is free and open to the public at Vail Village.
Palmer Lake Wine Festival
PALMER LAKE — The 5th annual Palmer Lake Wine Festival begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Tri-Lakes Cares. The festival offers 25 Colorado wineries with live music, food and gift vendors. All attendees will receive a free Palmer Lake Wine Festival souvenir tasting glass and wine tote.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
TELLURIDE — The 30th annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is a celebration of blues, funk, jam bands, indie, rock, gospel and soul music. This weekend's music lineup includes Gary Clark Jr., Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Joe Bonamassa, JJ Grey & Mofro, Neal Francis, Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish and more. There will be food and craft vendors, kids activities, late-night club shows and craft beer. The festival runs Friday to Sunday. Tickets are sold at TellurideBlues.com.
Mead Community Day
MEAD — A festival built around family and community, the annual Mead Community Day returns Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The day of games and activities, live music, vendor booths, food trucks, beverage garden and fireworks happens at Mead Town Park. Eric Golden and Eagles cover band The Long Run are on Saturday's music lineup.
Lebanese and Middle Eastern Festival
LAKEWOOD — Saint Rafka Maronite Catholic Church is hosting its annual Lebanese and Middle Eastern Festival on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 2301 Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood. Experience this unique cultural and culinary festival featuring authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine and entertainment with fun for everyone.
Sunnyside Music Festival
DENVER — Denver's Chaffee Park is home to the Sunnyside Music Festival on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This weekend's festival will have live music, yoga, food and drink. There will also be artisan vendors and food trucks.
Stone Age Fair
LOVELAND — The 90th annual Loveland Stone Age Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Featuring displays of prehistoric artifacts, the fair will be held at the McKee 4-H Youth and Community Building at The Ranch Complex. The public is invited to attend the free fair which is non-commercial, with no buying or selling of artifacts.
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest
BOULDER — The three-day Downtown Boulder Fall Fest features local food, beer garden, live music, family entertainment and activities along the Pearl Street Mall. There will be a free bounce house, giant slide and inflatable obstacle course. The Fall Fest beer garden includes brews from Avery Brewing Company, wine, craft cider from Wood Chuck Hard Cider and margaritas. The festival runs Friday through Sunday.
Colorado Fall Home Show
DENVER — Autumn is the perfect time to remodel, refresh or renew your home and this weekend's Colorado Fall Home Show is the perfect place to get started. More than 200 exhibitors will be at the Colorado Convention Center offering advice, and services in home renovation, remodeling and sustainable living. The 2024 Colorado Fall Home Show opens Friday at 10 a.m. and closes Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are sold at AXS.com. Admission is free on Sunday.
Longmont Fall Home Show
LONGMONT — Ready for some home inspiration? The Longmont Home Show will provide the opportunity to get ideas for home renovations while meeting vendors and suppliers. You’ll find the latest in design trends, remodeling, automation and outdoor living. The Longmont Fall Home Show will be held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds on Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Hamlet
DENVER — "Hamlet" is the season-opening show of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company. Packed with unforgettable characters and famous lines, "Hamlet" is arguably one of the greatest plays of all time. A psychological revenge thriller, political epic and family saga that’s both grand and deeply human. One of Shakespeare’s best-known plays, "Hamlet" opens at the Wolf Theatre on Friday and plays through Sunday, Oct. 6.
ArtWalk on Main Street
LONGMONT — ArtWalk on Main Street in downtown Longmont on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Held on Main Street from 3rd Avenue to Longs Peak, there will be six stages of live music and five blocks of shopping, local art and activities.
Estes Park Arts & Crafts Festival
ESTES PARK — The 48th annual Arts & Crafts Festival is back this weekend at Estes Park’s Bond Park. With about 100 tents around the park, this year's festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Handmade in Colorado Expo
DENVER — The 17th annual Handmade in Colorado Expo runs Saturday and Sunday at Wynkoop Plaza at Union Station in downtown Denver. The free event features independent designers producing original handcrafted goods from a wide array of media including metals, paper, glass, fibers, food, fabricated objects, clay, paint, wax, gems and more.
Art on the Green
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — Art on the Green runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Curtis Center for the Arts. This free all-Colorado art fair features dozens of artist booths, food trucks and live music.
