Helloooo, October! 🍂

The mornings are getting cooler, pumpkin patches are officially open, Halloween decorations are making their annual comeback, and somehow we’re already at that time of year when you leave the house in a sweater at 8 AM and regret it by 2 PM.

Yep. It must be October in Colorado Springs.

And honestly? There is so much happening around town this month.

From pumpkin patches and fall festivals to art walks, science events, Halloween traditions, outdoor adventures, and one very famous coffin race (yes, you read that correctly), October is packed with things to do around Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

At Progressive Property Group, we spend a lot of time talking about homes and properties, but we also love sharing what’s happening in the community around them.

So whether you’re looking for something to do this weekend, planning ahead for Halloween, or just trying to soak up as much Colorado fall as possible before the weather inevitably changes its mind, we’ve put together some of the best things happening around Colorado Springs in October 2026.

Grab your calendar. Let’s find something fun to do!

First, Can We Talk About Fall in Colorado Springs?

Colorado fall is beautiful.

It’s also approximately five minutes long.

Okay, we’re exaggerating… slightly.

October can bring gorgeous sunny afternoons, crisp mornings, changing leaves, chilly evenings, and occasionally weather that makes you wonder what month it actually is.

That’s part of the fun.

Early October may still offer opportunities to catch fall colors around the Pikes Peak Region, especially if you get outside before the season moves along. Garden of the Gods, North Cheyenne Cañon, and drives toward the mountains are all options for enjoying the scenery.

If you’re heading into higher elevations, remember that conditions can be very different from what you’re seeing in Colorado Springs.

Our October survival strategy?

Bring layers. Always bring layers.

Now let’s get to the good stuff.

Pick a Pumpkin at Venetucci Farm

When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays throughout October
Where: 5210 S. Highway 85, Colorado Springs

Few things say October quite like wandering around a farm looking for the pumpkin.

Not just any pumpkin.

The one.

Venetucci Farm has been connected to Colorado Springs’ pumpkin tradition for decades, and its annual Pumpkin Fest is back throughout October.

Visitors can explore the farm, pick out a pumpkin, play outdoor games, check out the makers market and farm store, grab seasonal treats, and get those obligatory fall photos.

Because did you even go to a pumpkin patch if there isn’t photographic evidence?

General admission is currently listed at $8 per person, with children three and under admitted free. Pumpkins are available separately.

Friday hours are generally 9:30 AM–2:00 PM, while Saturday and Sunday festivities run from 9:30 AM–4:00 PM.

If Pumpkin Fest is on your October list, check Venetucci Farm’s current schedule and ticket information before heading over.

Celebrate the Season at Rock Ledge Ranch

When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Where: Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, 3105 Gateway Road

If pumpkins, wagon rides, cider, old-time music, and a beautiful October day sound like a good combination, Rock Ledge Ranch has you covered.

The annual Harvest Festival returns October 3 with a full day of seasonal activities.

Visitors can learn about traditional cider-making, explore historic homes, take a wagon ride, visit the blacksmith, play festival games, pick out a pumpkin, browse Ranch-made goods, and grab something to eat from participating food vendors.

And yes, there will be pie and cider.

That feels like important information.

Rock Ledge Ranch is located right next to Garden of the Gods, so if the weather cooperates, you can easily add a walk or scenic drive to your plans while you’re already in the area.

Admission varies by ticket category, so check the Ranch’s current event information before attending.

Get Curious at the Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival

When: October 3–18, 2026
Where: Various locations throughout the Pikes Peak Region

Okay, science people this one’s for you.

Actually, even if you don’t consider yourself a science person, this one is pretty cool.

The Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival returns for more than two weeks of events celebrating science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

The festivities kick off with Cool Science Carnival Day at UCCS on October 3 from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Think rockets. Robots. Telescopes. Slime. Live animals. Virtual reality. Laboratory demonstrations. Engineering activities.

And liquid nitrogen.

Basically, a whole lot of opportunities to say, “Wait…how does THAT work?”

Programming continues at participating locations throughout the region through October 18. Some activities are free, while others may require registration, so take a peek at the official schedule before making plans.

October Is Arts Month!

Here’s something you may not know: October is Arts Month in the Pikes Peak Region.

All month long, artists, galleries, theaters, museums, musicians, restaurants, and cultural organizations come together for events and programming throughout the area.

And there is a LOT happening.

