Discover Colorado in October: Festivals, Fall Fun & Haunted Occasions

As the aspen leaves turn golden and the mountain air grows crisp, October in Colorado bursts into life with festivals, spooky thrills, harvest celebrations, and cultural gatherings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor chasing fall magic, this month offers something for everyone. In this guide, you’ll find a carefully curated lineup of annual events, insider tips for maximizing your experience, seasonal must-sees, and strategies for planning your Colorado autumn adventure.

🍂 Why October Is a Standout Month in Colorado

October holds a special place in Colorado’s seasonal rhythm:

• Peak fall foliage — The aspen groves across the Rockies reach their golden brilliance.
• Crisp, comfortable weather — Daytime highs are mild, and evenings bring cool serenity.
• Harvest & craft flair — Apple festivals, wine tastings, and craft markets abound.
• Halloween energy — Haunted houses, coffin races, and spooky celebrations take center stage.
• Smaller crowds — Many summer tourists have left, so you can enjoy major events with a bit more elbow room.

With so many colors, flavors, and moods packed into one month, October is arguably one of the best times to experience Colorado.

Top Annual October Festivals & Events (2025 Edition)

Below is a fresh, SEO-friendly, chronological selection of standout October events across Colorado. Each entry includes dates, location, highlights, and tips for attendance.

South Pearl Farmers’ Market (Denver)

When: Sundays, May through November 9, 2025
Where: Pearl Street & East Arkansas Avenue, Denver
Why go: A beloved weekly farmers’ market offering locally grown produce, artisan goods, and food vendors. In October, the harvest bounty is at its peak — pumpkins, root vegetables, and late-season greens await.
Tips: Arrive early for the best selection. Bring reusable bags, and sample seasonal offerings (like squash soup or fresh cider).

Highlands Farmers Market (Denver)

When: Sundays through October 12, 2025
Where: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver
Why go: A smaller, more intimate market that features handcrafted goods, organic produce, and prepared foods. It’s perfect for a casual Sunday stroll with snacks in hand.
Tips: Combine it with brunch in the Highlands neighborhood; you may discover local shops and galleries while you roam.

Civic Center EATS (Denver)

When: Wednesdays & Thursdays, early May through mid-October
Where: Civic Center Park, Denver
Why go: This food-truck gathering gathers 10–15 mobile kitchens, offering everything from global street food to gourmet sweets.
Tips: Use public transit — parking is limited. Come hungry and try a few small plates rather than one big meal.

The 13th Floor Haunted House (Denver)

When: Selected nights, mid-September through early November
Where: Denver area
Why go: One of Denver’s premier haunted attractions—perfect for thrill-seekers. Expect fog, scares, intense set design, and chilling actors.
Tips: Buy tickets in advance (they often sell out). Dress warmly, and plan for lines—peak hours tend to be after dark.

Diana’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (Cañon City)

When: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from September 20 – October 31, 2025
Where: Cañon City, Colorado
Why go: Classic fall fun—pick your own pumpkins, navigate vast corn mazes, ride tractor-drawn wagons, and enjoy seasonal treats.
Tips: Visit earlier in October for better selection of pumpkins. Late in the month, many good ones may already be taken.

Elitch Gardens Fright Fest (Denver)

When: Weekends from September 27 through November 2, 2025
Where: Elitch Gardens Theme Park, Denver
Why go: Fun by day, fright by night. During daytime hours, enjoy typical amusement park rides; after dark, experience haunted attractions and spooky overlays.
Tips: Arrive during daylight hours to ride while lines are shorter. Stay for the Halloween haunted attractions after dusk (if you’re brave).

Durango Cowboy Gathering

When: Wednesday to Sunday, October 1–5, 2025
Where: Durango, Colorado
Why go: A frontier-style festival celebrating cowboy and Western heritage. Expect live music, poetry, historical storytelling, and ranch culture.
Tips: Combine with exploring the nearby San Juan Mountains. Consider staying an extra day for wilderness hikes or scenic drives.

Belgian Brew Fest (Denver)

When: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Where: Bruz Beers, Denver
Why go: Taste dozens of Belgian beers from breweries around the world. Sample, compare, and learn from craft brewing experts.
Tips: Bring a ride share or have a designated driver. Pace yourself — Belgian beers can be strong.

