Douglas County Open Space Fall Festival

Celebrate colorful Colorado at Douglas County’s annual Open Space Fall Festival, a free, family‑friendly event hosted at the beautiful Sandstone Ranch property. Join Open Space Rangers, wildfire experts and first responders for a memorable day exploring one of the County’s most treasured open spaces.

This all‑ages festival highlights the best of late-summer and fall with outdoor adventures, educational activities, food and fun. Whether you’re a long‑time trail user or new to County open spaces, this event is a great way to connect with nature, meet the people who help protect it and enjoy a day outside with friends and family.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: Sandstone Ranch Open Space

Find detailed directions below

Cost: Free and open to all ages

No registration is required to attend.

park ranger teaching children how to practice archery

Helicopter sitting on pad with individuals standing in front

Activities

Enjoy a variety of hands-on, outdoor and educational activities throughout the day, including:

Guided hikes with Open Space Rangers

Hay rides through the property’s historic and scenic areas

Food trucks with local favorites available for purchase

Family-friendly games and activities for all ages

Meet the experts and learn about Douglas County’s trails, public lands and conservation efforts

Fire Safety Showcase:

See Douglas County’s firefighting helicopter up close
Meet wildland firefighters, Sheriff’s Deputies and first responders
Learn about fire mitigation tools and techniques used to protect the County’s landscapes

Getting There

The guided side of Sandstone Ranch is located in southwestern Douglas County. Directional signage will be placed on nearby roads to help guide visitors to the event.

Tips for getting to the festival:

Allow extra time for travel; rural roads leading to the ranch can be narrow and busy on event days.

Follow posted event signage and the guidance of onsite staff.

Parking is free but limited—carpooling is encouraged when possible.

What to Bring

Water and snacks, though food trucks will be onsite for making purchases

Sunscreen and layers—fall weather can change quickly

Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the property

A blanket or chairs for relaxing—tables and seating will be available near the food trucks

Cameras or binoculars if you enjoy wildlife watching

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Open Space & Natural Resources

Douglas County Open Space Fall Festival

Event Details

Activities

Getting There

Tips for getting to the festival:

What to Bring

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