Questions? Let's Talk: 877.762.4375

10 Memorable Autumn Events to Visit in Colorado

10 Memorable Autumn Events to Visit in Colorado

| Oct 20, 2022 | "Story Time" Newsletters

With such beautiful scenery at every twist and turn in the road, Colorado shines in the fall and there is a lot more to do and see between bouts of leaf-peeping. From family-friendly attractions to get you in the Halloween spirit, beer & chili festivals, and arts events to put you in a jovial spirit, these are some memorable things to do in the fall in Colorado.

– Researched & written by Mike Hamers

1. Get Scared at the Stanley Hotel: Walking Tour

After the acclaimed-author Stephen King spent one night at the Stanley Hotel in 1974, he was inspired to write one of his most famous novels—The Shining. This spooky book was eventually made into a classic horror film, and all thanks for this contribution to cinematic history goes to the Stanley Hotel’s eerie decor and ghost stories for inspiring King. During the fall, seek out the spooky entertainment on a night tour of this iconic hotel in Estes Park, CO. The 60-minute walking tour is led by a storyteller who will share some of the hotel’s famous ghost stories.
• ESTES PARK: Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
• WEBSITE: https://www.stanleyhotel.com  •  PHONE: 970-586-3371

Boulder Farmers Market

2. 5 Alarm 5K & Chili Cook-Off | Arvada

Longmont-Farmers-Market_800p

3. Get Lost in the Corn Maze

Get Lost in the Corn at Denver Botanic CHATFIELD FARMS: Wind your way through seven acres of corn. The maze can be viewed from a 15-foot-tall bridge. This year’s maze promises a dino-mite exploration of prehistoric time. Visitors under the age of 10 can explore the corn mini-maze. Halloween masks and costumes are not permitted on the premises.
• LITTLETON: Fri–Sun, Sep. 16–Oct. 30, 9am–5pm • 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, 80128
• WEBSITE: https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/corn-maze

The Thornton Haunted Field of Screams is Colorado’s largest haunted attraction where terror grows fresh every year. Backing the famously haunted Riverdale Road in Thornton, the attraction offers the longest immersive haunt experience that includes a walk through acres of cornfield, encounters with multiple haunted houses and a ride down to the Riverdale Gates of Hell. This attraction is not recommended for children.
• THORNTON 10451 McKay Rd, Thornton, CO 80233
• WEBSITE: https://hauntedfieldofscreams.com

 
Cherry Creek Farmers market

4. Go Apple Picking | Longmont and Ault, CO

In the fall, apples are ripening in orchards all over Colorado and there are many places where you can pluck them off the trees and fill a box with the sweet fruits. YA YA Farm & Orchard in Longmont, approx. 36 miles north of Denver, has about 1,000 organic fruit trees (mostly apple) on its farm, which was started in 1896. The prime apple picking time at YA YA is from late July through October.
• LONGMONT: 6914 Ute Hwy, Longmont, CO 80503
• Dates/Hours @ https://yayafarmandorchard.com

Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store in Ault, about 73 miles northeast of Denver, grows over 150 varieties of apples along with other fruits. The orchard’s pick-your-own season lasts about 11 to 12 weeks. While you are there, get some trip souvenirs at the country store, such as jams, cider, salsas, and more.
• AULT, CO: 42135 Weld County Rd 43, Ault, CO 80610  
• Hours: Farmstand Wed–Sun, 10am–6pm (U-Pick is only available on Sat. & Sun.)
• WEBSITE: https://adamsapplecolorado.com  •  PHONE: (970) 760 0279

City Park Famers Market

5. Aiden Sinclair’s Underground Magic Show | Stanley Hotel

Welcome to The Underground. Hidden beneath the original Carriage House of the historic Stanley Hotel, there is a secret subterranean theater, where the greatest magicians in the world perform. Behind a hidden bookcase door, there exists a world of illusion and mystery.  A place outside of time, where the rules of reality no longer apply. Enter if you dare, for an unforgettable experience that will inspire your imagination is waiting for you. Impossibilities Performed!
• ESTES PARK: Evenings Wed. thry Sun. (thru Dec. 9), 333 E Wonderview Ave, 80517
• TICKETS: https://www.tixr.com/groups/stanleyunderground  •  (970) 290-2361
 
