Fall Activities Near Colorado Springs

Every year around August 15, I can sense a slight shift in the air. While the temperatures may say that it is still summer, there is something subtly different in the air that lets me know Autumn is quickly approaching.

While I’m a bit sad that the sizzle and excitement of summer are beginning to fade, it also means loads of fall festivals and Autumn activities will start filling up my calendar. It’s the busiest season of the year for shopping, outdoor adventures, harvest celebrations, and social gatherings prior to our retreat indoors for the holidays and the winter chill. We’ve updated the information below with plans for each event and activity for 2023. (P.S. You know we love a good list of activities! Be sure to check out Halloween Fun, Things to Do in Colorado Springs, and Top 10 Christmas Activities).

LIST OF COLORADO FALL ACTIVITIES AND SIGHTS

Every year, we put together a guide for Autumn activities, such as viewing the golden Fall foliage of the Rocky Mountains:

Fun Ways to Enjoy Colorado’s Colors

Scenic Drives To See Fall Foliage

This year we decided to gather some fun activities that you can enjoy with your family or a day/evening out with the adults. I dug through every event I could locate and highlighted a few regular happenings. In addition, I’ve included some not-so-well-known options. Click on the included links for details on each event.

We hope you enjoy an exciting and entertaining fall season!

Related Reading: Map of estimated peak fall colors

FAMILY OPTIONS

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1. LABOR DAY LIFTOFF (September 2-4, 2023) A quintessential Colorado Springs experience where you can see over 70 hot air balloons in flight over Prospect Lake.
2. PICK-YOUR-OWN FARMS (ongoing): Spend the afternoon picking apples, blueberries, raspberries, and pumpkins at pick-your-own-farms such as the Happy Apple Farm near Cañon City or Long Neck Pumpkin Farm. Reservations are required for Long Neck Pumpkin Farm. Venetucci Farm is hosting Pumpkin Fest weekends in October with pumpkin patch, games, craft fair and more.* Be prepared for photos! In addition to a fun family day out, this could be a great opportunity to capture great family photos.
3. PAWTOBERFEST (September 16, 2023: Bear Creek Regional Park, Colorado Springs):  Gather the entire family, including your furry ones, and support the Pikes Peak Humane Society during this annual event. Vendors, food trucks, 2 mile dog walk, and loads of family activities, as well as brews for the adults!
4. ROCK LEDGE RANCH POW WOW ( September 17, 2023: Rock Ledge Ranch, Colorado Springs): An enjoyable way to take in the heritage and beauty of our First Nations. They honor us with their traditions and history. You and your kids will walk away with a deeper appreciation for those who were here before us. Dancing, drumming, singing, food, and vendors.
5. ASPENS ON THE AVENUE (September 23, 2023: Old Colorado City): Stroll the streets of Old Colorado City while enjoying the fall colors and taking in hundreds of fall themed artwork on display from wood-turners, metal workers, painters, jewelers, and more.
6. FALL FESTIVAL (September 23, 2023, Gold Hill Mesa): Bring the family out for live music and more! Open to the public.
7. PUMPKINS IN THE PARK (October 21, 2023, Colorado Springs): This festival includes art demos, live music, pumpkin patch, face painting, crafts, sidewalk sales and more.
8. BOO AT THE ZOO (Select dates in October, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs): A unique experience for kids to dress up and trick-or-treat in a safe environment. The zoo strives to promote sustainability by providing candy that is made without palm oil.

FOOD AND DRINK

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1. PALMER LAKE WINE FESTIVAL (September 9, 2023) Tickets include wine tastings from 25 Colorado Wineries. Enjoy live music, food and gift vendors.
2. HARVEST FEST AT THE HOLY CROSS ABBEY (September 23-24, 2023, Cañon City):  Live music, fresh roasted chilies, sweet vendor booths, loads of wine tasting! Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets and soak in a lazy fall afternoon. Free admission. Wine tasting tickets available for $12.
3. MORRISON CIDER FEST (September 30,2023, Morrison): Bouncy houses, hay rides, music, vendors. Free admission. Hard cider tastings available for a fee.
4. HAUNTED BREW FEST (TBD, Norris Penrose Event Center, Colorado Springs): 21+ Brewfest featuring over 70 breweries, distilleries, & wineries.
5. BLACK FOREST OKTOBERFEST & TRUNK OR TREAT (TBD) Enjoy German beer, brats, music, and contests. Kiddos can participate in the Trunk or Treat for safe trick or treating. Entrance is free.
6. TASTE OF OCC (September 23,2023, Bancroft Park) Enjoy the fall weather while sampling treats from 20+ restaurant and beverage vendors. Tickets start at $40.
7. OKTOBERFEST (September 16, 2023, Red Leg Brewing) Free event at the beautiful Red Leg Brewing campus. Live music, games, and VIP experience available. 

SHOPPING, ARTS & CRAFTS

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1. SALIDA FIBER FEST (September 9-10, 2023, Salida): Fiber arts demonstrations, classes and activities all along the Arkansas River in beautiful Salida, CO. Wine and Beer garden, vendors, and numerous talented artists!
2. SUGAR PLUM FOOD AND GIFT MART (October 14-15, 2023, Colorado Springs): The largest holiday show in Colorado Springs. The official kickoff of the holiday shopping season! Get an early visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, as well as, hundreds of food and craft vendors.
3. HOLLY BERRY FOLK ART FESTIVAL (TBD, Garden of the Gods/Rock Ledge Ranch):  The most popular outdoor art festival of the year. Located on the stunning grounds of Rock Ledge Ranch. Proceeds from the festival are used for ongoing restoration work at the ranch. Live music, talented artisans from all over the country! Tickets and information found here.
4. PARADE OF HOMES (September 8-24, 2023, various locations around COS): Tour homes all over town at varying price points. It’s a great opportunity to explore options if you’re interested in new construction or just pick up interior design inspiration. Check out their website for details and tickets. 

OUTDOOR, MUSIC, & MISC AUTUMN ACTIVITIES

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1. SALIDA BIKE FEST (September 16-17, 2023, Salida): A festival celebrating bikes of all kinds. There will be an assortment of activities including a parade, various races, and a kickoff party with live music and beer.
2. CREEPY CRAWL 5K (October 28, 2023) Costumes are encouraged at this stroller and dog friendly race in Palmer Lake!
3. AUTUMN COLOR RUN (September 16, 2023, Buena Vista, CO):  Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and mountain views as you run either a half marathon, 10k, 5k or 1 mile fun run in this adorable down just over the Front Range.
4. SPANISH PEAKS INTERNATIONAL CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL (September 21-24, 2023, La Veta): A traditional Celtic music festival straight from the hills of Scotland. Local residents originally from Scotland have gathered together the best musicians to bring us a traditional experience.
5. FALL COLORS PHOTO TRAIN RIDE (Usually various dates in September, Leadville):  A 3-hour train ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado. Bring your camera and a jacket to take in the wonder and sights of the bright, golden Aspens! Check website for dates.
6. BLUES ON THE MESA (September 30, 2023, Gold Hill Mesa) Your $40 ticket for this event grants you access to a full day of live music from regional and national artists. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Colorado Blues Society.

Hopefully, you found a few options that piqued your interest! Don’t forget about all the Oktoberfest celebrations, Pumpkin Festivals, and Wine Festivals that abound. May all your pumpkin spice, falling leaves, snuggle by the campfire starry nights, and any other Autumn dreams and desires come true!

Not sure when to go to see the fall colors or maybe you think you missed it? Find national peak color times and predictions with the map at Smokymuntains.com

Expected Fall Foliage, Map, Oct 2nd, 2023