DENVER – Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some family friendly events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area this weekend.
1. Get spooked at Elitch Gardens Fright Fest
What: Denver's largest Halloween event kicks off this weekend at Elitch Gardens! Experience the chills and thrills not just from the park rides, but also from the two haunted houses and other park-wide "TERRORtorries." Kiddos 12 and under can enjoy Family By Day activities from noon to 5 p.m. every weekend. There will be costume contests and free candy on the Trick or Treat Trail in Kiddieland.
When: Friday, Sept. 28 through Oct. 28.
Where: Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Cir. in Denver, Fridays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.
Admission: $39.99 - $59.99
More info: https://www.elitchgardens.com/
2. The Great American Beer Fest is over, but The Denver Oktoberfest is here for one more weekend!
What: The 49th annual Denver Oktoberfest is here for one last weekend for another round of food, beer, music, stein hoisting, the bratwurst eating finals, and the long dog derby, among many other things.
When: Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Larimer Square, corner of 20th and Larimer Streets in Denver
Admission: Free of charge
More info: https://thedenveroktoberfest.com/
3. TheBigWonderful Littleton
What: TheBigWonderful won't be returning to Denver this year. Instead, it's the City of Littleton which will celebrate the Denver metro's "most original urban festival." In 2018, the festival will celebrate the re-opening of the famed “Haunted Mansion”, a 50-year old Littleton tradition returning after a three year hiatus. And yes, there will be a fireworks show on Saturday night.
When: Friday, Sept. 28 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 29 from noon to 11 p.m.
Where: Downtown Littleton, 5663 S. Prince St. in Littleton, Colo.
Admission: Free, but BEERFEST tickets start at $29
More info: https://www.thebigwonderful.com/2018-events/littleton
4. It's corn maze season and Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms is now open for some fall fun!
What: Get lost in the Denver Botanic Gardens' seven-acre Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms. The design this year thanks emergency first responders. Visitors under the age of 10 can explore the corn mini-maze. Masks and costumes are not permitted on the premises.
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday now until Oct. 28
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton, Colo.
Admission: $0 - $14; check the DBG's website for a full list of general admission prices.
More info: https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/corn-maze
5. Head to the Western Slope for the Mountain Harvest Festival
What: The western slope Town of Paonia celebrates fall accordingly with live music, farmers’ markets, beer, wine tasting, a chili cook-off, arts and crafts as well as farm tours.
When: Thursday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 30.
Where: Paonia Park in Paonia, Colo.
Admission: Free
More info: http://mountainharvestfestival.org/about-the-festival/
6. Experience the majestic bugle of a bull elk at Elk Fest
What: Head on out to Estes Park to get a front-row seat as the elk show off their best attributes at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. At the fest, you can learn about rutting season, as well as participate in a bugling contest and see traditional performances from Native Americans in the region.
When: Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30
Where: Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave. in Estes Park, Colo.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/special-events/elk-fest/
7. Central City Plein Air Festival
What: The inaugural Central City Plein Air Festival will bring 20 artists from around the country to Central City for three days to paint fall landscapes and historic architecture within a radius of the Central City Opera House. Visitors are invited to observe the artists, ask questions and experience Central City in autumn from an artist’s perspective.
When: Friday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 30.
Where: Central City Opera House, 124 Eureka St. in Central City, Colo.
Admission: Free
More info: https://centralcityopera.org/event/2018-central-city-plein-air-festival
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11 Colorado fall festivals to check out in 2018
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com so he can put your event on the list.