September Splendor in Gunnison - Crested Butte

22nd Annual The People’s Fair, September 4 - 5
The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend marks the return of The People’s Fair in downtown Crested Butte.  Hundreds of locals and visitors will stroll Elk Avenue on Sept. 4 and 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take in this homespun cultural experience and to soak in the last of the high-country summer.  The People’s Fair features an eclectic mix of booths showcasing regional arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, and preserved foods from local gardens as well as live music, a tasty fair food, and nonprofit organization booths selling books, CDs, baked goods and more.  The festival coincides with the annual Labor Day Sidewalk Sale on Elk Avenue, making the day a shopper’s delight! 

Since 1988, The People’s Fair has been made possible by the volunteer efforts of the artist members of The Paragon Gallery, a cooperatively owned arts and crafts gallery in downtown Crested Butte, located at 132 Elk Ave.  For more information, contact The Paragon Gallery at (970) 349-6484.

Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off, September 11 
Get into the spirit of autumn with Mt. Crested Butte's Annual Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off held on Sept. 11 at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) ski area.  Heat up by sampling great chili prepared by area cook-off contestants from noon - 2 p.m., and then cool off with beers poured from noon - 4 p.m. by several microbreweries.  Admission to the festival costs $25 per person and includes unlimited beer samples, souvenir festival glass, chili samples, and two live bands including the Otis Taylor Band.  For more information and to enter the chili cook-off, contact the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at (970) 349-6438 or visit http://www.cbchamber.com/.  

In the morning, CBMR will be holding the first-ever Gravity Slave chainless downhill stage race, featuring three runs on three different courses in the ski area's Evolution Bike Park.  The lowest cumulative time wins.  Registration for the Gravity Slave is from 8 - 9 a.m. on the 9380 deck (Elevation Hotel) at the ski base, followed by practice from 9 - 10:45 a.m. and racing from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.  The registration fee is $40 and includes admission to the festival.  Call (970) 349-2217 for more information.

Gunnison Cowboys High School Rodeo, Sept. 11 - 12
See some of the best high school competitors in the state will take part in this Colorado High School Rodeo Association rodeo at the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center in Gunnison.  Look for barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, pole bending, goat tying and much more, with the action starting at 9 a.m. on Sept. 11 and 8 a.m. on Sept. 12. For more information, call John Messner at (970) 901-6215.

34th Annual Pearl Pass Mountain Bike Tour, Crested Butte to Aspen, Sept. 11 – 12
This oldest mountain bike event in the world runs from Crested Butte to Aspen via Pearl Pass.  In 1976, the first group of 15 or 20 cyclists from the Butte rode one-speed town bikes over the 12,705-foot Pearl Pass to Aspen in response to a group of Aspenites riding their motorcycles over Pearl Pass and parking them in downtown Crested Butte.  The Crested Butte rowdies pulled up in downtown Aspen in front of the historic Hotel Jerome.  By the early 1980s, the expert ride had grown and become a weeklong event known as Fat Tire Bike Week.  Today, Fat Tire Bike Week is held in June and the Pearl Pass Mountain Bike Tour is in September to honor the origins of mountain biking in Crested Butte.  For information, call (970) 349-6817 or visit http://www.mtnbikehalloffame.com/.

Wooden Nickel Fall Golf Classic, Club at Crested Butte, Sept. 12 - 13
This annual golf outing favorite for teams of four benefits the junior hockey program in the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley.  Day one is a four-person scramble and day two is a modified best ball.  The cost is $225 per person and includes cart and green fees for 36 holes of golf, trophies and prizes, complimentary beverages and range balls.  For information and registration, call Eric at (970) 349-6350.

25th Annual Vinotok Fall Harvest Festival, Sept. 13 – 18
The autumn equinox, a time of balance between day and night, heralds in the celebration of Vinotok in Crested Butte, Colo.  Meaning “fall wine festival” in Slovenian, Vinotok culminates on Sept. 18 after several days of celebrating and commemorates the bounty of the summer harvest and gathering of the community before the long winter ahead. It is a time of village feasting, of forgetting the woes of yesterday and honoring traditional Eastern European roots.  In the midst of the 25th annual celebration, from Sept. 13 – 18, is a colorful array of medieval characters, a street theatre performance, storytelling, Liar’s Night, a community potluck and music.  For more information about Vinotok, contact festival organizers Denise Reinert at (970) 209-9661 or Theresa Henry at (219) 308-6122.

Cow Pasture Golf Tournament Presented by Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy, Sept. 18
You’ll never forget these nine holes of “golf” with a horse, your feet or a 4-wheeler as a caddy.  The rough is rough in cow pasture golf, but the fun more than makes up for it!  To see photos from last year and for more information, visit http://www.gunnisonlegacy.org/ or call (970) 641-4386.

