Fall marks a big change to the agricultural growing season, but before you give in to the gourds, celebrate Colorado’s rich soils that produce seemingly endless varieties of apples. Lucky for locals, several festivals do just that.
Here are three fall events from the Front Range to the Western Slope where you can indulge in locally-made cider and more apple-tastic fun.
Cedaredge Applefest
Date: Oct. 4-6
Location: Cedaredge Town Park, 350-398 SW 2nd Ave. in Cedaredge
Price: Free
The fruits of the Western Slope’s Surface Creek Valley will be on display – literally – during the 47th annual Applefest in Cedaredge. Expect art and craft vendors, live music, and producers selling their locally grown apples on a promenade called Apple Lane. There are also friendly competitions to enjoy throughout the weekend, from a 5K run and golf tournament to a Miss Applefest Pinup contest, a Beard and Mustache battle, and a chili cookoff. Find more information at cedaredgeapplefest.com.
Lakewood Cider Days
Date: Oct. 5-6
Location: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, 801 S. Yarrow St. in Lakewood
Price: $10 in advance for adults or $15 at the door; $8 for kids
Lakewood pays tribute to its agricultural heritage with a weekend of family-friendly fun. Activities include tractor rides, line dancing, live music, magic shows, bee-keeping demonstrations and much more. Apples and cider play starring roles in the food selection as well as in events like cider pressing and an apple pie eating contest. Find tickets and more information at lakewood.org/ciderdays.
Big B’s Cider Fest
Date: Oct. 11-13
Location: Big B’s Delicious Orchards, 39126 Hwy 133 in Hotchkiss
Price: Free
Celebrate the season at a working orchard and campground on the Western Slope. In addition to live music each day, Big B’s Cider Fest features kid-friendly activities, a cider tasting, flea market and more. Perhaps the best way to experience all the fun is by camping amidst the trees that supply fruit for house-made cider, both hard and non-alcoholic. The festival is free to attend, while camping carries a fee. Find more information at bigbs.com/live-music.
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