7 Reasons to Head For The Hills This Fall
From an array of Oktoberfests to other fun mountain festivals, here's a collection of must-attend events this season
It’s not ski season in Colorado yet but that’s no reason not to head to the hills this fall. In addition to the changing leaves on mountain trees, there are festivals galore at resorts around the Rocky Mountains. Here are a few that should be on your radar.
Photo courtesy of Keystone Oktoberfest
An array of Colorado mountain-style Oktoberfest kick-off one of the state’s most colorful times of the year. The first is held in Keystone on August 31 and they wrap up near the end of September. Keystone Oktoberfest features German dancers and bands, and of course, beer and festival steins. Being the first Oktoberfest of the season, this ski village sets the bar for those to come.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest started in a parking garage and is now one of the state’s oldest and biggest celebrations of the season. September 6 through 8, there is a beer dinner, street parties, a hockey tournament and more. This is also a mountain party to remember and those who go speak of the sheer size of the event for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Breckenridge Oktoberfest
From September 13 and 14, Steamboat celebrates Oktoberwest, this ski town’s take on Oktoberfest. It’s a festival featuring more than 40 Colorado breweries alongside food specialties. This is a beer festival with an Oktoberfest twist. There’s no polka here but instead, crowds will enjoy the sounds of Nashville with the band Waker.
The much-loved-by-locals Arapaho Basin has even gotten into Oktoberfest with their first-ever high altitude celebration on September 14. Those Austrian Guys will perform and guests can take advantage of free chairlift rides to close out the summer season. In addition, Paulaner beer will be flowing as will German food.
The fourth annual Oktoberfest at Granby Ranch takes place on September 29. There will be polka music and fall-inspired food. A place well-loved by families of all generations, this is an ideal place to take in the beauty of a Colorado fall.
In addition to Oktoberfest celebrations, other fall festivals occur as well.
Photo courtesy of Telluride Ski Resort
Telluride hosts the Cars & Colors Fest September 26 through 29. Combining beautiful cars including vintage, exotic and high-end restored vehicles, and the stunning vistas offered by Telluride, the festival is a win/win for car lovers. There are even old motorcycles and airplanes for those who love anything with an engine. However, you don’t have to be a gearhead to enjoy this festival, as it is a wonderful time of year to visit Telluride.
In Cedaredge, Colorado, located in Delta County at the base of the Grand Mesa, Applefest will be celebrated October 3 through 6. In this area, there is orchard after orchard of red and green apples, so this festival makes perfect sense. Family-friendly in every way, 150 vendors come together to display the area’s abundance of art and agriculture. In addition to apples, vendors and musical entertainment, this event includes a classic car and tractor show.
