Exciting September Events in Northern Colorado You Won’t Want to Miss!

September is a vibrant time in Northern Colorado, filled with diverse events that cater to all interests. Whether you're a foodie, a film buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun family outing, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of must-attend events happening this month!

1. Civic Center EATS

Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays, early May to mid-October 2024
Location: Civic Center Park, Denver

Head over to Denver's Civic Center Park to enjoy Civic Center EATS, a gathering of some of the best food trucks in the Mile High City. Every Wednesday and Thursday, you can explore a variety of cuisines from 10 to 15 food trucks serving up everything from gourmet tacos to sweet treats. It’s the perfect lunchtime escape or early dinner spot for those looking to try something new!

2. Highlands Farmers Market

Dates: Sundays, May 19 – October 13, 2024
Location: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver

Visit the Highlands Farmers Market on Sundays for a fantastic selection of handcrafted goods and locally grown produce. This market is not just about shopping; it’s an experience. Enjoy fresh, homemade food, live music, and a great community vibe. Whether you’re stocking up on vegetables or looking for unique artisan products, this market has something for everyone.

3. Oktoberfests in Colorado

Dates: September – October
Locations: Various locations across Colorado

Oktoberfest, originally from Munich, Germany, is celebrated in many Colorado towns, thanks to the state’s strong German heritage. From mid-September to early October, you can enjoy this lively festival featuring beer, dancing, traditional German food, and quirky activities like mustache competitions, keg bowling, and the famous Wiener Dog Races in Denver. These festivals are a feast for the senses and a great way to experience Colorado's unique take on this global celebration.

4. Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival

Dates: September 6 – 8, 2024
Location: Estes Park

Immerse yourself in Scottish and Irish culture at the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park! Known as Scotfest, this three-day event is filled with bagpipe marching bands, Highland games, traditional dancing, and jousting tournaments. It’s a weekend packed with entertainment and delicious food that brings a piece of the Highlands to Colorado.

5. Denver Food + Wine Festival

Dates: September 4 – 7, 2024
Location: Denver

For the foodies out there, the Denver Food + Wine Festival is a must-attend event. This multi-day culinary extravaganza features delicious dishes from top chefs, fine wines, and craft cocktails. Participate in cooking demonstrations, tastings, and seminars that celebrate Denver's rich culinary scene. It’s an excellent event for anyone 21 and over who loves great food and drink!

6. Aspen Filmfest

Dates: September 17-22, 2024
Location: Aspen

Film enthusiasts will not want to miss the Aspen Filmfest, one of the most prominent film gatherings in the West. This six-day event showcases a selection of narrative and documentary features from both seasoned and aspiring filmmakers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy award-winning films and participate in panel discussions with filmmakers in the beautiful setting of Aspen.

7. Breck Film Festival

Dates: September 19-22, 2024
Location: Breckenridge

Join fellow film lovers at the Breck Film Festival in Breckenridge. Now in its 44th year, this festival features a variety of independent films, premieres, receptions, educational programs, and retrospectives. With over 70 films, parties, and forums, it's a great place to immerse yourself in the world of cinema while enjoying the stunning mountain backdrop of Breckenridge.

8. Monte Vista 3rd Friday Art Walk

Date: September 20, 2024
Location: Monte Vista

Art enthusiasts should head to Monte Vista for the 3rd Friday Art Walk. This monthly event transforms downtown Monte Vista into an arts hub, featuring local artists, live music, and vendors. Explore the creativity of the region while enjoying a lively atmosphere filled with food and entertainment.

9. Chile & Frijoles Festival

Dates: September 20-22, 2024
Location: Pueblo

Celebrate all things spicy at Pueblo's annual Chile & Frijoles Festival. This three-day event is a must for anyone who loves peppers. Featuring more than 50,000 pounds of Pueblo-grown chiles, this festival includes live entertainment, cooking competitions, and a variety of vendors selling everything from roasted chiles to handcrafted goods. It’s a fiery weekend full of flavor!

10. Colorado Mountain Winefest

Date: September 21, 2024
Location: Riverbend Park, Palisade

Wine lovers won’t want to miss the Colorado Mountain Winefest, the state's premier wine festival. With dozens of local wineries offering tastings, live entertainment, interactive seminars, and delicious food, it’s the perfect event for a relaxing day of sipping and savoring in the beautiful setting of Palisade.

11. La Junta Tarantula Migration

Dates: September – early October
Location: La Junta

Nature lovers and the curious alike will be fascinated by the annual tarantula migration in La Junta. From September through early October, thousands of male tarantulas come out in search of a mate, creating a unique spectacle. This event offers a rare chance to witness this natural phenomenon up close—just remember to keep a respectful distance!

12. Elk Fest

Dates: September 28-29, 2024
Location: Bond Park, Estes Park

Celebrate the annual elk rutting season at Elk Fest in Estes Park. This event is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, offering elk exhibits, booths, and cuisine, along with the highly anticipated bugling contest. The best time for elk viewing is during dusk and dawn, making this festival a fantastic opportunity to experience the majestic elk in their natural habitat.

13. The 13th Floor Haunted House

Dates: Select days, mid-September to early November 2024
Location: Denver

Get ready for a fright at The 13th Floor Haunted House in Denver. As one of the spookiest haunted houses in Colorado, it’s perfect for those who love a good scare. With terrifying scenes and horrifying actors, this haunted house is sure to get your heart racing. If you're looking to get into the Halloween spirit, this is a must-visit event!

From food festivals and film screenings to unique cultural celebrations and natural wonders, September in Northern Colorado is packed with activities that offer something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and enjoy all that this vibrant region has to offer!