Autumn is coming: colorful falling leaves, cooler evenings, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor fall festivals with family and friends. With fun ranging from arts, crafts and hayrides to pumpkin picking, games and live music, there is something for everyone. Here are some nearby festivals to enjoy:

Castle Rock ArtFest

This community art festival in downtown Castle Rock at Festival Park is Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and highlights the talents of more than 110 exhibitors displaying a wide range of works from sculptures to photography and jewelry. There will be continual live main-stage entertainment, food trucks and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit castlerock.org/castle-rock-artfest.

Larkspur Autumn Arts & Crafts Fest

This family-oriented event at the Larkspur Community Park in the middle of town is Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features unique and colorful arts and crafts booths, food and drinks, a farmers market, live music, face painting and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit larkspurchamberofcommerce.com/autumn-fest.

Anderson Farms Fall Festival

The festival at Anderson Farms in Erie runs from Wednesday, September 24, through Saturday, November 1, with all sorts of fall fun for the whole family. The farm recommends purchasing tickets online in advance, as dates could sell out. For more information, visit andersonfarms.com.

Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) Harvest Day

CALF will hold its annual Harvest Day festival at Lowell Ranch, just south of Castle Rock, Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event for all ages features hayrides, a pumpkin patch, ranch animals, food and more. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit thecalf.org/harvest-day.

Parker Fall Fest

On Saturday, September 27, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the Town of Parker celebrates the start of autumn downtown at O’Brien Park. Enjoy street hockey, lawn games, carnival games with prizes and other family-friendly events and activities. Adult-friendly attractions include a beer garden and an axe-throwing booth. Several food vendors will be on site and an evening drone light show above the park concludes the festival. For more information, visit parkerco.gov/2326.

Castle Pines Fall Festival

The annual City of Castle Pines Fall Festival and Pumpkin Race is on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25. Trick-or-Treat Street is on Saturday. For more information, visit www.castlepinesco.gov/events-calendar/.

Lone Tree Fall Festival

The City of Lone Tree Fall Festival is Sunday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Schweiger Ranch. Enjoy wagon rides, pumpkin picking, marshmallow roasting, crafting, ranch exploration, live bluegrass music and more. Food trucks and vendors will also be onsite. Admission is free, but wagon rides require pre-registration. For more information, visit cityoflonetree.com/fallfestival.

 

By Susan Helton; photo courtesy of CALF