29 Sep 2023

Denver’s top fall events and festivals for families

Fall is arguably the best season of the year in Denver and we have rounded up Denver’s best festivals and events for families. But first, don’t miss:

Denver’s Best Fall Festivals for Families

Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms

WHEN: Thru Oct. 28, 2023
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms
Get lost in Chatfield Farms’ seven-acre Corn Maze, or simply watch the fun from one of two 15-foot tall illuminated bridges. Smaller visitors (age 10 and under) can explore the corn mini-maze.

Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns

WHEN: Thru Oct. 31, 2023
WHERE: Hudson Gardens
Presented and produced by The Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns will delight adults and children alike under a magnificent glow of 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin displays. A magical carnival, a nautical sea-scape, a pirate ship, dinosaurs and dragons illuminate the grounds of Hudson Gardens in a soft, inviting glow where you’ll find magic around every corner.

Denver Oktoberfest

WHEN: Sept. 29–Oct. 1, 2023
WHERE: Larimer and 21st in the Ballpark District
The free annual Denver Oktoberfest is almost here! Get ready for beer, pretzels, games and so much more celebrating German culture and cuisine. Denver Oktoberfest has been a staple two-weekend festival in Downtown Denver since 1969. From keg bowling to stein hoisting, live music and more, there’s something here for Oktoberfest pros and first-timers.

Denver School of the Arts Block Party

WHEN: Sept. 29, 2023
WHERE: Denver School of the Arts South Campus
Free family fun! Enjoy live performances and art demonstrations from the students at Denver School of the Arts. Food trucks, lawn games and more make this a perfect fall evening for families.

HOOTenanny Owl & Music Festival

WHEN: Sept. 30, 2023
WHERE: Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center
Calling all kids and families! Join Denver Audubon for a day of excitement at the 12th Annual HOOTenanny Owl and Music Festival. Get up close to majestic owls with live demos by Nature’s Educators. Dive into owl crafts, scavenger hunts and pellet dissections. Explore interactive tables from nonprofit partners like Colorado Parks & Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Dance to folk tunes by Nearly There, discover owl-themed treasures, and support conservation efforts. All ages are welcome! Proceeds benefit Denver Audubon Kingery.

Pumpkin Festival and Weigh-off

WHEN: Sept. 30, 2023
WHERE: Jareds Nursery, Littleton
Some of Colorado’s largest pumpkins compete for state and world records, with giant veggies like gourds and tomatoes, giant sunflowers and squash for all to see. Enjoy eats from local food vendors, bounce castles, a maze for the kids, a corn pit and live music.

The Lumberjack Festival

WHEN: Sept. 30–Oct. 1, 2023
WHERE: Clement Park, Littleton
Calling all lumberjacks and lumberjack enthusiasts! Join us for The Lumberjack Festival, where you can test your skills with axe throwing, hammerschlagen, sawing and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the thrill of the lumberjack life, live country and bluegrass music, chainsaw art, a petting zoo, face painting (beards for everyone!), a roaming photobooth, delicious food, a beer tasting and bar, a market and flannel as far as the eye can see!!

Fright Fest

WHEN: Sept. 30–Oct. 29, 2023
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Every October, Elitch Gardens transforms into a frighteningly fun haunted theme park, with family-friendly scares during the day and spine-tingling frights by night. Enjoy Halloween decor, spooky live performances, and all your favorite rides!

Rodeo All-Star Weekend

WHEN: Oct. 6–7, 2023
WHERE: National Western Complex
It’s the ultimate pro rodeo competition with all-star contestants from around the globe! This year’s Rodeo All-Star Concert, presented by Mountain Dew on Friday night, features TikTok sensation George Birge. The weekend also includes three professional rodeo performances jam-packed with bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and fan-favorite Mutton Bustin’.

Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms

WHEN: Oct. 6–8, 2023
WHERE: Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Enjoy a day of fall activities at Chatfield Farms! Your ticket price includes access to the 10-acre pumpkin patch, Corn Maze and family and children’s activities, like the antique tractor exhibit, hayrides, a mini-maze, face painting, carnival games and bounces, and more. There’s also live music, local craft and artisan booths, food trucks and food vendors, and beer and hard cider vendors. Pumpkin prices vary by size; the average price is $8, and free “pumpkin daycare” is available while you enjoy the rest of the festival.

Cider Days

WHEN: Oct. 7–8, 2023
WHERE: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, Lakewood
Celebrate Lakewood’s agricultural heritage at the annual Cider Days festival! This family-friendly event features an entertaining mix of live performances, activities and tasty harvest treats. Watch tractor pulls and vintage power displays, enjoy wagon and barrel train rides along with other children’s activities, and check out historic demonstrations and a unique variety of exhibitors and vendors. The Cider Days festival wouldn’t be complete without everything apple, including apple pressing and apple cider by the glass or gallon!

FORTISSIMO: Fall Festival

WHEN: Oct. 8, 2023
WHERE: Stanley Marketplace
Head to Stanley Marketplace for an afternoon of music, camaraderie, and fun at DYAO’s 2nd Annual FORTISSIMO: Fall Festival, a scholarship fundraising event. Enjoy yourself in a world of musical games that challenge your knowledge while vying for special prizes that await the most enthusiastic participants. The heart of the afternoon will be brought to life by captivating performances featuring the incredibly talented musicians of DYAO, showcasing their dedication and skill. Your presence and support will resonate far beyond the day, contributing to the education and artistic growth of young musicians.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival

WHEN: Oct. 14–15, 2023
WHERE: Four Mile Historic Park
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of autumn at Denver’s original fall festival. Pick out the perfect pumpkin, build your own scarecrow to take home to protect your garden, and browse for unique local treasures in the marketplace with more than 40 vendors on-site. New this year, the festival will also feature a Western-themed scavenger hunt, and guests can pan for gold, pack a wagon, play prairie games, and more! Catch some live music and performances on the Autumn Harvest Community Stage and dine on seasonal favorites like apple cider donuts for an unforgettable day at Four Mile Historic Park. Featured image.

Denver Film Festival

WHEN: Nov. 3–12, 2023
WHERE: Sie FilmCenter and other locations in and around Denver
The 46th Denver Film Festival is a 10-day festival presenting film and new media to more than 40,000 guests. The largest regional film festival in the Rocky Mountain region brings international cinema, filmmakers, virtual reality, immersive experiences and creative conversations to Colorado. The Denver Film Festival takes place at four primary locations throughout the city of Denver, with dozens of locations hosting pop-up events to engage audiences in the Denver and Aurora Metro areas, as well as greater Colorado and its surrounding states.

Veteran’s Day Parade and Festival

WHEN: Nov. 11, 2023
WHERE: City Park
This family-friendly event offers free admission, a music stage, kids and family activities, military displays and marketplace vendors. The festival serves as a celebratory “Thank You” to our veterans who have fought to ensure our freedoms.

Source: Visit Denver. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. While clicking these links won’t cost you extra money, they help us keep this site up and running. See our disclosure policy.