6th Annual Crested Butte to Gunnison MountainAir Marathon & Half-Marathon, Sept. 19
This popular race features a downhill course complemented by amazing fall colors and majestic mountain scenery.  The marathon begins one mile south of Crested Butte at 7:30 a.m. and winds through 26.2 miles of the picturesque Gunnison Valley before ending at Western State College’s Mountaineer Bowl in Gunnison.  The route is certified by USA Track and Field.

The half marathon course begins at 9 a.m. one mile south of Almont and ends at Western State College.  There also will be pre- and post-race activities for runners and their families and friends.  Proceeds benefit the college’s track and field programs.  Registration costs are $65 for the MountainAir Marathon and $35 for the half-marathon until Sept. 1.  After Sept. 1, the costs increase to $75 and $45.  For more information or to register, contact Colorado Fitness in Gunnison at (970) 641-3375 and visit http://www.runmountainairmarathon.com/.

“Moon Over Buffalo” by Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, Mallardi Cabaret Theatre, Sept. 23 – 26, 30 & Oct. 1 - 3
In this comedy, George and Charlotte Hay have unwillingly come to the twilight of their theatrical career.  Currently their touring repertory company is performing "Cyrano De Bergerac" and "Private Lives" in an obscure theatre in Buffalo.  When they get the news that famous director, Frank Capra, is coming to give George Hay one final shot at stardom, confusion and the hilarity begins.  The original Broadway production starred Carol Burnett as Charlotte Hay. To order tickets, call (970) 349-0366. Also visit http://cbmt.weebly.com/. 

"The Way I See It" Matchstick Productions' Latest Ski Movie, CB Center for the Arts, Sept. 24
Crested Butte-based Matchstick Productions will present its 20^th feature-length movie in its hometown as part of a 200-stop world tour.  "The Way I See It" was shot on location in Alaska, Japan, British Columbia, Colorado, Switzerland, and many other locations worldwide in high-definitionand features Mark Abma, Sean Pettit, Eric Hjorleifson, Henrik Windstedt, Bobby Brown, Colby West, James Heim, Richard Permin, Cody Townsend, Rory Bushfield, Ingrid Backstrom, Gus Kenworthy, Jacob Wester, Russ Henshaw, and other top winter athletes. Showings will be at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.  Doors open a half-hour early.  Go to http://www.skimovie.com/.

Western State College Homecoming, Sept. 24 – 26
Located in Gunnison, Western State College’s Homecoming Pre-Victory Party and traditional lighting of the "W" on the mountainside will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 at the Aspinall-Wilson Center. This event includes free food, drinks, live band and fireworks. A bonfire follows at 9 p.m. at the Mountaineer Bowl Parking lot. Saturday’s Homecoming events begin at 8 a.m. with the Meet the Coaches breakfast at the College Center (cost is $8), followed by the Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. along Main Street. The football game starts at 1 pm. against the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Other Homecoming events include a golf outing, the Women’s Basketball 25-Year RMAC Champions Reunion Reception; reunion celebrations for the classes of 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000; student vs. alumni rugby and lacrosse games; College Center tours; a dinner and a movie at the College Center; and WSC volleyball games against Ft. Lewis and Mesa State. Find out more at http://www.westernalum.org/events/index.asp?eventid=91.

Taste of Caring Dinner-Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle, Crested Butte, Sept. 25
Gunnison Valley Health Foundation is pairing with one of the Gunnison Valley’s leading chefs, Michael Marchitelli, to create the sixth annual Taste for Caring, a not-to-be-missed fundraiser for equipment, expansion and programs at Gunnison Valley Health.  Back by popular demand, Marchitelli will prepare a six-course gourmet meal at Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle in Crested Butte.  Wine enthusiast Judy Byron of Grand Vin Distributors will be on-hand to pair each course with the perfect wine. As each of the six courses is brought to the table, Byron will walk diners through the selections and explain how the selection complements the culinary dishes.  Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased by calling Lauren at 642-8406 or Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle. Visit http://www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/.

2nd Annual Gunnison Valley Studio Tour, Sept. 25 - 26
Not only does the Gunnison Valley Studio Tour give art lovers a chance to check out the studios of working artists, it’s a prime weekend to enjoy the fall foliage display.  The tour has expanded to two days this year, with studios open to the public on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Last year, 22 artists and 17 studios in and around Gunnison were featured.  Visit http://www.gunnisonvalleystudiotour.org/ as the tour dates draw near for a complete list of participating artists and a tour map.

Crested Butte Fall Colors Classic, Crested Butte, Sept. 26
The Crested Butte Fall Color Classic is a beautiful half marathon from Kebler Pass down Ohio Pass during the peak of the changing aspen leaves.  This race is almost entirely on dirt road with only about 100 feet of pavement.  The descent offers breathtaking views of the Ohio Creek Valley.  Registration is available on http://www.active.com/ and costs $50.  Shuttles will be provided to the start and from the finish, with the race beginning at 9 a.m.  Please call (970) 641-0798 with questions.

