Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and First Lady Mary Louise Lee celebrate Denver Arts Week in the Bubble Room of the Denver Children’s Museum in 2014. (credit: CBS)Bummed that summer’s almost over? School has started, and vacations are over. But there’s still plenty to get you out and about in Colorado this fall! Some of the best fall festivals take place right here in Denver, and while you still have to head to classes, you can at least be satisfied with these breaks for delicious food, drinks and culture. Here are the top five fall festivals around town.
Civic Center Park
Denver, CO 80202
atasteofcolorado.comDate: September 2-5, 2016
Who doesn’t want to rock out to their favorite local bands, taste some Colorado fare, shop some Denver crafts and learn some state history, all in the same spot? A Taste of Colorado is one of the most popular fall festivals in town, and it’s great fun for the entire family. More than 50 Colorado restaurants provide their most popular foods; five outdoor stages will feature performers of all musical genres, and more than 275 booths filled with local arts and crafts vendors will entice you with their wares. There will even be carnival rides, circus performers and a craft station for the kids.
Colorado Convention Center
700 14th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 447-0816
www.greatamericanbeerfestival.comDate: October 6-8, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Great American Beer Festival is considered “the premier U.S. beer festival and competition.” Brewers and beer lovers from around the country come to Denver every year to taste the latest and greatest in craft brews. “Each year, GABF represents the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served, in the format of a public tasting event plus a private competition.” The event is even listed as one of the top 1000 places to visit before you die, but buy tickets early, it sells out quickly.
Westin Hotel at Denver International Airport
8300 Peña Blvd.
Denver, CO 80249
(303) 664-5700
www.denverwinefest.comDate: November 2-4, 2016
Beer not your thing? How about a wine fest? This November festival includes seminars, a vintners dinner and a wine competition. More than 70 wineries will participate in the event, plus restaurant and lifestyle booths will be featured.
Larimer Street, between 20th St. and 22nd St.
Denver, CO 80205
thedenveroktoberfest.comDate: September 23-25 and September 30 – October 2, 2016
Denver’s popular Oktoberfest has been around 47 years now, established in 1969. The free festivities include fun activities such as stein hoisting, a long dog derby, keg bowling, a bratwurst eating contest and of course, music and happy hour. It’s noted as one of the best Oktoberfests in the nation and is also considered one of the largest beer festivals in the US. Come celebrate your German heritage, or the German heritage of your friends and neighbors, over two weekends this fall.
Denver, CO
www.denver.org/denver-arts-weekDate: November 4-12, 2016
Every year, the city hosts an arts week at the end of fall where galleries and museums invite visitors through their doors for special events and exhibitions. Activities include Know Your Arts First Friday, Free Night at the Museum and Denver’s On Stage at the Performing Arts Complex. There are fun activities in store for your littlest ones as well as one-of-a-kind events like meet-the-artist and open studios. From theater, music and film to art, dance and history, the Denver Arts Week has it all!
Related: Five Must-See Museums In Denver