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9 Things to do in Colorado this Oct. 11-13 weekend

Fall pumpkin and harvest festivals, corn mazes and searching for the brightest fall leaves offer Colorado-style fun, plus football, ballet and haunted houses.

COLORADO, USA — This weekend features some great opportunities to get outside and experience autumn in Colorado.

The "Greatest Show on Earth" and the Great American Beer Festival are both making a return to Denver. The red-hot Bo Nix-led Broncos and Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes are each ready for home games this weekend. 

Do you have your pumpkin yet? There are pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes and haunted houses in all corners of the Centennial State. 

Celebrate the season by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes our state so special at one of these fun events across Colorado this weekend. Don't forget to share your weekend photos with the "Near Me" section on the 9NEWS app. Have a terrific weekend!

> Have an event you'd like included in 9Things? Send it our way.

Credit: Feld Entertainment

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

DENVER — The Greatest Show On Earth is back in Colorado. The all-new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey returns to Denver Coliseum from Friday to Sunday. Everyone from kids to grownups can experience the "ultimate playground" with thrilling trapeze swings, somersaults off teeter-totters, extreme BMX riders defying gravity and a merry-go-round stage. Tickets are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

Credit: Brewers Association

Great American Beer Festival

DENVER — One of the nation's largest beer festivals is back in Denver. The 42nd annual Great American Beer Festival will be held Thursday through Saturday at the Colorado Convention Center. The annual beer celebration will showcase more than 1,500 beers from over 500 breweries. The festival is restricted to those 21 and older with three sessions held over the weekend. Tickets include a commemorative tasting glass to use throughout the festival. Tickets are on sale at AXS.com.

Credit: Denver Botanic Gardens

Pumpkin Festival

LITTLETON — Denver Botanic Gardens' Chatfield Farms is ready for autumn. This weekend's Pumpkin Festival features a 10-acre pumpkin patch and family and children's activities. The festival includes craft and artisan booths, food trucks, vendors, entertainment and live music. Admission includes pumpkin patch access, antique tractor exhibit, hayrides, photo booths, mini-maze, bounce houses, slides and face painting. The Pumpkin Festival runs Friday to Sunday at Chatfield Farms.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival

DENVER — The Pumpkin Harvest Festival offers old-fashioned fall fun at Denver's Four Mile Historic Park. Guests can build their own scarecrow, select a pumpkin from the patch, tour the grounds in a horse-drawn wagon and explore how Coloradans lived and prepared for the season in the 1800s. There will also be live music, food trucks, pioneer games, crafts and blacksmith demonstrations. The Pumpkin Harvest Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Pumpkin Pie Days: Vintage & Antique Market 

LONGMONT — The 54th annual Pumpkin Pie Days Vintage & Antique Market will be held this weekend at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The antique and vintage show features more than 80 dealers in antiques and collectibles. Pumpkin Pie Days Vintage & Antique Market will be open Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 per person and children under 12 are free. Proceeds benefit the St. Vrain Historical Society.

Choctoberfest

AURORA —Chocolate lo vers, rejoice! Choctoberfest — the ultimate celebration of Oktoberfest, Halloween and chocolate — will be held at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds on Saturday. Vendors from across the country will be offering tastes of chocolate candy, cakes, cookies, truffles, fudge, brownies, toffees, cupcakes, coffees and more. The festival also features live music, holiday gifts, aerial chocolate apple bobbing, and chocolate pudding eating contestChoctoberfest runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Snag your tickets at ChocolateFests.org.

Apple Days Festival

DURANGO — The Good Food Collective and the Durango Farmers Market will be hosting the 16th annual Apple Days Festival on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Durango Farmers Market. The free festival is about celebrating the apple harvest, supporting community, reducing waste and keeping bears safe. Freshly pressed apple cider will be made on-site.

Día de los Muertos Family Celebration

LONGMONT — A Día de los Muertos Family Celebration will be held at 4th Avenue and Main Street in downtown Longmont on Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy a free street festival will include music and dance performances, art and craft activities, cultural education, delicious food, downtown business altars, and the Gigantes Procession.

Credit: alonaphoto - stock.adobe.com

Applewood Arts and Crafts Show

LOVELAND — The Applewood Arts and Crafts Show opens at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $7 and good all weekend at The Ranch at Larimer County Fairgrounds. More than 130 artisans are scheduled to attend.

Platte Street Fall BAZAAR 

DENVER — Denver BAZAAR brings its Shop & Sip marketplace back to Platte Street on Saturday. The outdoor market will feature more than 60 curated vendors, live DJ, festive fall cocktails, craft beer, food trucks and street food.

Denver BAZAAR at Larimer Square

DENVER — Denver BAZAAR at Larimer Square is a monthly Shop & Sip market hosted by Denver BAZAAR, popping up in Larimer Square, featuring more than 40 local makers and craft vendors. The free market is on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Credit: AP Photo/Bart Young

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos

DENVER — After getting their first victory over the Raiders in five years, the Denver Broncos are on a three-game winning streak with their sights set on the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos (3-2) host the Chargers (2-2) at 2:05 p.m. Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Credit: AP Photo/Jack Dempsey
Deion Sanders with fans reflected in glasses during an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder.