ArtWalk Evenings, Crested Butte, Sept. 30
To wrap up the month in style, from June to September and December to March, Crested Butte’s ArtWalk Evenings bring art enthusiasts on a tour of the galleries on the last Thursday evening from 5 – 8 p.m.  Light refreshments, music and on-site artists are featured at many of the locations.  For a list of participating galleries, go to http://www.awearts.org/.  

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FALL FOLIAGE

Nature and the communities of Gunnison - Crested Butte, Colo., are known for pulling out all the stops to let local colors shine in September with outstanding fall foliage and autumn activities during "September Splendor in the Rockies."  We're offering lots of great lodging deals for fall as well!

A few highlights include the Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-off, DjangoFest Colorado (gypsy jazz), Vinotok harvest festival, MountainAir Marathon, gallery crawls, mountain biking series, a fun run and more.

Large Aspen groves turning brilliant shades of color, a wide range of outdoor recreation, amazing fall drives, a scenic self-guided heritage driving tour, great deals on vacation packages , and September Splendor in the Rockies fun make the month an ideal time for people who love the sights, smells, sounds and feel of fall.

Take a serene stroll alongside a mountain stream or careening down an exhilarating single-track trail on a mountain bike, the sheer splendor of aspen ablaze in yellow, red and orange provides a stunning setting for recreation, casual drives and the many events that take place in September.

For more information OR to sign-up for any of the September Splendor events please call 877-351-8724, Options 1 & 2 can help you make event reservations and provide destination information, while Option 3 can assist you in making lodging reservations immediately! 

Background photo by Allan Ivy

When you see the amazing gift of the trees' fall fashion show against the backdrop of pure blue, sun-soaked sky and crystal clear air, you'll get a sense of why people who live in the Gunnison Valley consider September a special time of year.

To see these images and more fall photos, visit our fall photo gallery. 

For events beyond September, please visit our event calendar.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

WEEK 1, September 1 - 5
1         The Infamous Stringdusters Concert, Crested Butte Center for the Arts
2 - 5  "The Robber Bridegroom" by Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, Mallardi Cabaret Theatre
3        First Friday Gallery Crawl & Music, Various Galleries & Locations, Gunnison
3        Gunnison Valley Observatory, Public Viewing Night, Gunnison
3 - 6   Labor Day Sidewalk Sales, Crested Butte & Mt. Crested Butte
4 - 6   Labor Day Sidewalk Sale, Gunnison
4 - 5   The People's Fair (Arts, Crafts & More), Elk Avenue, Crested Butte
4        Gunnison Farmers' Market, Virginia Avenue & Main Street
5        Crested Butte Farmers' Market, Elk Avenue & First Street

WEEK 2, September 6 - 12
10        Gunnison Valley Observatory, Public Viewing Night, Gunnison
11        Gunnison Farmers' Market, Virginia Avenue & Main Street
11        Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off, Ski Base, Mt. Crested Butte
11        Gravity Slave Bike Race, Ski Base, Mt. Crested Butte
11 - 12 Gunnison Cowboys High School Rodeo, Gunnison
11 - 12  34^th Annual Pearl Pass Mountain Bike Tour, Crested Butte
12         Crested Butte Farmers' Market, Elk Avenue & First Street
12 - 13  Wooden Nickel Fall Golf Classic, Club at Crested Butte

WEEK 3, September 13 - 19
13 - 18   Vinotok Fall Harvest Festival, Crested Butte
17        Gunnison Valley Observatory, Public Viewing Night, Gunnison
18        Gunnison Farmers' Market, Virginia Avenue & Main Street
18        Cow Pasture Golf Tournament Presented by Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy
19        Crested Butte to Gunnison MountainAir Marathon & Half Marathon
19        Crested Butte Farmers' Market, Elk Avenue & First Street

WEEK 4, September 20 - 26
23 - 26   "Moon Over Buffalo" by Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, Mallardi Cabaret Theatre
24       Gunnison Valley Observatory, Public Viewing Night, Gunnison
24         "The Way I See It," Film by Matchstick Productions, Crested Butte Center for the Arts
24 - 26  Western State College's Homecoming (bonfire, parade, football, volleyball, reunions & more), Gunnison
25       Gunnison Farmers' Market, Virginia Avenue & Main Street
25      Taste of Caring Dinner-Gunnison Valley Health Fdn., Marchitelli's Gourmet Noodle, CB
25 - 26  Gunnison Valley Artist Studio Tour, Gunnison
26      Crested Butte Fall Colors Classic (1/2 marathon) by Gunnison Valley Health Foundation
26      Crested Butte Farmers' Market, Elk Avenue & First Street

WEEK 5, September 27 - 30
30      ArtWalk Evening, Galleries in Crested Butte
30      "Moon Over Buffalo" by Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, Mallardi Cabaret Theatre