As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, Boulder comes alive with a variety of fall events that celebrate the season. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall. From vibrant festivals and farmer’s markets to exciting concerts and showcases, here’s your ultimate guide to the best fall events in and around Boulder for 2024.

Handmade in Colorado Expo

Dates & Locations:

August 23 – 25, 2024 Estes Park – Bond Park is located on MacGregor Ave and Elkhorn Avenue, the main street in the center of Downtown Estes Park.

September 14 & 15, 2024 Downtown Denver –Wynkoop Plaza at Denver Union Station

September 28- 29, 2024 Glenwood Springs – Bethel Plaza and 7th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO

October 4 & 5, 2024 The Vail Village – Vail, CO

This juried event showcases Colorado’s finest artists and craftspeople, featuring handcrafted goods across various media. Enjoy free admission, local live music, and unique shopping experiences in Estes Park, Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Vail Village over four weekends.

More info: Handmade in Colorado Expo

Royal Gorge Oktoberfest

Dates: September 7th through October 27th aboard the 12:30 Lunch Train, 3:30 Afternoon Train and 6:30 p.m. Dinner Train

Location: Royal Gorge Railroad, Canon City, CO

Celebrate Oktoberfest aboard the scenic Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Choose your class of service and add a special Oktoberfest entrée to your journey, featuring authentic German bratwurst with sauerkraut, spaetzle, and more. Enjoy stunning views of the Royal Gorge from a glass-domed car, deluxe seating, or classic coach class, and take in the scenery from the open observation car. Prost!

More info: Royal Gorge Oktoberfest

Free Days in Denver: Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Dates: Tuesday, Sept. 10- Free Night 3-9 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 30- Free Day 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, CO

Explore science for free on SCFD Free Days and Free Nights! No need to reserve tickets in advance—just walk in and enjoy access to the Wildlife Halls and permanent exhibitions. A separate ticket is required for the planetarium and the new Infinity Theater. Funded by the voter-approved SCFD, these free days are made possible by a small sales tax that supports over 300 cultural organizations in the metro area.

More info: DMNS Free Days

Buffalo Bicycle Classic

Dates: September 8, 2024

Location: Boulder Canyon, Boulder, CO

More than just a bike ride, this event is Colorado’s largest scholarship fundraiser. Since 2003, it has raised over $3.9 million for scholarships, helping more than 450 students graduate from CU. Join the ride and make a difference!

More info: Buffalo Bicycle Classic

The Sunnyside Music Festival

Dates: September 14, 2024

Location: Chaffee Park, Denver, CO

This volunteer-run, nonprofit festival brings the community together with free, family-friendly music. Enjoy local bands, artisans, and businesses while supporting youth organizations through year-round programming.

More info: The Sunnyside Music Festival

Downtown Boulder Fall Fest

Dates: September 13-15, 2024

Location: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, CO

Kick off the fall season with the Boulder Fall Fest, a beloved community event that takes over Pearl Street Mall with live music, local artisan booths, and delicious food vendors. This family-friendly festival features activities for kids, a beer garden for adults, and a fantastic selection of arts and crafts. Enjoy a weekend of entertainment while soaking up the vibrant fall atmosphere.

More info: Boulder Fall Fest

Snowmass Balloon Festival

Dates: September 13-14, 2024

Location: Snowmass Town Park, Aspen/Snomass, CO

The Snowmass Balloon Festival returns for its 49th year, featuring over 30 colorful balloons launching into the sky on Saturday and Sunday mornings, with the popular Night Glow event on Friday evening. Although the Balloon Festival grounds are closed on Friday morning for the Memorial Rat Race, you can still enjoy the view from nearby hiking and biking trails. After taking in the spectacle, explore the Snowmass Mall or Base Village for a delicious breakfast or brunch.

