6 things to do in Colorado in September

By:
Aug. 15, 2023
woman dancing for Hispanic Heritage Month which starts September 15 in Colorado.
Hispanic Heritage Month starts mid-September and is a time to appreciate and celebrate the culture’s rich history and diversity. Photo: Getty Images.

Break out your sweater and pumpkin spice latte because fall is almost here! Foliage, festivals and cozy-yet-mild weather are just a few reasons why this season is universally loved. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking scenery, engaging outdoor activities or a taste of Colorado’s cultural scene, September is a wonderful time to experience all that Colorado has to offer.

Here are some ideas for things to do in Colorado this September:

Sept. 1-30: See the first fall colors

In a survey, 41% of U.S. adults said fall was their favorite season. Photo by Matt Inden, courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office.
In a survey, 41% of U.S. adults said fall was their favorite season. Photo by Matt Inden, courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office.

The start of fall means the start of leaf peeping, especially at higher elevations. In the mountains, leaves can begin to turn golden yellow, orange and red as soon as late August, making September a great time to get out for a hike or scenic drive, especially with temperatures remaining mild.

Sept. 1-30: Pitch a tent and fire up the s’mores

The first s’more recipe appeared in a campfire cookbook in the early 1920s. Photo: Getty Images.
The first s’more recipe appeared in a campfire cookbook in the early 1920s. Photo: Getty Images.

Despite what you may think, September can offer some of the best camping of the year in Colorado. The summer crowds have thinned, those annoying bugs have all but disappeared and the fall colors make the Colorado landscape even more beautiful than usual.

Sept. 4: Start your Labor Day holiday with a walk, jog or run.

Did you know that routine running has been linked to improved cognitive function and brain health? Engaging in aerobic exercises such as running increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance cognitive abilities such as memory. Photo by Chris Loyd, courtesy of Colorado Runner Events.
Photo by Chris Loyd, courtesy of Colorado Runner Events.

Did you know that routine running has been linked to improved cognitive function and brain health? Engaging in aerobic exercises such as running increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance cognitive abilities such as memory.

The Labor Day Half Marathon offers a 5K, 10K and a half marathon race for everyone who wants to get some activity in during the holiday weekend. You’ll receive a medal at the finish line as well as join a party-like atmosphere with food and lots of vendors. The race starts in Salisbury Park in Parker, and registration is now open.

Sept. 8-10: Immerse yourself in Celtic culture

Don’t miss the highland cattle at the Scottish-Irish Highland Festival this year. Highland cattle are a rustic and rather fluffy breed of cattle built to withstand the weather elements of its Scottish homeland. Photo by Getty Images.
Don’t miss the highland cattle at the Scottish-Irish Highland Festival this year. Highland cattle are a rustic and rather fluffy breed of cattle built to withstand the weather elements of its Scottish homeland. Photo: Getty Images.

I bet you didn’t know that Estes Park, Colorado is the Celtic capital of North America. The city hosts the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival each year, which is the largest festival of its kind in the country. The event includes Scottish athletics, Celtic music, live performances and spectacular dog exhibitions such as agility and dog herding.

Sept. 16-17: Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month at the Colorado Springs Fiestas Patrias

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 an homage to their cultural history. Photo by Moni Hernandez.
Photo by Moni Hernandez, courtesy of Fiestas Patrias.

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 an homage to their cultural history.

This two-day family-friendly festival in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs brings people from diverse Hispanic origins together to create a cultural fusion. This event has live music, dancing, Mexican wrestling, vendor booths and plenty of good food.

Sept. 22-24: Experience the spiciest fall festival

The locally grown Pueblo chile is the most famous chile of our region, attracting chile aficionados’ attention from around the world. Photo by Denise Chambers, courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office.
Photo by Denise Chambers, courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office.

The locally grown Pueblo chile is the most famous chile of our region, attracting chile aficionados’ attention from around the world.

The Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival features live entertainment, street vendors, cooking competitions and chile peppers as far as the eye can see! Try this green chile recipe that packs a nutritional punch.

 

To do in Colorado

About the author

Megan Jansson is a Social Media Communication Strategist at UCHealth with a passion for all things health. She worked as a certified personal trainer for many years, earned her bachelor’s degree in strategic advertising at the University of Colorado Boulder and earned her master’s degree in public health at Colorado State University. Always having a big passion for writing, she’s written numerous articles and stories for Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Public Health.