Is it Halloween yet?
September is one of our favorite months. The weather is turning crisper, the leaves are changing, and the holidays are just around the corner. Still, there’s a few good weeks of summer left, and we want you guys to soak it all in. That’s why we created this nifty guide to September. We’ve included cool road trip ideas, exciting new openings, and fall-only festivals you won’t want to miss. Here’s 47 spectacular things to do in (and around) Denver in September!
1. An enchanting evening awaits you at one of these Candlelight concerts
Denver’s candlelight concerts are still going strong, with a multitude of open-air and indoor concerts taking place over the autumn season. This September, there will be a few special concerts that you won’t want to miss, from a soulful tribute to Amy Winehouse to epic classic renditions of sci-fi and fantasy soundtracks that will transport you to another world. You can also sing along to classical covers from Adele and Taylor Swift taking place through the month.
2. Visit this one-of-a-kind NFT exhibit to see a new kind of art
NFTs and VR are all the rage in 2022, and these futuristic concepts have made their way to the Mile High City in this one-of-a-kind NFT exhibit. This exhibition fully immerses you into the world of NFTs with augmented reality holograms and artwork that can only be seen with a VR headset, smartphone, or tablet. If you’re not sure what an NFT is, we’ve got the full scoop here, and if you’re intrigued to learn more, don’t miss your chance to check out this cutting edge exhibit.
3. Check out one of Colorado’s best Oktoberfests in Vail
Prost to Oktoberfest season returning. This September, we’ll see the return of Vail’s annual Oktoberfest, named one of 10 greatest Oktoberfest celebrations by USA Today. Vail’s got two Oktoberfest celebrations going on in September. The 16th-18th in Vail Village and Lionshead Village from September 9th-11th. Partake in events like the Bratwurst Eating Contest, the World Keg Bowling Championship, a Stein Lifting Competition, and of course, a Costume Contest that’s determined by the audience. Each winner will get a special prize that will be revealed as we near closer to the event.
4-13 . Enjoy one of these free activities around the city
With inflation only getting steeper and rent rising, you’re probably feeling like you’ve got a bit of an empty wallet, but when it comes to ways to explore the city that are’t so steep, we’ve got you covered.
14-16. Visit one of these 2 amazing immersive museums
2022 was the year where tech, social media, and art really collided, and the temple of this intersection really belongs to the ever popular immersive museum. Where else can you combine photography, social media, and art installations? Denver’s got two really exciting options, each with their own unique spin.
- Distortions Monster World brings you up close and personal with iconic Hollywood monsters like Nosferatu and werewolves, all with gorgeous sets designed to make you a part of the art.
- If you’re looking to be immersed in nature, think butterflies, flowers, and the ocean, then you’ll love this immersive museum. Earth Illuminated: Dark Mode take you on a nocturnal adventure through the Earth’s elements, earth, sea, and sky, to come in close contact with some of our planet’s most beautiful creatures and eco-systems. And once again, don’t be shy about interacting with the museum and becoming part of the work yourself.
17. Enjoy this inaugural arts, culture, and music fest in RiNo
Get ready for a program full of art in all of its forms–street art, installations, music, and much more will rock RiNo this September from the 5th to 11th. Some of the activities require paid tickets, but most of the festival is free! Come watch muralists do their thing, listen to live music, and shop for local art, all within the RiNo district.
18. Catch an old silent film at this drive-inn set in the desert
3 hours outside of Denver and 15 miles north of Del Norte, Mark Falcone, an art collector and former chair of the Board of Directors at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, has taken on an experimental project that hopes to revitalize the culture already starting to peak. His project? To revamp the old drive-in movie theater surrounded by the Great Dunes National Park that’s been out of operation for the past four decades and turn it into an arts and culture space called Frontier Drive-Inn. It’s now open for business and you can head there to see old silent era films and contemporary ones, glamp in the desert, and vibe in a communal setting.
19. Get into the spooky season a little early at an edgy bar
Slashers Denver is the city’s premier bar for spooky trivia, horror movies, and themed speciality cocktails. Now under new management, this re-vamped horror bar has been quite popular since it’s opening, and we anticipate lines getting longer as the days get spookier. Come in and relish in spirits and ghouls, trivia nights, and spooky films. The Crypt is another new Denver bar that keeps things weird and inclusive with dark, edgy decor, and a policy that everyone is welcome. They’ve got late night kitchen with plenty of vegan options and often host music and movie events as well as charity events.
20. Catch a Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd-themed laser show at the Planetairum
These awesome light shows are finally back at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and they’ve got a great line up of sci-fi, rock, and pop tracks. Catch a light show from the ‘Stranger Things’ soundtrack or trip out to lasers dancing to Pink Floyd.
21. Attend a block party outside the streets of Meow Wolf to celebrate their anniversary
The last time we wrote this guide, Meow Wolf had just opened its doors in Denver and we couldn’t have been more excited. Now, they’ll be hosting their 1 year birthday party to celebrate. A huge block party for their “Convergiversary” will be underway. Head to their website to purchase your tickets.
22-29. Pick apples and shop for pumpkins at these nearby orchards and farms
We can hardly wait for fall and neither can these orchards, who’ve opened up either in August or are set to open in the next couple of weeks. That means corn mazes, hay rides, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and all the fall-flavored things, which we couldn’t be more excited about.
30-36. Experience skateboarding culture at one of these skate parts
If you didn’t know, skateboarding is pretty big in Colorado, so big, in fact, that people have actually moved to the state just to experience some of the country’s best parks. Although most often these world-class skateparks are in places like Telluride or Vail, that doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing options near Denver. For novices and intermediate skateboarders alike, these 6 spots are must visits for any enthusiast.
- Arvada Apex SkatePark
- Denver Downtown SkatePark
- Lafayette SkatePark
37-47. Relax at one of these gorgeous staycation spots in and near Denver
With gas prices soaring, there’s no reason why you can’t take advantage of some of the beautiful, luxurious, and interesting staycation spots our beautiful state has. From glamping to ritzy hotels to private cabins surrounded by the Rockies, we offered 10 awesome staycation ideas within Denver (or at least a few hours drive).