More info: Snomass Balloon Festival

Denver Oktoberfest

Dates: September 20-22, 2024
Location: Pueblo, CO

Celebrate Pueblo’s rich agricultural heritage with live entertainment, cooking competitions, street vendors, and a focus on local chilies! Held downtown on Union Avenue, this festival draws visitors from across Colorado and beyond for a spicy taste of Pueblo.

More info: Pueblo Chile Festival

Chile and Frijoles Festival

Dates: September 20-22, 2024

Location: Pueblo, CO

Celebrate Pueblo’s rich agricultural heritage with live entertainment, cooking competitions, street vendors, and a focus on local chilies! Held downtown on Union Avenue, this festival draws visitors from across Colorado and beyond for a spicy taste of Pueblo.

More info: Pueblo Chile Festival

La Junta Tarantula Fest

Dates: September 27-28, 2024

Location: La Junta, CO

Each fall, male tarantulas in La Junta and southeast Colorado participate in a fascinating mating ritual across the Comanche National Grassland. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness these creatures in action!

More info: La Junta Tarantula Fest

2024 Mountain Harvest Festival

Dates: September 27-29, 2024

Location: Paonia, CO

Celebrate local music, art, farms, and food in the charming town of Paonia. Organized by the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition, this festival features free music performances, arts and crafts, a chili cookoff, farm tours, and a pub crawl. Experience small-town Americana at its best!

More info: The 2024 Mountain Harvest Festival

Estes Park Elk Fest

Dates: September 28-29, 2024

Location: Estes Park, CO

Located just a short drive from Boulder, Estes Park’s Elk Fest celebrates the majestic elk that roam the area during the fall rutting season. The festival features live music, Native American storytelling and music, a bugling contest, and plenty of activities for kids. Attendees can also enjoy local food vendors, craft booths, and educational seminars on elk ecology and behavior.

More info: Estes Park Elk Fest

Colorado Chautauqua Community House Concert Series

Dates: Various dates throughout October and November 2024

Location: Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, CO

The Colorado Chautauqua Concert Series offers an unforgettable live music experience in one of Boulder’s most historic venues. As the weather cools, enjoy a lineup of concerts featuring a range of genres, from folk and rock to classical and jazz. With stunning views of the Flatirons and a unique, intimate setting, these concerts are a highlight of Boulder’s fall cultural scene.

More info: Colorado Chautauqua Concert Series

Pumpkin Nights at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms

Dates: October 1-31, 2024

Location: Chatfield Farms, Littleton, CO

Take a trip to Chatfield Farms for Pumpkin Nights, an immersive Halloween experience featuring over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins, pumpkin sculptures, and light displays. The event includes a corn maze, hayrides, and plenty of photo opportunities, making it a perfect outing for families or a fun date night.

More info: Pumpkin Nights

Miner’s Pumpkin Patch

Dates: October 5, 12,19, 26, 2024

Location: Western Museum of Mining and Industry, Colorado Springs, CO Enjoy fall fun while supporting the Western Museum of Mining and Industry! Activities include a children’s straw maze, corn bins, hayrides, gold panning, mining machine demonstrations, pumpkin catapulting, and more. Don’t miss the food trucks, games, and the best pumpkin patch around for unforgettable family memories.

More info: Western Museum of Mining & Industry

Cedaredge Applefest

Dates: October 4-6, 2024

Location: Cedaredge, CO

Celebrate the flavors of Cedaredge with live music, art, food vendors, a chili cookoff, antique car show, pinup competition, 5K run, and more! Featuring over 200 vendors and drawing 30,000 attendees, this community event showcases local businesses, orchards, artists, and musicians. Don’t miss out on this unique festival!

More info: Cedaredge Applefest

The Great American Beer Fest

Dates: October 10 – 12, 2024

Location: Denver, CO

Great American Beer Festival: The largest beer festival in the U.S. is back with three sessions and a new layout featuring themed areas like a German biergarten, a sports escape, a Halloween experience, and more. Enjoy a variety of beverages, including craft beers, ciders, and canned cocktails, plus live entertainment, interactive activities, and expert-led seminars. Don’t miss this celebration of all things beer!

