It’s true, Shea neighbors: With the equinox behind us, we’ve officially stepped into fall. Autumn — the season of window latching, scarf wearing, and pumpkin spice latte fame — is a time that conjures a lot of yearly rituals. Whether that’s driving into the Rockies to watch the leaves change or taking the kids door-to-door to beg candy from the neighbors, this is one of our favorite times to live in Colorado. We trust that you already know how to find all sorts of good and inexpensive trouble, so this post isn’t about those things. Instead, this list of fall markets and festivals is for all the Material Ghouls looking for a fresh find to haul back to their haunts!
Last Caw’s Were-House Art Market — October 14th and 15th
The organizers of this event say that it’s a market for “weird” artists and equally “weird” connoisseurs. What does this mean, exactly? Your guess is as good as ours, but we’re sure the Were-House Art Market has some collectors with especially peculiar taste “where-wolfing” for the location of this event.
On the fence about self-proclaimed weird art? That’s no reason not to give it a shot. If you strike out at the art market you can still shop or dine at the beautiful Stanley Marketplace, which is generously hosting WHAM — we think you can never go wrong with Annette.
16th Street Urban Market — October 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd
Continuing into October with slightly updated daylight hours, the Urban Market combines the upscale pomp of Denver’s famous 16th Street Mall with a quirky collection of talented local artisans. Swing by Wynkoop Plaza at Union Station to take advantage of the final two weekends of this year’s Urban Markets, where you’ll find everything from furniture to jewelry. Once you’re done shopping, you’ll be able to sit back with something delicious from a rotating selection of food trucks, soak up some of Denver’s famous early fall sun, and listen to live tunes by local musicians.
If at the end of the day you’re still hankering for some Halloween fun, be sure to check out Glow at the Gardens (October 17-22) at the Denver Botanic Gardens for a spooky walk through thousands of hand-carved gourds — plus unique, Halloween-themed menus at each of the Gardens’ three restaurants.
Ellson Farms Fall Festival — October 21st
Just minutes from our community, you’ll find the darling Ellson Farms near Littleton. Swing by on October 21 for treats made from the farm’s produce as well as games, goodies from local vendors, a petting zoo, and — most importantly — bagpipers. All proceeds are funneled back into caring for the rescued animals that live on the farm.
Bloody Mary Festival — October 22nd
Does a Bloody Mary Festival count as a maker’s market? Maybe not — but when a ticket gets you samples of bloodies and treats from dozens of competing Mary makers, we think this event is too much fun to leave off the list.
Anderson Farms Fall Festival — now through October 30th
If you’re willing to make the trek north to Erie, your efforts will be richly rewarded with all the fun to be found at Anderson Farms Fall Festival. Not only will you be able to hand-select pumpkins from their sprawling patch, but you’ll also encounter the pumpkin cannon, a family-friendly corn maze, pedal karts, and more. Not enough fun for ya? Maybe escape rooms or pony rides are more your speed!
Junkin Market — November 17th
Missed all the fun in October? No worries — just head east to the Junkin Market in Kiowa, CO to track down a vintage treasure that’s just the piece you need to pull the room together.
Oh, picker’s delight! With all these markets to choose from, you’re sure to up your neat knick-knack game. Whether you’ll keep these treasures above the fire in the great room or display them proudly on your front porch, you’re sure to find like-minded treasure hunters at all of Shea’s® Colorado communities. Give us a call at 866-696-7432 to jump start your move-in process today! We can’t wait to see your smiling faces.