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. Embark on the pursuit of hoppyness at the Great American Beer Festival
What: The biggest public beer tasting event in the country is happening this weekend in Denver during the Great American Beer Festival. Tour America’s brewing landscape with over 4,000 different beers from more than 800 of the nation’s finest breweries, including some of the most difficult to find beers on the planet.
Where: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St. in Denver
When: Thursday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, Oct. 5 from noon to 2 a.m.
Admission: $85; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/
2. Get out of town and go leaf peeping this weekend
What: Leaf peeping season is well underway but peak time to see the changing of the leaves happens this weekend! So grab a friend, grab your spouse, take the children and head out to the mountains. Don’t know where to go? Check out our suggestions here.
Where: Various locations across the state
When: Friday, Oct. 4, Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6
Admission: Free!
More info: Check out the best places to see the fall colors this weekend by clicking here.
3. Enjoy free art while it's still nice during First Friday Art Walks
What: Come and enjoy the local art scene at Denver’s five art districts: Arts District Santa Fe, Golden Triangle Museum District, the Tennyson Street Cultural District and the RiNo Arts District.
Where: Denver Arts Districts (several locations)
When: Monthly on the first Friday of every month, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: Check each district’s website for more information
4. Celebrate Lakewood's heritage during the Cider Days Festival
What: The City of Lakewood is celebrating its agricultural heritage with Cider Days! Enjoy an entertaining mix of live performances, activities, and tasty harvest treats. There will be apple pie eating contests, a baked apple baking challenge, hard cider tasting, train rides, historic demonstrations, and much more.
Where: Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow St. in Lakewood, Colo.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $6 (advanced) or $8 (day of) general admission. Kids 2-13 get in for $5; Hider Cider Tasting tickets are $30 in advance and $38 the day of.
More info: https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Arts-and-Culture/Arts-and-Culture-Events/Cider-Days-2019
5. Looking for an exotic pet? Head over to the Reptilian Nation Expo
What: Why have dogs or cats when you can own a lizard, a snake, a spider or a frog? Over 50 vendors/breeders will be in Denver this weekend to bring the largest reptilian expo of its kind. There will also be shows and exhibits.
Where: National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St. in Denver
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $12 general admission; $18 for a 2-day pass. Get tickets here.
More info: https://reptiliannationexpo.com/
6. Feeling weird? Head over to the Denver Oddities & Curiosities Expo
What: If you like the odd, the strange, the unusual and the just plain bizarre, head over to the Denver Oddities and Curiosities Expo. Vendors will have weird taxidermy, wet specimens, antiques, bones, odd jewelry, unusual art, and other creepy, strange and bizarre items.
Where: The Denver Mart, 451 E. 58th Ave. in Denver
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: $10
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2074873789470214/
7. It's fall, why not celebrate it at the Colorful Pumpkin Festival in Woodland Park?
What: Head over to Woodland Park for the first annual Colorful Pumpkin Festival! This event will be jammed packed with kid’s activities inspired by the fall season – including pumpkin painting, aa carved pumpkin contest and much more.
Where: Ute Pass Cultural Center, 210 East Midland Ave. in Woodland Park, Colo.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-colorful-pumpkin-festival-tickets-68746652087
Looking for more? Check out these other fun events:
Denver Zombie Crawl
What: Get in costume and have some scary fun at the 14th annual Denver Zombie Crawl! There will be vendors, makeup booths and the Ghoul’d Rush – a scary-good contest fit for zombies and ghouls alike, in which you’ll be tested in a series of challenges for the first place trophy. There will also be a zombie costume contest ($5 for individuals, $10 for groups). Did I mention the annual Thriller dance performance will also be happening? Now you know.
Where: Skyline Park (16th St. Mall) in Denver
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free,unless you’re participating in the Ghoul’d Rush, in which case tickets are $35.
More info: https://denverzombiecrawl.com/
Free Day at the Denver Art Museum
What: Enjoy free admission to the Denver Art Museum. Note that special exhibitions will require a ticketed admission.
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway in Denver
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: denverartmuseum.org
Golden Pumpkin Fest
What: Now that fall’s here, why not go to a festival? Golden’s Pumpkin Fest will happen rain or shine, so head out and enjoy live music, hay rides, pancakes and a bouncy castle, plus much more!
Where: Fairmount Park, 5222 Quaker St. in Golden, Colo.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.prospectdistrict.org/events/pumpkin-fest/
Aspen Snowmass may be known for its world-class skiing, but its history and offerings go much deeper than just powder. With a wide range of activities as well as world-class shopping and dining year-round, it’s a Mile High Must.
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.
