Fall in Denver: Top Things to See and Do [Updated For 2022]
Fall in Denver is one of the best times to experience the Mile High City. From local events to picture-perfect fall foliage, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll share the best things to see and do in Denver this fall.
Denver is a haven for all things fall, whether you’re a beer-drinking enthusiast, love traditional fall things like pumpkin patches, or want to be spooked at an iconic haunt.
You might also be interested in reading: The Perfect Day in Denver: A Complete Itinerary
Top Things to See and Do This Fall in Denver
Denver is a hot spot for fall activities. From scary to relaxing, exciting to unforgettable, Denver is a go-to destination for creating a memorable fall experience.
Here’s a quick rundown of activities, and we’ll share more details below!
- Shop at Highlands Farmers Market.
- Visit a pumpkin patch at Chatfield Farms.
- Experience the Pumpkin Harvest Festival.
- Kayak on the South Platte River.
- Race in the Westy Half & 5K.
- Relax at The Beer Spa.
- Drink up at the American Beer Festival.
- Immerse yourself in art during Denver Arts Week.
- Explore Denver Zoo.
- Take in the views at Red Rock Amphitheater.
- Bike along Cherry Creek.
- Get spooked at the Telluride Horror Show.
1. Shop at Highland Farmers Market
Sundays, May 22 – October 16, 2022
Fall brings the perfect weather for shopping and hanging out at the Highland Farmers Market, which takes place every Sunday until October 16, 2022.
Whether you’re looking for fall vegetables or want ready-to-eat, delicious fare, you can find it at this local farmers market. There are endless options for Colorado-grown food and local arts and crafts. You can also enjoy live entertainment.
2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch at Chatfield Farms
Friday to Sunday, October 7th – 9th, 2022
What better way to enjoy Fall in Denver than at a pumpkin patch? The pumpkin patch and festival at Chatfield Farms, operated by the Denver Botanic Gardens, is one of the most awaited October events. The 10-acre farm is the ideal setting for bringing all your favorite fall activities into one spot.
At Chatfield Farms, you can enjoy a wide range of fun activities, from exciting hayrides to kid-friendly face paintings. When you finish checking out all the action, wander through the pumpkin patch and find the perfect pumpkin to take home for carving or decorating.
We love this activity because it’s great for anyone to enjoy! It’s the best day date, family outing, or friend get-together.
3. Experience the Pumpkin Harvest Festival
Saturday and Sunday, October 8th – 9th, 2022
One of Denver’s best fall events is the Pumpkin Harvest Festival located at Four Mile Historic Park. It’s even been named the “2022 Fall Family Favorite” by Colorado Parent Magazine, so you know you’re bound to have an awesome time.
At the Pumpkin Harvest Festival, you can enjoy prairie games that take you back in time, live blacksmithing demonstrations, a marketplace with locally-sourced vendors, tractor rides, live music, and ax throwing. You can even build your own scarecrow!
4. Kayak on the South Platte River
all season long
For those who are looking to get their last few water sports activities in before the temperatures drop, look no further than kayaking on the South Platte River. The most popular place to start your adventure is Confluence Park.
The South Platte River offers a relaxed vibe with gentle rapids and peaceful scenery. It’s easily one of the best places to enjoy fall in Denver’s pleasant, crisp weather.
5. Race in the Westy Half & 5K
Sunday, October 16th, 2022
Looking to get active and enjoy the season at the same time? The Westy Half & 5K is a half marathon or 5k event (you choose!) that takes place in Westminster, just a few minutes from the city.
Runners and walkers can wear their Halloween costumes and enjoy events after the race. Pets are welcome to join and dress up too!
6. Relax at The Beer Spa
all season long
Fall in Denver offers so many activities, and The Beer Spa is the perfect place to go when it’s time to relax. This unique day spa and craft beer taproom offer rejuvenation like no other.
At The Beer Spa, you can enjoy a bubbly beer bath, an infrared sauna, and zero gravity massage. While you’re indulging in spa treatments, you can also enjoy a delicious beverage. The Beer Spa’s taproom serves local brews, cider, wine, tea, and kombucha.
Book an appointment online or stop in for first-come, first-serve access to a Zero Gravity Massage chair. You can also come in and hang out in the cozy taproom without an appointment.
7. Drink Up at the American Beer Festival
Thursday to Saturday, October 6th – 8th, 2022
If sipping tasty brews sounds like your go-to fall activity, the American Beer Festival at the Colorado Convention Center is well worth checking out. This annual beer event is the largest in the nation and should be on every beer drinker’s bucket list.
This exciting event features hundreds of breweries across the country, over a thousand beer options, and beer judging competitions. You can also enjoy events like karaoke and silent disco.
8. Immerse Yourself in Art During Denver Arts Week
November 1st – 9th, 2022
If art and/or culture interests you, Denver Arts Week is a must-do event! This nine-day event offers countless things to see and do. You can do it all or pick 1 or 2 activities!
From exploring colorful arts districts in The Mile High City to watching creative films, there’s something for everyone. Visit art museums, buy your own art, and check out outdoor sculptures.
9. Explore Denver Zoo
November 4th and 8th, 2022
The Denver Zoo is one of the most visited attractions in all of Denver, Colorado, bringing in visitors from across the country. And if you go on November 4th or 8th, you can get in for free.
That’s right – On these two days during fall, you can explore the 84-acre zoo, home to over 3,000 wild animals, at no cost! Walk around, get to know the animals, and don’t forget to make time for one of the demonstrations. After all, the Denver Zoo is said to have some of the top educational experiences in the country.
If you can’t make it on one of the free days, don’t scratch it off of your bucket list. Visiting anytime during fall in Denver, you’ll be greeted with lovely temperatures and beautiful sights. Well worth the money!
10. Take in the Views at Red Rocks Amphitheater
all season long
Are you looking for day trips that will allow you to get the best of Colorado’s fall weather and views? Then, we definitely recommend making a trip to Red Rocks Amphitheater, one of Colorado’s most famous landmarks.
Just half an hour from Denver’s city center, Red Rocks is well worth a visit. The hiking trails are surrounded by beautiful fall foliage, and the weather is ideal for enjoying a concert.
11. Bike Along Cherry Creek
all season long
Anyone who enjoys biking won’t want to miss the 40-mile Cherry Creek trail during fall. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the fall weather and spend time outdoors before winter.
The Cherry Creek Trail is one of our favorite activities because it combines shopping with nature. While biking (or strolling) along this lovely trail, you’ll be met with ample opportunities to stop and check out the local scene.
Whether you want to grab a quick bite at one of the restaurants, check out an art gallery, or shop at one of the luxury shops found in the upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center, you can do it all when indulging in the Cherry Creek bike trail.
12. Get Spooked at the Telluride Horror Show
Friday to Sunday, October 14th – 16th, 2022
Want to get into the spirit of Halloween? Love horror films? Then, you’ll definitely want to head over to the Telluride Horror Show, a three-day event guaranteed to offer a fright!
This film festival has an eclectic blend of movies to choose from, whether you’re looking for something on the gory side or prefer some dark humor. Regardless, you’re sure to enjoy a movie night at this spooktacular festival.
Enjoy Fall in Denver!
Denver is fun year-round, but fall brings a special experience! There’s so much to see and do, and we hope you found a few things to enjoy on this list.
From beautiful views to the ultimate relaxation, there’s something for everyone to appreciate.
Interested in other unique Denver activities? Check out this article!
