As we move through October, Denver has plenty of opportunities to help get you into the Halloween spirit. From spooky haunts to festive parties, the Mile High has no shortage of ghoulish fun. Here are some of the top adult and family-friendly events I recommend checking out this season:
Carving and Cocktails
Where: Terminal Bar
When: October 18, 2018; 6:00PM – 9:00PM
*Adult event
Later this month, Terminal Bar is hosting a pumpkin-carving event and contest. At their “Carving and Cocktails” event, you can bring your creative ideas and carve a jack-o-lantern for free. All of the pumpkins entered will be displayed on the Terminal Bar patio for the remainder of the month, and the top 3 winners will receive prizes. 1st place gets a $50 Denver Union Station gift card and a Terminal Bar 5-panel hat, 2nd wins a Terminal Bar t-shirt and branded pint glass, and 3rd gets a $20 Denver Union Station gift card.
Glow at the Gardens
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens
When: October 17-18, 23-25, 2018; 5:30-9:30PM, last entry at 9PM
*Family-friendly
The Denver Botanic Gardens are getting festive this season with their family-friendly “Glow at the Gardens” event. Each night, the pathways on the grounds will be lit up with spooky luminaria and hundreds of elaborately-carved jack-o-lanterns carved by talented pumpkin artists. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can still enjoy their indoor festivities, including live music, LED circus performers, carnival games, crafts, face-painting, and, of course, pumpkin carving.
Victorian Horrors
Where: Molly Brown House Museum
When: October 12-13, 18-20, 25-27; Performances begin every 15 minutes 6:00PM – 9:00PM
*Adult event
For literary nerds and fans of all things Lovecraft, Poe, Wells, you should mark your calendar this October for the Molly Brown House Museum’s immersive theater event, “Victorian Horrors”. Now in its 25th year, this popular event will take you on a literary journey through the spooky mansion, decorated to align with the six tales of horror you’ll hear as you move through. You can buy your tickets online and register for your preferred time slot, as tours begin every 15 minutes each night.
Broadway Halloween Parade
Where: Broadway from E. 5th Ave. to Alameda Ave.
When: October 20, 2018; 6:00PM
*Family-friendly
One event that’s sure to get you into the Halloween spirit is the annual parade on Broadway. You can bring the whole family to this community event full of spooky and creative floats, marchers, and bands. It’s held right in the eclectic Broadway area, from E. 5th Ave to Alameda Ave. Be sure to dress in costume to be a part of the fun and join in the march at the parade’s end.
Halloween Rumpus – Call to Arms Brewing Company
Where: Call to Arms Brewing Company
When: October 27, 2018; 12:00PM – 11:00PM
*Adult event
For a fun night out, check out this throwback Halloween party held right in the Call to Arms Brewing Company. With an 80’s horror theme, this bash kicks off at noon and goes until 11:00PM. It’s their first year hosting a Halloween party, and they’re promising some Halloween-inspired brews just for the occasion. From noon to 5 they’ll have artist Jake Rathkamp of Humble Monster Screen Printed Goods screen printing custom Halloween CtA t-shirts. They’ll also have fall-inspired food from MAS KAOS Pizzeria + Taqueria, as well as Valhalla Cakes’ cookies. Come to enjoy the DJ set of 80’s music from 6 to 9pm and a costume contest at 7:30pm where you could win some of their prizes.
Trick or Treat Street
Where: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
When: October 26-28, 9:00AM-6:00PM
*Family-friendly
Have you been looking for a safe and fun place to take your kids trick-or-treating this season? The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is hosting a three-day event where your little ones can dress up and trick-or-treat from one Treat House to the next. But they’ll not only be collecting sweets, they’ll also get to enjoy Halloween crafts, spooky science experiments, and Halloween games. They’ll even have a Monster Carnival and a Rocky Mountain Mini Train for rides.
Whether you’re rallying the whole family, gathering a group of friends, or calling a babysitter, there are countless opportunities to embrace the spooky season in Denver. Start planning your costume and mark your calendar for the many opportunities to get festive this month.