Top Fall Festivals In Denver

(credit: bucuwestchilefest.weebly.com)

Fall is finally in the air in Colorado, and for many, this is the best time of the year. The trees start to change color, the kids go back to school and the air has that crisp fall scent. And just because summer is over, doesn't mean that all the great festivals have to end. There are lots of wonderful annual festivals that happen well into the fall months, all of them are free to attend and great for the entire family. From food and music to dancing, games and more, your whole family will want to get in on all the fun. Check out these great fall festivals happening throughout the Denver area.

Date: Sept. 14, 2013

The Business and Culture District is hosting the third annual Chile Fest and there will be a lot of fun to be had down on Morrison Road. Bring the kids, as they will love all the games and food, plus there will be a car show, live music, dancing and so much more. The Denver Indian Center presents a Pow Wow so you'll be able to expose the kids to a lot of great arts and culture during this fun annual event. It grows every year and it's free, be sure to get in on this one now.

Related: Top Ways To Spend A Fall Day With The Family In Denver

Date: Sept. 14, 2013

Even the dogs can get in on the festivals and fun. The annual Dog Days is a great way to celebrate your best friend. There will be stunt performances by the Canine Stars, a free photo booth, plus Cast-a-Ways Comedy and Trick Show. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office K9 unit will be on site. You will find lots of gourmet treats and yummy delights for your pooch. You can also take advantage of all the grooming, vaccination and chipping services during the event.

Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater
Citizens Park
22^nd and Benton
Edgewater, CO 80214
www.celticharvestfestivaledgewater.com

Dates: Sept. 21 through Sept. 22, 2013

With fall upon us, the harvest season is here, so it is time to enjoy some good, old-fashioned harvest festivals and the Celtic Harvest Festival in Edgewater is the perfect place to start. Enjoy a huge farmers' market with lots of amazing local foods to buy for home
or just bring your appetite for some yummy local treats right on the spot. Of course, lots of music, celtic dance and culture will be on display as you learn a lot about this rich heritage. You can also imbibe in some of the best beer, whiskey and scotch available in Colorado.

Related: Top Fall Family Getaways

Jared's 8^th Annual Giant Pumpkin Festival and Weigh-Off
10500 W. Bowles Ave.
Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 979-6022
www.jaredsgarden.com

Date: Sept. 28, 2013

Every year, the crowd at this annual festival gets bigger and bigger as people flock to enjoy the pumpkins and other autumnal treats. Last year more than 6,000 people and 35 huge pumpkins showed up. Bring the kids for the straw maze, obstacle course and Galleria of Ghouls and dress up the pooch for the dog costume contest. Your kids can also enjoy face painting, a petting zoo and a bouncy castle plus a live pumpkin drop and the opening of a haunted house. Really, this is the best way to start getting in the fall spirit.

Oktoberfest
Larimer St.
Between 20^th and 22^nd
Denver, CO 80205
www.thedenveroktoberfest.com

Dates: Sept. 27 through Oct. 6, 2013

The first Oktoberfest hit the streets of Denver in 1969, and in 44 years it's grown to one of the largest fall traditions in Colorado.
More than 350,000 people attend during the six days of fun, and it was even given the "Best Oktoberfest" celebration honor by Maxim Magazine and USA Today. Bring your friends and get ready to enjoy lots of beer and bratwursts, plus keg bowling, plenty of live music and the Long Dog Derby. To make the most of this event, pick up the "all you can eat and drink VIP package" and party your lederhosen off.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.