KUSA — As we wave a fond farewell to summer, we look ahead to a new season full of festive, outdoor events celebrating the harvest and cooler days. Autumn's arrival brings the glorious smell of roasting chilies, the crisp taste of seasonal beers and ciders, and the stunning yellows and reds of changing leaves across Colorado. There's so much to do in the Centennial State this weekend we had to narrow it down to these 50+ Things that are certain to entertain, educate and delight you, your family and friends. Get out and seize the weekend!
Chile & Frijoles Festival — Pueblo
The savory aroma of roasting chilies signals the end of summer in Pueblo. The annual Chile & Frijoles Festival is Pueblo's harvest celebration that pays homage to two of the town's best-loved crops: green chilies (in particular the Pueblo Chile) and pinto beans or "frijoles." This three-day celebration kicks off Friday in downtown Pueblo with live entertainment, street vendors, cooking competitions, and chilies, chilies, chilies. Admission is just $5 and kids 12 and under are free. The Chile & Frijoles Festival draws 140,000 attendees from around the Centennial State and the country. Head to Festival.PuebloChamber.org to see the complete event schedule.
Great American Beer Festival — Denver
Thousands of beer fanatics will descend on the Colorado Convention Center this weekend to try samples of some 4,000 different beers. The event features beers from across the country and brewers will be entering competitions all while guests get to sample, sample, sample. This year the festival has added more than 100,000 square feet of event space and food trucks will be available inside the convention center. For the first time in eight years, tickets did not still out immediately and there are still some available at GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com. The GABF runs from Thursday to Saturday.
Denver Oktoberfest — Denver
The 49th Annual Denver Oktoberfest returns Friday for the first of two weekends of stein-lifting fun in downtown Denver. In addition to stein-hoisting there will be food, bier/beer, a silent disco and lots of live music. The party will be located between 20th St. and 22nd St. on Larimer St. in the Ballpark neighborhood near Coors Field. The celebration runs Friday to Sunday this weekend...and next weekend as well. Tickets, Oktoberfest steins and all-you-can-eat-and-drink VIP tickets can be found at TheDenverOktoberfest.com.
Constitution Week BBQ & Music Festival — Grand Lake
Grand Lake's Constitution Week celebration is underway now and leads up to the BBQ and Music Festival on Saturday. The festival brings together Americans to enjoy food, fun and BBQ competition. Saturday's Constitution BBQ Competition is a Kansas City BBQ Society Licensed Competition for the serious chicken, pork rib, pork shoulder and brisket BBQers. In addition to mouth-watering meats, there will be live music from Buckstein, Sarah Snead and Peggy Man, a beer and wine garden, 42 vendor booths, a parade and fireworks show.
Fest of Al — Denver
Denver's first-ever "Weird Al" convention finally arrives this Saturday and Sunday. Although there are lots of comedy festivals, organizers figured it was time to have an event that celebrates the art of comedy music and the genre's king, "Weird Al" Yankovic. The fest will feature trivia contests, silent auctions for charity, live music, comedy performance, karaoke, costume contests, comic book writers, Alcon creators, social hours at restaurants and a dance party with "Weird Al" hits. The Fest of Al will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Stapleton North. Festival passes are available at FestofAl.com.
Autumn Gold Festival — Estes Park
Autumn in Estes Park means golden aspen leaves, elk bugles and Autumn Gold, a Festival of Bands, Brats & Beer. In addition to mustard-smothered bratwursts, cold brews, soft drinks and live music, there will be family-friendly activities like face painting, corn bag toss, a bounce house and classic car show. Food vendors will be serving up funnel cakes, corn on the cob, fresh-squeezed lemonade, roasted almonds and desserts. The Autumn Gold Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday and admission is free.
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 hayrides, barrel train rides, jumping pillows, pony rides, human hamster balls, food vendors and more. The Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms opens Friday and will be open at various times through October 28. Tickets can be found at BotanicGardens.org.
Fruita Fall Festival — Fruita
The three-day Fruita Fall Festival runs Friday to Sunday with over 125 vendors selling arts, crafts and foods to attendees from across Colorado. The festival features a parade, outhouse race, baking and canning contest, carnival, beer garden, wood carving shows, lots of live music, street dance and more. Check out the complete schedule for the free celebration at FruitaFallFestival.com.
