Fall Fun in Denver’s West Suburbs
October is one of my favorite months on the west side. The weather is usually beautiful, the leaves are changing, and there is no shortage of things to do in Golden, Applewood, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Arvada.
I pulled together some of the fall festivals, Halloween events, neighborhood activities and other fun things happening around our communities this month. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, a date night, an excuse to get outside or just somewhere to drink cider and enjoy fall in Colorado, there is plenty happening close to home.
I’ll continue adding events as I find them, so bookmark this page and check back throughout the month.
*Updated September 25, 2026
October 1–3
Colorado School of Mines Homecoming | Golden
Homecoming weekend at Colorado School of Mines includes a fall festival, bonfire, 5K, street fair, tailgating, football and other events throughout the weekend.
*Events and times vary
October 3–4
Cider Days | Lakewood
One of Lakewood's favorite fall traditions returns to Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. Cider Days celebrates the area's agricultural history with live entertainment, activities, harvest treats, cider pressing and plenty to do for the whole family.
Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
October 4
Oktoberfest at The Golden Mill | Golden
German-inspired food, live polka music and plenty of opportunities to raise a stein along Clear Creek at The Golden Mill's annual Oktoberfest.
Noon–3 p.m. | The Golden Mill
October 10
Apple Cider Day | Wheat Ridge
Celebrate fall at Wheat Ridge Historical Park with old-fashioned cider pressing, bluegrass music, historic demonstrations, games and other activities. Bring your own apples and containers if you want to take some cider home.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Wheat Ridge Historical Park
October 14
Ghouls' Night Out | Golden
Golden's Golden Hour MashUp gets a Halloween twist with costumes, live music, specials and activities at participating downtown businesses.
6–9 p.m. | Downtown Golden
October 16–18
Stories Worth Telling Festival | Golden
A weekend of short films, live music and storytelling at the Buffalo Rose in downtown Golden. This is a good one if your idea of fall fun involves something other than pumpkins.
Schedule varies by event | Buffalo Rose
October 17
Golden Cemetery Tours | Golden
Take a guided walk through Golden Cemetery while hearing stories about some of Golden's legendary characters and local history. Tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and advance registration is required.
11 a.m. & 1 p.m. | Golden Cemetery
Mines Museum Spooktacular | Golden
A free Halloween event at the Mines Museum of Earth Science with trick-or-treating, costumes, hands-on STEM activities, face painting, prizes and plenty of spooky exhibits.
2–5 p.m. | Mines Museum of Earth Science
Knock Your Boots Off Chili Cookoff & Beverage Tasting | Golden
Spend the afternoon at Parfet Park sampling chili, food and beverages while enjoying live entertainment in downtown Golden.
1–4 p.m. | Parfet Park
Cider Pressing | Lakewood
Heritage Lakewood brings out its traditional wooden cider presses for the day. Bring your own apples and containers and make fresh cider to take home. Advance reservations are required.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
October 18
Howl-o-ween at The Golden Mill | Golden
Bring your four-legged family members to The Golden Mill for an afternoon of Halloween costumes, live music and fall fun. Costumes for dogs and humans are encouraged.
Noon–3 p.m. | The Golden Mill
October 24
Haunted Trail Adventure | Lakewood
Bear Creek Lake Park gets a Halloween makeover for an evening along the Owl Trail. Expect nocturnal critters, ghostly stories, carnival games and treats, followed by marshmallows and hot chocolate around the fire. Advance registration is required.
4–7 p.m. | Bear Creek Lake Park
October 30
Trick or Treat Street | Olde Town Arvada
Kids can dress up and trick-or-treat their way through Olde Town Arvada while local businesses join in the Halloween fun.
5–7 p.m. | Olde Town Arvada
Halloween Bash at The Golden Mill | Golden
The Golden Mill wraps up October with a Friday evening Halloween party featuring a DJ, Halloween music and costumes.
5:30–8 p.m. | The Golden Mill