Summer is winding down and autumn is well on its way. And with fall comes a whole host of Colorado festivals to help get you in the mood for pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters and more cool, crisp temperatures.
Below are a few of our favorite fall festivals worth planning a road trip around this year.
Telluride Film Festival
Sept. 2-5
Telluride
More info: telluridefilmfestival.org
This beloved annual festival is celebrating its 49th year in Telluride on the Western Slope. Enjoy four days of movies and hobnobbing with celebrities in a beautiful mountain setting.
Union Peak Festival
Sept. 9-11
Copper Mountain
More info: coppercolorado.com/things-to-do/events/union-peak-festival
You know Copper for its epic skiing and snowboarding, but have you ever visited during the fall? It’s absolutely stunning and the Union Peak Festival is the perfect excuse to plan a trip. Enjoy live performances, outdoor activity meetups, sports demonstrations, art installations and so much more at this high-altitude fest.
Breckenridge Wine Classic
Sept. 15-17
Breckenridge
More info: breckenridgewineclassic.com
Sip wine, beer and spirits from hundreds of different purveyors while enjoying the gorgeous fall scenery in Breck. There are also seminars, tastings, dinners, hikes and even a fun “Winemaker for a Day” blending experience during this weekend of total indulgence in the mountains.
Elevation Beaver Creek
Oct. 2-4
Beaver Creek
More info: liveinthevineyard.com/elevation
Music and wine, what could be better? Enjoy both at Elevation Beaver Creek, featuring performances from artists like Brett Eldredge, Elle King, Parmalee, Dylan Scott, Lainey Wilson and tons of others. Make new friends while attending vintner dinners, lunches, cookouts and outdoor activities like fly-fishing and hiking.
Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival
Sept. 23–25
Pueblo
More info: pueblochilefestival.com/#events
Ready to eat your weight in smoky green chiles? Of course you are. Head to Pueblo for this celebration of the delectable pepper that makes Colorado’s breakfast burritos so, so good. Watch (or enter!) the jalapeño-eating contest, marvel at the chihuahua parade and learn something new during live cooking demonstrations.
Steamboat Food & Wine Festival
Sept. 29-Oct. 2
Steamboat Springs
More info: steamboatfoodandwine.com
Steamboat Springs may get all the attention for its trademarked “champagne power” during the winter, but insiders know that fall is really where it’s at. The Steamboat Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of all things food and drink, with award-winning chefs, winemakers and other folks from across the country descending upon the Yampa Valley for four days of delicious fun.
Elk Fest
Oct. 1-2
Estest Park
More info: estesparkeventscomplex.com/elk-fest.html
If you’ve ever visited Estes Park in the fall, then you know exactly how amazing it is to see and hear hundreds of elk bugling and wandering among the trees. Celebrate this iconic animal at Elk Fest, which includes live music, food trucks, vendors, live raptors and even a bugling contest.
Applefest
Oct. 7-9
Cedaredge
More info: cedaredgeapplefest.com
Head to the Western Slope to tip your hat to the hardworking apple farmers of Colorado with this three-day festival. Enjoy arts and crafts, tasty eats, a 5K race and tons of other activities.