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, jump pads, wagon rides to a pumpkin patch, pumpkin cannon, combine slide, kids' rainbow maze, backyard pedal karts, mine cars, barrel train, tire mountain, fire pit, farm animals, sand diggers, gem mining, face painting, pony rides, three-minute escape rooms and much more. The farm's fall festival opened on Wednesday and will run through Halloween. Various ticket options can be found at AndersonFarms.com.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Festival — Loveland
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Festival is a full day of chocolate sampling, shopping and entertainment. There will be a chocolate pudding eating contest (the hitch: no hands), a chocolate-covered whaaaat?!? event, a name that chocolate test (the hitch: you're blindfolded), a chocolate and beer pairing and samples, samples, samples. Admission to the festival at The Ranch Events Complex is just $5 with sampling tickets extra. The festival kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday and is your source for chocolate fountains, chocolate truffles, chocolate fudge, chocolate martinis, chocolate cupcake and more. Grab your tickets at COChocolateFests.com.
Wag 'N Trail — Castle Rock
Dumb Friends League's Wag 'N Trail event is a fundraiser to help homeless pets and horses. The annual event will run from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Glendale Farm Open Space in Castle Rock. You can hike the beautiful 1.6-mile trail with your canine, shop for pet-friendly merchandise and enjoy a complimentary beer or root beer, which is included with event registration. Individual and team registration and fundraising information can be found at Support.DDFL.org.
Hot Rod Rock & Rumble — Fountain
The Hot Rod Rock & Rumble will be held Friday and Saturday at Pikes Peak International Raceway just south of Colorado Springs. There will be a car show, vintage drag and oval racing, swap meet, a vintage camping display, camping, vendors, kids' games and greaser contest, pin-up contest, a race shop dance party and live music including Reverend Horton Heat on Saturday. Grab your tickets now at HotRodRock.com.
Centennial Chalk Art Festival — Centennial
More than forty talented artists will be bringing masterpieces to life right at your feet at the Centennial Chalk Art Festival. You can meet and watch local artists create new works of art, enjoy live music and shop a variety of fine art and food truck vendors. Micrograss, Ethyl and the Regulars and You Knew Me When will be performing Saturday and Miguel Espinoza, Gold Mine Arcade and Acoustic Mining Company on Sunday. The festival gets underway at 11 a.m. Saturday at Centennial Center Park.
Gold Hill Gold Rush — Gold Hill
Gold Hill's annual Gold Rush event is this Sunday with a bake sale, rummage sale and arts and crafts fair. There will be drinks, bratwursts and live music by Larry Worster and Friends. Rumor has it Smokey the Bear will also be making an appearance! Gold Hill Gold Rush will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street. The historic mining town of Gold Hill is located 9 miles west of Boulder via Sunshine Canyon.
Walk to End Alzheimer's — Grand Junction
Folks on the Western Slope can take the first step to a world without Alzheimer's this Saturday at the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Grand Junction. The 2018 walk will follow a ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at Long Family Memorial Park. Registration can be completed at the park beginning at 9 a.m. or Act.Alz.org.
Walk to End Alzheimer's — Loveland
The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness as well as funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. The 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer's in Larimer County will get underway at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. On-site registration will begin at 8 a.m. You can site up to volunteer or join a team at Act.Alz.org.
Parker Fine Arts & Music Festival — Parker
The Parker Fine Arts & Music Festival will bring national and local juried fine artists, live music and delicious foods to O'Brien Park in Parker Old Town. Hazel Miller Band, Scarecrow Revival, Ponder The Albatross, Band On The Fence, Doc & Kit, Tullis Blues are among those scheduled to perform this Saturday and Sunday. There will also be kids' activities including an arts booth and face painting.
The Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival runs from Thursday to Sunday with workshops, demonstrations day concerts and night sessions in La Veta. There will also be Friday and Saturday night concerts in Walsenburg. The festival's mission is to serve Huerfano County with concerts, singing, dancing, tale-spinning and workshops taught by guest artists. Visit CelticMusicFest.com to see the complete 2018 schedule and purchase tickets.
Fall Wine & Food Classic — Vail
The Fall Wine & Food Classic Grand Tasting Event will be held at the Gerald Ford Amphitheater this Saturday. Attendees will enjoy a picnic-style event on the grass with live music and amazing food from 20 restaurants from the Vail Valley. More than 25 wineries will be featured at the tasting, which runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Get you tickets at TasteofVail.com.
