Labor Day weekend in Colorado is shaping up to be a busy mix of sports, festivals, arts and family-friendly activities, with the Colorado Buffaloes’ first home game of the season serving as the weekend’s marquee event.
Buffs kick off the home slate and a Denver watch party is planned for those who can’t make it to Boulder. The Buffs host their season opener on Friday at Folsom Field, and a watch party is set for Number Thirty Eight in Denver, giving fans a convenient option to cheer on the team together.
What to know and where to go
Worth the trip
– Keystone Oktoberfest: River Run Village in Keystone and nearby venues join in a multi-day celebration with German-inspired food, music, and beer. Friday events run 4-6 p.m., while Saturday hours stretch from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prices vary by event, with several activities open to the public at no cost.
– Colorado State Fair: Pueblo’s state fairgrounds host a Labor Day weekend gathering with daytime and evening hours, featuring varied attractions. General admission includes adults, with scaled pricing for kids.
– Odell Oktoberfest: Fort Collins gathers at Odell Brewing starting at 11 a.m. with no cover, offering a family-friendly option for beer lovers and festival attendees.
– Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off: Memorial Park in Colorado Springs hosts a weekend-long event with launch times and activities across Saturday and Sunday, plus a Monday schedule. Attendance is free.
– Windsor Harvest Festival: Windsor’s Boardwalk Park, Eastman Park, and Main Park host a multi-site festival with early morning to evening programming. No cover.
– Estes Park Labor Day Arts & Craft Show: Bond Park, Estes Park, features a weekend of crafts, with Sunday hours continuing into Monday afternoon.
Friday highlights
– Nan Desu Kan: A Japanese culture convention in Aurora draws fans from around the region with events and programming throughout the day and into the night.
– Bright Nights: Four Mile Historic Park hosts an evening light event, offering a family-friendly stroll through a festive setup.
– Various arts, culture, and food options: from immersive Titanic exhibitions to local art openings and distinctive culinary experiences around Denver.
Fun for families and kids
– 2theXtreme: Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum offers a family-friendly outing with activities appropriate for all ages.
– Movies Around Town: Moana screenings in Clear Creek Valley Park provide an outdoor cinema experience suitable for families.
– Kids and family programs across libraries and museums feature hands-on activities and crafts designed for younger visitors.
Arts, culture and nerdy curiosities
– Titanic: An Immersive Voyage: A popular immersive exhibit in Denver provides a deep dive into history with a multi-sensory experience.
– Ink & Thread: Denver Art Museum presents textile and print-focused exhibits, alongside other gallery openings and artist talks.
– Expedition 1776: The Journey of Domínguez & Escalante at History Colorado Center adds a historical lens to the weekend lineup.
Eat and drink
– City Park Farmers Market and Cherry Creek Fresh Market return for weekend shoppers looking for fresh produce and prepared foods.
– Mediterranean and Italian-focused culinary events pop up around town, including cooking classes and pop-up experiences for food enthusiasts.
Music and nightlife
– Little Big Town at Red Rocks and Chris Lake at Red Rocks (varied pricing) offer high-profile concert options for fans of live music.
– Local venues across Denver and Aurora feature a broad mix of genres, with free and ticketed options depending on the night and act.
Sports and fitness
– Buffs vs. Georgia Tech: A prime Friday night college football matchup at Folsom Field, with a community watch option in Denver.
– Rockies vs. Cubs: Coors Field hosts an evening game, with broadcast and listening options for fans following from home or in the park.
– Colorado Rockies games and other regional matchups feature across the weekend, alongside fitness runs and family-friendly sporting events.
Labor Day Monday
– The weekend wraps with a Labor Day Parade in Louisville and other day-of activities, including family-friendly programming at libraries and parks, and a mix of concerts and cultural events.
Helpful tips for attendees
– Plan around popular events: the Buffs home game and major Red Rocks concerts can affect traffic and parking, so consider public transit or arriving early.
– Check running times and ticketing: some events are free, while others require advance registration or have tiered pricing. Always verify hours and any age restrictions ahead of time.
– Dress for outdoor events: many activities are outdoors or partially outdoors; layer for cooler evening temperatures and bring sun protection for daytime events.
– Family planning: for families, target museum days and parks with kid-specific activities, and look for library programs that run on Saturday and Sunday.
Summary
Labor Day weekend in Colorado offers a rich blend of sports, outdoor festivals, arts and culture, and family-friendly outings. The centerpiece is the Colorado Buffaloes’ first home game of the season, complemented by Oktoberfest celebrations, state fairs, immersive exhibits, and a diverse slate of concerts and community events. Whether you’re chasing a big stadium moment, a quiet museum afternoon, or a carefree festival vibe, there’s something for everyone this weekend.
Positive note
The lineup emphasizes inclusive, community-focused activities—from free outdoor markets to affordable cultural experiences—ensuring families, sports fans, food lovers, and culture seekers can all find a memorable way to celebrate the holiday together.