When Painted Prairie welcomed its first residents in 2020, High Prairie Park was nearing completion and our builders were busy creating the first homes on the mostly undeveloped high prairie. Six years later, Painted Prairie has become a bustling connected neighborhood of more than 3,000 residents, 1,000+ homes, 15 parks, 4 community gardens, and a robust event series enjoyed by residents and the larger community alike. The series brings all kinds of people together to foster connection, inspire community and create shared traditions.
Always filled with laughter, fun and unexpected moments, this year’s event series was no exception. Here’s a little glimpse into our 2026 get togethers:
Prairie Harvest Fest: This 7th annual signature event drew nearly 5,000 residents and community members on Saturday, October 3. The free celebration of all things fall featured a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a costume contest, and an open-air market with more than 75 vendors. Our pumpkin patch (more than 20,000 pounds worth) sold out and collected donations for two deserving local charities: Judi’s House at JAG Institute and Project Angel Heart.
Open-Air Markets: The monthly markets have become a lucrative endeavor for vendors from across Denver and beyond, with art, fresh produce, jewelry, and handmade goods. Open to the community, attendees can browse and shop, while enjoying other free activities. This year, each month had its own theme, from summer kick-off to back-to-school to a health fair.
Color Run: Painted Prairie’s first-ever Color Run, held alongside the annual Painted Prairie Spirit Day, sent runners through High Prairie Park in a cloud of color bursts. The post-run photos speak for themselves— smiles all around. Spirit Day put a focus on the incredible diversity and kindness at Painted Prairie, with activities that helped residents celebrate the community and learn more about each other.
Spring Fling: The season kicked off with an egg hunt (with thousands of colorful eggs), plus photos with the bunny and the spring fairy. Kids of all ages filled their baskets with special treats during the High Prairie Park hunt.
Resident-focused events: Still ahead for Painted Prairie residents— the Pie & Chai Social, Prairie Holidays, and Wrap & Sip. Earlier this year, neighbors gathered for Neighbor Nights, Food Truck Nights, Board Game Nights, a Community Garage Sale, Saturday morning yoga, a Mad Hatter Tea Party, and Movies in the Park. There’s always something to do at Painted Prairie!
As we wrap up another successful event season, plans are already underway for 2027. The prairie will hum again next spring, so sign up for emails to stay in the loop.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, tried the new food truck, shopped the markets, wore a costume, shared a story, or made a new friend. These small moments are what makes Painted Prairie the inclusive, welcoming, and connected community our residents call home.
Get into the Prairie Harvest Fest spirit with our exclusive new Painted Prairie-only mocktails! Perfect for celebrating during Prairie Harvest Fest and all season long.
Our mocktail classes will run every 30 minutes from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on October 5th at High Prairie Park.
Here’s what you’ll be crafting in the class:
Feeling a little spooky? Then you’ll love the Midnight Mocktail, inspired by My Sweet Apetite’s recipe. This refreshingly dark drink uses blackberries for a sweet, tart blend that instantly puts you in a hauntingly good mood.
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This recipe isn’t just convenient (you can use fresh or frozen berries), it’s also flexible. For those wanting an alcoholic kick in their drink, you can easily transform this into a cocktail. Simply add 1.5 oz of vodka or rum to your shaker, and adjust the lemon-lime soda accordingly to your cup size!
Looking for something with an apple-orchard-picking vibe? You’ll love our Apple Ginger Fizz, inspired by My Bartender’s recipe, and perfect for sipping under a cozy fall blanket.
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With this drink, you can adjust the sweetness by choosing different types of apple cider – unfiltered or fresh-pressed cider will give you a richer flavor. If you like your spices, add a pinch of ground cloves. For those wanting an alcoholic kick in their drink, you can easily transform this into a cocktail. Simply add 1.5 oz of bourbon, rum, or caramel-flavored vodka to your shaker, and adjust the ginger ale accordingly to your cup size!
We’re super excited for you to join us at Prairie Harvest Fest and fall in love with the flavors of the season. Cheers!