More info: The Great American Beer Fest

The Telluride Horror Show

Dates: October 11 – 13, 2024

Location: Telluride, CO

Returning for its 15th edition, this top genre film fest brings the best horror, thriller, dark fantasy, and sci-fi films to the scenic mountain town of Telluride. Enjoy three days of premieres, special programs, and events in a unique setting. Don’t miss Colorado’s longest-running horror film festival!

More info: The Telluride Horror Show

Poudre Pour Arts & Culture Fest

Dates: October 12, 2024

Location: Chatfield Farms, Littleton, CO

Celebrate the rich history of our river corridor with this annual festival featuring live music, performances, visual and culinary arts, and interactive exhibits. This year’s theme honors Hispanic Heritage Month with music from Los Martinez Bros and Presidio, dance lessons, traditional performances, artisan demos, and hands-on activities. Enjoy tastings from local craft brewers and explore the Windsor History Museum during this vibrant community event.

More info: Poudre Heritage

Boulder and the surrounding areas offer an exciting array of events that make the most of the beautiful fall season. From outdoor festivals and cultural showcases to culinary delights and family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of things to do. Mark your calendars and enjoy everything Colorado has to offer this fall!

As the snow melts and the peaks of the Rockies reclaim their green, Boulder, Colorado, awakens to the vibrant hues and crisp scents of spring. A time of renewal, it heralds the return of the cherished farmers markets. For Boulderites and visitors alike, these markets are not just shopping venues; they are the heartbeats of our community, a testament to our love for locally sourced, sustainable living. John Farley, your go-to real estate expert in Boulder, invites you to explore the bountiful offerings of our local farmer’s markets.

A Bounty of Freshness Awaits

1. Boulder County Farmers Markets

The Boulder County Farmers Markets (BCFM) are a testament to our community’s commitment to supporting local farmers and artisans. With locations in Boulder and Longmont, these markets offer a diverse array of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods. Opening in April, the Boulder market is set on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, providing a scenic shopping experience right in the heart of Boulder.

When It Kicks Off:

What You’ll Find: Expect to be greeted by the vibrant colors of fresh fruits and vegetables, the aroma of baked goods, and the unique textures of locally-produced cheeses and meats. The market is a haven for foodies and health-conscious eaters alike, offering organic and sustainably-grown produce.

2. Longmont Farmers Market

A sister to the Boulder market, the Longmont Farmers Market brings the same quality and community spirit to Boulder County’s eastern reaches. Located at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, this market serves as a weekly gathering spot for those seeking fresh, local produce and a chance to connect with neighbors and farmers.

When It Kicks Off:

What You’ll Find: From juicy peaches to crisp greens, the Longmont Farmers Market is a showcase of Colorado’s agricultural richness. Artisans sell everything from handmade jewelry to natural soaps, making it the perfect place to find a unique gift or treat yourself.

3. Erie Farmers Market

This dog-friendly market is run by Real Farmers Market, and also has plenty of room for the kiddos to run and play. The market features a diverse line-up of vendors selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisan breads, honey, cheese, coffee, and baked goods, among other specialty items.

When It Kicks Off:

A sister event to the Erie Farmers Market, this dog-friendly market is run by Real Farmers Market, and also has plenty of room for the kiddos to run and play. The market features a diverse line-up of vendors selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisan breads, honey, cheese, coffee, and baked goods, among other specialty items.

When It Kicks Off:

Farmers Markets Outside of Boulder County

1. Evergreen Farmers Market

Nestled in its new home at El Rancho and conveniently accessible from I-70, this vibrant market now offers ample free parking directly adjacent to the bustling stalls. Managed by Jump Ahead Events, the relocation last year has only enhanced the community shopping experience.

