8 Mountain Town Festivals Worth the Trip This Fall
Crisp mornings. Golden aspens. The smell of bratwurst and the sound of live music echoing off the mountains. Fall in the Rockies isn’t just a season, it’s a celebration. From Oktoberfest revelry to bluegrass beneath golden leaves, mountain towns throw unforgettable festivals each autumn.
Whether you're into craft brews, acoustic jams, or biking through fall foliage, there's a festival calling your name, and Christy Sports is here to gear you up for every crisp, colorful moment.
Vail Oktoberfest
🗓️ September 5–7 & 12–14, 2025
Bavarian flair meets Colorado charm in this two-weekend celebration. Think stein-lifting contests, keg bowling, traditional German fare, and vibrant live music, all set against the golden backdrop of the Gore Range.
Festival Tip: Catch the bratwurst-eating contest between bike rides. Don’t forget layers like the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie, a favorite for its breathable fabric and anti-odor tech when cool evenings roll in quickly.
Mt. Crested Butte Chili & Beer Festival
🗓️ September 6, 2025
Spice, hops, and high-altitude vibes. This one-day festival serves up unlimited chili and craft beverage tastings, live bluegrass, and mountain views at the base of Crested Butte Resort. Expect bold flavors, local brews, and a laid-back crowd.
Festival Tip: Pace yourself. Between spicy chili and craft pours, it’s easy to overdo it. Sip water between tastings, eat some chili before diving into the beer tent, and take breaks to enjoy the live music and mountain views. And if you’re staying late, take advantage of the free RTA shuttle for a safe (and scenic) ride back.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
🗓️ September 12–14, 2025
One of Colorado’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations, Breckenridge brings polka, pretzels, and Paulaner beer to the high country. With traditional food, dancing, and kids’ activities, this family-friendly fest packs the street with joy.
Festival Tip: Sturdy shoes are a must for trail to town exploring.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
🗓️ September 12-14, 2025
This iconic mountain festival blends world-class blues, funk, and rock with over 170 craft brews. Held in a box canyon surrounded by changing aspens, it’s a feast for the senses.
Festival Tip: Dress in layers, nights get chilly at 8,750 feet. The Stio Hylas Hooded Pullover is soft, stretchy, and perfect for layering in crisp conditions.
Crested Butte Film Festival
🗓️ September 24-28, 2025
Set at 9,000 feet and timed with peak fall color, the Crested Butte Film Festival is a cozy, high-elevation escape for film lovers and adventure seekers alike. Founded in 2011, this community-driven festival brings bold, conversation-starting films from around the world to Colorado’s most scenic mountain town.
Festival Tip: Rent a bike. At 9,000 feet, Crested Butte runs on pedal power. Many attendees ride between film venues, restaurants, and events. It’s the best way to take in the fall colors and beat the traffic. Don’t forget a cozy jacket for crisp mountain evenings.
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest
🗓️ October 3–5, 2025
Live music, artisan markets, a kid-friendly bounce zone, and local food and drinks, Boulder’s Fall Fest is a perfect kickoff to October. Surrounded by hiking and biking trails, it’s an ideal city-meets-outdoors experience.
Festival Tip: Bring the kids, free bounce houses and face painting make it a hit for families. Pack the Topo Designs Mini Shoulder Bag with daily items and accessories, the perfect over-the-shoulder bag.
Telluride Horror Show
🗓️ October 10-12, 2025
Colorado’s first and largest horror film fest features thrillers, dark comedies, and suspense films in one of the most scenic small towns in the country.
Festival Tip: Stay central so you can walk from theater to trail.
Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival
🗓️ October 3-5, 2025
Sip and savor with small-batch distillers, cocktail workshops, and mountain-town vibes. A mix of outdoor excursions and educational events makes this a refined-yet-rugged fall favorite.
Festival Tip: Plan ahead, this one sells out quickly. Book lodging and gear rentals early.
Fall Layers, Hydration, and Outdoor Comfort
Whether you’re heading to a mountain-town music fest or a pumpkin patch with the kids, Christy Sports has the layers, packs, and gear to keep you comfortable from sunrise to the last sunset.
🍂 Lightweight Layers for Changing Temps: Layer up without overheating. Grab breathable, quick-drying options made for active fall days.
🎒 Hydration Packs & Backpacks: Carry the essentials, and stay hydrated, without slowing down.
👜 Daypacks & Crossbody Bags: Sleek, compact styles that keep your hands free and your essentials close.
🌦 Weather-Ready Outerwear: Stay cozy and dry when the weather turns, without sacrificing packability. The Helly Hansen Loke Jacket is designed to withstand the elements, whether you’re out on a hike or walking in the city.
🧦 Festival-Ready Footwear & Socks: Supportive, durable, and built for long days on your feet.
Celebrate Fall with Christy Sports
The fall festival season in mountain towns is more than just events, it’s an invitation to step outside, soak in the season, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re riding singletrack before a bluegrass set or sipping cider under golden trees, Christy Sports is your partner in fall adventure.
Visit your local Christy Sports store or explore ChristySports.com to get geared up for every moment. Rentals, outerwear, footwear, or just solid advice, we’re here to make your fall unforgettable.
OUTSIDE IS BETTER.
