Exploring the Best October 2023 Events in Colorado

When it comes to experiencing the vibrant and diverse cultural scene of Colorado in October, you’re in for a treat. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you discover the most exciting events happening throughout the state during this delightful autumn month.

Highlands Farmers Market

• Date: Sundays, May 21 – October 15, 2023
• Address: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver
• Great farmer’s market with handcrafted goods and locally grown produce. Go hungry because there is plenty of homemade food for sale, fresh and ready to eat.

Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering

• Date: Thur-Sun, September 28 – October 1, 2023
• Address: Durango
• About: Celebrate the rich history of the American cowboy, with live performances, poets, and musicians, now in its 34th year.

Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown

• Date: Fri-Sun, September 29-October 1, 2023
• Address: Denver
• About: The ultimate pinball and gamer festival returns for its 17th year. Attend one or all three days and play all the games you can, no quarters needed.

Elk Fest

• Date: Sat-Sun, September 30-October 1, 2023
• Address: Bond Park, Estes Park
• About: Fall festival celebrating the annual elk “rut”. Events include a Mountain Man Rendezvous, Native American music and dancing, a bugling contest, elk seminars, and exhibits, as well as food and craft vendors. There’s also an elk-viewing bus.

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 6-8, 2023
• Address: Breckenridge
• About: Enjoy live music, regional liquor, and food. Events include Poker Run, Historic Saloon Walking Tour, Breckenridge Distillery Tours, Honey Gitter’s live show at the historic Gold Pan Saloon, and Hangover Brunch.

Cedaredge Applefest

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 6-8, 2023
• Address: Cedaredge
• About: Celebrate Cedaredge’s rich farming history at this annual autumn celebration happening the first full weekend in October.  Some highlights include a chili cook-off, golf tournament, 5K run, classic car show, live concerts, and apple pie sales.

Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 6-8, 2023
• Address: Chatfield Farms, Littleton
• About: The 10-acre pumpkin patch at Chatfield Farms, operated by the Denver Botanic Gardens, operates for only one weekend. Head on out to pick out your favorite pumpkin and then stroll the other wonderful plants on display.

bRUNch Run 5K + 10K

• Date: Sun, October 8, 2023
• Address: Denver
• About: A fundraising race that comes with brunch, scented medals, and free swag, this event is for those who love getting active and eating.

Telluride Horror Show

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 13-15, 2023
• Address: Nugget Theatre, Telluride
• About: The 14th annual 3-day Telluride Horror Show is the state’s spookiest and largest horror film festival boasting plenty of films to scare your pants off.

Knock Your Boots Off Beer Tasting & Chili Cook-Off

• Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
• Address: Golden
• About: Annual chili competition featuring bottomless craft beer and chili tastings held by downtown Golden.

Dia de los Muertos

• Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023; Events also held throughout October
• Address: Longmont
• About: Celebrate the annual Day of the Dead Festival in Longmont. This longstanding Mexican tradition is on full display in downtown and other locations around the city.

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 20-22, 2023
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: With the purpose of cultivating awareness, empathy, and a deeply connected community, the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival is a 3-day celebration of women and others who are often unseen, unheard, and misunderstood.

Treat Street

• Date: Sat-Sun, October 21-22, 2023
• Address: Aurora
• About: A Halloween trick-or-treating family fun event hosted at the Arapahoe County “Scaregrounds” full of costumes, games, and delicious treats.

Bloody Mary Festival

• Date: Sun, October 22, 2023
• Address: EXDO Event Center, Denver
• About: The 7th Annual Bloody Mary Festival is the largest event of its kind, boasting a range of unique and tantalizing Bloody Marys as well as plenty of food and beverages.

Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame

• Date: Tues, October 24, 2023
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: The Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is a yearly celebration of the athletes, teams, coaches, and contributors who have left their mark on the community. Taking place at the Broadmoor World Arena, there will be a reception, silent auction, and dinner.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade

• Date: Sat, October 28, 2023
• Address: Manitou Springs
• About: Starting with a parade through town, the annual coffin races are formed of teams of four pallbearers and one “Emma”. The races have been covered nationally by the Travel Channel and are usually held on the last Saturday in October.

The 13th Floor Haunted House

• Date: Select days, mid September to early November 2023
• Address: Denver
• About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s legendary and most horrifying Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.

​Great American Beer Festival

• Date: Thur-Sat, October 10-12, 2024 (NOTE: THIS IS 2024 date)
• Address: Convention Center, Denver
• About: Heading into its 42nd year, GABF is one of the largest beer festivals in the US, with four sessions to choose from, and over 3500 beers.

Wine In The Pines

• Date: Friday-Saturday, October 25-26, 2024 (NOTE: NO FESTIVAL HELD IN 2023)
• Address: Keystone
• About: Summit County’s premier wine festival returns in 2024 for its 4oth year! Enjoy exquisite wine paired with savory cuisine.

Mile High Horror Film Festival

• Date: TBD 2023
• Address: Denver
• About: Every autumn, the Mile High Horror Film Festival descends on Coloradans eager to get their fair share of scares. This annual event has attracted notable attendees like Jack Black and Linda Blair.

Denver Zombie Crawl

• Date: TBD 2023
• Address: Lower Downtown, Denver
• About: It’s free to dress up as an undead zombie and tag along on this annual bar crawl, held at 7 pm on Saturday in LoDo. Drink tickets are purchased ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

October in Colorado offers a diverse range of events and activities to suit every interest. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, or simply enjoying the stunning fall scenery, there’s something for everyone. Make the most of this enchanting month and create unforgettable memories in the Centennial State.