Grand Valley Winefest — Grand Junction
Colorado Mesa University will host the Grand Valley Winefest on Saturday with proceeds benefiting the Maverick Club's Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund. The 6th annual wine festival will be held at the Meyer Ballroom at CMU. General admission and VIP lounge and whiskey tasting tickets are sold at CMUMavericks.com/Tickets.
Rocky Mountain Bridal Show — Denver
Sunday's Rocky Mountain Bridal Show is a one-shop-stop for any bride in the planning stages of a wedding. The show lets guests shop and compare photographers, DJs, florists and more. The show has the latest in wedding trends, prize raffles, a runway fashion show and more. The Rocky Mountain Bridal Show runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center's Mile High Ballroom. Tickets can be bought online (use the promo code "SUMMER" and get 60% off your ticket).
The town of Brush has a weekend schedule packed with events. On Friday there will be a cruise-in followed by a street dance in downtown Brush with local restaurants selling food and drinks. Oktoberfest Saturday begins with a 5K run/walk at Memorial Park with proceeds going to the historic Sands Theater. Also on Saturday is a Volksmarch, Oktoberfest Festival with food, crafts, games and beer garden, dog show contest, kids' activities, live entertainment, car and motorcycle show, truck and tractor pull plus live polka band at the VFW building. Festivities will wrap up Sunday with a poker run, hog roast and beer garden. Visit BrushChamber.org to see the complete Oktoberfest weekend schedule.
KOOL Koncert 2018 — Denver
The annual KOOL Koncert arrives this weekend in Denver with Rick Springfield, Loverboy, Gin Blossoms and Tommy Tutone. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Pepsi Center. Tickets start at $10.50 on AltitudeTickets.com.
Deep Purple & Judas Priest — Denver
Deep Purple, Judas Priest and The Temperance Movement will rock out at Pepsi Center on Sunday. Tickets range from $25 to $70 at AltitudeTickets.com.
Taste of Old Colorado City — Colorado Springs
Old Colorado City, a beautiful district nestled in between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, will host a tasting festival this Sunday. Taste of Old Colorado City will shine a spotlight on the great restaurants, breweries and distilleries that reside in the district. Proceeds from the event go towards improving Bancroft Park and the Old Colorado City Foundation. General admission and VIP tickets are sure to sell out, so get yours now at TasteofOCC.com.
Miles for Moms 5K Run/Walk — Denver
The 14th Annual Miles For Moms 5K Run/Walk is this Saturday at Sloan Lake. The 3.1-mile course is suitable for walkers, joggers and competitive runners and aims to celebrate moms everywhere and the determination and successes of the teen mothers at Florence Crittenton Services. The event will also have music, food, kids' activities and fundraising prizes. The run/walk gets underway at 8 a.m. Registration can be completed at FloCritCo.org.
WWE Live — Loveland
The Superstars of WWE will be in Loveland this Sunday night for a live event at Budweiser Events Center. WWE Champion Roman Reigns and his Shield partner Seth Rollins are on the event card along with Braun Strowman, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Bray Wyatt, Finn Balor, Sasha Banks and many more. WWE Live tickets are available online starting at $15.
The Hill Block Party — Boulder
The Hill Block Party Art and Music Fest takes place on University Hill next to the CU campus. The festival will have live artists and live music on three stages featuring different styles of music from local and national artists. The event is free and open to all ages, but you must be 21+ to access the beer garden. The party runs from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Potted Potter — Denver
Potted Potter, the "Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience," is a parody that condenses all seven Harry Potter books into "seventy hilarious minutes." The comedy is fun entertainment for everyone in your family ages six and up. Potted Potter has been playing to sold out audiences nationwide and will be at the Robert and Judi Newman Center at the University of Denver through Sunday. Get your tickets online now before they vanish.
St. Jude Walk/Run — Commerce City
The St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer will be held at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City this Saturday. The walk and fun run each start at 9 a.m. after a pre-race ceremony. It's just $10 to participate for those six and up (kids 5 and under are free). Race registration can be completed at the site starting at 8 a.m. or at Fundraising.StJude.org.
Jake Owen — Colorado Springs
Friday will be a "barefoot blue jean night" at Security Service Field in Colorado Springs. Country star Jake Owen will headline a concert in the minor league baseball stadium, the home of the former Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Chris Janson and Jordan Davis will also be performing at the 6 p.m. concert. Tickets for the "Life's Whatcha Make It Tour" can be found at TicketFly.com.