Kansas State Wildcats vs. Colorado Buffaloes

BOULDER — The Colorado Buffaloes (4-1, 2-0 Big 12) are back after a bye week. The Buffs host the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday night. The game will be broadcast nationally by ESPN at 8:15 p.m. Mountain time Saturday at Folsom Field. Get your tickets at CUBuffs.com. With next week's CU game against Arizona announced to be on FOX that makes six games that Colorado will be on main network television this season, the most ever at Colorado.

San Jose State vs. Colorado State

Colorado Mesa vs. Adams State

South Dakota Mines vs. Colorado School of Mines

CSU Pueblo vs. Fort Lewis

Credit: stock.adobe.com

Colorado Springs Sugar Plum Food & Gift Mart

COLORADO SPRINGS — The largest holiday show in Colorado Springs arrives in October. The Colorado Springs Sugar Plum Food & Gift Mart features hundreds of vendors with handcrafted goods, home décor, gourmet food, art, crafts, jewelry, boutique clothing, photography, toys and Christmas decorations. The Sugar Plum Food & Gift Mart takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Colorado Springs Event Center. Admission is $8 for adults and kids under age 16 are free.

Rocky Mountain Record Show

DENVER — Rocky Mountain Record Show is back this Saturday and Sunday at the Denver Sports Castle. With over 150 tables of records on display, the event is the largest record fair in the West. The event features an estimated 150,000+ vinyl records from over 70 different vendors. Tickets and info available at RockyMountainRecordShow.com.

Credit: Harley Weir
Charli XCX

Charli XCX & Troye Sivan

DENVER — Pop and electronic music singers Charli XCX and Troye Sivan are teaming for a concert tour of the United States and Canada. The co-headlining tour "Charli XCX & Troye Sivan present: Sweat" will make a stop at Ball Arena on Friday. Featuring special guest Shygirl, tour organizers said the concerts will turn venues into raves. Fans are promised an electrifying show filled with exhilarating performances, stunning visuals and infectious beats.

Sleeping Beauty

DENVER — The Colorado Ballet has opened its season with "Sleeping Beauty." A fairy tale romance that culminates in the power of true love’s kiss, the "Sleeping Beauty" dazzles with variations, sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Performances are scheduled at Ellie Caulkins Opera House through Sunday. For tickets, visit ColoradoBallet.org.

Cabaret

BRIGHTON — Platte Valley Players has opened its production of "Cabaret" at the Armory Performing Arts Center. Set in a Berlin nightclub as the 1920’s draw to a close, this iconic musical contains adult content and themes and is recommended for ages 13 and up. Musical numbers include “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.” Tickets are available at PlatteValleyPlayers.org.

Credit: The bRUNch Run

The bRUNch Run

DENVER — The bRUNch Run 5K + 10K returns Sunday. The road race meets food festival features the only race with a scented finisher's medal, brunch from Denver's top restaurants and more. The Brunch Run is an annual fundraiser for Metro Caring, a hunger resource center. The runs begins Sunday morning at 8801 MLK Jr. Blvd.

Credit: Denver Zoo

Wild Fall

DENVER — Wild Fall at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance features roaming costumed characters, creature-themed professional pumpkin carvings, festive food and spooky drinks, and special animal demonstrations that connect these supernatural beings to the real-life natural world. Wild Fall activities are free with admission and take place during regular zoo hours starting at 10 a.m. each day.

Boo at the Zoo

DENVER — Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has brought back its Boo at the Zoo. The trick-or-treating experience features mysterious cryptid creatures, candy stations, seasonal snacks and Halloween fun for all. Boo at the Zoo takes place each weekend of October. A sensory friendly night is Halloween Oct. 31.

Nick's Garden Center Fall Fest 

AURORA — Nick's Garden Center and Farm Market in Aurora hosts a free fall festival every day in October. There are games, rides, mazes, train rides, photo opportunities, putt-putt golf course, pedal karts, inflatable obstacle course and pumpkin patch.

Miners’ Pumpkin Patch

COLORADO SPRINGS — The Western Museum of Mining & Industry has opened its Miners' Pumpkin Patch. Admission includes unlimited play at the pumpkin patch games, vintage cider press, hay maze, hayrides and gold panning. The north Colorado Springs patch will be open Saturdays through Oct. 26.

Credit: Telluride Horror Show

Telluride Horror Show

TELLURIDE — The 15th annual Telluride Horror Show is Colorado's first and largest horror film festival. The festival runs Friday to Sunday with feature films, special programs, guests and events. The lineup includes a mix of horror, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy, sci-fi and dark comedy films, many being shown for the first time in the country. For a complete schedule or passes, head to TellurideHorrorShow.com.

Victorian Horrors at the Molly Brown House

DENVER — Molly Brown House Museum is hosting the 31st annual Victorian Horrors on weekends this October. Gothic horror tales by well-known but long-gone authors are told throughout the house as portrayed by acclaimed local actors. This year’s offerings include stories from the likes of H.G. Wells and Edgar Allan Poe alongside the local spirit of Mary Coyle Chase. Tickets to attend Victorian Horrors are available with admission times every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Haunted Field of Screams

THORNTON — Haunted Field of Screams, Colorado’s largest haunted attraction, has opened for the 2024 season. Built into a 40-acre corn field, the attraction delivers an indoor and outdoor haunt experience along the famously haunted Riverdale Road. Haunted Field of Screams is open select days through Halloween.

