CARNIVAL RIDES are just one part of the Fall Festival in Westminster (File photo).

Autumn bring us football, the changing of the leaves, comfy sweaters, pumpkin spice and ….

The City of Westminster’s 3rd Annual Fall Festival event, which opens Thursday and continues through Sunday, at the Westminster Civic Center located at 8200 Westminster Blvd. 

The festival Title Sponsors are Westminster Municipal Employees’ Association and Westminster Police Officers’ Association.

“This is one of our signature events and a great way for the community to celebrate the end of summer and arrival of fall,” said Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen. “Visitors get a chance to see our city’s diversity and local talent and enjoy food vendors that showcase global cuisine.”

Admission is free for this four-day celebration and features live music and entertainment with a line-up that includes local Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michoacana; Westminster High School Folklorico; a Taylor Swift cover band; and Moon Flower, a Vietnamese Band.

The Fall Festival’s carnival area is bigger this year with a full slate of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Discounted carnival tickets and wristbands are available for advanced purchase only, online or in person at the Community Services Department. Tickets and wristbands purchased on-site and at the event will be available at regular price.

New to this year’s festival: On Saturday, September 28, the City of Westminster along with Title Sponsors Syrentis Clinical Research and Alignment Health are bringing the Embrace Aging Expo where community members can connect with important resources for healthy aging.

Also added this year, Creative Babe Market will host a handcrafted market on Sunday featuring local and small business vendors. Fall Festival attendees can get a jump on holiday gift purchases with the Sunday Craft Market.

Event food options will include for purchase a variety of food trucks and vendors. Attendees can explore the culturally diverse menu being offered by local vendors, including Auntie Anne’s, Sr. Potato Swirl, Hong Phat Deli, La Carreta Lonchera, Subzero Candy Company, and The Topic Truck among others.