Best Fall Festivals in Fort Collins, Golden, and Cherry Hills Village 2025
Colorado’s Front Range comes alive each fall with vibrant festivals celebrating the season’s harvest, stunning autumn colors, and community spirit. From Fort Collins to Golden to Cherry Hills Village, families can enjoy weeks of outdoor fun, local traditions, and seasonal activities that make Colorado’s fall season unforgettable.
Fort Collins Fall Festival Highlights
FoCo Fall Fest 2025 October 11-12, 2025 The inaugural FoCo Fall Fest returns to Fort Collins with live music, food trucks, local artisans, and fall activities. This free event features a farmers market atmosphere, kids’ inflatables, and celebrates the local downtown business community on Linden Street.
Tour de Corgi Early October 2025 This beloved Fort Collins tradition features hundreds of costumed corgis parading through Old Town. The event includes a corgi meet-up at Civic Center Park with vendors, costume contests, and a festive trot through Historic Old Town. Proceeds benefit local dog rescues.
Pumpkins on Parade October 17-20, 2025 The Gardens on Spring Creek hosts this family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring hundreds of locally grown pumpkins and gourds arranged in artistic displays. The event includes festive activities for all ages and is candy-free as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project.
Northern Colorado Mountain Bike Festival September 28-29, 2025 Located at Lory State Park, this festival celebrates mountain biking with poker rides, demo bikes, group rides, and family-friendly activities. The event showcases the incredible trail access around Fort Collins.
Golden’s Autumn Celebrations
Autumn Fest 2025 October 5, 2025 Golden History Park hosts this free family celebration featuring hands-on activities, crafts, farm animals, and big trucks. The event includes Native American dancers and drummers, a 4-H petting zoo, face painting, live music, and food trucks.
Golden Beverage Tasting and Chili Cook-Off October 18, 2025 This annual downtown Golden event combines craft beverage tastings with competitive chili cooking. Local restaurants and home cooks compete while visitors sample Colorado’s finest drinks and comfort food.
Wanderfest September 11-13, 2025 Golden’s Wanderfest celebrates outdoor adventure with activities that highlight the area’s incredible access to hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation. The event features gear vendors, guided activities, and family-friendly outdoor experiences.
Ghost Tours and Halloween Events Throughout October Golden embraces spooky season with haunted ghost tours, hayride beer tours, and trick-or-treat trains. The Colorado Railroad Museum hosts special Halloween train rides and family-friendly activities.
Cherry Hills Village Area Events
While Cherry Hills Village itself hosts more intimate community events, residents easily access numerous fall festivals in the greater Denver metro area:
Nearby Autumn Activities:
- Anderson Farms Fall Festival (Erie) – corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides
- Chatfield Farms Pumpkin Festival (Littleton) – pick-your-own pumpkins, farm activities
- Denver area Oktoberfests and harvest celebrations
Local Community Events: Cherry Hills Village typically hosts smaller community gatherings, neighborhood harvest parties, and seasonal celebrations that bring residents together during the beautiful Colorado fall weather.
What Makes Colorado Fall Festivals Special
Stunning Natural Backdrop Colorado’s fall festivals benefit from incredible scenery as aspen trees turn golden and the Rocky Mountains provide dramatic backdrops. The crisp mountain air and clear skies create perfect conditions for outdoor celebrations.
Local Agricultural Heritage Many festivals celebrate Colorado’s farming traditions with local produce, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and harvest-themed activities. Visitors can experience authentic farm-to-table culture while supporting local agriculture.
Community Spirit These festivals strengthen community bonds, with local businesses, artists, and volunteers coming together to create memorable experiences. Many events are free or low-cost, making them accessible to all families.
Outdoor Recreation Focus Colorado festivals often incorporate the state’s outdoor lifestyle, with biking events, hiking celebrations, and activities that showcase the area’s natural recreation opportunities.
Planning Your Fall Festival Tour
Best Times to Visit:
- Early October for peak aspen colors
- Mid-October for harvest festivals and Halloween events
- Late September for pleasant weather and smaller crowds
What to Bring:
- Layers for changing Colorado weather
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera for autumn scenery
- Cash for vendors and activities
Getting Around:
- Fort Collins festivals are often walkable in Old Town
- Golden events typically offer easy parking and downtown access
- Cherry Hills Village residents can easily drive to nearby festivals
Supporting Local Communities
These fall festivals represent important fundraising opportunities for local organizations, from volunteer fire departments to dog rescues to arts groups. Attending these events directly supports the communities that make Colorado’s Front Range such a special place to live and visit.
Colorado’s fall festival season offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in local history, outdoor recreation, community celebrations, or simply enjoying beautiful autumn weather with family and friends. From Fort Collins’ vibrant downtown events to Golden’s historic charm to the greater Denver area’s extensive festival offerings, the Front Range provides weeks of autumn entertainment.
Sources:
- Visit Fort Collins Official Events Calendar
- Visit Golden Official Tourism Website
- Colorado Festival Guides and Reviews (2025)
- City of Fort Collins Special Events Calendar