Handmade in Colorado Expo (Vail Village)

When: Friday-Saturday, October 3–4, 2025 (part of multi-venue schedule)
Where: Vail Village, Colorado
Why go: Colorado’s premier artisan craft show, showcasing jewelry, ceramics, fiber arts, fine art, and more from local makers.
Tips: Bring a suitcase (or extra bag) for your finds. Explore restaurants and mountain views while you’re in Vail.

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival

When: Friday–Sunday, October 3–5, 2025
Where: Breckenridge, Colorado
Why go: A spirited weekend of tastings, live music, guided distillery tours, and food.
Tips: Book distillery tours in advance (some offer small groups). Stay in Breckenridge and enjoy fall hikes or scenic rides too.

Phamaly Theatre Company: Dance Nation (Aurora)

When: Thursday–Sunday, October 9–19, 2025
Where: The People’s Building, Aurora
Why go: See this celebrated theater company’s production—bringing inclusive casting and powerful storytelling to Aurora audiences.
Tips: Reserve tickets early (especially weekends). Go for an evening show paired with dinner in the area.

Great American Beer Festival (Denver)

When: Thursday–Saturday, October 9–11, 2025
Where: Colorado Convention Center, Denver
Why go: One of the biggest beer festivals in the U.S., featuring thousands of beers from across America, multiple tasting sessions, live music, and food pairings.
Tips: Buy your session ticket early. Plan which breweries you want to sample in advance. Stay hydrated (water is your friend). Use public transit or rideshare for parking ease.

Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms (Littleton)

When: Friday–Sunday, October 10–12, 2025
Where: Chatfield Farms (Denver Botanic Gardens affiliate)
Why go: For one weekend, a 10-acre pumpkin patch opens, along with crafts, kids’ activities, and exploration of the botanical grounds.
Tips: Arrive early Sunday morning for the best selection. Wear good walking shoes—the grounds are rustic and grassy.

Telluride Horror Show

When: Friday–Sunday, October 10–12, 2025
Where: Nugget Theatre, Telluride
Why go: A three-day horror film festival—expect screen premieres, Q&As, genre panels, and spooky vibes.
Tips: Purchase passes in advance. Combine with exploring the scenic town of Telluride and its mountain ambiance.

Día de los Muertos (Longmont)

When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, with other local events throughout October
Where: Longmont, Colorado
Why go: Celebrate this Mexican tradition with altars, cultural performances, face painting, and community spirit.
Tips: Get there early to enjoy parades and performances. Respect the cultural significance—bring offerings, take care with photography.

bRUNch Run 5K + 10K (Denver)

When: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Where: Denver, Colorado
Why go: Fuel your active side by combining a timed race with brunch, swag, and often a good cause.
Tips: Sign up in advance. Bring extra layers (morning chill), and plan brunch spots in the area.

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival (Colorado Springs)

When: Friday–Sunday, October 17–19, 2025
Where: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Why go: A thoughtful celebration of women directors, storytellers, and overlooked voices through screenings, panels, and discussions.
Tips: Check the schedule to catch Q&As and panels. Use this as a cultural outing with dinner and conversation.

Goldenfest (Golden)

When: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Where: Golden, Colorado
Why go: A community chili cook-off paired with bottomless craft beer tastings, live music, and family fun downtown.
Tips: Bring a soft cup or mug (some tastings may pour into reusable containers). Arrive midday to sample at your leisure.

Boo at the Bridge (Cañon City)

When: Saturday, October 18, 202
Where: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City
Why go: A kid-safe trick-or-treating event on the iconic bridge—great for families wanting Halloween fun with a twist.
Tips: Keep an eye on bridge open times, bring strollers or carriers for young kids, and dress for evening chills.

Treat Street (Aurora)

When: Saturday–Sunday, October 18–19, 2025
Where: Arapahoe County “Scaregrounds,” Aurora
Why go: A trick-or-treat extravaganza with costumes, games, candy, and festival energy.
Tips: Bring a bag for candy, and arrive early for best parking and participation in early programmed fun.

Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame Induction

When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Where: Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs
Why go: Honor local sports heroes and enjoy dinner, networking, and recognition of athletic legacies.
Tips: Consider purchasing tickets early. Pair with an evening out in Colorado Springs.

Wine in the Pines (Summit County)

When: Wednesday through Sunday, October 22–26, 2025
Where: Summit County (with online auction component)
Why go: A premier wine festival with tastings, auctions, and charitable elements.
Tips: Book lodging ahead (Summit is popular in fall). If you can’t attend in person, participate in the online auction.

