8 Fall Festivals in Colorado

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Autumn brings with it a host of changes that affect everything from what we eat to how we spend our free time. It also brings festivals of all kinds. Here are eight autumn festivals that should not be missed

Aspen Film Fest, September 17-22

aspenfilm.org

Founded in 1979 by Ellen Kohner Hunt, Aspen Film seeks to enlighten, enrich, educate, and entertain through film. Offering something for everyone, from the most dedicated cinephiles to casual movie lovers, Aspen Film is active year round with at least one major movie event every season (including a monthly indie showcase, the Aspen Shortfest and an screening of Academy hopefuls) which translates to 30,000 participants and more than 200 films shown every year.

Mountain Harvest Festival, Paonia, September 27-29

mountainharvestfestival.org

The annual Mountain Harvest Festival takes place in beautiful Paonia. The festival offers four days of music, art, food and drinks while also those in attendance to take part in activities like grape stomping and farm and winery bike tours. With Paonia being on the stunning West Elk Loop the festival offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery of the region by taking a relaxing 6-8 hour drive on the byway.

14er Fest, BuenaVista, September 27-29

14erfest.org

With the highest concentration of 14ers in the country, it’s no surprise that the 14er Fest is held in Chaffee County - to be more precise, the picturesque and historic community of Buena Vista. Presented by local outdoor retailer the Trailhead and local off road trails advocacy group CORE (Colorado Off Road Enterprise), 14er Fest is a three-day event that celebrates off-roading, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, and trail running and has live music and local libations, too. There is also camping available.

Elk Fest, EstesPark, September 28- 29

visitestespark.com

Autumn in Colorado brings with it a kaleidoscope of colors, amazing weather and the bugle of the bull elk. And arguably the best place to hear this amazing call of nature is Estes Park. Located on the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park, hordes of hopeful spectators head here to these majestic beats as they kick off mating season. On top of wildlife watching, Elk Fest also offers elk seminars, elk-inspired arts and crafts, Native American music, dancing and storytelling, a children’s area with elk-themed activities and a craft beer garden.

Oktoberfest, Montrose, September 28

allpointstransit.com

The classic German beer and folk festival will have iterations occurring all across Colorado, and while each location will have its own spin, they will all have something in common - lots of lovely Colorado craft beer. We’ve picked out the Oktoberfest in Montrose as a good one to attend thanks to the almost three dozen breweries from across the state that will be in attendance. And you will be doing your bit for charity as all of the proceeds go to local non-profit, All Points Transit.

Telluride Horror Show, October 11-13

telluridehorrorshow.com

This fun-filled festival of phantasmagoria, frivolity and fear promises three days of the latest horror, fantasy, and sci-fi films in the amazing and historic Sheridan Opera House, the Nugget Theatre, and the Palm Theatre in beautiful Telluride. This festival marks its ninth year of what Moviemaker magazine called one of the “20 Coolest Film Festivals,” - and they should know. Attracting the best and latest genre films from around the world, attendees can expect an eclectic mix of horror, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy, sci-fi and dark comedy, with many of the films showing for the first time in the US.

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival, October 11–13

breckenridgecraftspiritsfestival.com

Embrace the shorter, chillier days of autumn by heading up to Breckenridge for this annual spirits festival where your cup will runneth over with some of the tastiest spirits in the state. Artisanal distillers will be on hand to teach attendees about the distilling process as well as to offer tastings of the fruits of their labors. The Still on the Hill grand tasting will offer spirits from 40 distilleries. There will be plenty of other fun events including a scavenger hunt, a hangover brunch, cooking classes, walking tours and workshops.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races, Manitou Springs, October 26

www.emmacrawfordfestival.com

Perhaps the most bizarre festival in the state, Manitou Springs recreates the unfortunate post-mortem escapades of a local resident by holding the Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade. Following a parade at midday, as many as 70 teams (each composed of one Emma and four runners) race coffins down Manitou Avenue. In addition to the overall winners, there are prizes for Best Entourage, Best Coffin and a 2018 Miss Emma will be crowned.

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