September Is Calling:
Things to Do Around South Metro Denver

September is one of my favorite months in Colorado. The weather starts cooling down, the calendar fills up with fall events, and there’s still plenty of time to get outside before winter takes over.
If you’re looking for something to do around South Metro Denver this month, here are a few events worth putting on your calendar.

Valeria Navoni
Highlands Ranch
Curtain Call at the Mansion: An Evening of Jazz & Soul
September 17 | Highlands Ranch Mansion
The Michael Friedman Band is bringing an evening of R&B, funk, jazz and original music to the Highlands Ranch Mansion.
A nice option for a night out that feels a little different from the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine.
Clear the Clutter
September 19 | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM | 8744 Kendrick Castillo Way
This one is especially useful if your garage, basement or storage room has been waiting for some attention.
Highlands Ranch residents can bring unwanted household items to this free event, with options for waste disposal, Goodwill donations and tire recycling.
Nature Night Out
September 19 | Backcountry Wilderness Area
Spend a Saturday evening at the Backcountry Wilderness Area and enjoy the outdoors as the sun goes down.
If you’re looking for something that gets everyone out of the house without requiring a big production, this could be a good one.
Oktoberfest 5K
September 26 | 9:00 AM | Highlands Ranch Town Center
A family-friendly 5K for all ability levels, including kids, parents with strollers and dogs.
It’s also a pretty good way to earn your Oktoberfest food and drink later that day.
Oktoberfest Celebration
September 26 | 1:00–9:00 PM | Highlands Ranch Town Center
The annual Oktoberfest celebration returns with live music, food, stein-hoisting competitions, dachshund races and plenty of Bavarian-inspired fun.
The event is free and open to the public.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock Artfest
September 12 | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | Festival Park
Spend the day browsing original artwork from more than 100 artists, with live entertainment, food trucks and a Kids Zone.
Admission is free, making this an easy one to add to your weekend plans.
Parker
Parker Proud Showcase
September 12 | 1:00–3:00 PM | O’Brien Park
Ever wondered who actually does all the things that keep Parker running?
This free, family-friendly event gives you a chance to meet Town staff, learn about local services and projects, check out interactive exhibits and even get a look at some of the Town vehicles.
Parker Fall Fest
September 26 | 4:00–7:30 PM | O’Brien Park
Parker Fall Fest returns with an Artisan Market, a Children’s Entrepreneurial Market, carnival games, an inflatable corn maze, food trucks and live country music.
There will also be a drone show around 7:30 PM to wrap up the evening.
Littleton
Meet, Greet & Eat
September 16 | 4:00–6:00 PM | Charley Emley Park
A chance to meet Littleton City Council members and staff, ask questions and learn more about what’s happening around the community.
There will also be opportunities to share ideas and learn more about local projects and services.
Centennial
9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero
September 11 | 3:00 PM | Koelbel Library
Centennial is hosting a documentary screening and discussion of 9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero.
A thoughtful way to mark September 11 and take some time to reflect on the people and stories connected to that day.
Lone Tree
Arts in the Afternoon: The Beatles Piano Showcase with Chappell Kingsland
September 9 | 1:30 PM | Lone Tree Arts Center
A different take on some very familiar music.
Pianist Chappell Kingsland brings Beatles favorites to the stage in a solo piano performance, with arrangements influenced by styles ranging from ragtime and salsa to French Impressionism.
Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles
September 12 | 7:30 PM | Lone Tree Arts Center
An evening celebrating the music of Ray Charles, featuring an all-star cast including Take 6, Nnenna Freelon and Clint Holmes.
One note before you make plans: this performance is currently listed as sold out.
Fate and Future
September 18 | 7:30 PM | Lone Tree Arts Center
The Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra opens its new season with a program exploring destiny and transformation.
The performance includes music by Verdi, Beethoven, Hugo Alfvén and contemporary composer Hilary Purrington.
Englewood
Movie in the Park
September 5 | 7:00 PM | Duncan Park
Grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a movie under the stars.
The evening also includes KidStage before the movie, making this a good option for families with younger kids.
Weekend Train Rides at Belleview Park
September 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Belleview Park
If you have little ones, this is an easy September activity to keep in your back pocket.
The Englewood Farm & Train offers train rides around Belleview Park on several weekends throughout the month.
Aurora
Filipino Friday Nights
September 4, 18 & 25 | Aurora History Museum
Aurora is celebrating its Filipino community with a new series of cultural performances and programs at the Aurora History Museum.
The September programs include music, storytelling, an author talk and cultural presentations.
Event dates and details can change, so check the official event page before heading out.


