Things to Do in Denver in October 2026 | Fall Events & Festivals
There’s something about October in Colorado that makes you want to get outside and enjoy it while it lasts. Cooler mornings, changing leaves, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and crisp evenings make this one of our favorite times of year in Denver.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly fall festival, a date-night idea or simply an excuse to spend a beautiful October afternoon outside, there are plenty of seasonal events happening throughout Denver and the surrounding area.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Denver this October 2026.
October 2–3, 9–11, 16–18, 23–25 & 30 | 4:30–9 PM
A Denver fall favorite, Boo at the Zoo transforms the zoo into an evening Halloween experience with candy stations, costumed characters, seasonal treats, animal encounters and plenty of photo opportunities.
This year also includes a new Wild Fall Market with seasonal treats and treasures. Because admission is timed and some dates sell out, this is one to plan ahead for. A sensory-friendly Boo at the Zoo night will also be held October 31.
Good for: Families, younger kids and anyone looking for a Halloween activity that isn't too spooky.
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
October 9–11 | 9 AM–4 PM
If you're looking for the quintessential Colorado fall day, this is a good place to start.
The annual Pumpkin Festival includes access to a 10-acre pumpkin patch, the Corn Maze and family activities throughout the farm. Pick your pumpkins, wander through the maze and spend a few hours enjoying the fall scenery with the foothills nearby.
Pumpkins are sold separately, and the Gardens recommends purchasing admission in advance. Denver Botanic Gardens
The Chatfield Farms Corn Maze runs Fridays through Sundays from September 18 through November 1, so you have plenty of other opportunities to visit.
October 15–18 & October 21–24 | 5:30–9 PM
One of Denver's prettiest fall events takes place after dark at the Botanic Gardens.
Glow at the Gardens combines illuminated landscapes, live performers and displays featuring hand-carved pumpkins throughout the gardens. It's festive and slightly spooky without being a traditional haunted attraction.
This is also one of those Denver events where buying tickets early matters—the Gardens notes that Glow regularly sells out weeks in advance. Visit Denver
Good for: Date night, families with older kids or an evening out with friends.
September 23–October 31 | Erie
If you want to make an entire day out of fall, Anderson Farms is worth the drive north of Denver.
The Fall Festival is known for its enormous 25-acre corn maze, along with wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, farm animals and plenty of other seasonal activities.
And for anyone who prefers the scarier side of October, Anderson Farms also hosts Terror in the Corn on select evenings.
Good for: A full fall day, families, teens and groups of friends.
October 17 | 6–9 PM | South Broadway
For something that feels a little more like a Denver neighborhood tradition, head to South Broadway.
The annual Halloween parade features creative floats, bands, costumes and its signature hearse procession along Broadway. Costumes are encouraged, so this is an easy one to turn into a fun evening out in the city.
October 17–18 | 10 AM–4 PM
This is one I would add to your original list.
The Pumpkin Harvest Festival brings a little bit of Colorado history into the traditional fall-festival experience. It's a nice alternative if you've already done the larger pumpkin patches and want something closer to central Denver.
The 2026 festival is scheduled for October 17 and 18. Denver Mom Collective
October 9–10, 20 & 28–31
This one is decidedly more grown-up.
Instead of a haunted house, Ghosts in the Gardens takes you through the Botanic Gardens after dark while storytellers share accounts from staff and security guards along with stories connected to the history of the property.
The self-guided experience takes approximately 90 minutes and includes the option to venture inside the historic Waring House.
Good for: Date night or friends who want something spooky without doing a traditional haunted house.
October always seems to go quickly in Colorado. One weekend we're watching the leaves change and picking pumpkins, and before we know it we're talking about the holidays—and possibly shoveling snow.
So take advantage of it.
Spend an afternoon at a pumpkin patch. Get lost in a corn maze. Grab a warm drink and wander through the Botanic Gardens after dark. Or simply pick one October weekend and explore a part of the Denver metro you don't visit very often.
It's one of the best times of year to enjoy everything that makes living along the Front Range so special.
Looking for more local favorites? Explore our neighborhood guides, local events and Denver-area recommendations at Elevated Living Denver.
Event dates and details can change. We recommend confirming current information and purchasing advance tickets directly from each venue before heading out.
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