As the temperatures cool across Colorado, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy with a distinctly fall twist, pumpkin spice latte in hand. From apple picking to candle pouring to art walks, we’ve curated a list of cozy things to do across the state.
Breckenridge
In Breckenridge, you can pour your own candle at Ready Paint Fire’s candle bar. Bring a friend, a date, or make an evening of it with a group, and you can create your signature candle – ideal for chilly Colorado days. The candle bartender will help you find the perfect scent and melting wax while you enjoy a drink.
Photo Courtesy of Ready Paint Fire
Commerce City
2025 Pacific Nations Cup
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is host to the third-largest annual rugby event in the world. The semi-finals will be played on Sunday, September 14th, with three matches competing for the finals in Salt Lake City the following weekend. Teams from Canada, Fuji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the United States will be competing. Tickets are now available.
Crested Butte
Stock up on seasonal items at the Crested Butte Farmers Market, which continues through October 5th. On Sundays from 9:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m., vendors have fresh fruits and veggies, herbs, dairy products, chocolates, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and much more.
The CB Farmers Market donates produce, pasture-raised and grass-fed meats and eggs, and nutritious breads to partners at Mountain Roots for distribution to households in need through the Backyard Harvest program. Stroll the top two blocks of Elk Avenue in downtown CB and enjoy lunch at the Secret Stash, Hideout, or BruHaus after you finish shopping at the market.
Denver
Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Center for Performing Arts
The Colorado Ballet kicks off the 2025/2026 season with Dracula for nine performances from October 3 – 12, 2025. Based on the story by Bram Stoker, this tale is set in 19th-century Transylvania and is a cult favorite in Colorado. Offering spine-chilling drama, this classic, dark love story has choreography by Michael Pink, with Philip Feeney’s original score performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.
Four Mile Historic Park
Plan a visit to Denver’s oldest house, perched on a rustic 12 acres, as larger-than-life sculptures illuminate the night at Bright Nights at Four Mile. In collaboration with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., the largest producer of Chinese lantern festivals in North America, this year’s theme is a Chinese Dreamland. The event runs from Wednesday – Sunday through October 5th, and advance ticket purchase is recommended.
Estes Park
Celebrate Estes Park’s famous residents at Estes Park Elk Fest September 27 – 28 at Bond Park. Learn all about elk with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, enjoy Native American music and dancing, and live music from High Lonesome. The festival coincides with elk mating season, known as the elk rut. Herds of wild elk are seen in town and at the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, and sounds of bugling are heard as male elk call out their territory. Stay safe and respect wildlife as males can be aggressive protecting females at this time of year. As they say, “Give them room – use your zoom!”
On Saturday, September 27th the Rut Run 5K kicks off Elk Fest. Runners, joggers, walkers, and strollers are all encouraged to participate. Be sure to register in advance for this fun event which highlights the beauty of our state through both leaf peeping and wildlife viewing.
Telluride
As the weather gets cooler, another unique activity is book binding. The American Academy of Bookbinding in Telluride offers a robust schedule of courses to learn the art, with courses including Traditional Leather Binding, Gold Tooling, Contemporary Parchment Design Binding, and more.
Whether you are a novice at bookbinding or want to hone more advanced skills, this school is a fantastic resource in southwestern Colorado for self-paced courses.
Vail Valley
Alpine Arts Center in Edwards hosts a wide range of art classes for all ages including pottery, painting, wood burning, and much more. Upcoming events include Cocktails and Clay, where guests can create a clay aspen leaf platter, and Pottery, so you can try your hand on the pottery wheel.
Drop-In art is a great option as well, with charcoal, clay handbuilding, pastels, canvas painting and lots of projects for young artists as well. Drop-in hours are typically Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-6pm; please call to confirm.
Photo Courtesy of Alpine Arts Center
Winter Park
Winter Park boasts miles of trails for hiking and biking as well as a legendary bike park. After a morning on the bike or putting some miles on your hiking boots, relax and stroll the Art Trail that displays different pieces each year.
Starting with the first Art Trail in 2021, Winter Park began showcasing unique pieces each year and recognizing first, second, and third place winners each year. The Art Trail begins at Winter Park Resort and continues along the Fraser River Trail toward the Headwaters Center, with works from 35 artists displayed for 2025-2026.
Photo Courtesy of Tiffany King, Artist of Rewilding Colorado
With events running the gamut from arts to sports to creative endeavors across Colorado, there’s no shortage of activities as we transition into fall. Whether you’re exploring the state or staying close to home, get out and enjoy everything this season has to offer.