EL PUEBLO FARMERS MARKET

6. Boo at the Zoo: Storybook Safari | Denver Zoo

A Safe + Socially Distanced Halloween Celebration, Every Day in October!
Join us DAILY October 1–31 for Boo at the Zoo: Storybook Safari—a modified, masked version of Denver’s family favorite! Throughout our 84-Acre campus, classic animal stories and fairy tales come to life with costumed characters, mythical creatures, unforgettable animal experiences and food fit for a king or queen! And don’t forget: Nature Connects®, Art with LEGO® Bricks will still be up for your enjoyment, too! So, get the whole family suited up in costume, and come celebrate Halloween in a way that’s safe, socially distanced and candy-free… but still VERY sweet.
• DENVER: October 1 – 31, 2022, Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
• WEBSITE: https://denverzoo.org/events/boo-at-the-zoo/

Golden Farmers Market

7. Pumpkins: Glow at the Gardens | Denver Botanic Gardens

Glow at the Gardens™ is a luminous, nighttime celebration of America’s favorite gourd. Wander through a spooky, illuminated landscape as the Gardens dress-up for Halloween. Using all real pumpkins harvested from local farms, our pumpkin artists push the boundaries of traditional pumpkin carving to create larger-than-life sculptures and dense displays of jack-o’-lanterns, with grins and grimaces fit for the season. Performing artists bring spirits and specters to life at this enchanted autumnal experience.
• DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS, Oct. 18-23, 6-9pm, 1007 York St., Denver, CO 80206
• WEBSITE: https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/glow-gardens

GREELY FARMERS MARKET

8. Denver Arts Week(end) | Denver Conservatory Greens

The Mile-High City celebrates the arts with its annual Arts Week, set to take place Nov. 4th – 12th. Denver Arts Week encompasses neighborhood art districts along with various galleries and museums. Explore vibrant art districts, check out museum exhibitions and outdoor sculptures, indulge in the performing arts, be inspired at film and literary events, and even buy some art of your own! The schedule includes the highly anticipated Night at the Museums on November 5th, where many of the city’s top museums offer free or penny entries.
• DENVER: Nov. 4 – 12, 2022, Denver Central Park’s Conservatory Green Neighborhoods (formerly Stapleton), 8304 E. 49th Place, Denver, CO 80216  
WEBSITE: https://www.denver.org/denver-arts-week  •  PHONE: (303) 330-8237

Highlands Ranch Farmers Market

9. Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show | 2 locations

Now with 2 dates and 2 locations, one at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver and one at the Colorado Springs Event Center, the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show is a great way to shop and support local artists and vendors. 
The show features over 450 unique displays, where shoppers will discover gifts for everyone on their list. Shop original arts and crafts, foods, home décor, furniture, clothing, and so much more.
• DENVER: Nov. 11-13, 2022 / Denver Convention Cntr,700 14th St, Denver 80202
  WEBSITE: https://www.coloradochristmasgiftshow.com
• COLORADO SPRINGS: Fri/Nov 4 (10am – 5pm) and Sun/Nov 6 (10am – 3pm)
  Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd

Larimer County farmers-market

10. Santa’s Lighted Forest | Georgetown Loop Railroad

Kick off the holiday season by visiting Santa aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Every evening, late November through late December, take the Santa’s Lighted Forest train ride through a beautiful light show synchronized with holiday music. After Christmas, the show changes themes into a Victorian Holiday Celebration for a short time. With enclosed heated coaches, you will enjoy the beauty of winter in the Colorado Rockies from the comfort of Santa’s train. (Note: Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days)
• GEORGETOWN: Nov. 12 – Jan. 2, 2023, Devil’s Gate Depot, 646 Loop Drive, Georgetown, CO 80444
• INFO & BOOKINGS: https://www.georgetownlooprr.com/winter-holiday-trains/

Loveland Farmers Market

======
Do you have an interesting idea for an article for Jim Crowder’s Newsletter? The topic should be about some aspect of Colorado life: it’s history, people, places to visit, restaurants, parks, museums, etc. Jim loves “Top Ten” lists! Send on email to Jim at jim@crowder.com and let him know. We’ll even give you credit for suggesting the topic if we use it.

"Story Time" Newsletters

  • Warmup with These Popular Colorado January Events

    Read More
  • December 2023 Guide To Holiday Light Shows, Santa Visits, Seasonal Food & Drink, Parades, And More!

    Read More
  • PIONEERING WOMEN OF BOULDER, CO

    Read More
  • Fantastic Fall Fun Events in Colorado

    Read More
  • CARNEGIE LIBRARIES: The Future Made Bright

    Read More
  • Celebrate Colorado Peaches and their History at these 3 Festivals!

    Read More
  • Colorado Wine – Rooted in History

    Read More
  • 13,000-year-old stone tool cache still on exhibit at CU-Boulder

    Read More
  • The Original Coloradans: Colorado’s Native American History

    Read More
  • 12 Cool & Unusual Things to Do this Summer in Colorado

    Read More

Get a Quote

Will be happy to respond