Crystal Valley Blog

As the days grow cooler and the leaves turn golden, Colorado comes alive with fall festivals, outdoor concerts, and community celebrations. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to Oktoberfest stein-hoisting, elk bugling at sunset, and even glowing jack-o’-lantern trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Whether you’re looking for a free family concert in Castle Rock near Crystal Valley, a spirited run through scenic trails, or a cozy night under the stars with a favorite movie, these September and October events offer plenty of ways to savor autumn across the Front Range and beyond.

TONIGHT, Thursday September 25

LONE CREEK FARMS FALL FESTIVAL
Celebrate the season with a full lineup of fall fun at Lone Creek Farms! From corn mazes and pumpkin jump pads to candy cannon shows, pig races, fire truck pumpkin drops, mine cart rides, and more, this festival packs in over 20 attractions plus live shows every hour. Open Thursdays through Sundays, September 19–November 2, it’s the perfect way to make memories all autumn long.

Lone Creek Farms, 3879 N. State Hwy. 83, Franktown
10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Admission starts at $24.78

ELK BUGLING SIGHTINGS & SOUNDS
Experience the magic of autumn evenings at Cherokee Ranch & Castle, where you’ll learn about the mating rituals of elk and hear their haunting rutting calls. Enjoy panoramic castle views, brilliant fall colors, and time on the Terrace.

Guests are welcome to bring a picnic; beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are available for purchase.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $42.50

TOMORROW, Friday, September 26

CORN MAZE AT CHATFIELD FARMS
Get lost in fall fun with this year’s birds-of-prey-themed maze, featuring twists and turns inspired by eagles, falcons, and vultures. Climb a 15-foot bridge for a bird’s-eye view, or let kids under 10 enjoy the mini maze just for them. Note: October 10–12 requires a Pumpkin Festival ticket for entry.

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $20, children (3–15) $10

STROLLER SAFARI–SCUTES & SCALES IN SEPTEMBER
 Bring your little ones for a reptile-themed morning at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! Enjoy sensory activities, meet scaly friends around the zoo, and even help prepare salads for the tortoises. Perfect for families with infants and young children.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Tickets: $10.75 members, $24.75 non-members, Infants (0–12 months) free

GILLY’S PUMPKIN PATCH
Pick from thousands of pumpkins — carving, fantasy, and pie varieties — while enjoying classic fall fun. Kids can try the pedal track, archery range, face painting, and games like cornhole. Treat yourself to homemade caramel apples, hot cocoa, and caramel popcorn.

Gilly’s Pumpkin Patch, 1433 Lake Gulch Rd., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (open until dark)
Tickets: Free admission, pumpkins and treats priced individually

MAGIC OF THE JACK O’LANTERNS
Celebrate the fifth season of this dazzling event at Hudson Gardens, where more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins light up the night. Stroll the redesigned Enchanted Hollow Trail with enchanting lighting, spooky witches, and brand-new pumpkin displays.

Enjoy themed scenes featuring dinosaurs, dragons, pirates, and more, plus synchronized light shows every 30 minutes. New this year: a dance party zone, interactive Glow Pass, inflatable maze, and seasonal food and drinks — including DIY s’mores.

Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
5:30 p.m. (open select nights through November 2)
Tickets: Adults from $19.99, kids from $14.99, children 2 and under free

STERLING RANCH OKTOBERFEST
Raise a glass to fall at Sterling Ranch! Enjoy live music, stein-holding games, fresh pretzels, and more. Living the Dream Brewing will be on-site with their Oktoberfest beer on tap, making it a festive evening for the whole community.

Sterling Center, 8155 Piney River Ave., Littleton
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission, food and drinks priced individually

HOPS, HEADPHONES & HOPE–SILENT DISCO FUNDRAISER
Dance under the stars at OCC Brewing’s rooftop Oktoberfest-themed silent disco! With three DJ channels streaming to your headphones, craft brews in hand, and costumes encouraged (lederhosen or dirndls optional), it’s a night of music and community.

Proceeds benefit Food Trucks Against Homelessness, providing meals, haircuts, and hope for unhoused neighbors.

OCC Brewing, 2316 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26

THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS
It’s bagpipes. It’s rock. It’s Bagrock. Think AC/DC meets Robert Burns, where rock anthems collide with the great tunes from Scotland’s glens and mountains. This 9-piece ensemble — pipers, guitarists, keyboards, and drummers — has wowed audiences worldwide with powerhouse musicianship and a passion for pipes that will leave you breathless.

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $37

Saturday, September 27

FREE ENTRANCE AT ALL NATIONAL PARKS
Take advantage of National Public Lands Day with free entrance to every U.S. national park, monument, and historic site — including 15 locations right here in Colorado. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore a new park or revisit a favorite, all while saving on entrance fees.

All National Parks
All Day
Tickets: Free · Reservations may be required at select locations

CASTLE ROCK TRAIL FESTIVAL / LIVEBIG RUN
Challenge yourself on Castle Rock’s ridgeline trail system with a full day of races for every age and ability. From a family-friendly obstacle course to a 50K ultra, runners can take in the stunning views of Philip S. Miller Park and Ridgeline Open Space.

Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20–$95 depending on event

KIDS’ MARKETS AT COLORADO SPRINGS OKTOBERFEST
Enjoy a weekend of Oktoberfest fun at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, complete with live music, German food and beer, dancing, and the always-popular Dachshund Dash. The kids market will be open both days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., making this a family-friendly celebration.

Western Museum of Mining and Industry, 225 North Gate Blvd., Colorado Springs
Sat.–Sun., 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Parking $15 per vehicle

HARVEST DAY AT CALF’S LOWELL RANCH
Celebrate the season with this free family event at CALF’s Lowell Ranch. Explore exhibits, shop local vendors, and enjoy hands-on activities (small fees apply) that support CALF’s mission of connecting people to agriculture. Admission and parking are free, making it a perfect fall outing for all ages.

CALF’s Lowell Ranch, 2330 S. I-25, Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission, vendors and activities priced individually

CASTLE ROCK BAND FREE FAMILY CONCERT
Enjoy an autumn afternoon of live music with the Castle Rock Band at Festival Park. Bring a chair or blanket, relax under the crisp fall sky, and soak in the sounds of this free community concert.

Festival Park, 300 2nd St., Castle Rock
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

PARKER FALL FEST
Celebrate autumn in downtown Parker with family fun at O’Brien Park! Enjoy face painting, street hockey, lawn games with Sam the Scarecrow, carnival games, food trucks, and a spectacular drone show at 7:30 p.m. Adults can join in the fun too, with a beer garden and axe throwing.

O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Dr., Parker
4:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS–THE PRINCESS BRIDE
Bristol Brewing Company brings back free outdoor movie nights in the schoolyard for one more night before snow flies! Bring a chair, grab popcorn, candy, and craft beer, and enjoy a night under the stars. Kids and dogs are welcome (note: some showings may not be suitable for younger audiences).

Each feature is preceded by a short film or classic sitcom episode.

Bristol Brewing Company, 1604 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Saturday–Sunday, September 27–28

A CREATIVE MARKET & HOLISTIC EXPO
Discover “Spirituality With an Artsy Twist” at this two-day fall event, featuring crystals, jewelry, art, apparel, body care, metaphysical gifts, handcrafted ceremonial instruments, tasty treats, and more. Elevate your mind, body, and soul while shopping unique creations and exploring transformational healing products.

Douglas County Fairgrounds Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
Sat., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $7 for the weekend, kids 10 & under free

NEXT WEEK: Saturday, October 4

COLORADO SPRINGS MARATHON
Take part in the 12th Annual Colorado Springs Marathon, offering four race options — from a 5K to a full marathon — each highlighting the city’s stunning scenery and historic landmarks. All races finish downtown at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, where runners and supporters can enjoy a lively post-race celebration.

A premier, family-friendly event that sells out fast!

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs
7:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Tickets: Registration required

FALL FEST AND PUMPKIN PATCH
Kick off October with pancakes, pumpkin picking, pony rides, crafts, face painting, a bounce obstacle course, and a live animal presentation at Backcountry Base Camp. A perfect family-friendly way to celebrate the season!

Backcountry Base Camp, 6005 Ron King Trail, Highlands Ranch
8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Tickets: $25 Kid All-Access (ages 1–14, includes pumpkin & pancakes) · $7 Food Only (pancakes, sausage, drink)

CITY OF LONE TREE’S CRAFTOBERFEST
Raise a stein at Schweiger Ranch with live music, food trucks serving German and American favorites, and plenty of seasonal craft beers to sample. Play yard games, join the stein-hoisting contest, or dance along to polka tunes — it’s a fall celebration for the whole community. Free to attend; beer tasting packages available for ages 21+.

Schweiger Ranch, 10822 Havana St., Lone Tree
3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission · Beer tasting packages and vendor prices vary

GUIDED NATURE HIKES–AMAZING CORVIDS
Learn all about crows, ravens, and other clever corvids on a free guided hike through RidgeGate’s scenic bluffs trail system. Meet at Prairie Sky Park and come prepared with sturdy shoes, water, and weather-appropriate gear.

Prairie Sky Park–Willow Creek Trail, 9381 Crossington Way, Lone Tree
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free · Registration required

Sunday, October 5

CITY OF LONE TREE’S FALL FESTIVAL
Celebrate autumn at historic Schweiger Ranch with pumpkin picking, marshmallow roasting, storytelling, crafts, a petting zoo, and carriage rides (pre-registration required). Enjoy live music from Reckless Folk, plus food trucks and vendors for a full day of seasonal fun.

Schweiger Ranch, 10822 Havana St., Lone Tree
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission · Vendor prices vary · Carriage rides require registration

Crystal Valley, a Gem in Castle Rock

Autumn has arrived in Castle Rock, bringing crisp days, cozy nights, and a backdrop of brilliant fall colors. Celebrate the season with hometown festivals, outdoor concerts, and golden-hour walks along Crystal Valley’s scenic trails. Discover beautifully crafted ranch-style and two-story homes by D.R. Horton, Richmond American, and Taylor Morrison (final opportunity!) starting from the $600s — where pumpkins on the porch and everyday comfort go hand in hand.