Spaghetti Dinner
COMMERCE CITY — The South Adams County Fire Fighters Association is hosting its 63rd annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday. The family-friendly drive-thru event begins at 2 p.m. at two locations: Station 23 at 6550 E. 72nd Ave. and Station 28 at 10326 Walden St. Proceeds go to the South Adams Fire Fighters Association. Get your tickets online.
Antique Bottle Collectors of Colorado Show
CASTLE ROCK — The 57th annual Antique Bottle Collectors of Colorado Show is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Douglas County Fairgrounds at Kirk Hall. The show offers not only antique bottles for sale, but also antiques of every kind, glassware, all types of collectibles and advertising.
Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show
DENVER — The Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show at the National Western Center is the largest single mineral, fossil, gem and jewelry show in the country with 12 miles of tables and 600,000 square feet of selling space. More than 500 dealers will be selling mineral specimens, fossils, dinosaurs, gems, gemstones, lapidary, cabochons, artisan and antique jewelry, beads, crystals, meteorites, metaphysical, gold, silver, turquoise, Native American items, art, miner’s rough, tools and supplies. The event and parking are free. This show continues through 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday.
New American Arts Festival
AURORA — The 4th annual New American Arts Festival is an 16-day event that celebrates diversity and inclusivity in the performing arts. The free festival, which runs through Sunday, Sept. 22, has dozens of performances of theatre, dance, storytelling, magic, music and spoken word at various venues.
Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival
ARVADA — The Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival features more than 30 guitar builders showcasing their work alongside teachers, players and clinicians around Olde Town Arvada. Over 60 hours of music and 30 different workshops and clinics will be hosted all within walking distance. The festival runs Friday to Sunday.
Walk to End Alzheimer's
FORT MORGAN, PUEBLO & MONTROSE — Held annually in towns across the country, the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's aims to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Pueblo is holding a walk at the Riverwalk at 10 am. Saturday. Montrose's Walk to End Alzheimer's starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Rotary Park. Another walk will be held at Glenn Miller Park in Fort Morgan on Saturday. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the walk is at 9:30 a.m. Registration can be completed at Act.Alz.org.
Heroes and Villains Team Hope Walk and 5K Run
DENVER — The 20th annual Heroes and Villains Team Hope 5K Walk and Run is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at Denver's Central Park. Hosted by the Huntington's Disease Society of America's Rock Mountain Chapter, the walk aims to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington's disease and their families. To register or donate, click here.
Fritzler Farm Park
LaSALLE — Fall begins early this weekend at Colorado's original and premier corn maze. Fritzler Farm Park opens for the season beginning Sunday with more than 25 attractions plus its famous corn maze. There will be pedal go-carts, pumpkin patch, human foosball, tetherball, ball zone, slide mountain, face painting, yard games, beer garden and more. Fritzler Farm Park opens for the season Sunday and will remain open through Sunday, Oct. 27. The farm's haunted attractions and "Scream Acres" open Saturday, Sept. 21 at dusk. Tickets can be purchased at FritzlerFarmPark.com.
13th Floor Haunted House
DENVER — Denver's largest haunted house has opened for the 2024 season. Celebrating 17 years of scares in the Mile High City, 13th Floor Haunted House has new twists, turns, characters and add-on attractions that are sure to thrill. There are two separate entrances into the haunt this year making it a brand new experience for even seasoned haunt-goers. There are also new add-on experiences, including Mini Escape Games, and My FrightFilm, a feature allowing guests to relive the screams through strategically placed cameras, as well as two Secret Bars. Enter if you date — at 3400 East 52nd Avenue.
Colorado Festival of Horror
LONE TREE — The "Colorado Festival of Horror: Friday the 13th" annual event brings out all the slashers, ghouls, and evil monsters this weekend at its new location Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows. The fan experience and convention features all things horror as well as celebrity guest actors.
Colorado English Motoring Conclave
ARVADA — The Colorado English Motoring Conclave is the premier All-British car meet west of the Mississippi. A Ride the Rockies tour will be held Saturday while the Conclave Car Show is set for Sunday at Arvada's Oak Park at 64th Place and Oak Street. There will be a gathering of more than 500 English vehicles including cars, motorcycles and 4WD.
Golden Oldies Car Classic
NORTHGLENN — The 21st annual O'Meara Ford Golden Oldies Car Classic will be held Saturday at O'Meara Ford Center at Interstate 25 and 104th Avenue. The car show is free to enter and free to attend, plus all makes and models are welcome. There will be live music by Van Jeffries and the first 250 cars will get a dash plaque and a shirt. To register your vehicle, visit OMearaFord.com.
