Things to Do in Denver in the Fall

The festivals and major events continue into fall, beginning with the Denver Food + Wine Festival (Sept. 3–6, 2025), a multi-day extravaganza of food, wine and spirits events. Then its time for the 25th Annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (Sept. 6–7, 2025), a celebration of Asian culture with food, shopping, art and thrilling dragon boat races across Sloan’s Lake. It's followed by Denver Oktoberfest (Sept. 19–21 and Sept. 26–28, 2025). From keg bowling to stein hoisting, live music and more, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your stein, throw on your lederhosen and join in the fun over two weekends!

In October, Craft beer aficionados won't want to miss the Great American Beer Festival® (Oct. 9–11, 2025). It's America's favorite beer festival and cultural phenomenon that brings together 500 breweries and 2,000-plus beers over three days. And welcome to the largest film festival in the region, featuring the best of media programming from around the world, local films and more at the Denver Film Festival (Oct. 31–Nov. 9, 2025). Denver goes big for Halloween. Enjoy Mile High Haunts (Oct. 31, 2025) by exploring a seven-acre corn maze, going for a spooky run and seeing Halloween movies on outdoor screens.

November brings a special kind of magic with Denver Arts Week (Nov. 7–16, 2025), celebrating The Mile High City's arts and culture scene with hundreds of events around the city, including the visual arts, music and comedy. And later in the month, Mile High Holidays (Nov. 27–Jan. 1, 2025) kicks off. During the holiday season, Denver will twinkle with millions of lights all across the city. Feel the warmth of family-friendly performing arts classics, find the perfect gifts and marvel at elaborate lights displays. No other city creates holiday miracles quite like Denver. Mile High Holidays has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a fine dining fan, street food aficionado, cocktail sipper or craft beer lover, the city's culinary profile keeps getting elevated. 

There are now 27 Michelin-recognized restaurants in Denver where you’ll have unparalleled experiences rated by anonymous inspectors. Looking for some locals’ favorite eateries or hot new spots? Check out these must-try restaurants. 

Denver is widely known for its craft beer scene. But with 150 brewpubs, breweries and taprooms in the metro area, where to you begin? Let the Denver Beer Trail help you find your next favorite brew. For non-alcoholic options, check out these brilliant mocktail spots.

Denver is the outdoor capital of the U.S. with activities galore in the city and nearby Rocky Mountains. 

Have an epic girls getaway. From spas to shopping, from dining to dancing, we’ve got you covered. Also, check out our guys getaway and couples getaway. 

You can also relax in the city's vast greenspaces as the city has more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, including mountain parks. There are tons of opportunities to go hiking, running and fly-fishing in and around the city. Denver is a paradise for cyclists with bike lanes and paved paths that connect to hundreds of additional miles of dirt trails. Or check out the vibrant neighborhoods, from downtown to Highland to the River North Art District (RiNo), all of which are highly walkable with have fascinating things to see around every corner.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is only minutes from the city. The surrounding park has a network of trails for seeing the stunning scenery. Plus, you can sign up for yoga in the stands and have an almost ethereal practice. And Rocky Mountain National Park is a bucket-list destination for outdoor lovers. This spectacular natural playground, teeming with wildlife, is beautiful year-round. 

Denver is also known as a sports town with seven pro sports teams. The fall season means that baseball is winding down while soccer season is still going and football season is just beginning. Learn how to be a baseball fan by cheering on the Colorado Rockies, how to be a soccer fan by supporting the Colorado Rapids or how to be a football fan by getting behind the Denver Broncos. You'll get the inside scoop on the teams and find out where to hang out. 

From museums and galleries to the country’s best street art, Denver is the perfect place to get your arts fix. There are discounts at top cultural attractions like Denver Art Museum . See our must-see art page to find out about mind-blowing exhibitions. 

Denver also has a thriving performing arts scene where you’ll see Broadway touring shows and local productions.

The biggest musicians in the world descend on Denver throughout the year. Don’t miss these blockbuster concerts. One of the most enjoyable ways to experience summer is by combining Colorado’s delightful weather with live music at these outdoor venues. 

Your family will never run out of things to do in Denver with these family-friendly activities. Get discounts at major attractions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and History Colorado Center and book a stay at these hotels.

From native Colorado species to exotic creatures from the other side of the globe, The Mile High City is filled with amazing animals in state-of-the-art habitats. Your little ones won’t want to miss wild Denver. Experience more of the natural world on these hikes for youngsters. 

There are also plenty of activities for teens such as shopping and extreme sports parks and free tours and attractions. In between adventures, recharge at these kid-friendly restaurants. 

Whether it's your first time to Denver or your fifth, check out our travel planning guide to get you rolling. 

Getting to and from Denver International Airport is easy thanks to rail service that delivers visitors to the heart of the city, arriving at Denver Union Station, the city’s transportation hub.

From there, you can take the free 16th Street MallRide shuttle buses that go up through the heart of the city or access the light rail and city bus network. See other ways to get around the city without a car.  

Denver's weather is mild but can change rapidly. It's best to dress in layers. Since Denver famously sits at 5,280 feet above sea level, check out these high-altitude tips before you travel. If you're heading up into the high country, you can rent a car or there are several mountain transportation options like trains and buses. 

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