September in Colorado is a spectacular time to explore the state.
The mornings are crisp, golden aspens sweep across mountain valleys and the calendar is packed with unique festivals and cultural experiences.
The weather is often perfect, so it’s an ideal time to explore Colorado. Whether you venture into the mountains to enjoy breathtaking scenery or make the most of urban happenings, September in Colorado will not disappoint.
Here are ideas to get you started.
September 11-13: Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park, Colorado
I bet you didn’t know that Estes Park, Colorado, becomes the Celtic capital of North America each September. The city hosts the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival each year, the largest festival of its kind in the country. And it’s celebrating its 50th year. The event includes Scottish athletics, Celtic music, live performances and spectacular dog exhibitions, including agility and herding. This event does require a festival ticket, and you’ll want to leave your pet at home.
Sept. 12 and 13: Fiestas Patrias in Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado
On Sept. 16, 1810, Mexico won its independence from Spain, and Fiestas Patrias (Patriotic Festival) became a national holiday in Mexico. Millions of people attend annual Fiestas Patrias events across the U.S. as homage to their cultural history.
This year, there are two dates, two cities and one amazing, family-friendly festival. On Sept. 12, join in the celebration at the Colorado Springs Flea Market; Sept. 13, the celebration moves to the Mile High Flea Market in Denver.
Both events bring people from diverse Hispanic origins together to create a cultural fusion. This event has live music, dancing, Mexican wrestling, vendor booths and plenty of delicious food. This event is free.
Sept. 13: Honey Festival w/ Honeybee Hustle in Loveland, Colorado
The Honey Festival brings a sweet celebration of bees to the City of Loveland Famers Market on Sept. 13. Visitors can browse honey vendors, shop for beeswax and bee-themed products, enjoy lots of samples and partake in family-friendly activities.
Hosted at Fairgrounds Park, the festival focuses on the important role of honeybees while offering plenty of opportunities to taste, shop and have fun.
The festival also features the Honeybee Hustle, a unique running challenge hosted by Sweetheart City Racing, starting at 9 a.m. Participants can run or walk as many laps as possible on a 0.8-mile loop during the 90-minute challenge, with awards for categories such as the fastest lap, most laps and best bee costume. There is a mini bee hustle for children 10 and younger that is 30 minutes. Enjoy live music, the famers market and honey-themed treats at the finish line.
This festival is free.
Sept. 18-20: Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival in Pueblo, Colorado
Every September, the streets of Pueblo come alive in celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage, especially its world-famous Pueblo Chile peppers.
The weekend is full of fun and flavor. As the aroma of fresh roasted chiles wafts through the air, festivalgoers can enjoy live entertainment, cooking competitions and street vendors. There are also a Chili and Salsa Showdown, and you can watch as brave souls compete in the Jalapeno Eating Contest. The Pueblo celebration is a spice-lovers’ dream festival that also offers a vibrant cultural experience. This event is free.
Sept. 19: LevelUp Longmont Esports Tournament and Festival in Longmont, Colorado
In its second year, this esports event welcomes all ages for a day of friendly competition, creativity and community at the Longmont Museum.
Attendees can watch the Street Fighter 6 tournament, happening live in the Stewart Auditorium, or enjoy tabletop games, outdoor activities, racing simulators and complete their own Quest Log, a bingo-style activity where participants earn points to redeem for prizes.
Among many challenges and attractions, you can test your skills in a claw machine competition, jam out and demo video game cover music with Airship Overdrive, experience a racing simulator, or play a level in the original Super Mario Bros game on Nintendo. Outside, people can clear a “The Floor is Lava” obstacle course, compete in “The Amazing Race,” and play in the Brawhalla pickup tournament. There’s also a dedicated festival area where trading card, board game and tabletop enthusiasts can play and connect.
There also will be food trucks, vendors and a dedicated chill-out zone.
LevelUp Longmont is hosted by the Longmont Public Library and the Friends of the Longmont Library in partnership with NextLight, the Longmont Museum and Longmont Public Media. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Longmont Museum and is free to attend.
Sept. 25-26: La Junta Tarantula Fest – La Junta, Colorado
Timed to coincide with the annual tarantula mating season on the Comanche National Grasslands, attending the La Junta Tarantula Fest is a fascinating experience.
Researchers once thought that the clusters of tarantulas skittering across the grasslands near La Junta were migrating. But it turns out that the frenzied annual activity is actually an elaborate mating ritual. The male tarantulas journey across the 443,000-plus acres of the national grasslands to find a mate, according to experts in La Junta.
The festival in downtown La Junta offers a mixture of science, art and community fun. Visitors can enjoy guided tarantula bus tours, a parade, art shows, vendors and educational talks from experts. There is even a “hairy leg” contest. This event is free.