Maize in the City opens 2026 season Sept. 19 in Thornton

Maize in the City will kick off its 2026 season Sept. 19 in Thornton, Colorado, with weekend-only hours before expanding to Thursday through Sunday on Oct. 15. Admission stays free, while optional attractions range from $5 to $20 per person.

Why it matters: - The 26th season gives one of Colorado’s longest-running fall festivals another year of traffic for Thornton and the surrounding area. - Free admission keeps the festival accessible, while paid attractions create a low-cost family outing option. - The season launch and schedule change give visitors a clear window for planning around weather and peak fall attendance.

What happened: - Maize in the City will open its 2026 season on Sept. 19 in Thornton, Colorado. - The festival will operate on weekends only at first. - Starting Oct. 15, Maize in the City will expand to a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule. - The 2026 season marks the festival’s 26th year in Thornton.

The details: - Admission remains free. - Optional paid activities include the 20-acre corn maze, mini maze, pumpkin patch and petting zoo. - Those activities are priced between $5 and $20 per person. - All attractions are weather dependent. - Festival updates will be posted on the event website and social channels. - Schedule and ticketing details are available at maizeinthecity.com. - Maize in the City has operated in Thornton since 2001. - The festival features a 20-acre corn maze that was voted best in Denver, a smaller mini maze for younger visitors, a pumpkin patch and a petting zoo. - The festival opens on select days each September and October. - Social media links provided include Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The staggered schedule suggests the festival expects demand to build as fall progresses. - Free entry plus paid add-ons is a common model for family attractions because it lowers the barrier to visit while supporting revenue from activities. - Weather dependence makes the website and social updates important for same-day planning.

What's next: - Visitors can check the festival website for the latest schedule and ticketing information. - The Thursday-through-Sunday schedule begins Oct. 15, which likely becomes the festival’s peak operating period for the season. - Maize in the City will continue through its September and October run as weather allows.