Last Updated: August 21, 2025
8 Mountain Town Festivals Worth the Trip This Fall
Crisp mornings. Golden aspens. The smell of bratwurst and the sound of live music echoing off the mountains. Fall in the Rockies isn’t just a season, it’s a celebration. From Oktoberfest revelry to bluegrass beneath golden leaves, mountain towns throw unforgettable festivals each autumn.
Whether you're into craft brews, acoustic jams, or biking through fall foliage, there's a festival calling your name, and Christy Sports is here to gear you up for every crisp, colorful moment.
Vail Oktoberfest
🗓️ September 5–7 & 12–14, 2025
Bavarian flair meets Colorado charm in this two-weekend celebration. Think stein-lifting contests, keg bowling, traditional German fare, and vibrant live music, all set against the golden backdrop of the Gore Range.
Festival Tip: Catch the bratwurst-eating contest between bike rides. Don’t forget layers like the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie, a favorite for its breathable fabric and anti-odor tech when cool evenings roll in quickly.
Mt. Crested Butte Chili & Beer Festival
🗓️ September 6, 2025
Spice, hops, and high-altitude vibes. This one-day festival serves up unlimited chili and craft beverage tastings, live bluegrass, and mountain views at the base of Crested Butte Resort. Expect bold flavors, local brews, and a laid-back crowd.
Festival Tip: Pace yourself. Between spicy chili and craft pours, it’s easy to overdo it. Sip water between tastings, eat some chili before diving into the beer tent, and take breaks to enjoy the live music and mountain views. And if you’re staying late, take advantage of the free RTA shuttle for a safe (and scenic) ride back.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
🗓️ September 12–14, 2025
One of Colorado’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations, Breckenridge brings polka, pretzels, and Paulaner beer to the high country. With traditional food, dancing, and kids’ activities, this family-friendly fest packs the street with joy.
Festival Tip: Sturdy shoes are a must for trail to town exploring.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
🗓️ September 12-14, 2025
This iconic mountain festival blends world-class blues, funk, and rock with over 170 craft brews. Held in a box canyon surrounded by changing aspens, it’s a feast for the senses.
Festival Tip: Dress in layers, nights get chilly at 8,750 feet. The Stio Hylas Hooded Pullover is soft, stretchy, and perfect for layering in crisp conditions.
Crested Butte Film Festival
🗓️ September 24-28, 2025
Set at 9,000 feet and timed with peak fall color, the Crested Butte Film Festival is a cozy, high-elevation escape for film lovers and adventure seekers alike. Founded in 2011, this community-driven festival brings bold, conversation-starting films from around the world to Colorado’s most scenic mountain town.
Festival Tip: Rent a bike. At 9,000 feet, Crested Butte runs on pedal power. Many attendees ride between film venues, restaurants, and events. It’s the best way to take in the fall colors and beat the traffic. Don’t forget a cozy jacket for crisp mountain evenings.
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest
🗓️ October 3–5, 2025
Live music, artisan markets, a kid-friendly bounce zone, and local food and drinks, Boulder’s Fall Fest is a perfect kickoff to October. Surrounded by hiking and biking trails, it’s an ideal city-meets-outdoors experience.
Festival Tip: Bring the kids, free bounce houses and face painting make it a hit for families. Pack the Topo Designs Mini Shoulder Bag with daily items and accessories, the perfect over-the-shoulder bag.
Telluride Horror Show
🗓️ October 10-12, 2025
Colorado’s first and largest horror film fest features thrillers, dark comedies, and suspense films in one of the most scenic small towns in the country.
Festival Tip: Stay central so you can walk from theater to trail.
Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival
🗓️ October 3-5, 2025
Sip and savor with small-batch distillers, cocktail workshops, and mountain-town vibes. A mix of outdoor excursions and educational events makes this a refined-yet-rugged fall favorite.
Festival Tip: Plan ahead, this one sells out quickly. Book lodging and gear rentals early.
Fall Layers, Hydration, and Outdoor Comfort
Whether you’re heading to a mountain-town music fest or a pumpkin patch with the kids, Christy Sports has the layers, packs, and gear to keep you comfortable from sunrise to the last sunset.
🍂 Lightweight Layers for Changing Temps: Layer up without overheating. Grab breathable, quick-drying options made for active fall days.
🎒 Hydration Packs & Backpacks: Carry the essentials, and stay hydrated, without slowing down.
👜 Daypacks & Crossbody Bags: Sleek, compact styles that keep your hands free and your essentials close.
🌦 Weather-Ready Outerwear: Stay cozy and dry when the weather turns, without sacrificing packability. The Helly Hansen Loke Jacket is designed to withstand the elements, whether you’re out on a hike or walking in the city.
🧦 Festival-Ready Footwear & Socks: Supportive, durable, and built for long days on your feet.
Celebrate Fall with Christy Sports
The fall festival season in mountain towns is more than just events, it’s an invitation to step outside, soak in the season, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re riding singletrack before a bluegrass set or sipping cider under golden trees, Christy Sports is your partner in fall adventure.
Visit your local Christy Sports store or explore ChristySports.com to get geared up for every moment. Rentals, outerwear, footwear, or just solid advice, we’re here to make your fall unforgettable.
OUTSIDE IS BETTER.
Last Updated: August 21, 2025
