COLORADO, USA — The cooler temperatures and changing trees will be perfect for classic Colorado events like Cedaredge's Applefest, Lakewood's Cider Days, and Apple Day in Penrose, as well as pumpkin, fall and harvest celebrations.
Autumn is here and this weekend's seasonal temperatures offer the perfect excuse to head outside and enjoy Colorado's fall colors and annual events that honor pumpkins, autumn harvests and causes close to the heart.
Embrace the first days of October by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that make Colorado so special. Don't forget to share your weekend photos with the "Near Me" feature on the 9NEWS app.
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Cedaredge Applefest
CEDAREDGE — One of western Colorado's biggest outdoor festivals returns this weekend. The 47th annual Cedaredge Applefest, which runs from Friday to Sunday, celebrates the local apple harvest with live music, beer, wine and over 200 arts and crafts vendors. The Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department kicks off festivities on Friday with a chili cookoff. The weekend also features a pancake breakfast, antique car and motorcycle show, a library book sale, pinup competition and 5K run. Applefest will take place at Cedaredge Town Park. Admission is free.
Cider Days
LAKEWOOD — Lakewood's signature fall festival arrives this weekend. The 48th annual Cider Days takes place Saturday at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, with activities for adults and kids. Festivities include apple pressing, cider tasting, pie-eating and baking contests, straw bale maze, face painting, train and burro rides, magic tricks, live music and Colorado’s largest antique and vintage tractor pull. Tickets range from $8 to $15 at Lakewood.org.
Apple Day
PENROSE — Since 1935, residents and tourists have celebrated Apple Day in Penrose. This year's Apple Day arrives Saturday with a packed schedule of events. A pancake breakfast kicks off the festivities followed by the annual Apple Day Parade. Saturday afternoon there will be an apple pie contest, live music, book sale, kids activities, cider tasting and vendors.
Fall colors
COLORADO — Your Instagram feed is likely already awash in the glory of Colorado's aspens against a backdrop of blue skies, colorful mountains and literal traffic jams full of leaf peepers on U.S. 285. Fall has arrived and the aspens in Colorado's mountains are beginning to turn. The colors are expected to peak in early October. Here's what you need to know for your leaf peeping this weekend.
> Text FALL to 303-871-1491 for leaf-peeping info.
DENVER WALLS Street Art Festival
DENVER — RiNo Art District has brought back DENVER WALLS, a first generation female-owned mural festival that is part of the globally renowned WORLD WIDE WALLS. This year’s festival takes place Thursday to Saturday featuring 13 new murals created by local, national, and international artists selected from over 1,200 applicants. The public is invited to watch them work during festival hours, particularly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Rodeo All-Star
DENVER — Rodeo All-Star is back in Denver this Friday and Saturday at the National Western Complex. The indoor rodeo event on Friday and Saturday will feature three professional rodeo competitions. Fans attending the Friday night rodeo can also watch the All-Star concert featuring LANCO, followed by an after-party, included with their ticket. Rodeo All-Star will host the first-ever Colorado Mutton Bustin’ Championships with registration open to 900 kids. This event, the largest of its kind in Colorado, promises to be a standout highlight of the two-day rodeo event.
Sleeping Beauty
DENVER — The Colorado Ballet opens its 2024-25 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. Eight performances are scheduled at Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver through Sunday, Oct. 13. For tickets and showtimes, visit ColoradoBallet.org.
Cinderella
DENVER — Ballet Ariel debuts its 2024-25 season with a production of the timeless tale of love and transformation, "Cinderella." The shortened performance has the beauty, grandeur, wit and whimsy of the full-length version, where one young woman’s life is forever changed by a fairy godmother and a delicate slipper. Ballet Ariel's first performance is Saturday at 3 at Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre. A second performance will be held Sunday at the Schoolhouse Theatre in Parker. For tickets, visit BalletAriel.com.
Potato Day
CARBONDALE — The 115th annual Potato Day celebration begins Saturday with a "Tater Trot" fun run followed by the Potato Day Parade on Main Street. The parade will be followed by booths and family activities at Sopris Park, along with the traditional community meal consisting of BBQ and baked potato. There will be live music, farmers market, scavenger hunt, potato games and more. This year’s theme is “Mr. McClure Goes to Hollywood,” celebrating the 75th anniversary of the movie “Red Stallion in the Rockies,” which was filmed in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Commerce City Fall Fest
COMMERCE CITY — Commerce City holds its annual Fall Fest celebration on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eagle Pointe Recreation Center and Veterans Memorial Park. This family friendly event is free for all ages and features vendors, inflatables, food trucks, live music, pumpkin patch, crafts, activities and fall fun.
