September is a special time to toast the end of summer and welcome fall, which comes on Monday morning, September 22nd, 2025. There’s no shortage of fun events for this. It’s a choice time in the Rockies for festivals and celebrations like the Colorado State Fair.
Many of the most popular events revolve around beer or wine, including a healthy list of Oktoberfests and brew festivals. Other events include the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival and the Colorado Mountain Winefest. By mid-month, the leaves are changing and you should also take a scenic drive to see the best fall colors.
Here’s a look at the top annual September events in Colorado, in chronological order:
2025 Annual September Festivals in Colorado
Mind Blown Telluride
- Date: Fridays and Saturday Nights
- Address: Telluride
- About: Taking place at The Peaks Resort & Spa, Ty Gallenbeck puts on a 75-minute magic performance that makes guests question the known.
Civic Center EATS
- Date: Wednesday and Thursday, early May to mid October, 2025
- Address: Denver
- About: Civic Center EATS is a one-stop shop for some of the best food on wheels you can find in the Mile High City. Located in Denver’s Civic Center Park, there will be about 10 to 15 food trucks selling a myriad of delicious meals.
Breckenridge Sunday Market
- Date: Sundays, June 8 – September 7, 2025
- Address: Main Street Station Plaza, Breckenridge
- About: More than 70 vendors from all over Colorado will be at this weekly farmers market held on Sundays from early June to early September.
South Pearl Farmers’ Market
- Date: Sundays | May 4 – November 9, 2025
- Address: Pearl Street & East Arkansas Avenue, Denver
- About: This is one of the top Denver area farmers’ markets that has been happening since 2001. They keep the produce and fare as local and fresh as possible.
Highlands Farmers Market
- Date: Sundays | May 18 – October 12, 2025
- Address: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver
- About: Great farmer’s market with handcrafted goods and locally grown produce. Don’t go hungry because there is plenty of homemade food for sale, fresh and ready to eat.
Colorado State Fair & Rodeo
- Date: Fri-Mon, August 22 – September 1, 2025
- Address: Pueblo
- About: This widely popular eleven-day event is in its 152nd year, with parades, live music, rodeos, carnival, livestock, horse show, and hundreds of vendors selling everything from Indian tacos to handcrafted jewelry.
Telluride Film Festival
- Date: Fri-Mon, August 29-September 1, 2025
- Address: Telluride
- About: One of the top film festivals in the U.S., now in its 52nd year, this is likely the premier event in Telluride.
Breckenridge Gathering at the Great Divide Art Festival
- Date: Sat-Mon, August 30-September 1, 2025
- Address: Downtown Breckenridge
- About: Ranked as one of the top 200 festivals in the U.S. by Sunshine Artists, this fine arts fest offers free admission over Labor Day weekend.
Labor Day Lift Off
- Date: Sat-Mon, August 30-September 1, 2025
- Address: Colorado Springs
- About: A colorful event that will have you looking toward the sky, Colorado Springs’s Labor Day Lift Off is great for the entire family. Taking place over 3 days, guests can watch as approximately 60 hot air balloons float around the city.
La Junta Tarantula Migration
- Date: September – early October
- Address: La Junta
- About: Each year, from September through early October, the Oklahoma brown tarantula comes out with a procession of male counterparts on a mission to find a mate. La Junta also hosts a festival in October to celebrate this unique occasion.
Ouray County Rodeo
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Sun, September 1, 2024)
- Address: Ridgway
- About: Two days of Western heritage with a parade, fair, and BBQ, held at the Ouray County 4H Events Center & Fairgrounds. The rodeo is held a month later, over Labor Day weekend.
Denver Food + Wine Festival
- Date: Wed-Sat, September 3-6, 2025
- Address: Denver
- About: An extravagant multi-day culinary festival celebrating everything delicious to eat and drink for those 21+, which benefits the Colorado Restaurant Foundation.
Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials
- Date: Wed-Sun, September 3-7, 2025
- Address: Meeker
- About: Five days of sheepdog herding competition held annually in September, celebrating its 38th year.
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
- Date: Fri-Sun, September 5-7, 2025
- Address: Estes Park
- About: Known as Scotfest, this three-day celebration, now in its 47th year, features large bagpipe marching bands, the Estes Tattoo, and the Longs Peak Concert. Highlights include live music, regional food, jousting tournaments, Highland dance, and local merchants.
Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem, and Jewelry Show
- Date: Fri-Sun, September 5-14, 2025
- Address: National Western Complex, Denver
- About: Spend a day strolling through miles of tables and booths where 500+ dealers from all over the country come to sell their products and share the beautiful world of geo.
Rist Canyon Mountain Festival
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Saturday, September 7, 2024)
- Address: Bellvue
- About: Held annually on the first Saturday after Labor Day and featuring live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and activities for kids, this festival helps to raise funds for the fire department
San Luis Valley Potato Festival
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Saturday, September 7, 2024)
- Address: Monte Vista
- About: Colorado’s San Luis Valley produces some of the finest potatoes around. Celebrate this starchy root vegetable at the annual SLV Potato Festival.
Steamboat OktoberWest
- Dates: TBD 2025 (last event: Saturday, September 7, 2024)
- Address: Steamboat Springs
- About: Over 30 brewers come to Steamboat’s mountain village for this 16th annual Octoberwest. Enjoy craft beer, live music, and a beef cook-off.
ThirstyFest
- Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Address: Aurora
- About: Lively beer festival centered around about thirty participating breweries benefiting Water For People. It’s held outside Stanley Market, so expect plenty of top-notch food, live music, and fun festivities.
Castle Rock Artfest
- Date: Sat-Sun, September 6-7, 2025
- Address: Festival Park, Downtown Castle Rock
- About: More than 110 artists ascend into Castle Rock for this annual fine arts fest.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
- Date: Sat-Sun, September 6-7, 2025
- Address: Sloan’s Lake Park, Denver
- About: A premier event celebrating the accomplishments and culture of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities within the state.
Arapahoe County 5K Trail Run
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Thursday, September 12, 2024)
- Address: Centennial
- About: An all-age event with proceeds benefiting the Arapahoe County Open Spaces, participants will follow the Cherry Creek Regional Trail before enjoying food from Famous Dave’s and drinks from Launchpad Brewery.
Southern Ute Tribal Fair & Powwow
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Fri-Sun, September 13-15, 2024)
- Address: Sky Ute Fairgrounds, Ignacio
- About: A grand celebration of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in Ignacio, Colorado. Held since 1920, the excitement of gathering as a tribe and sharing traditions, food, and camaraderie has always been a highlight of each September.
Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: September 13-15, 2024)
- Address: Denver
- About: The ultimate pinball and gamer festival returns for its 21st year in 2025. Attend one or all three days and play all the games you can; no quarters are needed.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
- Date: Fri-Sun, September 12-14, 2025
- Address: Town Park, Telluride
- About: In its 31st year, this popular event features world-class blues music and great local food.
High Peaks Music Festival
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Saturday, September 14, 2024)
- Address: Westcliffe
- About: The 15th annual festival showcasing the Valley’s top musical acts is held at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheatre.
Palmer Lake Wine Festival
- Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
- Address: Palmer Lake
- About: A one-day festival boasting samples from 25 wineries in a gorgeous outdoor setting.
TEDxBoulder
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Saturday, September 14, 2024)
- Address: Boulder
- About: TEDx event held in Boulder at the Chautauqua Auditorium. It features more than a dozen speakers and performers giving inspirational and thought-provoking performances.
Pawtoberfest
- Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
- Address: Colorado Springs
- About: Annual festival with craft beer, cocktails, food vendors, and a 2-mile dog walk that benefits the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
Loveland Stone Age Fair
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Saturday, September 14, 2024)
- Address: Loveland
- About: Sponsored by the Loveland Archaeological Society, the fair features displays of prehistoric artifacts, skills demonstrations, and lectures by archaeologists.
Handmade In Colorado Expo: Downtown Denver
- Date: Saturday – Sunday, September 13-14, 2025
- Address: Wynkoop Plaza at Union Station
- About: The 18th annual art event is held over four weekends at four different venues around the state, showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.
Pickin’ In The Rockies
- Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025
- Address: Loma
- About: 2nd annual acoustic music festival featuring gospel, country, and bluegrass bands. This family-friendly event also features vendors and workshops.
The 13th Floor Haunted House
- Date: Select days, mid September to early November 2025
- Address: Denver
- About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s scariest Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.
Colorado Wine Week
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: September 16-22, 2024)
- Address: Throughout Colorado
- About: Discover a week of wine-focused events all around the state. Many are free, and highlights include food and wine pairings, live music, and Feast in the Fields.
Aspen Filmfest
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Tuesday-Sunday, September 17-22, 2024)
- Address: Aspen
- About: Aspen Film’s flagship event, the 46th annual Filmfest, showcases narrative and documentary features, along with international independent films.
