Fall is finally here, Colorado — and the state is throwing a party to prove it. From now through mid-October, you can watch muralists transform a downtown block, sip beer at one of two Oktoberfest weekends, race dachshunds, do yoga next to your dog, or wander an expo full of animal skulls and oddities. Whether you’re chasing pumpkin patches, bluegrass, monster trucks, or a trip to Hogwarts, these 12 Colorado fall events cover every corner of the state — and every kind of weekend.
1. WeldWalls Mural Festival
Where: 16th Street, Downtown Greenley
When: Sept. 15 to 19, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Eight local artists will paint the town red, orange, yellow, and all the other colors during this live weeklong art event in Downtown Greenley. Watch artists work on what will be permanent murals in the city. A pop-up art gallery takes place Friday when 20 artists sell their wares—so perhaps you’ll end up taking home a piece for your personal collection.
2. Denver Oktoberfest
Where: Larmier and 21st, Ballpark District
When: Sept. 18 to 20 and Sept. 25 to 27. Hours are 3 p.m. to midnight on Friday; 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission: Tickets start at $118, but go up to $253 for a weekend VIP pass
This event is too good to enjoy for only one weekend. The Denver Oktoberfest is, of course, centered on beers perfect for enjoying in crisp weather. Tickets are priced based on all those free samples, but they come with a free stein and can be purchased in groups. Enjoy live music, a costume contest, and the Long Dog Race, which features the state’s fastest dachshunds.
3. Northern Colorado Mountain Bike Festival
Where: Inlet Bay Campground
When: Friday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.-Sunday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m.
Admission: General admission is a donation of your choice or $125 for a full weekend pass
This three-day event challenges participants to bike 75 miles around Northern Colorado’s scenic terrain. Participate in a poker route with a fun twist and visit with on-site gear vendors throughout the weekend. Families are encouraged to camp, take part in clinics, and browse the food trucks.
4. Dog Days of Summer
Where: Downtown Loveland
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Most events are free, but yoga is $20 per person
Kick off the day with dog yoga and end with a drink at Yappy Hour. Dogs can participate in a costume contest, and there will be live musical performances by humans. Of course, you’ll want to bring along your four-legged friends (on-leash!) so they can enjoy the festivities.
5. Thornton Harvest Fest
Where: Community Park at 2141 E. 95th Ave., Thornton
When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
This family-friendly event features activities for kids plus food, beer, and shopping to usher in the cozy fall season. The skate park competition takes place all day; there’s a zone just for kids, including pumpkin decorating, and you can buy fall produce and trees. Four live music acts will perform throughout the day.
6. The Oddities and Curiosities Expo
Where: Colorado Convention Center at 700 14th St., Denver
When: Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $16
If you like weird stuff, you’ll love this odd little event featuring everything from the unsettling and morbid to the downright strange. Vendors selling antiques, jewelry, animal skulls, and more will gather at this traveling expo. What will you bring home?
7. Tour de Corgi
Where: Civic Center Park, Old Town Fort Collins
When: Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: $5 suggested donation
Corgi fanatics, this is the event for you. Lovers of the quirky dog breed will gather to visit with canine friends, shop doggy vendors, and witness the world’s cutest costume contest. This year marks the 12th event, and the theme is “Sploots in Space.”
8. FoCo Fall Fest
Where: Old Town Square, Fort Collins
When: Friday, Oct. 9-Sunday, Oct. 11
Admission: Free
Shop local artisans and grab grub from a slew of food trucks at this annual event to kick off the fall season. Live music jumpstarts the weekend-long event on Friday at 4 p.m.—and the fest features 28 acts through Sunday. Alcohol will be sold, but dogs aren’t allowed.
9. Premier League Mornings Live
Where: Denver Union Station, 17 Wynkoop St., Denver
When: 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11
Admission: Free, but tickets are required for entry
For two days, soccer fans can get their fix during this 13th annual fan-driven festival. Each morning, participants will gather to watch games on the big screen as mascots and other big names stop by for meet-and-greets. Merch will be available, too, so don’t forget your wallet.
10. FreeFall Bluegrass Festival
Where: Avon
When: Friday, Oct. 9-Sunday, Oct. 11. Friday starts at 2 p.m.; gates open at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Admission: $50 for one day and up to $350 for weekend VIP passes
Sixteen bluegrass acts will take the stage during this three-day event. The family-friendly festivities will take place rain or shine, and vendors will be on site. You can bring your own food, but you’ll have to buy your beer when you arrive. Bring a lawn chair and your dancing feet, but not your dog—FreeFall doesn’t allow pets.
11. Toughest Monster Truck Tour
Where: Blue Arena, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland
When: Friday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3 p.m.
Admission: $31 for most seats, with additional passes and extras available
Watch dump trucks, bulldozers, and motorcycles strut their stuff and rev their engines at this event, which is pretty much paradise for young kids (and, let’s be honest, adults) who appreciate heavy-duty vehicles. Gladiators will also be in the pit, of course, and Colorado’s own Freestyle Motocross team will perform daring stunts.
12. Harry Potter The Exhibition
Where: 417 S. Broadway, Denver
When: Daily through Jan. 3
Admission: $20 for kids, $28 for adults
This traveling exhibit, which features sets, costumes, and artifacts from the iconic film series, will be in Denver through January 2027. During the family-friendly showcase, fans of the franchise will be immersed in all things Hogwarts, including a guided audio tour, 20 galleries, and delightfully bewitching activities for kids.