The month is broken into four themed weeks:

October 1–10: Visual & Culinary Arts
October 11–17: Theater & Film
October 18–24: Poetry, Prose & Comedy
October 25–31: Music & Dance

First Friday is also a great time to see what’s happening at participating galleries and creative spaces around Colorado Springs.

One thing we love about Arts Month is that it gives you an excuse to try something you might not normally put on your calendar.

A gallery you’ve never visited?

Go inside.

A local performance you’ve never heard of?

Check it out.

A workshop where you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing?

Even better.

You might accidentally discover a new favorite.

Fall Fun Fest at First & Main

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Where: 3305 Cinema Point, Colorado Springs
Admission: FREE

Free fall fun?

We’re listening.

Fall Fun Fest at First & Main returns October 10 with an afternoon full of seasonal activities.

Current plans include pumpkin painting, a pumpkin patch, face painting, balloon creations, climbing walls, games, an inflatable obstacle course, entertainment, and character appearances.

Costumes are encouraged, too.

Admission and scheduled activities are currently listed as free, making this an easy event to add to the October calendar.

Spend an October Evening at Flying W Ranch

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 5:00–9:00 PM
Where: 3330 Chuckwagon Road, Colorado Springs

If you’d rather spend your Saturday evening surrounded by pumpkins and Western Colorado scenery, Flying W Ranch is getting into the fall spirit too.

The Ranch’s Fall Fest combines seasonal activities with its Chuckwagon Dinner Show.

The evening includes fall decorations, hundreds of pumpkins, a caramel apple station, seasonal dessert, access to the petting zoo, and a performance by the Flying W Wranglers.

Guests can even take a pumpkin home at the end of the evening.

Honestly, leaving an event carrying a pumpkin feels like the correct way to end an October night.

Tickets and availability vary, so check with Flying W Ranch before attending.

Barks & Boos Fall Fest

When: Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Where: 6540 Vincent Drive, Colorado Springs
Admission: FREE

We obviously couldn’t make an October events list and leave out the dogs.

Barks & Boos Fall Fest returns October 18, and yes dog costumes are involved.

The event includes a Halloween pup parade, costume contest, pumpkin maze, games, enrichment activities, fall photo opportunities, vendors, food trucks, treats, and giveaways.

There is even bobbing for hot dogs.

We’re not sure who came up with that activity, but they understood the assignment.

Current event information says well-mannered, leashed dogs are welcome.

If your dog already owns a Halloween costume, this may be their moment.

 Okay…Let’s Talk Halloween

Once we hit the second half of October, Colorado Springs starts leaning fully into spooky season.

And there are some pretty memorable traditions around here.

Boo at the Zoo

When: October 16, 17, 23–25, 30 & 31, 2026
Time: 4:00–8:30 PM
Where: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Costumes?

Check.

Halloween treats?

Check.

Giraffes?

Also check.

Boo at the Zoo returns to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for select evenings throughout October.

Visitors can explore the zoo after hours, wear costumes, participate in Halloween activities, and trick-or-treat at designated stations throughout the event.

Timed tickets are required, and current event information notes that walk-up tickets aren’t available.

This is also one of those October events where planning ahead pays off. Popular dates can fill up, especially as Halloween gets closer.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Where: Downtown Manitou Springs
Admission: FREE

Okay.

If you’ve never experienced this particular Pikes Peak Region tradition, we need to explain.

Every October, people gather in Manitou Springs to watch teams race decorated coffins down Manitou Avenue.

And somehow, that’s still not the weirdest sentence we’ve ever written.

The Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival are inspired by the local story of Emma Crawford and have become one of the area’s most recognizable October traditions.

Teams create elaborate coffin-like racing carts, dress in costume, place an “Emma” inside, and race toward the finish line while crowds line the street.

The creativity alone is worth seeing.

Current event information lists coffin staging and activities beginning in the morning, followed by the parade at noon and the races afterward.

And because this is Manitou Springs during one of its biggest events of the year, do yourself a favor and check parking, shuttle, road closure, and transportation information ahead of time.

Future you will appreciate it.

Pumpkins in the Park

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 12:00–6:00 PM
Where: Bancroft Park, Old Colorado City
Admission: FREE

Apparently October 24 decided it wanted to be booked and busy.

Pumpkins in the Park is also happening that Saturday at Bancroft Park in Old Colorado City.

The event includes live music, pumpkin painting, fall crafts, vendors, a harvest market, face painting, balloon art, cider, hot chocolate, and other seasonal activities.

While you’re there, you can also explore the restaurants, galleries, shops, and businesses located along and around West Colorado Avenue.

