Your favorite equinox guy is back, checking in right before we officially begin the best season of year — autumn. Now that we’re about to jump into the time of chilly evenings, falling leaves and hearty foods, it’s my duty to round up some of the best ways to welcome fall. 

The spirit of Led Zeppelin returns to Red Rocks 

Despite the fact that most people go to Red Rocks to see some of the music industry’s biggest names, I love that a handful of times during the season, audiences attend to just hear the music of some of their favorite artists – artists that can’t tour anymore. It’s like the world’s best amphitheater turns into the biggest bar stage around. 

That’s the case with Get the Led Out, an evening honoring the music of rock legends Led Zeppelin. You’ll get to her top notch covers of some of rock’s most important songs — your “Stairway to Heaven,” your “Whole Lotta Love,” your “Kashmir.” If you’re a fan of the band, like I am, you’ve no doubt wondered what it would be like to hear some of their songs bouncing off the famous red rocks. Now you can know. 

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 and tickets can be purchased at www.axs.com.

Denver Silent Film Festival returns for enchanting 10^th year

Cinematic history is rarely as moving and enlightening as it is when encapsulated through the power of silent film. Many of the best silent films are absolute wonders that hold up, even in today’s ultra-loud and in your face storytelling approach. That’s why the annual Denver Silent Film Festival is such a rare treat – it’s an opportunity for cinephiles and newbies alike to immerse themselves in this living history and the power of storytelling. 

This year’s festival, held at the Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, from Friday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 24, features 16 short and feature-length silent era films made by legends like Oscar Micheaux, Alice Guy and John Ford. The screenings will feature live musical accompaniment by performers like the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, Hank Troy and the University of Colorado at Denver College of Arts & Media Student Orchestra.

Tickets for the festival are available at www.denverfilm.org.

Go on a magical hike at Hudson Gardens

I’d be hard-pressed to think of a better seasonal symbol than the jack o’ lantern– they’re so fun, creative, creepy and just perfectly fit the autumn ambiance. I know I’m not the only one who thinks that way – look no further than the Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns, which is returning to Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, for the third year.  

According to provided information, the trail features more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Visitors will get to see displays that will blow them away, including dinosaurs, dragons, a pirate ship and much more. Entry is timed, so be sure to get tickets before turning up at the trail, and you can dine at an on-site food truck before or after your walk.

Secure your spot at this seasonal delight at https://magicofthejackolanterns.com/denver/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Death Cab for Cutie at Mission Ballroom 

Talk about music made for the season. Twenty years ago, Washington-alt rock legends Death Cab for Cutie released “Transatlanticism,” a magnum opus about the spaces between people, and the same year, The Postal Service (Death Cab’s lead singer/songwriter Ben Gibbard’s side project) unleashed “Give Up,” a genre-defining indie electronica record that explored similar themes. Both albums were in constant rotation for yours truly and countless others like me. They both breathe beautifully under slightly grey autumn skies and have aged wonderfully over the years. 

To celebrate two decades of changing lives, both groups will be plaything three nights at the Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. in Denver — 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 through Thursday, Sept. 28. Both landmark albums will be played in full at the performances (which also feature Warpaint as the opener), so this is going to be one of the most special concerts of the year. 

Get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com/. 

Lift into the night sky at the first Glow Show 

There’s something wonderous about hot air balloons to me. Seeing one floating in the sky never fails to awe me. And now a new festival in Englewood wants to bring that feeling to families all over the metro area. The Glow Show: The Inverness Inaugural Balloon & Food Fest will be held at The Inverness Denver, 200 Inverness Drive West, at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30. 

According to provided information, the event will feature a parade of six hot air balloons, illuminated against the night sky. There will be food trucks on hand, a dessert station and four specialty bars (like bubbly and bourbon). The night will be soundtracked by live music and children have a whole zone just for them. 

For more information, visit www.theinvernessdenverexperiences.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.