Colorado is the best place to be in the fall. The aspen trees are flooding the area in gold, red and orange; the weather is crisp and the people are anticipating the upcoming snow. Right before everyone unpacks their winter coats, our boots are crunching leaves and we’re cozied up in flannels.
To make the most of the season, we compiled a list of the most entertaining events and festivals taking place in the area. Whether you’re a beer drinker, a pumpkin picker, a dog lover or a runner, there’s a little something for everyone!
September
Miller Farms Fall Harvest Festival
When: Now – Mid-November
Where: Miller Farms
One of our favorite pumpkin patches, Miller Farms also hosts a Fall Harvest Festival like no other. Be a farmer for the day as you ride a tractor through the farmland and pick your own vegetables. Included in the cost of admission, you can take home carrots, onions, squash, peppers and more farm-grown produce to create a fall harvest meal for the whole family!
FORToberfest
Photo courtesy of Downtown Fort Collins
When: September 17, 2016
Where: Old Town Fort Collins
Every year, FORToberfest celebrates fall the only way Fort Collins knows how: with bands and beer. This is the last outdoor music festival of the year so it will be packed with more than ten hours of live music from every genre along with tastings of local, seasonal craft beers. It’s a free event so get down to Old Town on September 17 to welcome the fall!
Mabon Concert
When: September 17
Where: Planet Bluegrass Ranch, Lyons, CO
Accompanied by wine and New Belgium craft beer, Planet Bluegrass Ranch is celebrating the Autumnal Equinox and the coming season with acoustic music and outdoor revelry. For this ninth annual event, festival veterans Adam and Ben from Yonder Mountain String Band will be returning, so come celebrate the season while enjoying live entertainment! Get your tickets here.
The French Nest Open Air Market
Photos courtesy of French Nest Open Air Market
When: September 17
Where: Civic Center Park, Fort Collins
As The French Nest Open Air Market winds down for the year, vendors promise fall themed goods and, as always, spectacular food and vintage finds. The only outdoor artisan, vintage and antique market in Northern Colorado, this market is a must-see as the vendors and their products are always rotating!
Anderson Farms Fall Fest
When: September 21 – October 31
Where: Anderson Farms, Fort Collins
One of our favorite pumpkin patches in Northern Colorado, Anderson Farms also puts on a Fall Festival every year. Alongside the pumpkin patch they have a corn maze, a pumpkin cannon, barnyard pedal carts, farm animals, activities and games! Bring the family or a group of your closest friends for a fun-filled day on the farm!
The Art of Aging Beer Dinner
Photo courtesy of Fort Collins Brewery
When: September 22
Where: Fort Collins Brewery and Tavern
To celebrate the release of their seasonal brew Oud Bruin, Fort Collins Brewery is hosting a three course meal — and each course is paired with their own wine and beer. Preview the menu here, but be warned, it’s sure to convince you to buy tickets!
Jessup Farm Tasting Tour
When: September 24
Where: Jessup Farm Artisan Village
Join Jessup Farm Artisan Village and Local Table Tours in a celebration of the history of the early settlement as well as the more modern farm-to-table and market culture of Fort Collins. Bindle Coffee, Jessup Farm Barrel House, The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm and The Loafing Shed will provide small plates, beer, pastries and coffees. You’ll meet the resident farmer at Jessup and get a chance to learn about the mission and culture at one of our new Fort Collins favorites — Jessup Farm! Register here.
Harvest Bazaar
When: September 24
Where: Chilson Center, Loveland
A great way to shop for the upcoming holidays, Loveland’s Harvest Bazaar features produce and craft vendors with amazing handmade and vintage gifts. Food and drink will also be available so make a day of it and shop your heart out!
Be Ready Family Fun Fair
When: September 24
Where: Fullana Learning Center, Fort Collins
Be Ready is a family organization promoting education and programs to help prepare babies and toddlers for success at school. Their fourth annual Family Fun Fair is a free celebration of that mission where you and your kids can explore the inside of fire trucks, buses and ambulances, share in story time, and enjoy a free lunch!
21st Annual Doggie Olympics
Photos courtesy of Doggie Olympics / Nicole Kushner, Alpenglow Photography
When: September 25
Where: City Park, Fort Collins
The Doggie Olympics is a non-profit fundraiser event including catch, obstacle, retrieve, run and obedience events. Stick around to cast your vote for the dog with the “Best Trick” and be sure to participate in a game of Duck, Duck, Goose. Event registration is due by September 19, but anyone can go to City Park to watch the games and celebrate our amazing four-legged friends!
Walk to Defeat ALS
When: September 25
Where: CSU Oval, Fort Collins
The ALS Association’s biggest event, this six lap walk around the CSU Oval raises money for research and a cure for ALS. It allows our local chapter to provide services and care as well as bringing hope to community members with ALS. You can donate and register online.
Jax Harvest Moon Salmon Bake
When: September 25
Where: Poudre Valley Community Farms, Fort Collins
Join Fortified Collaborations as they celebrate the end of salmon season and Poudre Valley Community Farms. Ricky Meyers, the chef from Jax Fish House, will prepare a five course meal featuring whole salmon cooked over an open fire. The meal will be paired with craft beer from Odell Brewing and various wine selections alongside a bonfire and live music. Get tickets here!
