Experience The Magic of Colorado This Fall
Colorado’s fall festivals offer a delightful blend of music, craft beverages, and local culture, attracting visitors from across the globe. These signature events highlight the best of the state’s traditions against the backdrop of its breathtaking autumn landscapes.
Signature Events
Here are our top picks for Colorado‘s signature events and fall festivals this year.
Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
Location: Telluride, CO
Date: September 13-15, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 9,000
Theme: Blues Music & Craft Beer
The Telluride Blues and Brews Festival is a three-day celebration of blues music and craft beer set in the stunning box canyon of Telluride. This year’s headliners include Bonnie Raitt, Gary Clark Jr., and Joe Bonamassa, who will bring their electrifying performances to the festival’s iconic Main Stage. Attendees can enjoy beer tastings from over 50 microbreweries, including local favorites like Telluride Brewing Company and Ska Brewing, during the Saturday Grand Tasting. The festival also offers unique experiences like the popular Blues for Breakfast concerts at Elks Park.
Between sets, festival-goers can take a scenic ride on the free gondola, offering panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, or participate in the 5K Race Through the Valley Floor, an annual tradition that draws both locals and visitors. With its blend of top-tier musical talent, world-class beers, and stunning natural beauty, the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival is a must-visit event for any music or craft beer enthusiast.
Great American Beer Festival
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
Date: October 3-5, 2024
Attendees: Over 60,000
Theme: Beer & Brewing Culture
The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is the premier beer festival in the United States, drawing beer enthusiasts from around the world to Denver’s Colorado Convention Center. Featuring more than 4,000 different beers from over 800 breweries, this event is a paradise for beer lovers. The 2024 festival will once again spotlight top breweries like Avery Brewing Co., Odell Brewing Company, and New Belgium Brewing, all competing for the prestigious GABF medals in various categories.
In addition to unlimited beer samples, the festival offers educational sessions led by industry experts on topics ranging from the intricacies of sour brewing to the latest trends in IPA styles. A highlight of the event is the beer competition, where brewers vie for gold, silver, and bronze medals in nearly 100 categories, judged by an esteemed panel of beer experts. Attendees can also enjoy food pairings curated by top chefs, meet-the-brewer sessions, and vibrant silent discos, making the Great American Beer Festival a comprehensive celebration of the art and culture of beer.
Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Date: October 18-20, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 3,000
Theme: Craft Spirits & Distilling
The Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival is a celebration of the craft distilling industry in the historic mountain town of Breckenridge. The festival’s main event, the Still on the Hill Grand Tasting, will feature over 30 distilleries, including local standouts like Breckenridge Distillery and Leopold Bros., offering samples of their finest creations.
The festival also includes a series of engaging seminars and workshops, such as a mixology class with Bar Spoon Bartending School and a history of distilling seminar led by Breckenridge Heritage Alliance. Live music from The Hazel Miller Band and Megan Burtt will provide the perfect soundtrack to this spirited weekend, while a costume contest encourages attendees to embrace the festive atmosphere with creative outfits.
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of distilling, guided tours of local distilleries offer a behind-the-scenes look at the production process. The Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival is a must for anyone interested in craft spirits, offering a unique opportunity to taste, learn, and celebrate in one of Colorado’s most charming mountain towns.
Colorado Mountain Winefest
Location: Riverbend Park, Palisade, CO
Date: September 19-22, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 7,000
Theme: Wine & Colorado Viticulture
The Colorado Mountain Winefest in Palisade is the state’s premier wine festival, celebrating the rich viticulture of Colorado’s wine country. The festival’s centerpiece, the Festival in the Park on Saturday, features tastings from over 50 Colorado wineries, including Plum Creek Winery and Carlson Vineyards. Attendees can also enjoy live music from The Instagators and Stray Grass, along with cooking demonstrations by acclaimed chefs like Chef Biju Thomas.