Colorado college football
While the Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams headline this week's slate of Centennial State college football, there are three other college games scheduled on Saturday.
Abilene Christian vs. Northern Colorado
- Saturday at 2 p.m.
- Nottingham Field, Greeley
- Tickets at UNCBears.com
Central Washington vs. Colorado Mesa
- Saturday at 1 p.m.
- Stocker Stadium, Grand Junction
- Tickets at CMUMavericks.com
Arizona Christian vs. Fort Lewis
- Saturday at 2 p.m.
- Ray Dennison Field, Durango
- Tickets at GoSkyHawks.com
Tom Segura
DENVER — Comedian Tom Segura brings his live tour to the Mile High City this weekend. The stand-up comic will bring his "Come Together" tour to Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday. Segura's previous world tour, "I’m Coming Everywhere," sold out venues across the world with over 300 shows, including two shows at Ball Arena in Denver in 2022.
Vance Joy
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — It's a busy weekend at Colorado's largest outdoor music amphitheater. Australian singer and songwriter Vance Joy brings his tour to Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre on Friday with special guests Briston Maroney and Tiny Habits. Tickets are on sale at AXS.com.
Pentatonix
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — Acapella group Pentatonix headlines Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The show features special guest Loren Allred.
Kacey Musgraves
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — Kacey Musgraves brings her “Deeper Well World Tour” to Colorado this Sunday. The country-pop singer-songwriter performs at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre on Sunday with support from Father John Misty and Nickel Creek. AXS.com is the official site for tickets.
Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado Rockies
DENVER — The Chicago Cubs are in the Mile High City this weekend. The Cubs meet the Colorado Rockies on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Coors Field. Brew Fest special event tickets are available for Saturday's game.
Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End
DENVER — "Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End" is now playing at the Garner Galleria Theatre. An uplifting story recounting the life of America columnist and humorist Erma Bombeck, the heart-warming and humorous biographical play stars film, television and stage actress Pam Sherman. Equal parts wife, mother, daughter, "domestic demigoddess," and one of America's most beloved humorists, Bombeck was known as "the woman who made women laugh." "Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End" plays at the Denver Performing Arts Complex through Sunday, Sept. 22. Tickets are sold at DenverCenter.org.
Red Rocks
DENVER — There is no better venue for live music in the country than Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The Red Rocks 2024 concert schedule is actually still growing with new shows being added in October and November.
- Wednesday, Sept. 11 - Sum 41
- Thursday, Sept. 12 - Charley Crockett
- Friday, Sept. 13 - Greensky Bluegrass
- Saturday, Sept. 14 - Greensky Bluegrass
- Sunday, Sept. 15 - Amos Lee, Indigo Girls
The Power of Poison
DENVER — A temporary exhibition at Denver Museum of Nature and Science, "The Power of Poison" explores the captivating and often paradoxical world of nature's toxic arsenal. Through live performances and interactive dioramas, this exhibition will take you into familiar and novel tales of illness, enchantment and death by poison. Whether used as a defense against predators, a source of magical strength or a lifesaving medical treatment, "The Power of Poison" is sure to surprise.
Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Park
DENVER — Four Mile Historic Park has transformed into a glowing landscape that immerses visitors with larger-than-life lantern installations that include a mythical dragon that blows smoke, Colorado wildlife and flowers, a crystal forest with unicorns, and creatures from Chinese mythology. The Bright Nights series will be open until Sept. 29. Proceeds from the installation go to help pay for animal care at the park, as well as maintain the historic museum, the oldest standing structure in Denver.
Movies this weekend
After 36 years of waiting, the juice is finally loose again in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” racking up $110 million in its premiere weekend. The long-awaited Tim Burton sequel was the third-best opening weekend of the year, only behind box office triumphs “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
New movies this weekend
- The Killer's Game
- Speak No Evil
- God's Not Dead: In God We Trust
Last weekend's box office
- “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” $110 million.
- “Deadpool & Wolverine,” $7.2 million.
- “Reagan,” $5.2 million.
- “Alien: Romulus,” $3.9 million.
- “It Ends With Us,” $3.8 million
- “The Forge,” $2.9 million.
- “Twisters,” $2.3 million.
- “Blink Twice,” $2.1 million.
- “The Greatest of All Time,” $2 million.
- “Despicable Me 4,” $1.8 million.
> Would you like to see your favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