Fort Collins Brewery Oktoberfest Celebration
Photo courtesy of Fort Collins Brewery
When: September 25
Where: Fort Collins Brewery
In celebration of fall and Fort Collins Brewery’s award-winning craft beer, Oktoberfest, join the brewery in an evening of German-inspired games and food. The menu will feature Bavarian Pretzels, Beer Boiled Brats, Sauerbraten and German Chocolate Cake. We promise this is one event you don’t want to miss!
Cocktail Tasting Tour
When: September 29
Where: Downtown Fort Collins
This Local Table Tour features all things bar as well as the craft behind some of the best cocktails in Fort Collins. You’ll get the chance to taste a selection around town and learn lessons on specific spirits, ice, shaking, styling and stirring — there’s a lot more to it than you might think! Get a preview with our Best Summer Cocktail Recipes in Fort Collins then register for the tour here.
October
Harvest Farm Fall Festival
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October
Where: Harvest Farm, Wellington, CO
Every weekend throughout October, Harvest Farm will be open for their 14th annual fall festival and corn maze. With so much to do, you could go multiple days this season and not get to everything! Shoot targets with the corn cannon, climb through the obstacle course, meet the community of rabbits, visit Goat City, see the pig races, and take a hay-ride wagon tour! There’s plenty more to do so take the kids and celebrate all the best things about fall!
Northern Colorado Corn Maze
Photos courtesy of Northern Colorado Corn Maze
When: October 1 – 31
Where: Fort Collins
During the day, Northern Colorado Corn Maze has a fun, challenging maze, bounce houses, corn chuckers and pedal cars. If you’re brave enough, stay for the evening activities as well. When the sun goes down, the maze turns into a haunted place full of monsters and creatures — but be on the lookout for anything else you may encounter on this daring adventure.
Strides for CJD
When: October 1
Where: CSU Oval, Fort Collins
Participate in a good cause this fall season! Supporters all over the country will be walking on October 1 to raise awareness and money for the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation. The Fort Collins community will be walking laps around the CSU Oval where there will also be family-friendly attractions. Register online under “Colorado Walk” before walk day!
2nd Annual Tour de Corgi
Photo courtesy of Tour de Corgi
When: October 1
Where: Civic Center Park, Fort Collins
Even if you don’t have a Corgi in the family, Tour de Corgi is a must-see event taking place in Fort Collins this fall. The second annual event is much larger than last year’s inaugural tour and will feature a parade of costumed pups and vendors. Proceeds benefit 4 Paws Pet Pantry and Wyoming Dachshund and Corgi Rescue. Register here!
Rockin the House 50s Gala
When: October 13
Where: Embassy Suites, Loveland
The House of Neighborly Services is hosting their first ever Rockin’ the House 50s Gala on October 13 in celebration of their 55th anniversary. Over the years, they have been serving the community by helping at-risk families and individuals in the Northern Colorado community, so join them in their celebratory fundraising event! Purchase tickets here.
The French Nest Open Air Market
Photos courtesy of French Nest Open Air Market
When: October 15
Where: Civic Center Park, Fort Collins
The last French Nest Open Air Market of the year is set for October 15. The Market experience includes coffee, pastries, delicious food, face painting, performers, and more, so don’t wait until they open their doors again next summer. Be sure to visit one last time before it closes for the season!
Crossroads Safehouse: Totally 80’s
When: October 15
Where: Embassy Suites, Loveland
Crossroads Safehouse is a Fort Collins home protecting and advocating for victims of domestic violence. On October 15, they’re hosting their annual fundraising event. This year, instead of the formal galas of the past they’re taking it back to the 80’s with a laid-back party featuring casino games, food and drink, and 80’s themed games and activities. You can register or donate here.
Foodie Walk + First Friday Gallery Walk
When: October 21
Where: Old Town Fort Collins
On the same night in October, experience the culinary offerings of Old Town by participating in the city’s Foodie Walk while also taking a tour of local artistic talent! Galleries and art shops as well as coffee houses and culinary shops throughout Downtown Fort Collins will open their doors for a special night of celebrating our local culture.
Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo
Photo courtesy of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo / Chris Waits
When: October 29
Where: Lincoln Center, Fort Collins
Join Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo in a live show featuring actors and animatronic dinosaurs from prehistoric Australia! During their North American tour, they’re making a stop right here in Fort Collins to educate and entertain all our kids (or the kids at heart)! You can purchase tickets to the event here.
November
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
When: November 6
Where: Oak Street Plaza Fort Collins
To end the fall season and officially welcome in the holiday season, join Downtown Fort Collins in the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony. At 5:30 p.m., Oak Street Plaza will be filled with live music and families enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and complimentary cookies! Then, at 6:30 p.m. all of historic downtown will be lit up with thousands of strings of lights. You can extend the fun with November’s Gallery Walk that night as well!
How do you celebrate fall?
Let us know what your favorite fall events in Northern Colorado are!
Save
Comments