DENVER – Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some fun events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area and beyond this weekend.
If you're planning on getting out to the mountains to see the changing fall foliage, click here for our list of best places to go and explore our interactive map.
1. Check out Colorado's national parks for free!
What: As part of National Public Lands Day, all national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission! That means Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Black Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park will be free all day Saturday.
Where: All national parks
When: Saturday, Sept. 28.
Admission: Free!
More info: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm
2. Get in the German spirit at Denver Oktoberfest
What: Bier, bier, bier! (That’s German for beer, beer, beer!). Get ready for one of Denver’s most awaited annual festivals! There will be a stein hoisting + keg bowling competition, a long dog derby run, costume contests (so pull out the lederhosen and choose the best dirndl), food tastings, polka dancing and much more.
Where: 2100 Larimer St. in Denver, Colo.
When: Friday, Sept. 27 from 2 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Admission: $20-$240; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.thedenveroktoberfest.com/
3. Elk Fest
What: Fall in Estes Park is full of the familiar, yet eerie, sound of bull elk calling. Want to experience it firsthand? The annual Elk Fest is this Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Bond Park, Estes Park. The festival features bugling contests, elk exhibits, seminars n the animals, elk-inspired arts and crafts, Native American music, dancing, a children's area and a craft beer garden. The event kicks off Saturday morning with the Rut Run 5K.
When: Sept 28, 8:30 a.m.-Sunday, 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/fall-events/elk-fest/
4. Telluride Festival of Cars & Colors
What: This festival is the intersection of world-class automotives and beautiful September foliage in the Suan Juan Mountains. The multi-day festival includes dozens of events, including live music, long group drives, air performances, speakers, car shows and much more. Start your engines!
Where: Telluride
When: Sept. 26-29
Admission: Costs vary. Admission to parts of the festival are free. Click here for price information.
More info: https://carsandcolors.com/
5. Mountain Harvest Festival
What: This festival in western Colorado is more than just music – it's a showcase of the local culture, including farm tours, local food and drinks, and artists of all kinds. And while it's a bit of a drive from the Denver area, it's a good chance to see the changing fall foliage throughout the mountains.
Where: Town Park, Paonia.
When: Thursday-Sunday (Full schedule)
Admission: Festival free; tickets to Saturday evening concert: $15-$25.
More info: http://www.mountainharvestfestival.org
6. 14er Fest
What: Mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking, trail running – you'll find all of that at the 14er Fest in Buena Vista this weekend, along with local food and drinks and camping.
Where: Downtown Buena Vista
When: Friday-Sunday (Full schedule)
Admission: Prices vary based on event passes: $30 for trail events; $20 for fly fishing; $30 for 5K running race; $40 for 14K.
More info: https://14erfest.org/
7. Milwaukee Brewers vs. Colorado Rockies
What: So it's not the Rockies' year. But Coors Field is always a good time, the weather will be great this weekend, and the Brewers are in town for the final series of the season. And one perk of being in last place: You can find a cheap ticket.
Where: Coors Field.
When: Friday (6:10 p.m.), Saturday (6:10 p.m.), Sunday (1:10 p.m.).
Admission: Ticket prices vary
More info: https://www.mlb.com/rockies
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com at least a week ahead of the event and make sure to title it "7 best things to do" so he can put your event on the list.