Colorado Springs Fall and Halloween Festival Guide for Families — October 2026

October is two weeks away, and Colorado Springs has a genuinely strong lineup of fall and Halloween events for families this year. Whether you're planning a weekend pumpkin patch run, looking for something to do on Halloween weekend, or hunting for that one uniquely Colorado fall experience you can't find anywhere else, there's something here for you.

Here's what's coming up, sorted by date.

Venetucci Farm Pumpkin Fest (Oct 2–31)

Venetucci Farm is one of those Colorado Springs fall traditions that genuinely earns its reputation. The Pumpkin Fest runs from October 2 through 31, with hours varying by day: Fridays from 9:30 AM to 2 PM, and Saturdays through Sundays from 9:30 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $8; children under three get in free.

The farm's pumpkin selection is the main draw, but the experience — working farm, mountain views, the feel of an actual Colorado fall morning — is what keeps families coming back year after year. It's a simple outing that holds up for every age. Bring cash, dress in layers, and get there early on Saturdays if you want a parking spot without a long walk.

Miners' Pumpkin Patch at WMMI (October Saturdays)

The Western Museum of Mining and Industry runs its Miners' Pumpkin Patch every Saturday in October from 9 AM to 4 PM. Online tickets are $13 per person and include access to the pumpkin patch activities plus the museum grounds — a good deal if you've got kids who are into mining history or just want more to do after the pumpkins.

The museum is located in northern Colorado Springs and works well as a standalone outing or a pairing with other Briargate-area activities. Buy tickets online in advance to avoid the gate line, especially on mid-October Saturdays.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races — October 24, Manitou Springs

If you've never been to the Emma Crawford Coffin Races, this is the year to go. It's free to watch and it's one of the most authentically Colorado Halloween experiences in the region. Teams build coffins, load in a passenger, and race them down Manitou Avenue. The event draws hundreds of participants and spectators every year, costumes are encouraged, and the whole thing is exactly as chaotic and fun as it sounds.

The races are held on October 24 in downtown Manitou Springs. Plan to arrive early for parking — Manitou fills up fast on event days. The event is free for spectators, family-friendly despite the Halloween theme, and worth the trip even if you're not from the Manitou area.

Old Colorado City Fall Celebration — October 24, Noon to 6 PM

On the same day as the Coffin Races, Old Colorado City hosts its annual Fall Celebration from noon to 6 PM. Admission is free. The event features live music, pumpkin painting, cider and hot chocolate, crafts, and local vendors along the historic strip.

It pairs naturally with a Manitou visit if you want to make a full day of it — the two locations are a short drive apart on the west side of Colorado Springs. Old Colorado City's event tends to be lower-key than the Coffin Races, which makes it a good option for families with younger kids who want fall festival energy without the crowd intensity of Manitou on race day.

Movies Under the Mountains: Hocus Pocus at Briargate (Date TBA)

The Promenade Shops at Briargate is hosting a Movies Under the Mountains outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus this fall. The exact date hasn't been announced yet, but it's a tradition the shopping center runs annually and it's worth following their social channels for updates. Past screenings have been free to attend and family-friendly, with on-site food and drink options available from the center's restaurants and tenants.

What's Next

October 2 is when things kick off in earnest — that's the first weekend of Venetucci's Pumpkin Fest and the Miners' Pumpkin Patch. If you're planning a Saturday visit to either, buy tickets online in advance and check the weather forecast, since Colorado fall mornings can shift quickly.

COS Parenting will update this guide as additional fall events are announced and as the Hocus Pocus screening date is confirmed. Check back through October for any additions to the lineup.