September might just be the perfect month to visit Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Warm afternoons give way to crisp evenings, aspens begin turning brilliant shades of gold, and the communities of Telluride, Ouray and Ridgway fill their calendars with some of the region’s most anticipated festivals and special events.

From the internationally renowned Telluride Film Festival to the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Imogene Pass Run and Telluride Autumn Classic, September festivals in 2026 offers plenty of reasons to plan a Colorado mountain getaway.

And you don’t necessarily have to stay in the middle of busy Telluride to enjoy it all.

Located in Ridgway, Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa makes a convenient home base for exploring the San Juans, approximately 15 minutes from Ouray and 45 minutes from Telluride. After a day at a festival, guests can return to Ridgway for a soak in the hot tubs, a spa treatment or dinner and cocktails at White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar.

Here are some of the best September festivals in 2026 and events near Ridgway, Ouray and Telluride to start planning around.

Telluride Film Festival

September 4–7, 2026 | Telluride
Times: Events and screenings throughout Labor Day weekend
Tickets: Passes are required for most screenings and programs; some free programming may be available.

September begins with one of Telluride’s most famous events. The 53rd Telluride Film Festival returns September 4–7, 2026, bringing filmmakers, actors and movie lovers from around the world to this small Colorado mountain town.

Part of Telluride Film Festival’s appeal is its element of surprise. The complete program traditionally isn’t revealed until shortly before the festival, adding anticipation to a weekend filled with premieres, documentaries, classic films, filmmaker conversations and special tributes.

Labor Day weekend is also one of the busiest times of the year for lodging in Telluride. Travelers who want access to the festival while staying outside the center of the action can consider making Ridgway their home base.

Ridgway First Friday Art Walk

September 4, 2026 | Downtown Ridgway
Time: Evening
Admission: Free; no reservation required.

Staying in Ridgway over Labor Day weekend? Spend Friday evening getting acquainted with the town.

Ridgway’s First Friday celebration brings residents and visitors downtown for art, entertainment and a chance to explore local businesses. Galleries and creative spaces host special programming, making this a fun, low-key alternative—or addition—to the larger festivals happening throughout the region.

Best of all, if you’re staying at Chipeta Lodge, you’re already in Ridgway and can make an evening of exploring town before returning to the resort.

Ridgway Labor Day Parade & Ouray County Rodeo

September 7, 2026 | Ridgway
Parade: 10 a.m.
Rodeo: Noon
Admission: Parade is free; rodeo admission is ticketed.

For a taste of authentic Western Colorado, spend Labor Day in Ridgway.

The annual Ridgway Labor Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. and celebrates the people and traditions of Ouray County. Afterward, make your way to the Ouray County Fairgrounds for the Ouray County Labor Day Rodeo.

The rodeo tradition dates back more than a century and celebrates the ranching culture that remains an important part of the region. Expect classic rodeo competition, a lively crowd and a distinctly Western Colorado atmosphere.

For Chipeta Lodge guests, this is one of the easiest September events to enjoy—the action takes place right here in Ridgway.

4th Annual Colorado Outdoors Block Party

September 10, 2026 | Colorado Outdoors, 1227 Mayfly Drive, Montrose
Time: 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Admission: Free; no ticket required.

If outdoor recreation is part of the reason you’re visiting Western Colorado, make time for the 4th Annual Colorado Outdoors Block Party.

This family-friendly community celebration takes place at the Colorado Outdoors campus along the Uncompahgre River. More than 1,100 attendees are expected for an evening featuring live music, food and drink vendors, kids’ activities, outdoor recreation exhibits and local businesses.

It’s an especially fitting event for visitors who have come to the region to hike, bike, fish or otherwise explore Colorado’s outdoors.

The Block Party is free and runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Valley Symphony Pops in the Park

September 13, 2026 | Riverbottom Park, Montrose
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Admission: Free. No tickets required.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an early fall evening of live music at Riverbottom Park.

Members of the Valley Symphony Association orchestra and chorus will perform a free outdoor Pops in the Park concert featuring patriotic selections and popular favorites.

The concert runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and is free to the public, making it an easy addition to a weekend itinerary in Montrose and Ridgway.

1st Annual Montrose Book Fair

September 19, 2026 | Ute Indian Museum, Montrose
Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: Free.

Book lovers have a brand-new reason to visit Montrose this September.

The 1st Annual Montrose Book Fair brings together local authors, illustrators and independent publishers at the Ute Indian Museum. Visitors can meet regional writers and creatives while browsing works ranging from children’s and young adult books to fiction, memoirs, trail maps and Colorado history.

The event is designed to showcase the literary and artistic talent found throughout Southwest Colorado while giving readers an opportunity to meet the people behind the books.

The inaugural festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend.

Imogene Pass Run

September 12, 2026 | Ouray to Telluride
Race start: 7:30 a.m.
Registration: Required for runners; spectators do not need tickets.

The Imogene Pass Run isn’t your typical Saturday morning 5K.

This legendary 17.1-mile point-to-point mountain race starts in Ouray before climbing over 13,114-foot Imogene Pass and descending into Telluride. The route follows a rugged 4×4 road past mining ruins, jagged peaks and terrain above treeline.

It’s an unforgettable challenge for runners—and an exciting event for spectators.

