September in Morgan County cannot quite decide whether it is still summer or already fall, and that turns out to be the best of both. The lake is still warm enough for one more long weekend. The nights turn dark early enough for telescopes. Downtown fills with classic cars, the park fills with mariachi and folkloric dancers, and by the last Saturday of the month the pumpkin patch is open. Here is what is worth putting on the calendar.

One More Lake Weekend: Labor Day at Jackson Lake, September 4 to 7

Swimmers, kayaks and beach chairs along the sandy shoreline at Jackson Lake State Park

Labor Day weekend is the last big one of the season, and Jackson Lake State Park sits about 80 miles northeast of Denver with plenty of room to spread out. Boating, swimming off the sandy shoreline, camping, fishing, and shoreline trails for when you want a break from the water.

Then stay up. Jackson Lake is a certified International Dark Sky Park, which means that once the sun goes down out here, the Milky Way does the work for you. Bring a red flashlight, give your eyes twenty minutes to adjust, and look up.

Two Ways to Spend Saturday, September 12

Handmade soaps, jams and small business goods displayed at a Simply Stated market booth

The Simply Stated Autumn Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Block in Fort Morgan, held alongside The Block Farmers Market so you get both in one stop. Simply Stated Bath and Body hosts this market quarterly, and the fall edition brings 20 to 30 small businesses indoors and out: handmade goods, boutique shopping, jams and baked goods, local makers and artists, plus the produce and pantry finds the farmers market is known for. Free to attend, family friendly, and worth arriving early for the best selection.

Two people seated beside a telescope under a deep blue night sky at Jackson Lake State Park

Then come back after dark. The Star Party at Jackson Lake runs from 8:30 to 11 p.m. that same night, when the Northern Colorado Astro Society sets up telescopes at North View Campground and points them at stars, planets, and galaxies all evening. Walk up or drive up. It is free with a valid parks pass, and the members are happy to tell you what you are looking at. Bring a red light and dress warmer than you think you need to.

Chrome, Horsepower, and a Poker Run: Fall Harvest Car Show, September 18 to 20

A cherry red hot rod parked along a tree lined street in downtown Fort Morgan

Downtown Fort Morgan fills up with more than 300 classic and vintage cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles for the Fall Harvest Car Show. Three days of it, with cruise nights Friday and Saturday, live music, door prizes, and a Sunday morning poker run to close things out. It is free and family friendly, and it is one of the best fall weekends on the Morgan County calendar. Walk the rows, talk to the owners, and grab lunch downtown while you are at it.

Saturday, September 26: A Chili Cook-Off, Music in the Park, and a Ride Under the Corn Moon

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheddar next to a red chili pepper

Start the day at the lake. Jackson Lake State Park hosts its 16th Annual Dutch Oven and Chili Cook-Off at the north end of Lakeside Campground, and spectators are more than welcome. Cowboy coffee gets brewed over an open fire first thing in the morning, and tasters get a cup and a ballot so they can vote for a people’s choice winner. Judging for chili, main dishes, sides, breads, desserts, wild game, and youth chefs starts at 12:30 p.m., with awards at 4. It is free with park entry, so come hungry and bring your own chair.

Folkloric dancers in traditional dress performing at the Glenn Miller Park bandshell in Fort Morgan

Back in Fort Morgan, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration takes over Glenn Miller Park in Fort Morgan from noon to 10 p.m. The Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce hosts this one, now in its second year and formerly known as the Chamber Charreada, and the schedule stays full from the first hour to the last.

The day opens with a flag ceremony at noon and Mariachi Tradicional de Mexico at 12:30. A salsa tasting runs from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and everyone gets to vote, with the winner announced at 3:10. In between there are folkloric dancers from the Netkli Folkloric Dance Group, a fashion show of traditional dress at 2:15, loteria at 5, and a grito contest at 7:30. Live music carries the evening and closes with Los Amos De La Sierra at 8. The beer garden is open from 1 to 10 p.m. Everyone is welcome to wear their cultural attire.

Bicycles and helmets lining the wall inside the Bicycle Adventure shop in Fort Morgan

Later that same night, Bicycle Adventure closes out the month with the Corn Moon Night Ride. Every ride they run is no drop, and someone is always there to help and encourage, so riders of any level are welcome. Meeting times and starting points vary, so stop by the shop at 319 Main Street in Fort Morgan or call 970-743-3400 and ask for Matilda or Richard.

Fall Opens for Business: Pope Farms September 26, Brush Oktoberfest October 3

A tractor pulling the cow train past tall corn at Pope Farms near Wiggins

Pope Farms Corn Maize and Pumpkin Patch outside Wiggins opens its 2026 season on September 26 and runs through November 1. Saturdays are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closing at 8 p.m. in September, and Sundays are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pick your own pumpkins, wander the flower fields, take a hayride, and turn everyone loose on the zipline, the jumping pillow, the cow train, and the pumpkin cannons. Food, drinks, and live music on site, with fire pits once the sun goes down.

Crowds and vendor tents filling a downtown street during Brush Oktoberfest

Then on the first Saturday of October, downtown Brush turns into a full day of food, music, and shopping for Brush Oktoberfest, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Food trucks and food tents, local vendors, craft and retail shopping, and live music. Brush has been putting this one on since 1982, so they have had some practice.

Have an Event of Your Own?

Hosting something this fall? Help us spread the word. Add your event to the Morgan County calendar and reach the visitors and locals looking for their next thing to do.

September is the month to squeeze in one more lake day and still make it to the pumpkin patch. Pick a few favorites, bring someone along, and we will see you out there.