Kick off the first weekend in October with these exciting events, shows, festivals and more across the Mile High City. Explore all things odd and curious at the Colorado Convention Center or continue to enjoy city-wide Oktoberfest celebrations.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
This weekend, sip on Belgian ales or go bananas at BANANASFEST. Take Fido along for the ride to the Hike Doggie party or dig into Asian street bites at the Far East Center Mid-Autumn Festival.
Just Between Friends Denver
Where? 3001 Walnut Street
When? October 3rd-5th
Are you looking to take advantage of massive savings on everything your growing kiddo needs? Look no further than this weekend’s Just Between Friends sale in Denver. When you shop, you’ll be saving on clothes, shoes, books, toys and more. Event hours kick off on Friday and Saturday at 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, followed by a half off sale on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will also be a presale on Thursday at an all new location at The Brighton in RiNo. Parking is free.
PRO Tip: This one-stop shopping extravaganza happens twice a year, so take advantage while it lasts! Grab your free tickets here.
Hike Doggie Denver East Grand Opening Party
Where? 2501 Dallas Street
When? October 4th
Take a ride down to the Stanley Beer Hall this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and check out the Hike Doggie Denver’s grand opening party! There will be exciting raffle prizes, as well as a photo booth, pup-friendly treats and a dog-friendly patio where you can kick back and relax. Food and drinks will be available from the beer hall and there will be awesome entertainment for the whole family. Hike Doggie provides a regular hiking program for dogs, as well as a solution for pet-parents with overweight, bored, anxious and even lonely dogs to get out of the house and enjoy an adventure all on their own! Fido gets to explore the great outdoors with new friends while you knock out work deadlines and answer client emails. It’s a win-win!
PRO Tip: RSVP here if you’re interested in attending the opening party! The first 50 people to RSVP will receive a free beer.
Far East Center Mid-Autumn Festival
Where? 333 South Federal Boulevard, Unit 116
When? October 4th
Save the date this Saturday for the 5th annual Far East Center Mid-Autumn Festival. Held in the heart of Denver’s Little Saigon District, the festival will offer free, family-friendly fun with delicious Asian street food, international bites, cultural performances and more. There will even be light up lanterns for the kiddos to decorate and free live music and entertainment. The festival will be hosted from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with highlights including a pho eating contest, a traditional lion dance, a karaoke singing contest and raffle prize giveaways!
PRO Tip: Tickets are not required for this event but you can RSVP here on Eventbrite to help vendors prepare enough food and merchandise to ensure a successful celebration.
BANANASFEST 2025
Where? 2219 West 32nd Avenue
When? October 4th
Embrace all things absurd at the 2nd annual BANANASFEST this Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Presented by the Bananas Podcast and Gum Pop Presents, this is a one-of-a-kind event that you’ll have to see to believe. Get splitty in the city at 10:00 AM with Denver Beer Co. on Platte Street where you’ll join a “non-race for the untrained,” before hitting up the festival in Lower Highlands. There will be a Charlie Fromage dance contest, a dog fashion show, a live DJ, food trucks, pop-up bars, local craft vendors and so much more. Entry to the fest is free and all ages are welcome.
PRO Tip: Want to imbibe at BANANASFEST? Buy drink tokens in advance to save on your adult beverages. 3 tokens cost $20 or you can snag 5 for $30.
Belgian Brew Fest 2025
Where? 1675 West 67th Avenue
When? October 4th
If you’re into Belgian-style beers and good times, then you won’t want to skip Belgian Brew Fest at Bruz Beers this Saturday! From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, this annual festival is offering unlimited pours from handpicked breweries. Since 2017, the fest has been a celebration of Belgian brews and the Denver breweries bringing them to the Mile High City. Participating breweries include Bruz Beers, River North, Purpose Brewing Co., Primitive, Mad Macks and many more. The fest will also feature local food trucks and bands that have been specially selected to support the tasting experience.
PRO Tip: The party will continue after the festival! Bring your wristband into Bruz Beers for special sales all night long.
16th Street Grand Reopening
Where? 1001 16th Street
When? October 4th
If you’ve been anxiously awaiting the grand reopening of 16th Street, then mark your calendar for this Saturday! Exactly 43 years after its inaugural opening in 1982, the street is reopening once again after the completion of a reconstruction project. This is a momentous occasion and the project is celebrated for enhancing accessibility and infrastructure, as well as expanding amenities and “moments of joy.” Join in on the fun with an all day celebration, with highlights including live music, activations, giveaways, $16 deals and much more! The celebration kicks off at 11:00 AM with an REI scavenger hunt and a performance by Guerrilla Fanfare. There will also be college football watch parties at Skyline Beer Garden starting at 10:00 AM and running until the 5:30 PM match between Colorado and TCU.
PRO Tip: Don’t miss the 16th Street Birthday Celebration at 2:00 PM at the Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower. Sing happy birthday and enjoy a free slice of cake!
The Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Where? 700 14th Street
When? October 4th & 5th
If you’re intrigued by all things strange, unusual and downright bizarre, then The Oddities & Curiosities Expo is calling your name. This year, the expo has traveled across the country and is nearing the end of a year-long tour with stops in Denver, Seattle, Sacramento, and Tampa. The expo will be held at the Colorado Convention Center, where you’ll have a chance to check out hand selected vendors, artists and small businesses selling all things weird. Whether you’re interested in taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, handcrafted goods, spooky jewelry, collectibles or something else entirely, you’re likely to find it here!
