9 popular fall events you don’t want to miss in Southern Colorado this year

Get ready for an unforgettable fall in Southern Colorado.

From breathtaking fall colors to memorable family fun and unique festivals, these activities are perfect for enjoying all that autumn has to offer.

Check out some of the most well-known fall events happening in and around Colorado Springs:

Click on the event name for more information and to purchase tickets.

When: Sept. 20-22

Where: Along Union Avenue

The Chile & Frijoles Festival highlights Pueblo’s rich agricultural community. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, street vendors, cooking competitions and of course the star of the show — freshly roasted Pueblo chiles. Head to Historic Downtown Pueblo for this three-day festival.

When: Oct. 4-31

Where: 100 Cave of the Winds Road

Head to Cave of the Winds this fall for a spooky adventure. As you venture into the cave with only a handheld lantern, you will hear eerie ghost stories and learn the true history of Cave of the Winds. The tour lasts two hours and begins at 6 p.m.

When: Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 and 25

Where: 517 Manitou Avenue

This family-friendly seasonal tour tells the stories of historic Manitou figures through performance. The Manitou Springs Heritage Center has teamed up with THEATREdART to present the tours, which last about an hour and start at the Heritage Center.

When: Oct. 5, 9 a.m.

Where: Penrose Park, 401 Park Place

Penrose’s Apple Day is a long-standing tradition for the town, and this year’s celebration is themed “Appily Ever After.” Apple Day activities include a parade, cake walk, yard games, truck show, local pageant and evening fireworks.

When: Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Rock Ledge Ranch, 3105 Gateway Road

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Garden of the Gods, the Harvest Festival at Rock Ledge Ranch promises a fun-filled day with wagon rides, a pumpkin patch and food vendors.

When: Oct. 18-20, 25-27, 31

Where: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road

Boo at the Zoo is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s fall extravaganza featuring a haunted house, a spooky graveyard, a lighted pumpkin patch and trick-or-treat stations throughout. Select animal exhibits will be open including African Rift Valley, African lions and the Australia Walkabout.

When: Oct. 19, 12-4 p.m.

Where: Old Colorado City, 2408 West Colorado Avenue

Visit Old Colorado City for a festive fall celebration for all ages at Bancroft Park. The festival will feature a pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, balloon animals, face painting and fall crafts. Also enjoy live entertainment from The PEAK School of Dance and Grizzly Gopher Band.

When: Oct. 19, 4-7:30 p.m.

Where: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, 4218 County Road 3A

This is the 10th year of Boo at the Bridge at the Royal Gorge, where the kiddos can trick-or-treat on the suspension bridge and also participate in a costume contest. Local businesses and nonprofits will hand out candy. In addition, the Cloudscraper Zip Line and Royal Rush Skycoaster will be open if weather permits. 

When: Oct. 26, 12-5 p.m.

Where: 900 Manitou Avenue

The Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce started the first ever coffin races in the country in 1995. The event has become a favorite fall tradition, being copied around the nation. The coffin races in Manitou Springs begin after the parade at 12 p.m. If you would like to participate in the coffin races, visit here. Applications are due Oct. 19.