ZooBoo (Pueblo Zoo)

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 (members-only BooBonus night on Friday the 24th)
Where: Pueblo Zoo, Pueblo, Colorado
Why go: A family-friendly trick-or-treating experience in the zoo—candy stations, animal-themed fun, and safe Halloween vibes.
Tips: Arrive early to beat lines. Bring a flashlight and dress in layers — zoo grounds can be chilly after dusk.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade (Manitou Springs)

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Where: Manitou Springs, Colorado
Why go: A quirky and beloved tradition where teams of “pallbearers” race coffins, culminating in a festive parade. Frequently covered in travel media and known for its uniqueness.
Tips: Get there early for a good parade viewing spot. Don’t forget your camera—this event is very photogenic.

Bloody Mary Festival (Denver)

When: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Where: EXDO Event Center, Denver
Why go: The largest festival of its kind—sample creative Bloody Mary concoctions, enjoy brunch, and listen to live music.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring your ID, and pace your tastings. Many vendors offer food to accompany.

Denver Film Festival

When: Friday, October 31 – November 9, 2025
Where: Multiple venues around Denver
Why go: One of Colorado’s marquee film events—hundreds of feature films, shorts, documentaries, Q&As, and special events.
Tips: Plan ahead — tickets for popular films sell fast. Use the festival’s app or schedule to build your itinerary.

Denver Zombie Crawl (LoDo)

When: TBD 2025 (last held October 19, 2024)
Where: Lower Downtown (LoDo), Denver
Why go: Dress as a zombie and join the undead bar crawl. A fun, socially spirited way to celebrate Halloween.
Tips: Check the event’s website closer to the date for 2025 details. Be aware of drink ticket logistics.

Mile High Horror Film Festival

When: TBD / possibly canceled indefinitely
Where: Denver, Colorado
Why go: A horror-centric festival historically featuring genre films and filmmakers.
Tips: Confirm the event’s status on their official site before planning.

Pro Tips for Planning Your October Colorado Adventure

Here are some insider strategies to make your experience smoother, more enjoyable, and optimized for SEO traffic (if you’re a content creator yourself):

1. Book lodging early — Especially in mountain towns like Breckenridge, Durango, and Telluride. Fall weekends fill up fast when the landscape is spectacular.
2. Check event websites before arrival — Dates, times, and details may shift (weather, permits, changes).
3. Bundle events by region — Denver-centric events can be done in a single trip. Mountain festivals pair great with scenic drives.
4. Use public transit or ride shares — Parking in festival zones is often limited or costly.
5. Layer your clothing — Colorado weather in October can swing from sunny and warm to brisk and windy.
6. Comply with ticket and entry rules — Some events require advance purchase or strict time slots (like haunted houses or film screenings).
7. Bring a content kit (for creators) — A camera, portable charger, notebook. These events offer rich visual storytelling.
8. Leverage social media triggers — Hashtags like #ColoradoOctober #FallFestivalsCO #EmmaCrawfordRaces can drive engagement.
9. Prioritize rest days — Too many weekend events can be exhausting; schedule downtime to enjoy the scenery.
10. Monitor foliage peak timing — The aspen color peak varies each year, so flexibility helps you align your trip with optimal leaf color.

🏞️ Beyond the Festivals: Fall Activities Worth Doing

While events are exciting, some of the best October moments happen off the beaten path:

• Scenic drives — Take routes like Independence Pass, the San Juan Skyway, or Peak to Peak Highway.
• Aspen groves & fall hikes — Trails like Maroon Bells, Hanging Lake, or Rocky Mountain National Park are stunning this time of year.
• Hot springs & cozy lodging — Relax in natural hot springs near Glenwood Springs, Pagosa Springs, or Steamboat.
• Farm-to-table dining — Many mountain towns have harvest menus using local produce, elk, game, and apples.
• Wineries & distilleries — Besides Wine in the Pines, check out small Colorado wine operations for tastings.
• Historical tours — Ghost walks, mining town explorations, or haunted tours in old mountain towns.

Final Thoughts

October in Colorado is a symphony of color, culture, flavor, and a dash of spookiness. From harvest festivals and artisan expos to haunted houses and film screenings, there’s a rich tapestry waiting to be explored. Use the guide above as your compass — pick the events that align with your interests, build a flexible itinerary, and leave room for serendipity. Whether you’re chasing leaf-peeping panoramas, craft beverage tastings, or ghostly thrills, Colorado in October will not disappoint.

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