Cripple Creek Fall Festival
CRIPPLE CREEK — The Cripple Creek Fall Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday. There will be live music, a beer garden, fall-themed adult beverages, a pie-judging contest, chili cook off, fall photoshoots, vendors, professional wood carving displays and demonstrations and sculptures for sale. The event is free and open to the public.
Pumpkin Fest
SILVERTHORNE — The annual Pumpkin Fest in Silverthorne returns Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rainbow Park. Kids will enjoy a pumpkin patch with over 2,500 pumpkins, miniature pony rides, train rides, bounce houses, face painting and fall crafts. Food will be available for purchase from Colorado Marketplace and Bakery, Red Buffalo Coffee & Tea, The Good Stuff and Salvador's Pizza.
Barr Lake Harvest Festival
BRIGHTON — The Friends of Barr Lake's 12th annual Harvest Festival arrives Saturday. Barr Lake State Park will be home to kid-friendly games, face painting, crafts, wagon rides, live raptor presentation and vendors. The Harvest Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A state parks pass or daily park entry fee is required.
Stove Prairie Elementary Fall Festival
BELLVUE — Stove Prairie Elementary in beautiful Bellvue will hold its Fall Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival offers live music, craft vendors, food trucks, silent auction and kids carnival.
RTD light rail celebration
DENVER — The Regional Transportation District (RTD) will mark 30 years of light rail in Denver with a public celebration on Saturday. The community is invited to join RTD and other officials at the anniversary celebration. The celebratory events begin at 10 a.m. at 1514 California Street. On October 7, 1994, RTD's first light rail line opened for service, connecting downtown Denver to Interstate 25.
LANFest Colorado
CASTLE ROCK — LANFest Colorado brings together gamers from across the region for a weekend of intense competition, community fun and action. From Friday to Sunday, LANFest Colorado will take over the Douglas County Fairgrounds, providing the ultimate gaming experience with tournaments, casual play and more. This year, proceeds will support Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver. Tickets are on sale at LANfest.com.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
DENVER — The Denver Broncos (2-2) are back at Empower Field at Mile High this Sunday. The Broncos will debut their new throwback jersey against the Las Vegas Raiders at 2:05 p.m. Sunday as they celebrate Alumni Weekend. The team will also honor linebacker Randy Gradishar’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction and officially induct safety Steve Foley and tight end Riley Odoms into the Ring of Fame during the Alumni Weekend festivities. Ticketmaster.com is the official ticket site.
Christian Nodal
DENVER — Christian Nodal brings his concert tour to Colorado this weekend. The Mexican musician, singer and songwriter will be playing at Ball Arena on Friday. Nodal recently marked a milestone with his first European tour, and the first solo tour of any regional Mexican artist in large venues. Nodal has won six Latin Grammy Awards, eight Latin Billboard and 11 Latin American Music Awards. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com.
Kimberly Akimbo
DENVER — Fresh off the Broadway stage, the musical "Kimberly Akimbo" is beginning its national tour in Colorado. The winner of five Tony Awards during the 2023 season, "Kimberly Akimbo" begins the 2024-25 Broadway season at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. "Kimberly Akimbo" plays through Saturday at the Buell Theatre.
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" plays the Wolf Theatre through Sunday.
Cabaret
BRIGHTON — Platte Valley Players opens its production of "Cabaret" on Friday 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.
Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival
ESTES PARK — Estes Park's Bond Park is the site of the annual Pumpkins and Pilsners Festival on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free fall festival will have kids activities including a pumpkin patch, live music as well as food vendors, beer garden and games. Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival is a fundraiser for the local non-profit organization Estes Park Education Foundation.
Berthoud Oktoberfest
BERTHOUD — Soak in the season at the Oktoberfest in Berthoud on Saturday. There will be classic German food including brats, kraut burgers, pretzels, drinks, vendors booths, kids' activities with live music. Contests are scheduled in stein holding, best costume and yodeling. The Berthoud Oktoberfest runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Berthoud Town Park.
La Veta Oktoberfest
LA VETA — Now in its 36th year, La Veta Oktoberfest returns Saturday. Festivities on tap include a biergarten, car show, street fair, arts and crafts vendors, dancing, food and more.
Denver Whiskey Riot Festival
DENVER — Denver Whiskey Riot Festival attendees can try more than 200 whiskies and bourbons from local, regional, national, and international brands while also enjoying creative whiskey cocktails and opportunities to meet master distillers. The festival runs Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Brighton.
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.
Fall Festival Craft Show
BRIGHTON — The Fall Festival Craft Show is back at Riverdale Regional Park and Fairgrounds on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 and kids 12 and under are free. The fair offers more than 150 craft booths with hand-made items.
Handmade in Colorado Expo
VAIL — The Handmade in Colorado Expo is a showcase of some of Colorado's best handmade arts, crafts and goods. All merchandise displayed at this juried show is handmade in Colorado and sold direct by the artist or crafter. The fair will be held Friday and Saturday at Vail Village in front of the covered bridge and Vail Village parking structure. There will also be live music during the event from Colorado musicians.