Oktoberfest, Anyone?

October wouldn’t be complete without at least a little Oktoberfest energy.

Several businesses and attractions around the region are hosting seasonal celebrations during the month.

On October 3, Cerberus Brewing Company is scheduled to host an Oktoberfest celebration featuring Bavarian-inspired food, seasonal brews, costume competitions, and stein-holding festivities.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is also continuing its Oktoberfest Train through October 31, combining a trip through the Royal Gorge with seasonal food and drink offerings.

If alcohol is part of your plans, arrange transportation ahead of time and enjoy responsibly.

No Tickets? No Problem.

Here’s the other great thing about October in Colorado Springs:

You don’t actually need an event to make a day out of it.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the season without buying a ticket or putting anything on the calendar.

Take a Drive Through Garden of the Gods

Yes, you’ve probably seen it before.

Go anyway.

There’s something different about Garden of the Gods when the temperatures cool down and the seasons begin changing.

Take a scenic drive, stop at an overlook, walk one of the designated trails, or visit the Visitor & Nature Center.

Explore North Cheyenne Cañon

October’s cooler temperatures can make it a great time to explore North Cheyenne Cañon.

If you’re heading out for a hike, check trail and weather conditions first and remember that temperatures can drop quickly as elevation increases.

Wander Through Old Colorado City

No festival required.

Grab a coffee, walk along Colorado Avenue, browse the shops and galleries, stop somewhere for lunch, and see what’s happening around Bancroft Park.

Sometimes an unplanned afternoon is the best kind.

Spend an Afternoon Downtown

Downtown Colorado Springs has museums, public art, coffee shops, restaurants, shops, and cultural organizations to explore throughout the year.

With Arts Month happening throughout October, there’s even more reason to check the calendar and see what’s going on.

Take a Fall Drive

And finally…

Get in the car and drive.

Fall color timing changes every year, and higher elevations typically change earlier than Colorado Springs. Early October may still offer opportunities to catch some of the season around the Pikes Peak Region.

Before heading farther into the mountains, check current weather, road conditions, and seasonal closures.

Colorado weather loves surprises.

We prefer the fun kind.

📅 Save the Dates: October 2026 at a Glance

Here’s the quick version for your calendar:

October 2 — First Friday + Arts Month events

October 3 — Rock Ledge Ranch Harvest Festival

October 3 — Cool Science Carnival Day at UCCS

October 3–18 — Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival

October 10 — Fall Fun Fest at First & Main

October 10 — Fall Fest at Flying W Ranch

October 18 — Barks & Boos Fall Fest

October 16, 17, 23–25, 30 & 31 — Boo at the Zoo

October 24 — Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival

October 24 — Pumpkins in the Park

October 30 — Progressive Property Group Trunk or Treat

Throughout October — Pumpkin Fest at Venetucci Farm

Throughout October — Arts Month events throughout the Pikes Peak Region

Whew.

October really said, “Hope you didn’t have plans.”

🏡 There’s Always Something Happening Around Colorado Springs

One of our favorite parts about putting together these local guides is realizing just how much is happening around us.

Some events have been Colorado Springs traditions for decades. Others are newer additions to the calendar. And sometimes the best plan is simply grabbing a coffee and getting outside while the leaves are changing.

At Progressive Property Group, we’re proud to work throughout the Colorado Springs area, and we want our blog to be useful for more than just property updates.

We want this to be a place where residents, rental property owners, and anyone interested in what’s happening locally can find helpful information and resources about the community we all share.

And if you’re currently looking for a rental, you can always browse our current available properties for up-to-date information about availability, pricing, amenities, and application requirements.

Property owners can also learn more about Progressive Property Group’s property management services and connect with our team directly.

But for now?

Go enjoy October.

Pick a pumpkin. Drink the cider. Take way too many fall pictures. Put your dog in a ridiculous costume. Go see the coffin races at least once.

And keep the jacket in the car.

You’ll probably need it. 🍂

Happy October, Colorado Springs!

Event details, dates, times, prices, ticket availability, and programming are subject to change. Please confirm current information directly with individual event organizers before attending. Progressive Property Group provides community and location information for general informational purposes only. References to events, businesses, attractions, amenities, or geographic areas are not intended to express a preference, recommendation, or representation regarding housing or prospective residents.

Progressive Property Group is committed to compliance with the Fair Housing Act and all state and federal fair housing laws. We do business in accordance with equal housing opportunity