Colorado is truly a four-season destination – and among those seasons, fall is one of the state’s best kept secrets. Autumn starts early in the Centennial State, when the aspen trees begin to transform to gold in the crisp mountain air; and Colorado’s varied geography extends the season over several months, allowing fall fanatics to fully embrace and celebrate the gorgeous fall colors, bountiful harvest and plenty of activities. There are so many events inviting you to savor Colorado in the fall.
Here is a sampling of some fun foodie experiences in Colorado in the fall:
- Fungi Foraging Excursions, Walden (August 5 & 12; September 2) – The Outfitters at Red Feather Lakes hosts early-fall Porcini and Matsutake Forays, where guests learn the basics about mushroom habitats, symbiotic relationships, sustainable foraging and more from an experienced local guide.
- 127thAnnual Old-Fashioned Loveland Corn Roast Festival, Loveland (August. 25-26) – Celebrating one of Colorado’s most popular crops, the beloved Loveland Corn Roast Festival features two days of events including a parade, corn shucking contests, a cornhole tournament, live music, a rubber duck race, and, of course, roasted corn.
- Denver Food + Wine Festival, Denver (September 6-9) – Hosted by the Colorado Restaurant Foundation, Denver Food + Wine Festival is the city’s biggest restaurant industry celebration and fundraiser. Events include private restaurant tastings, a cocktail competition, educational wine and spirits seminars and the signature Grand Tasting.
- San Luis Valley Potato Festival, Monte Vista (September 9) – Celebrating the potato harvest in Monte Vista, the Potato Festival is a beloved annual event that features a 5k Spud Run, craft and food vendors, guided agricultural tours, chef demonstrations, a mashed potato dunk tank, freshly harvested Colorado potatoes and more.
- Dairy Block Dines & Fall Flannel Fest at Dairy Block, Denver (September 14 & October 22) – Embark on a culinary journey this September with Dairy Block Dines, an outdoor dinner party for 150 people in the pedestrian shopping alley. Designed to celebrate the vibrant culinary scene found at the LoDo micro-district, this four-course dinner will feature a menu designed by Chef Michael Diaz de Leon of BRUTØ. Dairy Block will also host the 6th annual Fall Flannel Festival on Sunday, Oct. 22nd, a free event featuring a festive line-up of live music, face painting, a pumpkin carver, kids crafts and more.
- You-Pick Vegetable Harvest and Pumpkin Patch at Bartels Farm, Fort Collins (September 24 – November 1) – For the past 22 years The Bartels Farm in Fort Collins has opened its vegetable garden and pumpkin patch for fall harvesting. Visitors can share in the bounty of the 117 year-old farm by picking peppers, sweet corn, green beans, celery, onions, tomatoes and more. There is also a large pumpkin patch, along with gourds, bundles of indian corn, and straw bales.
- Mountain Roots’ Harvest Hoedown, Gunnison (September 29) – This annual event celebrates the Gunnison Valley’s harvest and the community’s hard work with a harvest buffet featuring meats raised by local 4H students and peak-of-the harvest organic vegetables from Mountain Roots and other local farms, along with local craft beer, hard cider, and kombucha.