The crisp autumn air always seems to turn our thoughts inward—to home decor, of course. And what better way to fuel that fall decorating urge than by supporting local nonprofits through the season’s slew of home tours? The seven properties on the 37th Annual Park Hill Home Tour & Street Fair—our top pick—showcase the range of homes in this classic city neighborhood just east of City Park, from updated Denver Squares to a repurposed church (above). “Park Hill isn’t known for just one style, and that’s what makes it such an interesting neighborhood,” says Realtor Nina Kuhl, chair of the Park Hill Home Tour. “We’re very excited about the mix, especially the former church. It’s fascinating to see how this big open space was transformed into a mix of open entertaining space and private rooms.” Also on this year’s tour are three midcentury modern homes renowned architect Edward B. Hawkins built before he developed Englewood’s Arapahoe Acres neighborhood and a massive bungalow passed down to second-generation family owners who lovingly redid the entire house.

(Read the 5280 neighborhood guide to South Park Hill)

The Park Hill Home Tour, which benefits the nonprofit Greater Park Hill Community Inc., includes a street fair on Forrest Parkway complete with a kids’ play area, more than 100 vendors, and a beer garden that features local brewers. Last year, more than 14,000 people toured the homes, so Kuhl recommends starting early, wearing comfortable shoes with socks (shoes must be removed or covered inside the homes, and bare feet are discouraged), and drinking plenty of water. “It’s a great event to bike this year as there’s a bit of distance between some of the homes,” suggests Kuhl. Sunday, September 27, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; $20 in advance


Mark your calendar to gather inspiration at a few more of our favorites:

Denver Designer Show House: A Cherry Creek Experience
Friday, September 25–Sunday, September 27, and Friday, October 2–Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $25 recommended donation

For this tale of two attached, mirror-image modern townhomes, local designers were given a challenge by Sherwin-Williams, who chose to paint 512 Cook Street’s walls with an explosion of color and provide a neutral palette inside 514 Cook Street. The event is free, but donations will be collected for Children’s Hospital Colorado.


Jewels of Highlands 2015 Historic House Tour
Sunday, October 3, noon–4 p.m.; $20 in advance

This tour of homes in the red-hot Berkley neighborhood benefits Skinner Middle School.


Old San Rafael House Tour
Sunday, October 3, 1–5 p.m.; $13 in advance

Six homes in historic San Rafael (within the rapidly evolving Five Points neighborhood) will open their doors to raise funds for Gilpin Montessori Public School.


2015 Dora Moore House Tour
Sunday, October 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $20 in advance

Ogle Country Club homes while supporting Dora Moore School.