Soak in the autumnal vibes this weekend in the Mile High City while you enjoy professional sporting events, wine and beer festivals, comedy shows, fiber art sales and so much more!
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Whether you’re in the mood for hockey, chocolate and cheese pairings, one-of-a-kind fiber crafts, or a good old-fashioned singles event where friends pitch friends, you can do it all in Denver this weekend!
Denver Sketch Festival
Where? 1260 22nd Street
When? October 8th-10th
The Denver Sketch Festival offers three days of original sketch comedy at RISE Comedy. The festival brings together performers for a packed schedule of shows, featuring a mixture of local and visiting troupes. Performances will be ongoing throughout the weekend, giving audiences plenty of opportunities to check out new comedians and discover hidden gems. Whether you’re checking out a single performance or making an evening of it by enjoying several acts, the festival is easy to maneuver. The festival will wrap on Saturday with Simple Town, Rails Comedy, Fever Dream and other can’t-miss acts!
PRO Tip: Want an All Access Pass to the Denver Sketch Festival? Grab yours here.
Annual Fiber Arts Sale
Where? 3380 South Lincoln Street
When? October 8th-10th
The Annual Rocky Mountain Weavers’ Guild’s Fiber Arts Sale is returning to the Malley Recreation Center in nearby Englewood this weekend. Stop by to shop handmade textiles and unique fiber creations. The annual event features work created by guild members, including linens, rugs, pillows, scarves, and even jewelry! Shoppers can also peruse naturally dyed yarns, eco-printed pieces, handmade books and more. The show is scheduled to run from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, followed by 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday. Whether you’re an avid fiber artist yourself or simply an aficionado of the work, the sale is a great opportunity to shop directly from local craftspeople and to take home or gift something that you won’t stumble across in a typical retail store. There is no admission fee!
PRO Tip: If you’re interested in learning more about the Rocky Mountain Weavers’ Guild, check out their mission statement and how to join here.
Pitch A Friend
Where? 1800 Wazee Street, Suite 100
When? October 9th
Forget the traditional boring singles events that never seem to help develop real connections. Pitch a Friend is putting the matchmaking responsibility in the hands of those closest to you — your friends! This Friday in Denver’s Milk Market, check out this one-of-a-kind event that invites people to pitch their single friends to the audience in short, engaging presentations. Friends will get a few minutes to make their case and the audience gets to enjoy what’s sure to be a spectacle. This unique format makes for a low-pressure alternative to conventional dating events and offers a great segue into getting to know somebody new.
PRO Tip: Denver’s Milk Market offers a variety of restaurants and bars, so keep the good times rolling and grab dinner and drinks before or after Pitch A Friend. Who knows, you might even end up on a spur of the moment date this Friday!
Colorado Avalanche vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? October 10th
NHL hockey is back! Catch this early-season matchup between the Avalanche and the Maple Leafs at Ball Arena this Saturday. Puck drops at 5:00 PM, so arrive early to find your seat and check out the abundant concession offerings. Hockey fans of all backgrounds will enjoy this chance to watch two major franchises face off in the Mile High City. Whether you’re an avid Avalanche fan or you’re a Canadian rooting on the Toronto team, nothing beats the energy of a high-octane live sporting event. The arena is surrounded by restaurants, bars and additional entertainment options to keep the good times rolling before or after the game.
PRO Tip: Know before you go and check out these Ball Arena FAQs before heading to the venue on Saturday.
Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Where? 6000 Victory Way
When? October 10th
Whether you’re a longtime soccer fan or you’re just getting into the sport, DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is the place to be this weekend. The Rapids are set to take on the Earthquakes, with the match beginning at 7:30 PM. Soak in the energy of the MLS game at the Rapids’ home field and don’t skip the pregame festivities! The stadium is situated in Commerce City, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from downtown Denver. Grab your tickets and add this action-packed game to your weekend itinerary.
PRO Tip: Arrive early to secure closer parking and give yourself plenty of time to check out the food and drink options before you settle in for the match.
ONE DAY Fall Festival
Where? 1500 South Dayton Street
When? October 10th
Head over to the Colorado UpLift Community Campus this Friday in Aurora for the ONE DAY Fall Festival. This is a free, all-day community event that combines all things fitness, sports, food, music and entertainment. From 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, you’re invited to enjoy the activities taking place throughout the day. Whether you’re interested in a community run/walk in the morning or you want to check out the recovery zone with cold plunges and saunas, the ONE DAY Fall Festival has something for everyone. Throughout the afternoon hours, visitors can enjoy sports competitions, live music, food trucks and even a vendor village for a little bit of local shopping.
PRO Tip: Admission is free, with activity bands required for some indoor gym tournaments and clinics.
TheBigWonderful 80’s Wine Fest
Where? 1350 40th Street
When? October 10th
Don your best ’80s-inspired look and head over to River North for TheBigWonderful’s 80’s Wine Fest this Saturday. The festival is scheduled to run from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at NOVEL RiNo, featuring 50+ wines available to taste across two sessions. Tasting tickets are designated for either 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, so choose your ideal session when purchasing your tickets. The surrounding street festival is free to attend. Guests can also purchase bottles to take home by taking advantage of the complimentary Wine Valet service. Whether you’re eager to try new wines and explore diverse flavor profiles or you just love the vibes from the 1980s, this is a distinctly Denver way to spend your Saturday so be sure to check it out!
