🤐 What CO politicians are keeping secret

🎺 Jazz Club Preservation Push Hits a Snag

The current owners of the old El Chapultepec in LoDo put together a redesign plan back in June, and preservationists at Historic Denver were on board with the proposed renovations. The Lower Downtown Design Review Commission, however, has rejected the design, criticizing the proposed rooftop terrace and abundance of glass. [Westword]

🍎 DPS Accused of ‘Union Busting’

After Denver Public Schools administrators gave a one-time 2% raise to hundreds of veteran teachers in August, the head of the teachers union accused them of trying to “sow discontent.” DPS and the union are now in the middle of increasingly contentious negotiations over how big of a raise all teachers will receive for the 2024-25 school year. [Denver Post 🔒]

🤐 What’s With All the Secrecy in CO Politics?

During the special legislative session last month, one Democratic lawmaker called out Gov. Jared Polis for making backroom deals. Meanwhile, GOP leaders have been barring the press from leadership votes. Is this recent lack of transparency something voters should worry about? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Autumn is almost in full swing, and that means pumpkins and corn fields and leaf-peeping galore. Seasonal markets, festivals, and pop-ups are getting ready for their big debut. Take notes and order your tickets, here’s how to plan an epically fun fall.

🌽 Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches

You might not be picking out your jack o’ lanterns just yet, but ‘tis the season for hayrides and fall photoshoots.

Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms | Sept. 20-Oct. 27

This 7-acre corn field in Littleton sports a “Colorado wildlife” concept, complete with special themed surprises throughout the maze for an hour of twisty-turny family fun.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival | Oct. 12-13

The Four Mile Historic Park brings autumn to life with quintessential fall fun, like building your own scarecrow, tractor rides, and pumpkin painting.

Glow at the Gardens | Oct. 22-27

This larger-than-life jack o’ lantern showcase at the Denver Botanic Gardens features hundreds of intricately hand-carved pumpkins like you’ve never seen before. (Pro-tip: Act quick because tickets for this one sell out fast.)

Also Check Out:

• Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns | Sept. 20-Nov. 2 | Hudson Gardens
• Maize in the City | Sept. 21-Oct. 31 | 10451 McKay Road (Thornton)
• Pumpkin Festival | Oct. 11-13 | Chatfield Farms

(Psst! Here are even more things to do this month👇)

🍂 Fall Festivals & Markets

Bust out your sweaters and scarves and soak up those autumn vibes at these family-friendly festivals to welcome the season.

Agriculture Festival | Sept. 14

Celebrate the season of agriculture at the Plains Conservation Center with wagon rides, farm animals, and sustainable eating education.

Mid-Autumn Festival | Sept. 21

This annual night market at the Far East Center honors the cultural significance of this time of year in Asian communities and is celebrated with lantern making, moon cake eating, K-pop dance battles, and other cultural traditions.

Also Check Out:

• Downtown Boulder Fall Fest | Sept.13-15 | Pearl Street Mall
• Fall Plant and Bulb Sale | Sept. 27-28 | Denver Botanic Gardens
• Fall Horseshoe Market | Sept. 28 | Regis University
• Estes Park Elk Fest | Sept. 28-29 | Estes Park
• Prairie Harvest Fest | Oct. 5 | High Prairie Park
• Fall Flannel Fest | Oct. 22 | Dairy Block
  

🥧 Seasonal Bites and Sips

Chili, cider, cocoa, and pumpkin spice everything — YES, PLEASE.

Pumpkin Spice Liqueur Release Week | Sept. 18-20

Ironton Distillery says, “embrace your inner basic b*tch,” with three days of events and specials to celebrate the release of its Pumpkin Spice Liqueur 💅

Denver Oktoberfest | Sept. 20-22, 28-29

Warm up your stein-welding arm and dust off your lederhosen, it’s Oktoberfest time. For two weekends in September, downtown Denver will come alive with Barvarian pretzels, keg bowling, and weiner dog races.

Also Check Out:

• Fall Beer Dinners | Sept. 16, 23, Oct. 1 | Denver Beer Co.
• Chile & Frijoles Festival | Sept. 20-22 | Pueblo
• Cider Days | Oct.5 | Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
• Choctoberfest | Oct. 12 | Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
• Chili Cook-Off | Oct. 19 | Golden
• Grilled Cheese & Mac Festival | Nov. 9 | RiNo Art Park