Grab your sweaters and hot chocolate because fall is almost here! Who else is ready for cooler weather and all things pumpkin? Fall is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of year in Colorado — there's just something about the crisp air and colorful trees that make you feel at ease. Aside from taking your INFINITI on a vibrant drive through the mountains, there's a lot of other fun happening around the city. With the cooler weather comes more fun events, and we're here to guide you through (f)all the things to do in Denver.
Denver Oktoberfest
Denver Oktoberfest is the longest continuously running Oktoberfest in the United States, dating back to 1969. Held in the historic Ballpark Neighborhood, this beloved tradition spans two weekends every September. Highlights include the Stein Hoisting Championship, keg bowling, the Long Dog Derby (wiener dog races), live music, dancing, and plenty of authentic German food and beer. General admission remains completely free, with optional VIP packages available for those who want reserved areas and added perks.
Pumpkin Harvest Festival 
A local favorite, the Pumpkin Harvest Festival takes place on twelve historic acres at Denver's Four Mile Historic Park — no need to leave the city. This one-weekend event in early October features live music, food trucks, historic demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, and of course, a pumpkin patch. Kids can enjoy face painting, a photo booth, tractor rides, and fall crafts. Ticket pricing has increased since this event first started, so check the Four Mile Historic Park website for current rates and to grab tickets before they sell out.
Chatfield Farms Pumpkin Festival
Every October, Denver Botanic Gardens' Chatfield Farms puts on one of the area's most beloved family pumpkin festivals, complete with a sprawling pumpkin patch and a multi-acre corn maze. Running for one weekend in early-to-mid October, the festival includes tractor and wagon rides, a corn maze, carnival games, magic shows, inflatable slides and bounce houses, face painting, and balloon characters. Tickets are timed and must be purchased online in advance — this event routinely sells out, so plan ahead and bring your own wagon to haul your pumpkins home.
FAQ
Do these events require advance tickets?
Denver Oktoberfest has free general admission with no ticket required. Both pumpkin festivals require timed tickets purchased online in advance — neither sells tickets at the gate, and both sell out.
Are these events kid-friendly?
Pumpkin Harvest Festival and Chatfield Farms' Pumpkin Festival are both designed as family events with dedicated kids' activities. Denver Oktoberfest is a 21+ atmosphere overall, though families do attend during daytime hours.
Is parking available at these events?
Chatfield Farms offers free parking, though it fills up fast on busy days. Denver Oktoberfest is in the heart of the Ballpark neighborhood, so street parking and nearby public lots/rideshare are your best options.
What's the difference between the two pumpkin festivals?
Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park leans into pioneer-era history with blacksmithing demos and historic house tours, while Chatfield Farms' Pumpkin Festival is centered around its 10-acre working pumpkin patch and large corn maze.