Doggie Dash — Boulder
The annual Doggie Dash will be held on Sunday at Boulder Reservoir. The 2-mile stroll and fun run will raise funds for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. The Doggie Dash starts at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a community expo, music, brunch and free beer garden. Doggie Dash registration and donation information can be found at BoulderHumane.org.
Day Out With Thomas — Golden
Thomas the Tank Engine is at the Colorado Railroad Museum this weekend with his "Day Out With Thomas: Big Adventures Tour." Kids and families can ride Thomas the Tank Engine as well as meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway. There will be Thomas-themed activities including crafts, photo ops, view viewing, storytelling, live music and more. Grab your tickets at TicketWeb.com.
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular — Greeley
With concert quality sound, cutting-edge special effects, high-powered lasers, large screen video projection and special lighting, the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular is a must-see for listeners ready for a "mind-expanding journey." The show, set to the greatest hits of Pink Floyd, is at the Monfort Concert Hall at the Union Colony Civic Center this Friday night. Reserve your seat at UCStars.com.
The Constant Wife — Denver
The Constant Wife, a "contagious classic comedy," is the newest production at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. With a plucky heroine, the "cheeky satire overturns the expectations of relationships, fidelity and social roles that were just as relevant in the 1920s as they are today." The Constant Wife opens Friday at the Space Theatre and will run though October 21. Tickets are sold through DenverCenter.org.
Scallywag Fest — Greenwood Village
Scallywag, a day-long music and craft beer festival, comes to Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre on Saturday. There will be live music from Rancid, Bad Religion, Pennywise, The Interrupters and Mad Caddies. Festival-goers 21+ will receive unlimited beer tastings from more than 100 craft beers from 1 to 4 p.m. while enjoying snacks from locally-sourced food trucks. General admission and VIP Scallywag passes can be found at ScallywagFest.com.
Driftwood Festival — Greenwood Village
Sunday's Driftwood Festival is a country music, craft beer and BBQ festival at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre. Chase Rice will headline the event with special guests Michael Ray, Walker Hayes, Seth Ennis and more. There will be over 100 craft beers to taste at the festival which is 21+ until 4 p.m. and all ages after 4 p.m. General admission and VIP passes are sold at DriftwoodFest.com.
Civic Center Fit Fest — Denver
Some of Denver's best local instructors and studios will be pushing attendees to sweat, sweat, sweat at the Civic Center Fit Fest. Civic Center SWEATS uses SoundOff Colorado headphone technology. Afterwards there will be food and drinks available in a vendor village. The exercise event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday in Downtown Denver. Tickets can be acquired online.
She Kills Monsters — Greeley
The newest production from the University of Northern Colorado's School of Theatre Arts & Dance opens Thursday night. She Kills Monsters is a comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games. The production tells the story of Agnes Evans who, after reading her sister's Dungeons & Dragons notebook, stumbles into a journey of discovery with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and 90's pop culture. She Kills Monsters (rated R) plays Norton Theatre through Sunday, September 30. Tickets are sold at Tickets.UNCO.edu.
Breckenridge Film Festival — Breckenridge
One of the oldest film festivals in the country is underway now and continues through Sunday. Since 1981, the Breckenridge Film Festival has celebrated the art of filmmaking with independent films, premieres, receptions, educational programs and retrospectives honoring featured guests. This year's festival will have over 70 films, premieres, forums and parties. Head to BreckFilmFest.org to purchase festival passes.
Arvada Days Festival — Arvada
Time travel to the era of pioneers during the 2nd Annual Arvada Days on Saturday at Clear Creek Valley Park. Activities at the free festival include gem hunting, cow patty toss, community booths, live music, food booths and "calf" roping. The park is at 58th and Tennyson St. with plenty of free parking. This event was first published by MileHighontheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
The Royal 50 Mountain Bike Race — Cañon City
The Royal Gorge Region's first ever mountain bike race arrives this Saturday. "The Royal 50" will traverse the Royal Gorge Park Trails and, with elevation gains of over 7,200 feet, is for experienced and skilled mountain bikers only. "The Gorge-ous 20" race involves a 2,800-foot elevation gain and is suitable for intermediate mountain bikers and racers. The post-race after party will have food from Bridge View BBQ, Odell beer and access to all of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Parks' amenities including the gondola, viewpoints, Tommyknocker Playland and more. Race registration can be completed at Royal50.com.
