Things to Do in Denver in October

The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is America’s premier beer festival, competition, and cultural event held annually in Denver, Colorado. It’s the largest ticketed beer festival in the US, attracting brewers and beer lovers from across the country. The festival features tasting sessions where attendees can sample thousands of beers from hundreds of breweries, plus a professional competition where beers are judged and awarded medals.  Held at the Colorado Convention Center, this festival typically sells out so buy your tickets early.

With two champion contending teams, getting tickets to these sporting events can be pricey. It can also be well worth your spend. If you can wait, last minute tickets can be grabbed right before game time for a discounted rate.  

The Denver Film Festival is an annual 10-day event held in Denver, Colorado, showcasing a diverse selection of films from around the world, including features, documentaries, and shorts. It’s a major cultural event in Denver, bringing together film enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry professionals. The festival features screenings, special events, filmmaker Q&As, panels, parties, and opportunities for networking. . 

The Denver Pumpkin Harvest Festival is an annual fall event held at Four Mile Historic Park. It’s known as Denver’s original fall festival and features a variety of autumn-themed activities and attractions. The festival includes a pumpkin patch, live music, food trucks, a marketplace with local vendors, and opportunities to build your own scarecrow. It also features activities like tractor rides, gold panning, and a Western-themed scavenger hunt

Glow at the Gardens is an annual nighttime Halloween event at the Denver Botanic Gardens. It transforms the York Street location into an illuminated landscape with live performers, hand-carved pumpkin displays, and spooky illusions. The event features a festive atmosphere with glowing pumpkins, interactive elements, and family-friendly entertainment according to the Denver Botanic Gardens. Tickets must be purchased in advance online for a specific date and time, as they are not available for purchase at the door according to Denver Botanic Gardens. 

“Boo at the Zoo” is a Halloween Themed event, offering a festive and family-friendly atmosphere with trick-or-treating, animal encounters, and seasonal decorations. It typically includes special animal exhibits, themed treats and activities, and opportunities for costumed fun. Some attendees dress up, some do not.   It’s a separate ticketed event from regular zoo membership, tickets must be purchaed online, in advance for specific times. Events take place on select evenings in October.