Campout For The Cause
- Date: Friday-Saturday, September 19-20, 2025
- Address: Hutchinson Ranch, Salida
- About: A magical festival combining a couple of nights camping with yoga, music, and community.
Breck Film Festival
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Thur-Sun, September 19-22, 2024)
- Address: Breckenridge
- About: The 45th annual festival features a variety of independent films, premieres, receptions, educational programs, and retrospectives; 70+ films, parties, and forums.
Colorfest Balloon Rally
- When: Fri-Sun, September 19-21, 2025
- Where: Pagosa Springs
- What: 38th anniversary of high-flying fun, held annually since 1986. The Passport to Pagosa Food & Wine Fest kicks off the festivities on Friday night with international wine and food pairings, followed by a 5k run and two mass ascensions.
Chile & Frijoles Festival
- Date: Fri-Sun, September 19-21, 2025
- Address: Pueblo
- About: Annual three-day pepper party held the third weekend after Labor Day. Farmers sell more than 50,000 pounds of peppers, including the Mirasol, a native to the Pueblo region.
Colorado Scottish Festival
- Date: Sat-Sun, September 20-21, 2025
- Address: Denver Polo Club, Sedalia
- About: An annual two-day family-friendly event that showcases Scottish traditions, culture, and history through athletic competitions, re-enactments, blacksmithing, folk music, dancing, and traditional food.
Colorado Mountain Winefest
- Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
- Address: Riverbend Park, Palisade
- About: Dozens of local wineries attend Colorado’s premier wine festival, now in its 33rd season. There are interactive seminars, demos, live entertainment, fantastic food, unlimited wine samples, and plenty of vino for sale.
Evergreen Oktoberfest
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Saturday, September 21, 2024)
- Address: Buchanan Park, Evergreen
- About: Bring the family out to this traditional Oktoberfest featuring German beer, music, and games.
Lake City Uncorked Wine & Music Festival
- Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
- Address: Lake City
- About: Music and wine festival in one of Colorado’s most picturesque and remote towns.
Luvin Arms Gala
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Saturday, September 21, 2024)
- Address: Erie
- About: An annual gala to raise donations for the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary that features a live auction, cocktail hour, and vegan dinner.
Durango Autumn Arts Festival
- Date: Sat-Sun, September 20-21, 2025
- Address: Downtown Durango
- About: Discover a weekend of arts and crafts on Second Avenue in downtown Durango. Explore the various booths selling their handmade goods among the fall colors.
Telluride Autumn Classic
- Date: Thur-Sat, September 25-27, 2025
- Address: Telluride
- About: A 3-day mountain event celebrating everything an automobile, motorcycle, and airplane enthusiast could ever dream of.
Breckenridge Bluegrass & Beer
- Date: Friday-Sunday, September 26-28, 2025
- Address: Main Street Station, Breckenridge
- About: An early fall weekend of bluegrass music, craft beer, and local foods, held in downtown Breckenridge.
Tough Mudder
- Date: Sat-Sun, September 27-28, 2025
- Address: Fort Carson
- About: 5k, 10k, 15k, and Infinity 8-hour course options of endurance and obstacle challenges around the hills of Fort Carson. It’s designed with 30 obstacles by the British Special Forces. Prices increase the later you sign up.
Elk Fest
- Date: Sat-Sun, September 27-28, 2025
- 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.
Handmade In Colorado Expo: Glenwood Springs
- Date: Saturday-Sunday, September 27-28, 2025
- Address: 7th St. & Bethel Plaza, Glenwood Springs
- About: The 18th annual art event is held over four weekends at four different venues around the state, showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.
Elitch Gardens Fright Fest
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Weekends, September 28-November 3, 2024)
- Address: Elitch Gardens Theme Park, Denver
- About: A “fun by day, fright by night” festival with a lot of Halloween-themed events for all ages to enjoy.
Parker Oktoberfest
- Date: TBD or cancelled indefinitely
- Address: O’Brien Park, Parker
- About: Annual event with German music, dancers, Biergarten with Paulaner beers, Miss Oktoberfest contest, and an obstacle course, bungee tramp & a slide for kids.
Rocky Mountain Rambler Fun-Fest
- Date: TBD or cancelled indefinitely
- Address: Victor
- About: An annual event where visitors can drink beer, listen to music, and check out the Ramblers and teams that will be heading through the Pikes Peak area for the RMR 500, testing their cars and picking up trash along the way.
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