The upcoming months offer some of the best times all year in the Denver area. The temperature cools, the leaves change color and there are a host of incredible events and activities that your family will absolutely love. Cultural festivals, glorious fall colors, Halloween fun and much more will be part of your schedule this fall. Get the details you need here.

Grab your stein, throw on your lederhosen and get ready for Denver's Oktoberfest! Modeled after Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, this Oktoberfest commemorates this world-famous and time-honored tradition of German heritage. Enjoy German attractions including music from national touring groups, performances by international dancers, children's activities, and heritage booths selling German goods, splendid decor, an accordion concert and authentic cuisine.

Colorado’s Fall Colors
September
Various Front Range Scenic Byways
http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/colorado-day-trips/fall-foliage
Fall in Colorado isn’t complete without taking in the brilliant transformation of the state’s signature tree, the Aspen. The fall change from mellow green to stunning gold takes place during various weeks in September, depending on where you are – since the color only lasts a week, timing is everything! One of the best leaf-peeping routes on the Rocky Mountain Front Range is the Peak-to-Peak Scenic and Historic Byway that travels the high-altitude road between Black Hawk and Estes Park. Virtually every way you look, you’ll see majestic Aspen colors. Another great Front Range ride is along the Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway, just south of the historic town of Georgetown. Bunches of blazing Aspen can be found all over this incredible drive.

Festival Italiano
Sept. 7-8
Belmar Center, Lakewood
www.belmarcolorado.com/sub/event/festival_italiano/index.html
Mamma Mia! The annual Festival Italiano Food & Wine Festival at Belmar Center is a fun-filled celebration of all things Italian. The event features more than 70 of the finest Italian food, wine and artisan vendors from the area who sell ceramics, gelato, sausage, baked goods, pasta, flowers, herbs, sculpture, antique maps, produce, pizza and much more. Throwers from Florence, regional Italian wine tastings for adults, chef demonstrations, live Italian music and dancing, Italian movies, Balistreri vineyard's children's grape stomp, a bocce ball tournament – it’ll all be happening this weekend. Come get a taste of la dolce vita in Belmar.

Fright Fest
Weekends Throughout October
Elitch Gardens Theme Park
www.elitchgardens.com
Things get spooky around this time of year – especially at Denver’s famed downtown theme park, Elitch Gardens. This enormous fun zone transforms from theme park to "scream" park all month long for Fright Fest. From haunted houses to a free Trick-or-Treat Trail, there's something for the whole family to enjoy.

Pumpkin Festival & Corn Maze
Pumpkin Fest: Oct. 11-13
Corn Maze: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 13 through Oct. 27
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
www.botanicgardens.org/content/pumpkin-fest
The two-day Pumpkin Fest (Oct. 11-13) is a popular fall tradition for the whole family!

Children can check out the Kids Corral, filled with fun and free activities such as coloring projects, arts and crafts, pony rides, apple cider press, face painting and a kids entertainment stage (performances from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Students and adults will love the haunted tours at the 1860s historical homestead, encounters with birds of prey provided by HawkQuest, antique tractor rides and an entertainment stage.

Also be sure to enjoy the free amusement rides, trick-or-treat stations and the artisans market, featuring family-friendly businesses and artists.

Don’t forget to bring your wagon to our 10-acre pumpkin patch. Pumpkin prices vary by size—the average price is $5. After you buy your pumpkins, take them to the free Pumpkin Daycare, so you can walk around and enjoy the rest of the festival.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 13 through Oct. 27, get lost at this year’s Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield’s eight-acre Corn Maze – one of the most attended corn mazes in the country. The maze is for all ages and includes activities for the whole family. There is also a mini-maze for the younger crowd with free admission to this smaller maze. Hayrides and pony rides will be available on the weekends for an additional cost