Sunnyside Music Festival | September 8
Spend the last moments of summer enjoying music, local food, beer, and kids activities at the Sunnyside Music Festival in Chaffee Park. Started as a neighborhood bluegrass party in 2000, the fest now raises money to support local charities in addition to putting on rocking live shows. Before the event officially kicks off, enjoy free yoga from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with Better Buzz Yoga. This year, Sunnyside Music Festival will feature the Sweet Lilies, the Highland Ramblers, Eef and the Blues Express, Doug Kershaw, and Analog Son. The shows start at noon. Chaffee Park, 44th and Tejon

Photo courtesy of Liz Levy/Stanley Arts Festival

Stanley Arts Fest | September 8–9
The Stanley Marketplace will be overflowing with locally crafted art from all mediums during this weekend-long event. Peruse the wares from exhibiting artists and then take a break in the Peace Tent, the 2018 featured installation from Denver-based artist Emma Balder. In addition to art, food trucks such as Dude Bro Taco and Peak Pops will provide tasty treats for purchase. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 2501 Dallas Dr.

Fall Fest | September 14–16
Fall is here! For three days, Boulder’s Pearl Street will be filled with vendors, food, music, and magicians to celebrate the changing of the seasons. The festival will feature a beer garden hosted by Avery Brewing Company in addition to margaritas by the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. A full list of the schedule and feature vendors can be found here.

Technology Ted Talk | September 18
Looking to learn something new? TEDxMileHigh speaker Romain Sepehr Vakilitabar will explore how exponential technology can accelerate understanding and global compassion at this free seminar, taking place at Denver’s Zeppelin Station at 6 p.m. Vakilitabar’s nonprofit, Pathos Lab, creates empathy-based virtual and augmented reality to disrupt interpersonal oppression, discrimination, and misperception. Guests are invited to a dinner afterward. Admission is free, but registration is required. Zeppelin Station, 3501 Wazee St.

Take a Drive | Now through mid-October
Fall isn’t just about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. As the days get shorter and the air gets colder, don’t forget to take time to enjoy the changing leaves in the hgih country. Grab your keys, a cable knit sweater, and drive west to witness the aspen trees turning gold. If you’re up for an adventure, the leaf-peeping at Maroon Bells is legendary, or for a closer destination, the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway passes directly through Front Range foliage.

Handmade in Colorado | September 21–23
The 10th annual Handmade in Colorado Expo is coming through Denver and Boulder this fall. The eight-day expo features independent designers who have produced original handcrafted goods, from glass to ceramics. Designed to encourage supporting local artists, all participating are emerging and experienced artists from Colorado. The Denver event takes place this month, while the expo will visit Boulder in October. Skyline Park, 15th and Arapahoe streets 

Denver Oktoberfest | September 21–23 & 28–30
Prost! Oktoberfest is arguably the best part about fall in Denver. For the 49th year, Denver Oktoberfest will feature stein hoisting, a wiener dog race, keg bowling, and a bratwurst-eating contest for two weekends this month. Don’t miss out on the traditional German fare, such as sausage, turkey legs, and pretzels. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1301 21st St.

Victoria Carodine
Victoria Carodine
Victoria Carodine is a Denver-based writer and a former editor on 5280's digital team.