– Researched & written by Mike Hamers
1. Get Scared at the Stanley Hotel: Walking Tour
After the acclaimed-author Stephen King spent one night at the Stanley Hotel in 1974, he was inspired to write one of his most famous novels—The Shining. This spooky book was eventually made into a classic horror film, and all thanks for this contribution to cinematic history goes to the Stanley Hotel’s eerie decor and ghost stories for inspiring King. During the fall, seek out the spooky entertainment on a night tour of this iconic hotel in Estes Park, CO. The 60-minute walking tour is led by a storyteller who will share some of the hotel’s famous ghost stories.
• ESTES PARK: Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
• WEBSITE: https://www.stanleyhotel.com • PHONE: 970-586-3371
2. 5 Alarm 5K & Chili Cook-Off | Arvada
Join us for our 5 Alarm 5K & Chili Cook-Off at Resolute Brewing Tap & Cellar in Arvada on Saturday, Nov. 5th for a 5k-ish course that starts and ends at this awesome brewery! Weave through the surrounding area at whatever pace you like, no matter what, there’s a beer waiting for you at the finish line! We have start-waves at 10 and 10:30am.
Once you finish with the run, you can indulge in chili from up to 30 Chili Cook-Off participants. Your 5k entry ticket comes with your first beer and tasters of the chili! Or you can purchase a Chili Cook-Off-only ticket for $5. ••• Want to participate as a competitor in the Chili Cook-Off? Spots are open to anyone and are first-come, first-serve. Register to bring your chili by selecting the Chili Cook-Off Competitor Free Ticket here on Eventbrite.
• ARVADA: Nov. 5,10 am–1 pm, Resolute Tap & Cellar,18148 W 92nd Ln, Arvada, CO 80007
• WEBSITE: https://www.
3. Get Lost in the Corn Maze
Get Lost in the Corn at Denver Botanic CHATFIELD FARMS: Wind your way through seven acres of corn. The maze can be viewed from a 15-foot-tall bridge. This year’s maze promises a dino-mite exploration of prehistoric time. Visitors under the age of 10 can explore the corn mini-maze. Halloween masks and costumes are not permitted on the premises.
• LITTLETON: Fri–Sun, Sep. 16–Oct. 30, 9am–5pm • 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, 80128
• WEBSITE: https://www.botanicgardens.
The Thornton Haunted Field of Screams is Colorado’s largest haunted attraction where terror grows fresh every year. Backing the famously haunted Riverdale Road in Thornton, the attraction offers the longest immersive haunt experience that includes a walk through acres of cornfield, encounters with multiple haunted houses and a ride down to the Riverdale Gates of Hell. This attraction is not recommended for children.
• THORNTON 10451 McKay Rd, Thornton, CO 80233
• WEBSITE: https://hauntedfieldofscreams.
4. Go Apple Picking | Longmont and Ault, CO
In the fall, apples are ripening in orchards all over Colorado and there are many places where you can pluck them off the trees and fill a box with the sweet fruits. YA YA Farm & Orchard in Longmont, approx. 36 miles north of Denver, has about 1,000 organic fruit trees (mostly apple) on its farm, which was started in 1896. The prime apple picking time at YA YA is from late July through October.
• LONGMONT: 6914 Ute Hwy, Longmont, CO 80503
• Dates/Hours @ https://yayafarmandorchard.com
Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store in Ault, about 73 miles northeast of Denver, grows over 150 varieties of apples along with other fruits. The orchard’s pick-your-own season lasts about 11 to 12 weeks. While you are there, get some trip souvenirs at the country store, such as jams, cider, salsas, and more.
• AULT, CO: 42135 Weld County Rd 43, Ault, CO 80610
• Hours: Farmstand Wed–Sun, 10am–6pm (U-Pick is only available on Sat. & Sun.)
• WEBSITE: https://adamsapplecolorado.com • PHONE: (970) 760 0279
5. Aiden Sinclair’s Underground Magic Show | Stanley Hotel
• ESTES PARK: Evenings Wed. thry Sun. (thru Dec. 9), 333 E Wonderview Ave, 80517
• TICKETS: https://www.tixr.com/groups/
6. Boo at the Zoo: Storybook Safari | Denver Zoo
A Safe + Socially Distanced Halloween Celebration, Every Day in October!
Join us DAILY October 1–31 for Boo at the Zoo: Storybook Safari—a modified, masked version of Denver’s family favorite! Throughout our 84-acre campus, classic animal stories and fairy tales come to life with costumed characters, mythical creatures, unforgettable animal experiences and food fit for a king or queen! And don’t forget: Nature Connects®, Art with LEGO® Bricks will still be up for your enjoyment, too! So, get the whole family suited up in costume, and come celebrate Halloween in a way that’s safe, socially distanced and candy-free… but still VERY sweet.
• DENVER: October 1 – 31, 2022, Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
• WEBSITE: https://denverzoo.
7. Pumpkins: Glow at the Gardens | Denver Botanic Gardens
Glow at the Gardens™ is a luminous, nighttime celebration of America’s favorite gourd. Wander through a spooky, illuminated landscape as the Gardens dress-up for Halloween. Using all real pumpkins harvested from local farms, our pumpkin artists push the boundaries of traditional pumpkin carving to create larger-than-life sculptures and dense displays of jack-o’-lanterns, with grins and grimaces fit for the season. Performing artists bring spirits and specters to life at this enchanted autumnal experience.
• DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS, Oct. 18-23, 6-9pm, 1007 York St., Denver, CO 80206
• WEBSITE: https://www.botanicgardens.
8. Denver Arts Week(end) | Denver Conservatory Greens
The Mile-High City celebrates the arts with its annual Arts Week, set to take place Nov. 4th – 12th. Denver Arts Week encompasses neighborhood art districts along with various galleries and museums. Explore vibrant art districts, check out museum exhibitions and outdoor sculptures, indulge in the performing arts, be inspired at film and literary events, and even buy some art of your own! The schedule includes the highly anticipated Night at the Museums on November 5th, where many of the city’s top museums offer free or penny entries.
• DENVER: Nov. 4 – 12, 2022, Denver Central Park’s Conservatory Green Neighborhoods (formerly Stapleton), 8304 E. 49th Place, Denver, CO 80216
WEBSITE: https://www.denver.org/denver-
9. Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show | 2 locations
Now with 2 dates and 2 locations, one at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver and one at the Colorado Springs Event Center, the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show is a great way to shop and support local artists and vendors.
The show features over 450 unique displays, where shoppers will discover gifts for everyone on their list. Shop original arts and crafts, foods, home décor, furniture, clothing, and so much more.
• DENVER: Nov. 11-13, 2022 / Denver Convention Cntr,700 14th St, Denver 80202
WEBSITE: https://www.
• COLORADO SPRINGS: Fri/Nov 4 (10am – 5pm) and Sun/Nov 6 (10am – 3pm)
Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd
10. Santa’s Lighted Forest | Georgetown Loop Railroad
Kick off the holiday season by visiting Santa aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Every evening, late November through late December, take the Santa’s Lighted Forest train ride through a beautiful light show synchronized with holiday music. After Christmas, the show changes themes into a Victorian Holiday Celebration for a short time. With enclosed heated coaches, you will enjoy the beauty of winter in the Colorado Rockies from the comfort of Santa’s train. (NOTE: Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days)
• GEORGETOWN: Nov. 12 – Jan. 2, 2023, Devil’s Gate Depot, 646 Loop Drive, Georgetown, CO 80444
• INFO & BOOKINGS: https://www.georgetownlooprr.
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