Chipeta Lodge is especially well positioned for race weekend because Ridgway sits near Ouray, where the race begins. Runners can stay nearby before the early-morning start, while friends and family can enjoy the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

After 17 miles and more than 5,000 feet of climbing, returning to Chipeta Lodge for a soak or spa treatment might sound especially appealing.

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

September 18–20, 2026 | Telluride Town Park
Gates: Approximately 11:30 a.m. daily
Music: Approximately noon–9:30 p.m. daily
Tickets: Required for the main festival; some special and late-night events require separate tickets.

One of Colorado’s favorite September festivals returns September 18–20.

The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival combines three days of music with craft beverages and spectacular mountain scenery. The 2026 lineup includes headliners Jon Batiste, Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’, and Marcus King Band, along with performers spanning blues, rock, soul, funk, gospel and more.

Beyond the main stage, festival weekend traditionally includes late-night performances, comedy, morning yoga, food vendors and additional activities around town.

Tickets are required for the main festival, with single-day, multi-day and other ticket options available. Certain after-hours events may require separate admission.

Rather than ending your festival experience when the final encore is over, turn the weekend into a fall getaway. Stay in Ridgway and leave some extra time to explore the surrounding mountains before or after the festival.

Telluride Autumn Classic and Colors

September 24–27, 2026 | Telluride & Mountain Village
Times: Events throughout Thursday–Sunday
Admission: Some events are free; premium events and experiences require tickets.

Cars and Colorado fall colors make quite a combination.

The Telluride Autumn Classic returns September 24–27, celebrating automobiles, motorcycles, art and mountain culture. In 2026, Corvettes and Colors joins the Autumn Classic weekend, creating an even bigger celebration for automotive enthusiasts.

The four-day schedule includes events in downtown Telluride, Mountain Village, the Telluride Golf Course and Telluride Regional Airport.

Visitors can expect events such as the Mountaintop Concours, automotive displays, the Silverton Poker Run, Cool Cars on Colorado, fine art and special receptions.

Some activities, including portions of the Fine Arts Festival and opportunities to see cars in downtown Telluride, are free. Other experiences require advance tickets or festival passes.

Late September is also prime time to add a scenic drive to your itinerary. The roads between Ridgway, Ouray and Telluride can be spectacular as the aspens change, making the journey part of the weekend experience.

Mountains to the Desert Classic

September 26, 2026 | Ridgway, Telluride & Norwood to Gateway
Ridgway start: 7 a.m.
Telluride start: 8 a.m.
Norwood start: 8:30 a.m.
Registration: Advance registration required for cyclists.

Cyclists can finish September with an epic ride at the Mountains to the Desert Classic.

This fundraising event takes riders from the high country of the San Juans toward the red-rock landscapes surrounding Gateway, Colorado. Depending on the starting location, riders tackle approximately 73 to 110 miles.

Even better for Chipeta Lodge guests, Ridgway is one of the official starting locations, with riders departing at 7 a.m.

Spend the night before the event at Chipeta Lodge, get an early start in Ridgway and then reward those tired legs with some serious relaxation after your ride.

Country Western Hoedown

September 26, 2026 | South River Farm, Montrose
Doors: 5:30 p.m.
Event begins: 6 p.m.
Tickets: $65; advance ticket purchase required.

Celebrate the beginning of fall with an evening of Western-style fun at the Country Western Hoedown, presented by Magic Circle Players.

Held at South River Farm, the evening includes live music, line dancing, food trucks, barn tours, photo opportunities and a cash bar. Guests can even have friends playfully “arrested” and sent to the event’s jail cell—or buy a sheriff’s badge for immunity.

Tickets are currently $65 and include one meal ticket. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 6 p.m. Because this is a ticketed event, purchasing admission in advance is recommended.

Why Stay in Ridgway for Local September Festivals?

Telluride, Montrose and Ouray may host several of September’s biggest festivals, but staying in Ridgway gives travelers another way to experience the region.

Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa is approximately 15 minutes from Ouray, 35 minutes from Montrose and 45 minutes from Telluride, putting guests within reach of events throughout the San Juans while providing a retreat away from the center of the largest festival crowds.

The 35-room boutique property also gives you plenty of reasons to schedule a little downtime between events.

Guests can enjoy an outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tubs, while select accommodations feature private outdoor hot tubs. For deeper relaxation, schedule time at the full-service Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN, which offers massages, facials, body treatments and other restorative experiences.

And when you’re ready for dinner, there’s no need to head back out. White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar is located right at the resort, serving seasonal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in a relaxed mountain setting. Head upstairs to the rooftop area when weather permits to take in panoramic views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

Turn a September Festival Into a Fall Colorado Vacation

Here’s the secret to visiting the San Juans in September: don’t just come for the September festivals.

Add another day or two and experience the season itself.

Drive the San Juan Skyway, photograph the changing aspens around Dallas Divide, spend an afternoon exploring downtown Ouray, hike a trail outside Ridgway, take a scenic drive toward Telluride or simply enjoy an afternoon at the spa.

Then return to Chipeta Lodge, soak in a hot tub and watch the evening light disappear behind the mountains.

September’s combination of festivals, fall colors and cooler mountain weather makes it an exceptional time to experience Southwest Colorado.

Whether you’re coming for films, live music, classic cars, a mountain race or simply an excuse for one last adventure before winter, make Ridgway your home base and discover just how much of the San Juans you can experience in one getaway.

Ready for a September escape? Book your stay at Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa in Ridgway and put Telluride, Ouray and the best of the San Juan Mountains within reach.

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