Best things to do this fall in Denver
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Autumn sure feels like it's already here, meaning it's time to start planning those fall activities.
What's happening: Fall officially begins Sunday, Sept. 22, so we've collected events, places and things to do in metro Denver as cooler weather approaches.
🍂 Classic fall activities
Anderson Farms: The Erie pumpkin patch includes a wagon ride, barrel trains and a 25-acre corn maze with over 8 miles of trails. (Sept. 25-Nov. 2, $17)
Chatfield Farms: This year's corn maze features a Colorado wildlife theme and takes about an hour to complete. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there's a mini-maze for children 10 and younger. (Sept. 20-Oct. 27, $18 for adults, $12 for children)
Happy Apple Farm: Apple picking at this Penrose orchard is free, requires no reservations, and includes hayrides and a pumpkin patch for kids and freshly pressed apple cider for adults (Sept. 7-Oct. 27, $3.25 per pound)
Munson Farms: Located in Boulder, this charming farm offers just about every picturesque activity, including pumpkin and winter squash picking. (Mid-September to Oct. 31, Free)
The Nightmare Compound: The No. 1-rated haunted house in metro Denver is celebrating its 40th anniversary for people seeking something spooky this fall. (Sept. 13-Nov. 2, $29.99)
🎷 Festivals
Boulder Fall Fest: The family-friendly event will bring arts and crafts, and a beer, wine and cocktail garden to downtown Boulder. Enjoy live music and free children's activities. (Sept. 13-15, Free)
Denver Oktoberfest: You'll have two weekends to catch this celebration of German culture, which includes keg bowling, stein hoisting and a long dog derby. The event has an optional VIP Beer Hall. (Sept. 20-22, and Sept. 27-29, Free)
Elk Fest: The Estes Park festival recognizes its famous elk population with vendors, live music, food trucks and a bugling contest. (Sept. 28-29, Free)
Fruita Fall Festival: This Western Slope extravaganza begins with a beef and wine dinner. Then the quirky stuff begins: Outhouse races, a cupcake eating contest, a beard rally, and tons of other events. (Sept. 26-28, Costs vary)
Mountain Harvest Festival: Art, food and farmers markets accompanied by live music in Paonia on the Western Slope. More than 20 musical artists and acts are scheduled to perform. (Sept. 27-29, Free)
🏈 Sporting events
Colorado Avalanche: The Avs will host their first regular season home game on Oct. 12 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but will play four exhibition games at Ball Arena before the season starts. (Oct. 12, Tickets start at $58)
College football: The Rocky Mountain Showdown between the Colorado State Rams and the Colorado Buffaloes at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins will mark the first time since 1996 that CSU hosts the game. (Sept. 14, Tickets start at $271)
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix's first home game will pit the Broncos against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will arrive with former Denver quarterback Russell Wilson. (Sept. 15, Tickets start at $246)
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets begin their quest back to the NBA Finals after a disappointing playoff exit last season by hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena. (Oct. 24, Tickets start at $52)