Two Fall Events for Colorado Springs Families: Gather Mountain Blooms Oktoberfest and the Coffin Races

October is filling up fast in Colorado Springs, and two events are worth putting on your family calendar now — one this coming weekend, and one later in the month that's become a genuine regional tradition.

Gather Mountain Blooms Oktoberfest — October 3–4

This Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4, Gather Mountain Blooms at 5210 S. U.S. Hwy 85-87 is hosting its Oktoberfest, running 10 AM to 6 PM both days. General admission is $8; children three and under are free. There's also a $40 ticket that includes a limited-edition beer stein — aimed at the adults in your group.

The day has a lot going on for families: flower fields and pumpkin picking in the harvest season setting, hayrides, kids games, an artisan makers market, local food trucks, and a biergarten featuring local craft beers and authentic German food. Gather Mountain Blooms operates on the former Venetucci Farm — one of the most scenic event venues in the area — and fall is one of the best times to visit.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races — October 24 in Manitou Springs

The 32nd Annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races are set for Saturday, October 24 on Manitou Avenue in downtown Manitou Springs — and after some uncertainty earlier this year, the event is confirmed to go forward.

The format: teams of five, one person dressed as "Emma Crawford" riding inside a decorated coffin while four teammates race it down Manitou Avenue in full costume. The event draws roughly 10,000 people and is one of the most distinctly Colorado experiences on the fall calendar. Kids love it — the spectacle of decorated coffins racing down a mountain town main street, surrounded by costumes and crowds, is something they'll talk about for years.

Spectating is free. Team entry costs $100, with registration by midnight on October 22 at Visit Manitou Springs, 354 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs CO 80829.

For context: the Gazette reported in spring 2026 that the event was potentially at risk due to a dispute over security costs. The Manitou Springs City Council resolved it on June 9, approving a plan with 25 officers and a new Manitou Event Ambassador volunteer program launching at this year's race. The event is fully on.

More at manitousprings.org and eventeny.com.

Planning October in Colorado Springs

Both events land during a stretch of October when Colorado weather is typically excellent — lows in the 40s at night, highs in the 60s and low 70s during the day. Outdoor events in this window are generally reliable, though mountain weather can shift quickly at the Coffin Races venue. Layers are always a good call in Manitou.

Colorado Springs has no shortage of October events — the Cool Science Festival, Halloween at the zoo, Harvest on the Plains, and more are all happening throughout the month. These two are worth putting on the calendar now before they slip by.

What's Next

Gather Mountain Blooms Oktoberfest: this Saturday and Sunday, October 3–4, 10 AM–6 PM, at 5210 S. U.S. Hwy 85-87. Tickets and info at gathermountainblooms.com. Emma Crawford Coffin Races: Saturday October 24, Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs. Spectating is free. Team registration by midnight October 22 at Visit Manitou Springs or eventeny.com. Full COS fall event listings at visitcos.com.