Friends Craft Fair
LITTLETON — The 52nd annual Friends Craft Fair has than 250 booths of hand-crafted items. The fair is scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ketring Park. Proceeds from booth fees are used by the Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum organization to sponsor programs at the Littleton Museum and Bemis Public Library.
Fall Bazaar
DENVER — The Denver Fall Bazaar takes place Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be dozens vendors, food trucks, fashion trucks, cocktails, beer and live DJ. The all-ages and dog-friendly event sets up at Belleview Station in Denver.
Motorless Morning at Garden of the Gods
COLORADO SPRINGS — Sunday will be a Motorless Morning at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. All of the park will be closed to motor vehicles from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be a unique opportunity to connect with the sounds and feelings of nature. As always, the park will remain free and open to the public.
Walk to End Alzheimer's
BOULDER, GREELEY, FORT COLLINS & GRAND JUNCTION — The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to fight Alzheimer's. Four walks are scheduled in Colorado this weekend. First, a walk will be held Saturday at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Second, a walk will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the University of Northern Colorado. Third, Fort Collins' walk is Saturday at the New Belgium Porch at Colorado State University's Canvas Stadium. A fourth Colorado run begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.
NOCO DS Walk
WINDSOR — Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association will host its Northern Colorado DS Walk Saturday at 10 a.m. at Boardwalk Park. Registration on site begins at 9 a.m.
Castle Rock Trail Festival
CASTLE ROCK — The Castle Rock Trail Festival on Saturday offers four races: 50K, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. The festival will showcase the trails AT Phillip S. Miller Park and Ridgeline Open Space. There's also a family friendly obstacle course, the liveBIG Family Adventure Run. Castle Rock Trail Festival registration can be completed online.
Tour de Corgi
FORT COLLINS — The 10th annual Tour de Corgi features a corgi meet-up and carnival parade of corgis at Fort Collins' Civic Center Park. The corgi costume meet-up begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and the parade of corgis begins at Civic Center Park at 12 p.m. The public is invited to visit Civic Center Park for dog-related vendor booths. Register at TourDeCorgi.com.
Paws in the Park
LONGMONT — Longmont Humane Society’s annual pet-friendly 5K race or pet walk begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Boulder County Fairgrounds Park. The festival will have pet-friendly vendors, food, music and costume contest for dogs and their human companions. Paws in the Park Walk registration will help support the animals cared for by Longmont Humane Society. Register at LongmontHumane.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Navy vs. Air Force
- Saturday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m.
- Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs
- Tickets at GoAirForceFalcons.com
School of Mines vs. Colorado Mesa
- Saturday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m.
- Stocker Stadium, Grand Junction
- Tickets at CMUMavericks.com
New Mexico Highlands vs. CSU Pueblo
- Saturday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.
- CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl, Pueblo
- Tickets at GoThunderWolves.com
Fort Lewis vs. Western Colorado
- Saturday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m.
- Mountaineer Bowl, Gunnison
- Tickets at GoMountaineers.com
Red Rocks
DENVER — There is no better venue for live music in the country than Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Although summer has ended, there's still time to catch a show at one of the world's best venues. Concerts at Red Rocks are scheduled through Friday, Nov. 15, when Tiësto closes out the 2024 season with a four-hour DJ set.
- Thursday, Oct. 3 - Wardruna
- Friday, Oct. 4 - Slander
- Saturday, Oct. 5 - LSZEE: CloZee & LSDREAM
- Sunday, Oct. 6 - LSZEE: CloZee & LSDREAM
- Monday, Oct. 7 - Flatland Cavalry
- Tuesday, Oct. 8 - Meghan Trainor
Movies this weekend
Francis Ford Coppola’s decades-in-the-making, self-financed epic “Megalopolis” flopped with moviegoers last weekend, but the animated family film “The Wild Robot” debuted above expectations.
Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga debut the Warner Bros. sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux” this weekend. The film is described as a dark and fantastical musical journey that goes deeper into the mind of Arthur Fleck as he awaits trial for murder and falls in love with a fellow inmate.
New movies this weekend
- Joker: Folie à Deux
- White Bird
- Scarygirl
- Monster Summer
Last weekend's box office
- “The Wild Robot,” $35 million.
- “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," $16 million.
- “Transformers One," $9.3 million.
- “Devara: Part 1," $5.1 million.
- “Speak No Evil," $4.3 million.
- “Megalopolis," $4 million.
- “Deadpool & Wolverine," $2.7 million.
- “My Old Ass," $2.2 million.
- “Never Let Go," $2.2 million.
- “The Substance," $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.
Colorado fall colors 2024
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