Nelly & Fat Joe — Colorado Springs
Global superstar Nelly will headline a concert Saturday night at Security Service Field, the former home of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. The "Hot in Herre" and "Country Grammar" artist will be joined by rapper Fat Joe at the performance that kicks off at 8 p.m. Get your Nelly tickets at TicketReturn.com.
Lord of the Rings Marathon — Fort Collins
The Lyric theatre in Fort Collins will hold a Lord of the Rings movie marathon on Saturday. Not the theatrical releases, but the The Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture Trilogy Extended Editions. The movies will start at 10:30 a.m. and last over twelve hours. Tickets are $20 for the complete 715-minute event. You can also pay another $15 for all-you-can-eat cereal until noon, and unlimited soda and popcorn for the entire day. LOTR marathon tickets are available online.
Civil War Weekend — Greeley
Greeley's Centennial Village Museum is hosting a Civil War Living History event on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Museum visitors can witness a day in the life of a civil war soldier. Costumed reenactors will be roaming the grounds interacting with visitors leading up to a 1 p.m. battle reenactment and drills. There will also be blacksmith, chuck wagon cooking and print shop demonstrations.
Colorado Honey Festival — Wheat Ridge
Four Seasons Farmers & Artisan Market is holding its annual Colorado Honey Festival this weekend. The event runs Saturday and Sunday and celebrates bees, beekeeping and honey. There will be educational opportunities to learn more about bees, beekeeping and, most importantly, bee conservation, plus information about plants suitable for pollinators. The Four Seasons Market is located at 7043 W. 38th Ave. just east of Wadsworth.
The Just Between Friends Sale is massive consignment sale where you can find everything you need from newborns to teenagers. There will be over 70,000 items at 50-90% off retail price including maternity items, children's clothing, toys, room decor, feeding, bathing and toileting items, cribs, beds, infant equipment, bouncy chairs, strollers, high chairs and much more. The sale is open to the public Thursday to Sunday at the National Western Complex. Get your free admission passes online here.
Rocky Mountain Home & RV Show — Denver
The Rocky Mountain Home & RV Show is a one-stop for “Show-Special” pricing for your Home Improvement projects and/or to purchase, lease or rent an RV. The three-day show runs Friday to Sunday at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Parking Lot I. The show offers information and ideas pertaining to all aspects of home remodeling including the latest design trends and techniques. For information on how to get free ticket, click here. This event was first published by MileHighontheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
13th Floor and City of the Dead & Asylum — Denver & Henderson
Two of the scariest haunted houses in Colorado open this Friday. Denver's largest haunted house, 13th Floor, is at a new location this year (3400 E. 52nd Ave.) and City of the Dead & Asylum haunted houses are at the Mile High Flea Market at 88th and I-76. Both locations open Friday and operate through Halloween. Single tickets, skip-the-line and VIP tickets are available at GetScared.com.
CSU Rams Football vs. Illinois State — Fort Collins
After facing back-to-back SEC programs, Colorado State will match up with Illinois State at 1 p.m. Saturday. The game at Canvas Stadium is an "Ag Day with 4H" and "Orange Out." Tickets to see the Rams and Redbirds are sold at CSURams.com.
Western State Football vs. Adams State — Gunnison
The 72nd Colorado Classic arrives this Saturday. The Western State Mountaineers will take on the Adams State Grizzlies at the Mountaineer Bowl in Gunnison. This matchup between Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference rivals will kickoff at 2 p.m. You can get your tickets online.
Colorado Mesa Football vs. Chadron State — Grand Junction
The Mavericks of Colorado Mesa welcome the Chadron State Eagles to Stocker Stadium for a Saturday afternoon of college football. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup will kick off at 1 p.m. Mavs tickets are sold on ColoradoMesa.UniversityTickets.com.
The Fort Lewis Skyhawks return home to Durango after back-to-back road contests. Fort Lewis will host the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets at 1 p.m. at Ray Dennison Memorial Field. Skyhawk fans can purchase tickets at the stadium gate.
Out of the Darkness Community Walk — Denver
The 4th Annual Denver Metro Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a 2.9 mile walk on the Coors Field concourse that supports suicide prevention. The 7-lap walk will raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. The walk begins Saturday at 10 a.m. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. at Coors Field, or you can register online here.