In addition to wine tastings, the festival offers a variety of activities, including vineyard tours that provide an insider’s look at grape growing and winemaking in Colorado’s unique climate. Exclusive wine dinners hosted at local restaurants like The Palisade Café 11.0 offer gourmet pairings that highlight the region’s best wines. The Chocolate and Wine Pairing event is another festival favorite, featuring decadent chocolates from Enstrom Candies expertly paired with Colorado wines.
For those looking to explore the area further, the festival also offers bike tours through the vineyards, providing a scenic way to experience the beauty of the Western Slope. With its combination of top-tier wines, local cuisine, and stunning scenery, the Colorado Mountain Winefest is a must-attend event for wine lovers and foodies alike.
German Heritage Celebrations
Colorado’s Oktoberfest celebrations are vibrant events that bring Bavarian culture to life in the Rocky Mountains. From traditional music and dance to authentic German cuisine and beer, these festivals offer a taste of Germany right in the heart of Colorado.
Oktoberfest Denver
Location: Belmar Plaza, Lakewood, CO
Date: September 21-22, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 20,000
Theme: Bavarian Culture & German Beer
Oktoberfest Denver at Belmar Plaza in Lakewood is Colorado’s largest German heritage festival, offering a lively celebration of Bavarian culture. Attendees can enjoy authentic German beers from breweries like Bierstadt Lagerhaus and Wibby Brewing while savoring traditional dishes such as bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels. The festival’s beer garden is a focal point, featuring a wide selection of German and craft beers served in steins, just as they are in Munich.
The event will feature performances by traditional Bavarian bands, including The Polkanauts and The Austrian Connection, as well as folk dance groups from the Denver Turnverein. Costume contests and stein-holding competitions add an element of friendly rivalry, while kids’ activities like face painting and puppet shows ensure fun for the whole family. With its rich array of cultural offerings, Oktoberfest Denver is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a slice of Germany in Colorado.
Vail Oktoberfest
Location: Vail Village, Vail, CO
Date: September 6-8 & 13-15, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: Bavarian Culture with a Mountain Twist
Vail Oktoberfest transforms the heart of Vail Village into a lively Bavarian celebration. This event features classic German food, beer, and entertainment, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Attendees can participate in bratwurst eating contests, keg bowling, and stein-lifting competitions, with live music from bands like Helmut Fricker & The Rhinelanders providing a festive atmosphere.
The festival also offers a variety of German beers, including brews from Hofbräu München and Warsteiner, as well as traditional foods like wiener schnitzel and apple strudel. Families can enjoy a range of activities, from face painting and pretzel necklace making to a dedicated kids’ area with crafts and games. With its unique blend of alpine charm and Bavarian tradition, Vail Oktoberfest is a highlight of the fall season in Colorado.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
Location: Main Street, Breckenridge, CO
Date: September 27-29, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 30,000
Theme: German Heritage & Mountain Celebrations
Breckenridge Oktoberfest is one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the Rocky Mountains, transforming Main Street into a vibrant Bavarian festival. Visitors can indulge in authentic German cuisine from more than three dozen vendors, including Das Bavarian Haus and Little Bavaria, alongside a selection of German and local beers, such as those from Paulaner and Breckenridge Brewery.
The event features lively street parties with performances by local bands like The Pine Beatles and traditional oompah groups. Attendees can test their skills in stein-holding contests or participate in the popular Fun Run, a costumed dash through town. With the fall colors providing a stunning backdrop, Breckenridge Oktoberfest offers a perfect blend of German culture and mountain charm, making it a must-attend event for locals and visitors alike.
Turning Your Day Away into a Weekend Getaway
As the crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage transform Colorado into a picturesque wonderland, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the state’s rich tapestry of fall festivals. Whether you’re savoring craft beers at the Great American Beer Festival, dancing to the soulful tunes at Telluride Blues and Brews, or indulging in Bavarian traditions at one of the state’s many Oktoberfests, these events offer the perfect excuse to linger and explore.
Make your visit a true escape by turning it into a weekend getaway—book a lakeside retreat on Lake.com and enjoy the best of Colorado’s fall festivities with the tranquil beauty of a lakeside stay.