PRO Tip: Tickets can be purchased here, starting at $12.85 for general admission including fees and taxes. There are also optional add-ons, such as entomology classes, for those who want a more hands-on experience.
Cider Days
Where? 801 South Yarrow Street
When? October 4th & 5th
Celebrate the annual Cider Days in Lakewood, where you’ll find live performances throughout the day, activities, and of course, some of the tastiest harvest treats in the city. The beloved festival has something for the entire family, including tractor pulls, vintage power displays, historic demonstrations and a variety of exhibitors and vendors waiting to meet you. Naturally, you’ll also find all things apple. Check out apple pressing or enjoy a cup of cider or a variety of apple goodies that complement the autumn weather perfectly. Remember, if you bike to Cider Days you can snag $1 off your first non-alcoholic cider! Take advantage of the free bike valet in front of the Heritage Lakewood Visitor Center.
PRO Tip: If you plan to participate in cider pressing, bring your own apples and an empty jug so you can take your cider home with you! Groups will be limited up to one 5-gallon bucket’s worth of apples.
Oktoberfest @ Call to Arms
Where? 4526 Tennyson Street
When? Through October 12th
Oktoberfest at Call to Arms Brewing is where the party is at this weekend! Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls and get ready to hoist your stein as high as it’ll go. The brewery is hosting a full month of German beer, food and festivities and you only have a couple more weekends to enjoy it. Enjoy a little piece of Bavaria in the heart of Tennyson Street, where you’ll find a beer hall tent, a biergarten, steins, brats, and plenty of fun to go around. Special events this weekend include the Wiener Dog Races on Saturday with Berkeley Animal Hospital and the German Car Show with Rocky Mountain BMW CCA on Sunday.
PRO Tip: Oktoberfest is a free event and open to all ages. Grab a brat and a pretzel and enjoy a weekend partying like the Germans!
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Spend quality time with the family this weekend in Washington Park at the SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run or watch cowboys in action at the Rodeo All-Star Weekend at the National Western Complex.
Rodeo All-Star Weekend
Where? 4655 Humboldt Street
When? October 3rd & 4th
The Rodeo All-Star Weekend is coming back to the National Western Complex. Watch as these talented athletes show off their unique set of skills across bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, team roping and other competitions. Of course, there will also be everybody’s favorite event on the docket: mutton bustin’. Friday will kick things off with the Rodeo Semi-Finals round 1 and a concert at 7:00 PM starring country music sensation Chancey Williams. Saturday will continue the fun with the second round of semi-finals at 1:00 PM on Saturday and finals at 7:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Tickets to the All-Star weekend are on sale now. Check out the schedule of events here so you don’t miss out on any of your favorites!
SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run
Where? 701 South Franklin Street
When? October 5th
Lace up for America’s sweetest run! The SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run is where fun meets chocolatey goodness this fall. Choose your challenge, with options ranging from the 5K course to a 10K and a 15K. Whatever mileage you cross the finish line with, you’ll be ready to embrace a chocolate lover’s paradise. There will be a post-race party with rich fondue, sweet surprises and great vibes. Grab your family, your friends and even your neighbors and don’t miss the chance to get in on Denver’s sweetest event of the year.
PRO Tip: Kids (and kids at heart) will love digging into a mug overflowing with chocolate fondue, as well as dippable bites and of course, the famous post-race hot chocolate!
Candy Crawl
Where? 8340 Northfield Boulevard
When? October 5th
Get the kids ready for what’s sure to be a spooktacular time at The Shops at Northfield this Sunday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. All of the little goblins and ghouls are invited to join in on this frightfully fun day of trick-or-treating festivities. Participating shops will have sweet surprises, so make sure to arrive early before your favorite candy runs out! Additional activities include music, face painting, crafts, balloon twisters, and the Curiosity Cruiser from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science! There will also be hayrides and appearances by the Colorado Rapids and more.
PRO Tip: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees are asked to refrain from wearing anything considered excessively scary.
Boo at the Zoo
Where? 2300 Steele Street
When? Through October 31st
Boo at the Zoo is a favorite amongst many area families and for good reason. This seasonal event is back and better than ever in 2025. Maximize your Halloween fun with a timed and ticketed event, which minimizes the crowds and ensures everybody has access to their favorite creatures, candy stations, seasonal snacks and more. There’s something magical around every corner, so say “trick or treat” and see what you get! Boo at the Zoo runs through the end of the month, with a sensory-friendly night on October 31st from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Additional details and amenities at this year’s event will include nine candy stations, costumed characters, animal ambassadors, festive photo ops, and an optional $5 “lil’ boo bag” with treats for kiddos ages two and under.
PRO Tip: Tickets can be purchased here! No kids but still want to enjoy the Halloween festivities at the zoo? Check out the Monster Masquerade on October 30th for ages 21 and up!
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
As always, have a safe and wonderful time this weekend! With Halloween and the holiday season just around the corner, weekends are gearing up to be busier than ever. Stay up to date on the latest events in Denver and swing by next week to see what’s new!