PRO Tip: Live music will be provided by DJ Prodigy and Ronnie Raygun & The Big Eighties to keep the retro theme alive and well.
Choctoberfest
Where? 25690 East Quincy Avenue
When? October 10th
If you’re into chocolate and cheese over bratwurst and sauerkraut, then Choctoberfest is for you. It’s like Oktoberfest, but with Chocolate & Cheese instead of beer! This Saturday at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, guests will be encouraged to sample their favorite indulgences all afternoon long. Vendors will be onsite with chocolates, cakes, cookies, fudge and other decadent sweets alongside varieties of cheesy goodness. The event will also boast live entertainment, games, and exciting chocolate-themed competitions that include a costume contest and cheese rolling! The fest is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday.
PRO Tip: Kids ages 10 and younger can take advantage of free admission. Parking is complimentary.
Great American Beer Festival
Where? 1380 West Florida Avenue
When? October 10th & 11th
The Great American Beer Festival is back and is heading outdoors for 2026. This annual celebration of American craft beer will be hosted at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion this Saturday and Sunday, with pours from a range of breweries and plenty of food truck offerings to keep you fueled. The move to the Pavilion will give this year’s festival a distinctly different atmosphere, so be sure to get in on the ground floor and partake in your favorite beverages at the new location. The Great American Beer Festival is the premier U.S. beer competition, crowning the finest beverages in over 100 beer and cider styles. In other words, you won’t leave thirsty!
PRO Tip: True beer enthusiasts may want to check out PAIRED, which is the festival’s signature beer-and-food experience that pairs independent breweries with acclaimed chefs.
The People’s Festival
Where? 17th Avenue & Utica Street
When? October 11th
The People’s Festival is a free event at Sloan’s Lake Park designed to celebrate employee ownership and locally driven economies. At the festival, attendees can learn more about employee-owned businesses, community organizations and more. There will be food vendors throughout the afternoon, so swing by, explore the vendor lineup and spend the afternoon connecting with local businesses. There will also be music and entertainment throughout the day. Don’t miss out on great conversations and awesome demos! Whether you’ve been curious about employee ownership or you just enjoy connecting with and supporting local ventures, The People’s Festival is calling you!
PRO Tip: Want more details on the food offerings? Expect local shops, co-ops, pizza, Mexican, Venezuelan, and West African bites, along with coffee, pastries and refreshing lemonade!
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Pack the family into the car and drive through the Spooky Lights Show and take a trip to Elitch Gardens for Fright Fest! Want to skip the Halloween scares? Check out the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Pumpkin Festival instead!
Spooky Light Show @ Water World
Where? 8801 North Pecos Street
When? Opens October 8th
Families of all ages will love the Spooky Light Show at Water World. This Halloween-themed light show is best enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle, so wear your comfy pajamas and bring some snacks for the drive! Visitors should plan to take an approximately 30-minute drive through the mile-long route, which will be filled with hundreds of themed displays and millions of lights synchronized to music. Along the route, families can spot illuminated Halloween characters, along with other spooky scenes designed to engage visitors of all ages. Each ticket covers an entire vehicle, so load up the family and make it a group outing! Grab a Spooky Pack, which includes a limited-edition Spooky Lights bag, LED light sticks, pumpkin necklaces and other seasonal surprises.
PRO Tip: The Spooky Light Show is a great alternative for families who want to skip the traditional haunted attractions and instead, stay cozy and comfortable in their car.
Pumpkin Festival
Where? 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road
When? October 9th-11th
Embrace the arrival of the fall season at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ annual Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms. This is a three day event running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and offering guests plenty of ways to enjoy the new season. Explore the 10-acre pumpkin patch or the Colorado-themed Corn Maze for family-friendly memories that you won’t forget! There will be entertainment and live music, as well as bingo, wagon rides and photo opportunities all included with admission. Be sure to check out the antique tractor exhibit, too! Additional activities at the Pumpkin Festival include carnival games, magic shows, inflatables, face painting and a mini maze for kids ages 10 and younger. If you plan to pick a pumpkin, bring a wagon or a sturdy set of wheels to transport your gourd!
PRO Tip: Food trucks, beer and cider vendors and local craft booths will also be available onsite for an additional cost.
Fright Fest
Where? 2000 Elitch Circle
When? Through November 1st
Get into the spooky Halloween Spirit at Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens. Families can swing by during the daytime for Fun By Day, where the park will be transformed into a playful Halloween destination with seasonal fall activities, rides and even trick-or-treating. The family-friendly programming will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, allowing little ones to enjoy the activities in Booville without feeling scared. Once the sun sets, Fright Fest will shift into a scarier Fright by Night experience for older children and their families. Fright Fest invites you to enter haunted houses and scare zones if you dare. This portion of the evening is recommended for ages 12 and up, with parental discretion advised.
PRO Tip: Families with little ones will want to visit Elitch Gardens earlier in the day to take advantage of the park’s not-so-scary activities and programming.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
Weekends in Denver are hard to beat! Enjoy all that the Mile High City has to offer and set a reminder to visit us again next week to stay up on the latest can’t-miss events in Denver!