Credit: 13th Floor Haunted House

Haunted houses

COLORADO — The first haunted houses of the autumn season are ready for Halloween. HellScream Haunted House, 13th Floor Haunted House and Frightmare Compound have opened in Denver. The Fear Complex Haunted House is now open in Colorado Springs.

Terror in the Corn

ERIE — Terror in the Corn is a mile long haunted attraction offering an immersive experience into a world of the unknown. In this "Mile of Mayhem," you and your friends wind your way through a massive corn field filled with your darkest fears. Terror in the Corn runs through Saturday, Nov. 2.

Maize in the City

THORNTON — Maize in the City has a 20-acre corn maze, mini maze, barrel train ride, corn launcher, petting zoo and more. Admission to the Maize in the City site is free with a-la-carte attractions. Each attraction will be purchased at the front of each attraction line. The site will be open various days through Thursday, Oct. 31.

PHOTOS: Maize in the City in Thornton 

Credit: Dennis Wegewijs - stock.adobe.com

Fritzler Farm Park

LaSALLE — Fritzler Farm Park is open for the season with more than 15 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 will remain open through Sunday, Oct. 27. The farm's haunted attraction "Scream Acres" opens at dusk. Tickets can be purchased at FritzlerFarmPark.com.

Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms

LITTLETON — If you're looking for a festive fall tradition, consider the Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms. The seven-acre corn maze corn maze is perfect for adults, while the little ones can explore the corn mini-maze. There will also be barrel train rides, escape rooms, food vendors and more. The Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms will be open at various times through Sunday, Oct. 27. Tickets can be found at BotanicGardens.org.

Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns

LITTLETON — A Halloween lights festival back at Hudson Gardens for a fourth year. Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns features a glowing trail of more than 7,000 pumpkins as well as light show displays such as a nautical sea-scape, pirate ship, dinosaurs, dragons and more. New attractions include a light show programmed to music throughout the entire event every 30 minutes. Presented by Denver-based Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the festival runs select nights through Saturday, Nov. 2.

Credit: Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park

Elitch Gardens Fright Fest

DENVER — Elitch Gardens' annual Halloween event is back. Fright Fest has thrills and chills for ghouls of all ages. Guests can enjoy "fun by day" and "fright by night" and the park's amusement rides. New this year is a freakish acrobatic show from Circus Foundry and two new scare zones scattered throughout the park. For tickets, visit ElitchGardens.com/Fright-Fest.

Mile High Farms

BENNETT — Mile High Farms is now open autumn with two corn mazes, antique tractor ride, pumpkin patch, barrel cart rides, bounce houses, farm animals, entertainment, playground and more. Mile High Farms is located just east of Denver off Interstate 70 and Manila Road.

Anderson Farms Fall Festival 

ERIE — The fall festival at Anderson Farms just may be your one-stop-shop for all things autumn. The festival features a 25-acre corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin cannon, combine slide, kids maze, backyard pedal karts, wooden train, tire mountain, fire pit, farm animals, sand diggers and more. The farm's fall festival runs through Nov. 2.

Credit: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad 

ANTONITO — Are you ready to see the Colorado "Gold Rush"? Hop aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad this weekend to see the spectacular autumn colors. The railroad travels through several different ecological zones at different elevations, including low meadows and up the top of 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, so you're sure to see some beautiful aspens. There are daily departures on the train through Saturday, Oct. 29, as well as a special dinner train. Fall rides are extremely popular, so book early at CumbresToltec.com.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

GEORGETOWN — Discover the best of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains this autumn at the Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park. In addition to its narrow gauge train, guests can tour a real silver mine tour or learn how to pan for gold. Train rides are approximately 70 minutes or 2.5 hours with a mine tour.

Credit: Focus Features via AP
Piece By Piece

Movies this weekend

"Joker: Folie à Deux" was the No. 1 movie at the box office last weekend, but it might not have a happy ending. The follow-up to the 2019 origin story about the Batman villain opened in theaters with $40 million, less than half that of its predecessor.

This weekend's "Piece by Piece" tells the life story of singer, songwriter and record producer Pharrell Williams with Legos.

New movies this weekend

  • Saturday Night
  • Piece by Piece
  • My Hero Academia: You're Next
  • Terrifier 3

Last weekend's box office

  1. “Joker: Folie à Deux,” $40 million.
  2. "The Wild Robot,” $18.7 million.
  3. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” $10.3 million.
  4. “Transformers One,” $5.4 million.
  5. “Speak No Evil,” $2.8 million.
  6. “Sam and Colby: The Legends of Paranormal,” $1.8 million.
  7. “White Bird,” $1.5 million.
  8. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” $1.5 million.
  9. “The Substance,” $1.3 million.
  10. “Megalopolis,” $1.1 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.

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