Since its founding in 2002, the Golden Farmers Market has grown into a beloved community staple, under the dedicated management of the Golden Chamber of Commerce. Visitors to this bustling and expansive market will enjoy live entertainment and a diverse array of products from a host of local craftsmen and artisans.

This year, Denver Union Station and the Downtown Denver Partnership are joining forces to present a series of remarkable local Urban Markets at Wynkoop Plaza.

Beyond the Market: Boulder’s Local Farm Stands

In addition to the bustling farmers markets, Boulder is home to several farm stands that provide fresh, locally-grown produce throughout the growing season. These stands offer another way to connect with local farmers and enjoy the fruits of their labor, often set against the backdrop of the very fields where the produce is grown.

1. Cure Organic Farm

Cure Organic Farm opens its farm stand seasonally as the weather permits, welcoming the community to explore its diverse offerings. This farm prides itself on raising vegetables, herbs, and flowers with sustainable methods that are respectful of the environment. To find the days/times their stand is open, be sure to follow them on Instagram.

What You’ll Find: A visit to Cure Organic Farm’s stand reveals a rich selection of organic produce, pork, beef, and eggs. The farm also offers educational tours and workshops, highlighting their holistic approach to farming that integrates animal husbandry and vegetable production.

2. Growing Gardens

Nestled in the heart of Boulder, Growing Gardens comes to life on May 29th and continues to offer its bounty through November 20th. This local gem is more than just a farm stand; it’s a community-centric nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Boulder residents through sustainable urban agriculture.

What You’ll Find: At Growing Gardens, expect a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables, all grown with love and a commitment to environmental stewardship. The stand not only offers fresh produce but also serves as an educational resource, promoting gardening and farming practices that visitors can take back to their own gardens.

3. Munson Farms

Opening its gates in July, Munson Farms is a staple of Boulder’s agricultural scene. Known for their sweet corn, this family-owned farm has been providing Boulder with top-quality produce since 1976.

What You’ll Find: Munson Farms specializes in sweet corn and pumpkins, but their farm stand boasts a wide array of seasonal produce, including tomatoes, peaches, and zucchini. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices and high-quality produce makes them a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

A Harvest of Opportunities

These farm stands, along with Boulder’s farmers markets, underscore the rich tapestry of local agriculture and the community’s commitment to supporting it. They offer not just shopping destinations but experiences—opportunities to connect with the land, the people who tend it, and the community that cherishes it.

Community and Connection

Farmers markets and farm stands in Boulder are more than just places to buy food. They are vibrant community hubs where you can meet the people behind your food, learn their stories, and discover the passion that drives them. These markets foster a sense of belonging, connecting residents with local farmers, artists, and each other. They are places where children learn the value of fresh food, where musicians add a soundtrack to your shopping, and where every visit feels like a celebration of our community’s spirit.

Sustainable Living

Shopping from local farmers is a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. By choosing locally-sourced produce, you reduce your carbon footprint, support local agriculture, and contribute to the preservation of Boulder’s beautiful natural environment.

A Real Estate Perspective

For those considering making Boulder their home, the farmers markets offer a glimpse into the community’s values and quality of life. Our team believes that the vitality of these markets mirrors the health and vibrancy of the community. They are indicative of Boulder’s active lifestyle, its residents’ preference for quality, and the overarching commitment to sustainability and community support. As a realtor and neighbor, our team sees these markets as vital threads in the fabric of Boulder, making it not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

Join Us This Season

As the farmers markets in Boulder and Longmont spring to life this April, we invite you to join us in celebrating the wealth of our local agriculture. Bring your reusable bags, your curiosity, and your appetite for fresh, delicious food. Immerse yourself in the community spirit, and experience the unique joy that comes from knowing the story behind every bite.

In Boulder, community isn’t just a concept; it’s a practice. And it flourishes, every week, at our local farmers markets. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a new visitor, these markets offer a taste of Boulder’s heart and soul.