October is finally here and with it comes cooler temps, changing leaves, and that perfect fall energy. This week, we're highlighting everything from wellness sanctuaries to spooky season kickoffs. Inside: a beautiful love story behind Denver's most unique wellness spot, your can't-miss fall activities guide, weekend events worth your time, and the local buzz you need to know about.

Let's dive in.

Fall in Denver hits different. The aspens turn gold, the air gets crisp, and suddenly every weekend feels like an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you're into pumpkin patches, scenic drives, or cozy mountain escapes, we've rounded up seven fall activities that capture everything magical about this season.

From apple picking in the foothills to brewery tours with mountain views, these aren't your typical tourist traps, they're the spots locals actually go to celebrate autumn.

Insider tip: Go early in October before the crowds descend, and always bring layers. Colorado weather changes quicker than a LoDo brewery rotates its seasonal taps.

👉 Get the full list → 303pulse.com/7-fun-fall-activities-in-denver

When Franz and Lan met across continents, they never imagined their love story would lead to creating Denver's most distinctive wellness experience. Their journey—from Vienna's coffeehouses to Vietnam's healing traditions to a cozy Denver sanctuary—is one of passion, resilience, and the belief that wellness should feel like coming home.

What started as a dream to blend Eastern and Western wellness practices has become a refuge for Denverites seeking authentic healing and connection. Their space offers everything from traditional Vietnamese therapies to modern wellness techniques, all delivered with the kind of warmth that only comes from people who've built something from the heart.

Why we love it: This isn't just another spa, it's a testament to what happens when love, culture, and community intersect.

👉 Read the full story → 303Pulse.com/wellness-sanctuary

Here are the standout events for the first week of October:

Bert Kreischer: Permission To Party
Wednesday, Oct 1 | 7:00 PM | Red Rocks Amphitheatre
One of the top-grossing comics in the business returns to his favorite venue. Laugh until your sides hurt under the stars at what Bert himself calls his "Madison Square Garden."

Ricky Velez
Oct 2–4 | Comedy Works Downtown
Strong voice and killer storytelling from one of comedy's rising stars. VIP tickets get you priority seating in the first six rows—worth the upgrade if you want to catch every facial expression.

First Friday Art Walk
Friday, Oct 3 | 5:30–9:30 PM | Santa Fe Arts District
Hundreds of artists, open galleries, and electric street energy along the Santa Fe Dr. corridor. This is Denver's art scene at its most alive. Insider tip: Start at the north end around 6 PM and work your way south (less crowded that way).

áyA Con
Oct 3–5 | Various Venues
Colorado's Indigenous comic and art festival empowering Indigenous and marginalized artists while fostering cultural reconnection. Culturally important, creatively inspiring, and unlike anything else happening this weekend.

Colorado Ballet: Dracula
Oct 3–12 | Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Season opener with nine performances, your perfect spooky-season culture fix. Ballet + vampires = surprisingly awesome date night.

13th Floor Haunted House
Select nights (Fri–Sun this weekend) | Denver
Nationally ranked as one of the scariest haunts in the country. Timed tickets are strongly advised, this place sells out. Warning: Not for the faint of heart.

Chase & Status @ Project 70 – Under The Bridge
Saturday, Oct 4 | Under I-70 Bridge
UK drum & bass legends bring their bass-heavy sound to Denver's most unique venue with special guest PEEKABOO. If you've never experienced live music literally under a bridge, now's your chance.

Bright Nights at Four Mile (FINAL DAYS)
Through Sunday, Oct 5 | Four Mile Historic Park
Last chance to stroll through larger-than-life glowing lantern installations across 12 acres. After 10 weeks, this magical display wraps up Sunday. Don't miss it.

Young the Giant w/ Saint Motel & Jade Bird
Tuesday, Oct 7 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Indie anthems echoing off the rocks. Young the Giant's anthemic sound plus Saint Motel's energy and Jade Bird's vocals = one of the season's best lineup combinations.

📌 Try This: Make Friday night epic hit First Friday Art Walk at 6 PM, grab dinner in the Art District, then catch the 13th Floor Haunted House if you're feeling brave.

Here's what caught our attention in Denver this week:

1. Alma Fonda Fina Named #45 on North America's 50 Best Restaurants Chef Johnny Curiel's tiny LoHi spot, a 36-seat, 933 sq ft space without a hood, just landed among culinary giants. Less than a year after opening, it earned a Michelin star, and the Curiels have stayed true to their vision instead of hiking prices.

💡 Takeaway: Denver's food scene is world-class. Pro tip: Alma often takes walk-ins if you show up early.

2. Denver Fashion Week Fall 2025: Massive Lineup Announced Seven runway shows, new themes, and flexible payment options (Afterpay/Klarna) for VIP tickets. The sustainable fashion show kicks things off.

💡 Why it matters: DFW is Colorado's largest fashion event, get your tickets before first-row seats sell out.

3. 27+ New Restaurants Opened in September Notable additions include Moon Raccoon Baking Company, Outside Pizza, Starbird Chicken and Harbor Dim Sum. Federal Boulevard saw major action with Da Lat, MR Patron, and DGO Cocina Cantina.

💡 Local angle: While 13 restaurants closed, openings far outpaced closures—a sign of resilience in Denver's food scene.

4. Denver's Favorite Coffee Places, Iconic and Newer Spots In celebration of International Coffee Day (Oct 1), 303 Magazine curated a guide highlighting both long-standing classics and trendy newcomers like Coffee Sarap, Scr3am & Sugar, and Hello Darling.

💡 Try this: Check out the off-menu "fall whisperer" latte at Roam Coffee Lab in Congress Park.

5. Denver Pavilions Sold to City Development Authority "Many of us have memories of the Denver Pavilions, whether it was your high school prom dinner, whether it was a first date at the movies" the downtown landmark changes hands with redevelopment plans ahead.

💡 What's next: Keep an eye on this space, downtown Denver is evolving.

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